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Carrying Water for Jesus Christ

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus Christ's example of compassion is central to our preparation for service in the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospels, Christ preached and practiced compassion. In Matthew 5:7, He taught, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy," which can also be read as, "Blessed are the compassionate, for they shall obtain compassion." Christ's actions consistently reflected His teachings. He showed compassion by healing a leper in Mark 1:41, feeding the multitudes in Matthew 14:14 and Matthew 15, healing two blind men in Matthew 20:34, and raising the widow's son from the dead in Luke 7:13. These accounts demonstrate Christ's compassion towards those in dire need, performing miracles to alleviate their suffering. Christ's example extends to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which emphasizes the importance of active compassion. Unlike the priest and Levite who merely felt pity but did nothing, the Samaritan took action to help the injured man, showing true compassion even towards an enemy. This parable underscores that compassion is a way of life that God expects us to embody. As we prepare for the age to come, we must develop the fruits of the Holy Spirit, including compassion and love, to be effective instruments for Jesus Christ when He returns. The world will be in chaos and in need of help, and our readiness to show compassion, mercy, kindness, gentleness, tenderness, longsuffering, and love will be crucial. We must ask ourselves if we are imitating Jesus Christ in our daily lives, being faithful in little things, tenderhearted, and willing to help even our enemies.

Conquering Temptation: Learn from Jesus Christ

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

As Christians, we are called to follow Christ's example in seeking God's will by replacing our thoughts with His thoughts. Christ's victory over temptation in the wilderness provides a powerful model for overcoming. When tempted by Satan with physical needs, pride, and worldly power, Jesus responded immediately with Scripture, demonstrating the importance of knowing and internalizing God's Word to guide thoughts and actions. His example shows that temptation starts in our thoughts, and it is there that we must conquer it by aligning every thought with God's will. Christ mastered His mind throughout His life, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of God. He countered Satan's attacks by replacing wrong thoughts with God's right thoughts, using specific verses to combat fear, worry, and anxiety. This disciplined practice of memorizing and applying Scripture is essential for us to imitate Him, making God's way of life our first nature and an automatic reaction to any situation. By consistently filling our minds with God's truth, we can train our thoughts to reflect His will instinctively, ensuring that God is present in every aspect of our lives, just as Christ exemplified.

Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

The life of Jesus Christ was a perfect example for us to follow in all respects. We are to think like Him, imitate Him, and follow His example in every detail of our lives. However, to walk in the footsteps of Christ is not popular and requires self-denial, leading a life quite different from those around us, which often invites persecution. Jesus Himself said that if they persecuted Him, they will also persecute us. The essence of true Christianity is living the life of Christ over again in our flesh and conforming to His perfect example in all things. Jesus set a perfect standard, even permitting Himself to be baptized though He had never sinned, to show us the way because we need to be baptized. He did not keep the ceremonial law, but He kept the spiritual law of God, doing nothing that we are not supposed to do, and everything He did, we must do. The true Christian understands that despite confusing and conflicting teachings, one will never go wrong following the example of Jesus Christ.

What Did Jesus Do?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

We have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.

Is the Christian Required to Do Works? (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Why do so many nominal Christians reject works and obedience to God's law? Largely because they fail to gather God's whole counsel on this subject.

Christ, Our Passover

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many 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?

Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Previously, we may have seemed to fixate on prophecy and timelines for God's masterplan rather than Christ as the central focus. The 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. Consequently, from the Wave Sheaf offering to the two loaves presented to Almighty God at Pentecost, the firstfruits imagery points directly to Jesus Christ, "first in time and preeminence"—and then to His disciples, then and now, who emulate Him. We do not just receive the Holy Spirit, but we are to walk as He walked, abiding in Him as branches cling to the vine, relying on His strength and example to live godly lives, using the gift of the Holy Spirit to grow into the image of Christ. Consequently, Pentecost is far more than a religious ritual or prophetic speculation, but rather it is about Jesus as the Firstfruit, the Way, and the Vine-celebrating the Feast of Weeks as accepting His leadership, His life, and His ongoing work molding us into His image.

Mutability and Our Christlike Response

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.

Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.

The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.

The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the Sabbath

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In the Gospels, questions about the Sabbath center on how to keep it, not whether it should be kept. The way Jesus approached the Sabbath gives us an example.

Footwashing: An Attitude of Service and Forgiveness

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

In John 13, when our Savior washed His disciples' feet, He taught them that He was willing to accept the task designated to the lowest of the servants.

A Man of Sorrows

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus anticipated what was coming on the nation, prepared for it as well as He could, and persevered through it along with the rest of His fellow citizens.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.

The Cost of Reconciliation

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Reconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.

The Pursuit of Unity

CGG Weekly

Jesus was confronted with a situation that could have stirred up pride to fight back. Despite having all power, He chose to work toward unity rather than destruction.

Offerings Still Relevant

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).

Loyalty to the Body

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

When we consider the value of our calling, we must look at Paul's warning about discerning the Body more soberly, maintaining our loyalty to the Body.

The Lamb of God

Sermonette by Mike Ford

The work of John the Baptist was to introduce his cousin, Jesus, identifying the Lamb of God. We need to emulate His lamb-like characteristics.

The Small and Great Standing Before God

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

The greatest, according to Jesus Christ, can be determined by the one who serves the most with an attitude of humility, generosity, and other-centeredness.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ Himself asserted the superiority of the Father. Jesus serves as the revelator of the great God, providing the only means of access to Him.

The Need for Forgiveness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus referred to His Father as 'My God,' indicating that They do not share equality, preeminence, or superiority. They are equal in kind, but one is subordinate.

Holy Days: Passover

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

Passover may be the most important festival ordained by God. Not only does it memorialize Christ's death, it also symbolizes our redemption and the covenant.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.

Humble Service

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus modeled the practice of foot-washing to demonstrate the need to be submissive to one another, to serve one another, including those who betray.

Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.

Reach for the Goal

Sermon by John O. Reid

Similar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.

The Third Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.