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Called to Follow
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus begins to call His disciples, specifically the pairs of brothers, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, demonstrating that following Him is neither easy nor risk-free. Its sacrifices and hardships are often severe, requiring a commitment that most are unwilling to make, as true discipleship demands absolute devotion and dedication to Christ Himself. Jesus tests these men to uncover their true willingness to commit to Him, His way of life, and His purposes, emphasizing that one fit for God's Kingdom must be willing to give all. Luke records three instances where individuals offer excuses to refuse Christ's calling, highlighting general areas of failure. First, the Christian life is one of discomfort, as Jesus tells a man He has no place to lay His head, underscoring that Christians, as strangers and sojourners, cannot expect worldly comforts and must not let possessions or lifestyles hinder their devotion to Christ. Second, the Christian life is sacrificial, shown when Jesus denies a man's request to bury his father, insisting instead on preaching the Kingdom of God, indicating that God's will must take precedence over customary duties and worldly ties. Third, the Christian life demands new loyalties, as Jesus warns a man wishing to bid farewell to family and friends that once committed to God's way, there is no turning back, requiring a devotion to Him that surpasses even blood ties. This new loyalty necessitates an act of will to prioritize God above all, enabling one to live the life of Christ.
Mark: Stupid, Unbelieving Disciples
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMark's gospel describes the miraculous transformation of the disciples, who began with slow comprehension, into faithful, mature apostles and fishers of men.
How to Be a Bad Disciple
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLooking at discipleship from a negative perspective can help reveal errors in ourselves. Jesus shows four main attitudes that make for bad discipleship in Luke 9.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerIf our worship of God ends in slavish obedience, so does our salvation! While He wants us to obey, God is not looking for obedient drudges but loyal children.
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.
Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe globalist enemies of language, borders, and culture have made themselves enemies of the will of God, who set up boundaries for all the children of Adam.
Matthew (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe commission to the disciples evolves from their initial orders to go to the House of Israel to their ultimate commission of going to the Gentiles.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe transfiguration prefigured the Kingdom of God, with the disciples only seeing Jesus in the end, showing salvation is through Him alone.
Twelfth Apostle?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWas it Matthias or Paul who replaced Judas Iscariot? Christ did not choose him; rather, the disciples selected his name by prayer and casting lots.
Teach Us To Pray! (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA righteous life needs frequent times of prayer or communication with God. In one sense, Jesus Christ's life was one continuous prayer.
The Prayers of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's example teaches us to pray humbly in all situations, including decision making, resisting temptation, and acquiring spiritual strength.