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Jesus Is God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ holds preeminence over all creation and redemption because He is the uncreated God who existed with the Father before the world began. This standing appears in His role as the Word through whom all things in heaven and earth were made and by whom they consist. Colossians presents this preeminence not as a matter of birth order but as supremacy in rank, authority, and dignity, with Christ as Head of the body, the church, and the firstborn from the dead so that in all things He might have the preeminence. The same passage shows that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, confirming His complete divinity even while in human form and establishing Him as Head over every principality and power. Revelation 3:14 reinforces this position when the term "beginning" is understood as primacy in rule and dignity rather than the start of created existence, portraying Christ as the Ruler of God's creation who speaks with authority to the churches. These declarations counter challenges that would reduce Him to a created being and uphold the Bible's testimony that He alone possesses first-hand knowledge of heavenly realities because He came from the Father's presence. The material connects this preeminence directly to salvation, noting that only an uncreated divine Savior could pay the required price for sin, and that recognizing His supremacy requires the humility and understanding God alone supplies.
The High Christology of Colossians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHigh Christology as a doctrinal stance was not enough to prevent the eventual apostasy of those in Asia Minor. Doctrine must produce the right conduct.
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite being perhaps the oldest text in the canon, Job contains many detailed, even scientific, insights into the creative and sustaining power of Christ.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe concept of a spiritual birth has confused many. The Bible consistently compares Christians to already-born children or adults, not fetuses.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.