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Keeping Our Focus Through Stormy Seas
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDistractions of any type may cause us to shift our attention from our Creator, as Jesus' disciples did on that stormy night in the Sea of Galilee.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Walking on the Water (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee and His calming words to the disciples unmistakably declared to them just who Jesus really was.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding the Five Thousand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe feeding of the 5,000 tells us far more than that Jesus was a miracle-worker. It also reveals Christ's compassion on those who hunger, plus His ability to teach.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: A Second Large Catch of Fish (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus performed two miracles in which His disciples pulled in large catches of fish. The second took place after His resurrection, showing spiritual progress.
Before Honor Is Humility: The Story of Andrew
Article by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Andrew is a sterling example of humble service. Through Scripture contains only a little about him, his character should encourage us all.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of Fish
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn performing the miracle of the great catch of fish, Jesus manifests His divine power over creation, forcing Peter to realize just who his Master was.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Stilling a Storm
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOne of Christ's greatest miracles is His calming of the storm, showing His awesome power over His creation. It also reveals the disciples' lack of faith.
John's Feeding of the 5,000
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe only miracle recorded in all four Gospels but given further significance and insights in the Gospel of John, is the feeding of the 5,000, a profound sign that Jesus Christ exclusively is the Bread of Life, the divine source of physical providence and spiritual salvation. This account, occurring just before Passover, foreshadows His metaphorical discourse in John 6 concerning eating His flesh and drinking His blood, thereby connecting this miracle to a deeper, more profound meaning of Passover and Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This miracle marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry, as His popularity peaks and then rapidly declines as His teachings become more challenging. In the feeding of the 5000, five key insights emerge: 1.) Jesus tests His disciples' faith, revealing Philip and Andrew's limited understanding and lack of trust in His unlimited divine power, focusing on cost and logistics, forgetting that Jesus is the source. 2.) Jesus provides abundantly, not just for the crowd (likely closer to 20,000 people when including women and children), but with 12 baskets left over, likely the wages for 12 disciples. 3.) This miracle is a sign authenticating Jesus as the Messiah (Deuteronomy 18:15), but the crowd dies not comprehending the spiritual meaning, craving more miracles than responding with belief. 4.) Jesus abruptly shifts the focus from physical to spiritual, declaring, "I am the Bread of Life" urging the crowd to believe. 5.) Jesus is not only the Giver of daily bread, but the source of eternal life, both of which God eagerly wishes to bestow if we trust Him. God's people must systematically develop deeper faith, not only in material providence, but for spiritual strength and grace needed for salvation, especially as we approach challenging and dangerous times.
Passing By in Glory
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' walking on the water in the pitch-black darkness of early morning, revealing Himself to the disciples, alludes to the time God passed by Moses.
Matthew (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus resisted Satan with the knowledge of God, resisting appeals to vanity, using power selfishly resisting to lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Eight): The Parable of the Dragnet
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe penultimate parable of Matthew 13 uses the illustration with which Christ's disciples were very familiar: fishing in the Sea of Galilee.
John (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe storm on the Sea of Galilee instructs us that when we are in a trial and getting nowhere, if we invite Christ into the situation, we will have peace.
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIf we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.
Jesus Christ, Our Anchor: Steadfast and Sure
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe anchor is perhaps the most important piece of equipment on a vessel, holding a ship in place as it is moored, keeping the craft from drifting.