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Was Peter the Lead Apostle?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloMatthew 16:15-18 shows that Jesus had made Peter His chief apostle after recognizing Him as the Christ and His purpose for coming.
Did Christ Build the Church on Peter (Matthew 16:18)?
Bible Questions & AnswersChrist does not say that He is making Peter the head of His church. The Greek word translated Peter is petros, meaning pebble or small stone, while the word rendered rock is petra, meaning big rock or huge boulder. Christ says He would build His church on the boulder, not on Peter the pebble. Christ is the rock. He is also the chief cornerstone, upon which the church is built. Although Peter is shown in a leadership position among the apostles throughout the gospels and Acts, the early church leaders did not function in a strict hierarchical manner. In a ministerial conference called to discuss a matter of doctrine causing division in the church, Peter makes his point, which is later adopted by the other apostles and elders. However, it is James, the physical brother of Jesus Christ and pastor of the Jerusalem church, who sums up the conference's decision. This helps in understanding how the apostles form the foundation of the church with the prophets. Peter was not infallible. Jesus has to rebuke Peter severely for a wrong attitude immediately after His statement about the rock. In addition, the apostle Paul later corrects him publicly for returning to the Jewish practice of refusing to eat with Gentiles. From these proofs, it is easy to see that Jesus did not say He would build His church on Peter, a mere man, but on Himself, and because of that, the church would endure and prevail.
The Fifth Teacher (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBelief always produces conduct, and thus, ungodly behavior signals the presence or influence of a false teacher. Who was the false teacher in Corinth?
John (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of John provides a plethora of signs corroborating Christ's authenticity and also shows how to live as God would live if He were a man.
Without Me, Nothing! (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe miraculous catch of 153 fish seems to be an anticlimactic ending after Thomas' worship, but the incident is symbolic of Christ's rule over the Church.
The Fifth Teacher
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeCorinth had four positive teachers, yet a mysterious fifth teacher was also influencing them and instilling beliefs that were the source of all the bad fruit.
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.
Post-Resurrection Lessons
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Road to Emmaus, some of Christ's followers were agitated, confused, and in turmoil, being unable to put the scriptures and the physical facts together.
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughDo Christians need a church? With all the church problems in recent years, many have withdrawn. Yet the church—problems and all—serves a God-ordained role.
Should All Believers Lay Hands on the Sick?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThere is a diversity of gifts, but not everyone in the Body has the same gifts. It is presumptuous to attempt to use gifts one has not received from God.
We Must Work for What We Believe
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWiping out terrorists may seem clear-headed, but our viewpoint must be based on Micah 4:1-7, which describes a time when swords will be beaten into plowshares.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.