Jesus Christ

Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ is identified as the Son of God, the Anointed One, and the Messiah in Psalm 2. He is the only begotten Son of God, as stated in John 1:17, and was declared as such by God the Father at His birth to the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ held the office of High Priest, a position He was qualified for because He was already …


Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is vitally needed for the salvation of those converted, especially those converted from Judaism in the immediate decades following His resurrection. His role remains crucial for our salvation today, as Hebrews teaches us how much we need to relate to our High Priest. Without Jesus Christ, we can do nothing …


Jesus Christ, the Bearer of Sin

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Jesus Christ's role in bearing our sins is central to understanding the Scriptures. The Scriptures testify of Him, and as we study, we see how symbols like the azazel in Leviticus 16 point to Him. The azazel bore the sins of the people, and similarly, the Messiah bore our iniquities as prophesied in Isaiah 53. The Lord laid our …


The Last Words of Jesus Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ once took a poll among His followers, asking, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" Some believed He was John the Baptist returned from the dead, others thought He was a second Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the ancient prophets. Peter, one of His students, declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living …


Jesus Christ Is Our Hope

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Rahab considered the red cord a symbol of her faith and hope that she and her family would be rescued from destruction. Her faith was not wasted but rewarded.


Jesus Christ's Trial (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ, in the account of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, demonstrated complete control over the situation from beginning to end. He delayed in the Garden as the arresting party approached, went forth to meet them, and surrendered Himself voluntarily. Even at the moment of arrest, He showed power over the soldiers, …


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ, having become so much better than the angels, has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. He is named the Son of the Highest, and as God, He holds a unique identity as the only begotten Son. Though the title of Son was declared long before His human birth, God the Father assigned it when Jesus was …


Jesus Was a Carpenter

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ, known to the people of Nazareth as a carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother to James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, perplexed them when He returned teaching in the synagogue and gaining fame for healing the sick and casting out demons. They struggled to see Him as more than a local craftsman, offended by their …


Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ, with His life and sacrifice, serves as the means of making peace between us and God, thus enabling a profound relationship with Them. During His time on earth, He took on humanity for the multitude of purposes for which humanity was created, inspiring appreciative wonderment for Him who became human for our eternal …


Jesus Is God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands at the heart of a profound question about the authenticity of the Bible and His own identity. If He is not who He claims to be, as the Word of God personified and as the written word proclaims, then He was merely a cunning deceiver who orchestrated a lie sustained for nearly two thousand years, leaving us …


Christ's Revelation of the Father

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is often the most misunderstood person who has ever walked this earth, frequently deliberately so. People hear or read His words and, due to their own willfulness, twist them to fit their preconceptions. Throughout His ministry, as seen in the gospels, His audience consistently misunderstood His message, a pattern …


Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ stands as the centerpiece of the epistle to the Hebrews, embodying unparalleled importance to the entire creation and to our spiritual growth and salvation. Other than the Father, no one compares to Him in leadership within the administration of this creation. He is essential to our connection to eternity and all …


Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ was not merely an extraordinary man; He was unique, great above all others who ever lived. Every characteristic of His attributes is to be admired for His great love and unstinting giving in every aspect of His character, expressed humbly and abundantly for our eternal well-being. Never has such glorious and refined …


Why Is Christ, the Son, Called 'the Everlasting Father' (Isaiah 9:6)?

Bible Questions & Answers

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and …


Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is central to God's purpose in building His Family. His teaching-and-example-setting responsibility was entrusted to no one else in all of creation, highlighting the profound importance of His role. Jesus is the major theme of the book of Hebrews, where God commands, "Hear Him," emphasizing …


Jesus Disqualified?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The claim that Jesus Christ is the Messiah has come under scrutiny, causing confusion even among members of God's church. Despite this, the evidence supporting His Messiahship is robust. The genealogy in Luke 3, likely tracing His biological lineage through Mary, is as valid a claim to David's throne as the one in Matthew 1, …


Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Three)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus Christ fulfilled the roles of both sacrificial animals in the Day of Atonement ritual. He died to provide a covering of blood and open the way to the Father, and He also bore the sins of many, taking them to the land of forgetfulness, the grave. His work is the expiation of mankind's sins, involving the atoning, cleansing, …


Christ Our Passover

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands as the central figure of salvation, embodying a profound mystery that eludes those who do not deeply consider His significance. To many, He was an enigma: to His own brethren, He was not believed; to the average Jew, a mysterious yet likable figure performing fantastic deeds; to the Pharisees and Sadducees, …


Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, endured a most horrific death on a stauros or cross, a form of execution that was both gory and painful, often lasting for days. In His time, crucifixion was reserved for slaves and the worst criminals or enemies of the state, a punishment so gruesome that Roman citizens were usually exempted. Jesus had …


Christ, Our Passover

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was crucified as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He is the propitiation by which we can enter into God's presence, paying the incalculable price for sin as provided by God, the righteous Judge. At Passover, the focus centers on Him as the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of …


Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.


Christ, the Chief Cornerstone

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands as the central and most vital part of our spiritual foundation. He is the Chief Cornerstone, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:20, anchoring and supporting the entire structure of God's spiritual Temple. His teaching underlies all other spiritual truth in God's Word, serving as the touchstone for everything else. …


Christ Our Rock

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ is identified as The Rock, a central and enduring image of God throughout biblical narrative. He is The Rock of the Old Testament, the same as The Word, Jesus Christ, who supplied Israel with manna and water, led them across the wilderness, delivered them from all their enemies, and placed them in the land of …


Four Views of Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.


Jesus in the Feasts (Part One): The Bread of Life

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even though the prophetic significance of the Holy Days outlines the the plan of God, the work of Jesus Christ in each event is even more significant.


Four Views of Christ (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.


Jesus in the Feasts (Part Six): The Eighth Day

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Eighth Day encapsulates the fullness of God's divine plan through Christ, who embodies and fulfills every lesson, hope, and promise depicted in the holy days.


Groping for Jesus

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While Jesus' life fascinates people, they cannot know what He is really like because they reject the Bible's revelation and lack God's Spirit.


Was Jesus Married?

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

A recent scrap of parchment, dubbed "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife," claims our Savior was married to Mary Magdalene. But was He?


Running God's Marathon With Christ

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.


Have You Given Your Heart to Jesus?

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

It behooves God's called-out ones to recognize Jesus Christ as providing the access to God the Father, the Way and the Life.


Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

Some say the scapegoat (azazel) prefigures the Devil, others say it has been fulfilled by Jesus. Tradition teaches one thing; Scripture reveals another.


Proofs of Christ's Resurrection

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

There is more corroboration of evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ and His life experiences than that regarding Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar.


Christ as Redeemer

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The idea of redemption is that of 'buying back,' of paying the cost—often a steep one—to restore someone or something to a former condition or ownership.


Christ as Righteous Judge

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Boaz is a type of Jesus Christ. Boaz' actions toward Ruth give us insight into the character of our Savior, particularly in His office of Judge.


The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.


Who Gets Jesus' Vote?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus' Kingdom is still not of this world today. Therefore, His servants still should not be involved in the political battles of this world either.


What Did Jesus Do?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

We have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.


Was Jesus a Jew (Matthew 1:1-16)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The word 'Jew' is a shortened form of 'Judean,' referring to the descendants of the patriarch Judah, one of the twelve progenitors of the tribes of Israel.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Some Jews among the early converts believed that Jesus Christ did not qualify to be the church's High Priest, considering angels to be greater and holier.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.


Fully Man and Fully God?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Some in the church of God have begun to doubt the traditional teaching regarding the physical and spiritual makeup of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This issue was a significant controversy in the first-century church, especially when beliefs like Docetism, suggesting Jesus was physical but Christ was a separate spiritual …


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.


The God of the Old Testament

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Many believe that the God of the Old Testament was a cruel, angry God, while Jesus, the God of the New Testament, is kind and loving. Here's what Scripture shows.


The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The identical actions of the Lord and the Angel of the Lord show they are the same Being. The God known by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses was Jesus Christ.


The Father-Son Relationship (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus referred to His Father as 'My God,' indicating that They do not share equality, preeminence, or superiority. They are equal in kind, but one is subordinate.


Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.


The Father-Son Relationship (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Although Christ is not the Absolute Deity, He is nevertheless the complement of the Father. He had a pre-existence as the God of the Old Testament.


The Father-Son Relationship (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ Himself asserted the superiority of the Father. Jesus serves as the revelator of the great God, providing the only means of access to Him.


The Helper and the Angel of the Lord

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Christ frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.


Priceless

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice is often not as real as it needs to be, but what He and His Father did for the elect, and ultimately, most of humanity, is priceless


Hebrews (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God personally communicated with Adam, Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and to us through His Son. With the Scriptures, God teaches His faithful today.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.


Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.


God the Father in the Old Testament

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.


The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.


You Are My Witnesses That I Am God

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Christ's trial and crucifixion were not historical accidents; rather, God prophesied both events in minute detail in Old Testament scriptures.


The Messiah in Three Psalms

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Psalms 22, 23 and 24 form a trilogy, each part of of which is a Messianic prophecy that tells a part of the Gospel of God's Kingdom.


Power Belongs to God (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Human beings, even those who have been called, have an innate fear that God will not always provide. This fear originates in doubt about God's power.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.


In The Likeness of Men!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus was subjected to the same experiences as the rest of us, having the appearance, experiences, the capability of receiving injury and suffering temptation.


The Shepherd of Israel

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Psalm 80 shows that the Shepherd of Israel sat between the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies, showing that Jesus Christ is the God who interacted with Israel.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.


John (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.





 
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