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A Footnote on the Start of Christ's Ministry
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen the angry members of the local synagogue tried to push Jesus over the cliff, they paralleled the Jewish tradition for the azazel goat.
The Fall Holy Days
Article by John ReissThe four autumnal holy days - Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Eighth Day - generally represent God's plan of salvation for humanity.
Why Is Atonement a Fall Festival?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Passover and Atonement both deal with Christ's sacrifice, several reasons emerge to make Atonement a better fit for the fall holy days.
Psalms: Book One (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew word used to mark appointed times connotes a pilgrimage. The Hebrew year contained five steps or seasons, corresponding to God's holy times.
Psalm 23:3
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamCasting, a predicament unique to sheep, frequently occurs close to shearing time. Casting takes place when a sheep falls over and the weight of the woolly coat or the weight of the sheep causes it to get stuck on its back. The sheep will remain that way unless the shepherd intervenes. We too need our Shepherd to intervene for us. Focusing on Psalm 23:3, we are reminded that our Shepherd restores our souls and leads us in the paths of righteousness. Keeping God's Holy Days and removing the cares of the world enables the Shepherd's spirit to continue to restore our souls. King David was unable to worship at the Tabernacle while fleeing from King Saul and from the unjust man in Psalm 43, which resulted in the casting down of his soul. The wool most likely represents the cares of the world and prevents us from quickly following our Shepherd. As Christ leads us down the paths of righteousness, we are exhorted to watch and then follow His righteous example. Using the illustration of the "Seven Fresh Attitudes" listed by Phillip Keller, we are given suggestions on how to improve righteousness in our own lives, mostly through the principle of self-denial.
Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.