Filter by Categories
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Withered Hand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ's anger, as seen in the healing of the man with the withered hand, stands in stark contrast to the Pharisees' reaction. When He enters the synagogue and perceives their callousness toward human suffering, He gazes at them with severe and stern indignation, grieved by the hardness of their hearts. His anger is not spiteful or revengeful but is marked by intense sorrow at their state of mind, reflecting a controlled response without hatred, short-lived, and justified by their defiance of God. This righteous anger, tempered with sadness for those who offend, is not sin but a passionate reaction to their confirmed wickedness that neither His teaching nor God's law could overcome. In contrast, the Pharisees' anger reveals their ruthless, murderous hearts as they plot violence against Jesus. While His heart aches for their condition, theirs are hardened, showcasing the depth of their hypocrisy. They condemn others for breaking their human rules on the Sabbath, yet they harbor no qualms about scheming to destroy Him, prioritizing their traditions over compassion and healing.
Anger (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ exemplified a righteous form of anger that was never sinful but directed against sin itself. In Mark 3:1-5, He looked around at the Pharisees with anger while healing on the Sabbath, demonstrating indignation at their hardness of heart. Similarly, in Luke 13:15, He rebuked a hypocritical teacher of the law with sharp words, showing there is a time to be indignant. In John 2:15-17, He drove out the moneychangers from the Temple with a whip of cords, overturning tables and declaring they should not make His Father's house a place of merchandise. His disciples recalled the scripture, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up," reflecting His righteous anger and indignation. Jesus directed His anger toward sin, not people, maintaining control through the power of God's Spirit. He was swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, setting an example for how anger should be expressed, as noted in James 1:19-20. His reaction to sin serves as a model for a natural and appropriate response to evil, aligning with the call to be angry against iniquity while avoiding personal or uncontrolled wrath.
Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZeal has been discredited as the tool of the charlatan, but Christians must develop passion and zeal for the Christian way of life and the Kingdom of God.
Virtues Hard and Soft
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'hard' virtues displayed by men and 'soft' virtues displayed by women are partial traits of the God being. Both male and female are in His image.
Be Angry and Do Not Sin
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaRighteous anger is controlled, short-lived and unselfish, while unrighteous anger is uncontrolled, selfish, hard-hearted, and likely to foster bitterness.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Blinded Minds
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan has convinced many mainstream 'Christian' churches that the Giver of Grace cannot also be a Champion of the Law and a Hater of sin.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
John (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
Matthew (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.
John (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize the most basic debilitating fear—the fear of death. Christ assures us that death is not the end.
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.
The Commandments (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod gave the Sabbath to His people so they can know Him intimately. Idolatry, scattering, and captivity are the natural consequences of Sabbath-breaking.