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Biblical Symbolism (Part One)
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible is written in parables, riddles, symbols, similitudes, allegories, and analogies, and God has deliberate reasons for employing such language. A parable, derived from the Greek word parabole, is a similitude or a fictitious narrative of common life that conveys a moral, often rendered as a comparison, figure, parable, or proverb. It is not a direct account of events but a comparison requiring interpretation to grasp its true meaning. Paradoxically, Christ spoke in parables not to clarify meaning for His hearers but to veil it. From the beginning, God has overseen the writing of Scripture so that its meaning remains hidden without divine assistance. Even prophets and righteous men of old often did not comprehend their own messages, nor did the multitudes who heard Christ's parables understand Him. The meaning is obscured from most of mankind until God offers them salvation at a later time. God has established a system to call, convert, and educate a select few for Himself. These chosen individuals, a small minority among billions, are not the mighty or learned but the weak of the world, spiritual infants whom God nurtures with His revealed Word. Only they, through God's calling, faith, grace, Spirit, and teachers, have a genuine opportunity to understand the Bible properly. A similitude, akin to a parable, is a similarity, comparison, likeness, image, or shadow. God spoke through prophets in similitudes, and Old Testament accounts are preserved for modern understanding and application. What happened to Israel and Judah in prophecies may apply in principle or type to their descendants or to the church, reflecting broader patterns or precursors in a similar, though not identical, manner. An allegory, like a parable, is a figurative expression or symbolic representation, often showing a deeper meaning beneath the surface through a one-to-one correspondence of symbol to reality. Through allegories, physical elements can point to spiritual truths, enhancing understanding of God's plan. Biblical understanding is likened to a locked treasure that must be opened with keys. These keys to revelation are contained in Christ, and the Bible provides ample information on them. God has obscured the mystery of His purpose from the world, revealing only to His elect what they need for salvation. By allowing the Bible to interpret its own symbols, its metaphorical language deepens comprehension of God, His plan, and His Kingdom.
Without a Parable
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's judgments are made according to what each person has been given. We need to internalize this practice of evaluating, especially regarding a brother.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Parable of the Two Sons
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsPeople react to God's calling differently. The Parable of the Two Sons explains that one's ultimate obedience to God is what really matters!
Parables and a Pearl
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is often wrongly interpreted, ascribing meaning that contradicts the Bible. Here is how the Scriptures remain unbroken.
Misunderstood Truth
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerSome might wonder, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, can we be led astray? For the answer, all we need to do is to look around.
Like a Growing Seed (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Growing Seed is unique to the book of Mark, the most basic of the gospels, perhaps due to it being so simple and its point self-evident.
Matthew (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good.
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur responsibility is to freely choose to follow the revelation God has given us, overcoming the baggage and resistance we have absorbed from the world.
The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.
Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve as the spice of godliness in a fallen world by preserving, enhancing, sacrificing, witnessing, and blessing.
Why Many Do Not Understand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblical truth cannot be discerned by human intellect alone, but must be spiritually discerned. God has hidden spiritual truth from the majority for now.
Is God's Way Simple?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust because something is simple does not make it true and just because something is complex does not make it false. Deeper knowledge often comes with complexity.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
Prophecy and Love in the Song of Songs
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFrom this often misunderstood and misinterpreted poetical work comes some hopeful prophecies along with some vivid descriptions of intimate spiritual love.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBy not revealing everything immediately, God has been employing teaching techniques that have taken the educational community thousands of years to discover.
Simplifying Life (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe must cleanse not only our physical spaces, but our minds, schedules, and hearts—removing distractions, negative thoughts, and emotional burdens.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must keep the spiritual lessons of the letters, not just figure out prophecies. There are several ways to view them, but the most important is personally.