Hebrews 10:9 - Sacrificial System or Old Covenant?
Sermonette by Charles WhitakerHebrews 10:9 does not say that God's law or the Old Covenant has been done away, but that the system of animal sacrifices has been set aside for now.
Seeking God's Will (Part Four): Sacrifice
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Day of Atonement, we are to afflict our souls by fasting. We do no work, signifying that we did absolutely no work to attain our salvation.
What the Sacrifices Mean
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrificial system of Leviticus typifies spiritual sacrifices which we perform under the New Covenant. The animal sacrifices focused on total commitment.
Lessons From the Animals
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reminds us that mankind, created after the Godkind, has been given dominion or responsibility for the care of animal life, preserving and embellishing their environment, as God would take care of them. Our well-being is inextricably connected to our care of animals (Proverbs 12:20). By having Adam name the …
Ezekiel's Temple and the Covenants
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeA future Millennial temple (described in Ezekiel 40—48) will contain some elements of the Old Covenant, including animal sacrifices and Levitical priests.
On This Side of Jordan
Sermon by Charles WhitakerCharles Whitaker, examining Christ's statement that the law will not pass away until all has been fulfilled, indicates that the Law of God will change only when the preconditions Christ established in Matthew 5:18 have been met. Paul asks and answers the question, "Why do we need the law in the first place?" in …
Christ, Our Passover
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany people believe that our sins are the focus of Passover—but they are wrong! Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, should be our focus. How well do you know Him?
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Israel, sins were symbolically placed on the altar throughout the year. On Yom Kippur, one goat's blood cleansed the altar; the second took away the sins.
Offerings and Sacrificing
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting that we have been marking nearly 6,000 years since Abel's offering was accepted and Cain's offering was rejected by God, an event revealing the carnal proclivity for jealousy leading to the first murder, reminds us that the Bible clearly shows that the requirement for the offering was in-force at the …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Two Goats of Leviticus 16
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first goat is a blood sacrifice to cleanse the altar. The second goat—the 'azazel' or 'complete removal'—is led away and freed (not bound by a chain).
Clean and Unclean Meats
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that to fully interpret the Scriptures we must be aware of textual and cultural contexts, be able to visualize the overall picture, and use God-give common sense, applies these cautions to the issue of clean and unclean meats. God is absolutely sovereign, but is regarded as the enemy by the carnal …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.
The Price of Atonement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA suitable sacrifice had to be offered so that the sins of mankind could not only be covered, but be completely paid for, forgiven, removed, and forgotten.
Death of a Lamb
Article by StaffSince the church no longer keeps the Passover with the slaughter of a lamb, we miss important and poignant details that could enhance our observance.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMuch of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
Elements of Judgment (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNone of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.
Principled Living (Part Four): Giving of Ourselves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christ sacrificed for us, we are called to sacrifice for others. Love is an action, a behavior, rather than an emotion, described in I Corinthians 13.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Four): The Peace Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace (or thank) offering was the most commonly given in ancient Israel. It pictures God, the priest, and the offerer in satisfying fellowship.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParts of God's law are not presently required, yet not 'done away." Paul took a vow that required animal sacrifice. Ezekiel 34-48 shows the sacrificial law observed.
Elements of Judgment (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, fearing that we may be following suit in the world's religions by focusing on "getting salvation" rather than preparing for service in God's Kingdom, cautions us that we must re-orient our mindset, seeking to grow in the stature of Christ. Many mainstream religions believe that much of the …
The Reality of the Feast
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, cuing in on a theme in a previous sermonette titled Perception is Reality, suggests that the further away perception is from truth, the more dangerous become the consequences. The debacle of Enron and the disastrous Bernie Madoff ponzie scheme, followed by the latest financial meltdown, has illustrated the …
Passover (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome believe in a late-14th Passover on the basis of II Chronicles 35:10-11, but this overlooks the context. The Passover was originally a home-based observance.
