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Psalms: Book One (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 2 stands as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, echoing the themes of divine authority and victory seen in the broader narrative of Israel's deliverance. It begins with an astonished exclamation at the futility of human rebellion, questioning why the nations rage and the people plot vain things against the Lord and His Anointed. The kings of the earth set themselves in opposition, conspiring to break free from divine bonds, yet their schemes are met with divine derision. He who sits in the heavens laughs, holding them in mockery, and speaks in His wrath, declaring that He has set His King on His holy hill of Zion, a resolute answer to human defiance. The psalm reveals the intimate relationship between the Lord and His Anointed, as the decree is proclaimed: the Lord declares to His Son, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You." He promises the nations as an inheritance and the ends of the earth as a possession, granting authority to break rebellious powers with a rod of iron and dash them like a potter's vessel. This underscores the absolute dominion of the Anointed, whose power surpasses all earthly rulers. A solemn warning follows, directed to the kings and judges of the earth, urging them to be wise and instructed. They are called to serve the Lord with fear, rejoice with trembling, and pay sincere homage to the Son, lest His wrath be kindled and they perish swiftly in their way. The psalm concludes with a blessing on those who put their trust in Him, affirming that ultimate safety and victory lie in alignment with God's chosen King. Thus, Psalm 2 reinforces the overarching theme of God's unassailable rule, paralleling the mighty acts of deliverance and judgment seen in Israel's history. It calls for recognition of His authority through His Anointed, assuring triumph over all opposition for those who trust in Him.
Psalm Genres (Part Three B): Messianic (continued)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 2 is among the significant Messianic psalms that foretell the life and rule of Jesus Christ. It contains a powerful prophecy about the anointed King, declared by the Father as His Son. In verses 6 through 9, the Father proclaims, "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" This passage speaks to the authority and dominion given to the Son, highlighting His role as King over all nations, ruling with strength and judgment at His return. The connection between this prophecy and the ultimate triumph of Christ underscores the Messianic nature of the psalm, focusing on His sovereign power and the establishment of His Kingdom.
Psalm Genres (Part Three A): Messianic
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 2 stands as a powerful Messianic psalm, often categorized as both a royal and enthronement psalm, pointing to the coronation of a king in its original context but finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In verses 5 through 9, it declares that He shall speak to the nations in His wrath and distress them in His deep displeasure, affirming, "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." The decree is pronounced: "The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" This vividly portrays Christ as the sovereign King, destined to rule with authority and power over all nations, embodying both divine sonship and unstoppable dominion.
Psalms: Book One (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the exploration of Book One of Psalms, which spans Psalms 1 through 41 and aligns with the springtime Passover season, Psalm 2 emerges as a significant piece highlighting the theme of the Messiah, the Son, and the Anointed One. This psalm focuses on the Son's authority and power, portraying Him as the one whom the adversaries must acknowledge and honor. It conveys a stern message from God to the rebellious, urging them to pay homage to the Son, for He holds the ultimate power and is the one they must please. Psalm 2 emphasizes the Son's role in confronting opposition, underscoring His divine appointment and the inevitability of His dominion as central to the Messianic narrative within Book One.
Psalms: Book One (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe two principle themes of Book One of the Psalms are the Torah (the instruction of God) and the Messiah (or God's Anointed).
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.
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3-4 describes the dramatic transitional period in which God begot Christ, making Him the only human being who could qualify as our Messiah and Savior.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHere are twelve claims that the Father, the Son, and Their way of life make upon humanity, giving mankind no excuse for its failure to respond to God.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From the beginning, Satan has attempted to influence heads of nations and religious organizations. We need to be aware that he will attack again and again.
God the Father in the Old Testament
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.
Watch and Vigilantly Prepare
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are ambassadors in a foreign land, awaiting the return of Christ, when we will help our Warrior King subdue all the rebellious nations of the earth.
Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.
Rod of Iron
Sermon by John O. ReidCultural and belief systems contrary to God's way of life will not dissolve or break apart easily, but will require a rod of iron to break them apart.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
Jesus and the Rebellious Son
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe law for stoning a rebellious son was never recorded as having been carried out, but ironically the nation put to death the maximally obedient Son.
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.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the fullness of time, God will pour His spirit on all peoples, including those who had formerly directed their hostility on God and His chosen people.