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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Walking on the Water (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ's ministry demonstrated His profound care and authority during a significant event on the Sea of Galilee. Soon after feeding the 5,000, He preached a sermon in the synagogue that led to near total rejection, with almost all but the twelve disciples abandoning Him. Later, He instructed His disciples to set out in their boat for the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. At three hours after midnight, as they struggled against a storm and contrary winds, He was fully aware of their difficulty. Approaching them by walking on the turbulent sea as if it were stable as rock, He showed His sympathy and willingness to aid them. Though the night was extremely dark and their nerves were frayed with fear, mistaking Him for a spirit, He reassured them with familiar words: Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. Additionally, He compelled His disciples to leave Him to protect them from a crowd excited by the miraculous feeding, who sought to make Him king by force, risking grave danger and misunderstanding of His true purpose as Savior. The storm that night ultimately saved them from misguided ambitions, working together with the earlier events for their good.

Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Two)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

God sent His Son Jesus Christ with the purpose of bringing salvation to humanity, introducing an entirely new way of life and a new governmental system led by God the Father and Himself. Before beginning His ministry, Jesus faced satan in a monumental challenge for the rulership of the earth, conquering him through obedience to God the Father and the correct use of the Word of God. Jesus withstood the devil's temptations, rejected his deceptions, and commanded him to leave, qualifying Himself to replace satan as ruler over the earth, though the time for His inauguration was not yet (John 7:3-6). When Jesus returns, He will take up rule over all humanity as King. Jesus taught the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, a message that provides insight into a future beyond the current political systems, as He will establish His rule on earth at the appointed time (Mark 1:14-15). He did not come to enter earthly politics or to improve the existing world, clarifying that His Kingdom was not of this world, even though He was born to be King (John 18:36-37). While Jesus preached and warned the world, He remained separate from its politics, focusing primarily on teaching His disciples God's way of life and calling them out of the customs and philosophies of this present age to a life of separation (Matthew 4:25; 5:1; II Corinthians 6:17). He instructed them to follow Him, living in the world as foreigners and ambassadors for His coming Kingdom, without being of the world (John 17:15-16). Jesus' approach toward the world maintained a clear distinction between God's Kingdom and earthly nations. When questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, He responded to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, acknowledging the temporary authority of earthly rulers while affirming His ultimate loyalty to God (Matthew 22:15-22). Though He paid taxes, His primary allegiance was to God, and He urged others to follow Him in this way (Matthew 17:24-27).

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

During His ministry, Jesus Christ performs His first miracle by changing water into wine at a marriage feast in Cana. This act demonstrates at the earliest possible time that His ministry would be one of grace and truth, serving as an extension and complement of the Law and the Prophets. Through this miracle, He shows generosity and joy, contrasting with the judgment implied in earlier accounts of water being turned to blood. Jesus had come to fulfill God's law, teaching and living it as an example of how to apply it to everyday life. At the wedding, Jesus heaps great honor on marriage by manifesting His glory at such an event. His presence, along with at least six of His disciples, suggests the couple's concern for the character of their guests. The lack of wine at the feast posed more than social embarrassment, as it could have rendered the bridegroom and his family financially liable for inadequate provisions. This situation underscores the blessing in the miracle Jesus performed, highlighting His role in overcoming problems within marriages. When Mary, His mother, requests His intervention, Jesus rebukes her mildly, addressing her as "woman" rather than "mother," implying He acts under His Heavenly Father's authority, not hers. This establishes that Mary holds no authority over Him. Despite the rebuke, Jesus does not deny a solution, performing the miracle as likely already inspired by the Father. Mary's response shows her faith and meekness as she instructs the servants to follow His commands, demonstrating humble obedience to His word.

Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Only in John 7 do we find some evidence of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day, providing a gold mine to discover what was on Jesus's mind during this time.

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

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

John identifies Christ as co-eternal with the Father, equal in character, but subordinate in authority. Christ's sonship was unique; He was the 'only Begotten Son.'

Christ's Mission Statement

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Luke 4:16-21 and Mark 1:14-15, statements from Christ made at approximately the same time, constitute the composite mission statement directed at His disciples.

Four Views of Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Gospels are Christ's biography. They also illustrate the typology of Revelation 4:7 depicting a lion, ox, man, and eagle, giving a picture of Christ's character.

Lessons From First-Century Christianity

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Even though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.

Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.

The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the Sabbath

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In the Gospels, questions about the Sabbath center on how to keep it, not whether it should be kept. The way Jesus approached the Sabbath gives us an example.

Christ's Revelation of the Father

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

John 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.

The Temptations of Christ: Behold, the Lamb of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ's baptism possibly occurred after His return from temptation, leading His Father to praise Him as a victor, returning on the anniversary of Trumpets.

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.

Christian Zeal

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Zeal has been discredited as the tool of the charlatan, but Christians must develop passion and zeal for the Christian way of life and the Kingdom of God.

Jesus on the Holy Spirit

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit's function to carry out God's work, including inspiring one to speak the words of God and to resist the power of Satan.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled His spiritual responsibilities and can now aid us in fulfilling ours, which includes keeping God's commandments.

Get the Church Ready!

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

What should the church be doing during this time of scattering and doctrinal confusion? Is the gospel limited to preaching to the unconverted?

John's Feeding of the 5,000

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The only miracle recorded in all four Gospels is the feeding of the 5,000, a profound sign that Jesus Christ exclusively is the Bread of Life.

Misunderstood Truth

CGG Weekly by Mike Fuhrer

Some might wonder, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, can we be led astray? For the answer, all we need to do is to look around.

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.

From Both Sides Now and the Greatest Day

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

We must know both where we are starting and where we are going, having absolute faith that we will get there. If we do, taking that last step will be as certain as the first.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God has communicated tirelessly with humanity through men and angels. The first chapters of Hebrews displays Christ's superiority over even the angels.

John (Part Thirteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.

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.

'Seventy Weeks Are Determined...'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Seventy Weeks Prophecy is contentious among prophecy experts. But simply taking the Bible at face value makes the meaning of this prophecy crystal clear.

Acts (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Peter, using the details of fulfilled prophecy, establishes the Messiahship of Jesus Christ and convicts the crowd of their culpability in His death.

Matthew (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus resisted Satan with the knowledge of God, resisting appeals to vanity, using power selfishly resisting to lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life.