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Jesus the Door
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ refers to Himself as the Door of the sheep in John 10, presenting a profound image of His role in relation to His followers. He stands as the entryway through which the sheep—His people—can go in and out, ensuring their safety and access to pasture. Unlike thieves and robbers who come to steal and destroy, He is the true Shepherd who protects and guides. As the Door, He provides access not only to Himself but also to the Father and to salvation, emphasizing that there is no other way to reach God except through Him. His presence as the Door allows for a direct relationship with the divine, offering a pathway to the most sacred spaces in the universe. Furthermore, Jesus Christ as the Door offers protection to His flock. He guards against both cunning thieves and violent robbers, representing false teachers and ministers who seek to deceive or harm the sheep. Standing in the gap of the sheepfold, He ensures that predators and enemies cannot enter, safeguarding His followers physically and spiritually from external threats and false doctrines. His role as the Door also extends to separating His flock from the world, marking a clear boundary between those inside His fold and those outside, distinguishing His followers by their adherence to His way. Additionally, as the Door, Jesus Christ opens the way for fellowship, welcoming His sheep into communion not only with Himself and the Father but also with one another within the body of His church. This open Door fosters a shared journey toward salvation, uniting the flock in mutual dependence and support. Finally, He facilitates the daily walk of His followers by allowing them to go in and out, symbolizing their ability to live godly lives in the world while finding spiritual nourishment and strength through Him. Through Jesus Christ, the Door of the sheep, His followers can experience an abundant life now and look forward to eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf a foundation is flawed, the building cannot stand. God built His spiritual temple on the prophets and the apostles, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious bumper stickers fall short of revealing the full counsel of God, which is more complex than 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.'
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ is symbolized by the table of showbread in the Tabernacle, having gold utensils and vessels for bread and wine, symbolizing our fellowship with God.
Don't Go Out of the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term house can mean structure, family, kingdom, or church of God. The instruction to us personally is to not leave the church or fellowship of faith.
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.
Don't Leave the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs part of Christ's body or household, we have a responsibility to stay attached to the spiritual organism and to respond to the head.
John (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Spotting False Teachers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue shepherds have genuine concern for the flock, as opposed to hirelings who only devour or take advantage of the flock.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
Psalms: Book One (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 23 depicts the gratitude we should display from a sheep's point of view, as the animal boasts of blessings and marvels about the care of his Shepherd.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn answer to the question, 'How can a mere human being fulfill the difficult expectations of God?', Jesus instructs us to 'Ask, seek, and knock.'
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.
Offerings (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering symbolizes the abundant life that results from complete devotion to God (the burnt offering) and service to others (the meal offering).
The Judgments
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMultiple billions of people have lived and died without even hearing the name of Jesus Christ. But God has distinct periods of judgment and resurrection.