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God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One): Sower and Seed
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe essence of Jesus Christ's message centers on the Kingdom of God, a theme that permeates His ministry and the teachings of His forerunner, John the Baptist, as well as the apostles and Paul. Grasping God's purpose for humanity begins with comprehending this Kingdom, which is represented by the Greek word basileia, meaning dominion. While basileia is often used to signify the future hope of Christ's return to rule over the earth or as a present spiritual reality for those called in this age, it also carries a significant, often-overlooked application. In the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God will be taken from the audience He addresses—chief priests and elders of the people—and given to a nation bearing its fruits. This statement does not refer to the future establishment of Christ's Kingdom on earth, but to a dominion that existed at that time. The parable serves as a rebuke to the nation, highlighting their inability to receive the word of the Kingdom, the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Despite some interest and willingness to repent and be baptized, the people's hearts were far from their King, producing little of value in most cases, as illustrated in the Parable of the Sower. Only those whom God prepares, the good soil, can hear, understand, and bear fruit.
The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God includes a King, territory, citizenry, and laws. The term kingdom (Greek basileia), has a past, present and future application.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fifteen):The Israel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe top priority for the Israel of God is to cooperate with Him as He develops godly character through their mortifying the old man and putting on the new man.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeChrist's words at His trial regarding sitting at God's right hand and coming on clouds sound like His return, but they have another fulfillment altogether.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen Jesus told the religious leaders they would see Him seated at God's right hand and coming on the clouds, He did not mean they would be alive at His return.
Why Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael plays a prominent part in Scripture. Here is God's stated purposes for choosing and using the children of Israel throughout His Word—and beyond.
Dominion and Leaven (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDominion theology holds that the church's responsibility is to spread God's Kingdom around the world, but it misunderstands the Parable of Leaven.
Esther (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod allows each of us to experience trials and tests to humble us, leading us to repent, obey and trust, followed by an often-dramatic deliverance and joy.
Offended By Truth
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJesus Christ has become a stumbling block to the nations which reject Him, while at the same time becoming the Chief Cornerstone of a spiritual Temple.