Filter by Categories
'Seventy Weeks Are Determined...'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Seventy Weeks Prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27 holds significant importance in dating the birth, ministry, and death of Christ. Revealed to Daniel by the cherub Gabriel in 538 BC, around the time of Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return to Judah, this prophecy emerged from Daniel's prayer for forgiveness of Israel's sins and his longing to know when Messiah would come. It serves as God's response to Daniel's plea. Comprising both prophecy and poetry, the four verses of this prophecy employ the Hebrew poetic device of contrast, structured as A1B1A2B2, to convey their message. Gabriel declares that within the seventy weeks, meaning seventy times seven years, the entire plan of God will be fulfilled. The prophecy begins with a decree to rebuild Jerusalem, identified as the decree by Artaxerxes I in 457 BC, marking the return under Ezra the scribe. The prophecy divides the first sixty-nine weeks into seven weeks, or forty-nine years, during which Jerusalem was rebuilt from 457 to 408 BC, becoming a functioning trade center and fortress. The subsequent sixty-two weeks, or 434 years, lead to AD 27, the year John baptized Jesus, marking the start of His ministry at about thirty years of age, suggesting His birth in 4 BC. The prophecy continues, indicating that the Messiah would be cut off, or killed, after the sixty-two weeks, specifically in the middle of the seventieth week, equating to three and a half years into His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion in AD 31, with the Passover on a Wednesday. The Messiah's death was not for Himself but for the redemption of mankind in a selfless, sacrificial act, ending the need for further animal sacrifices. The prophecy also addresses the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by the Roman people, from whose empire the final Antichrist would rise, predicting ongoing wars and desolation until the end. The covenant mentioned in the prophecy refers to the New Covenant made by Christ, not the Antichrist, as it strengthens and confirms the covenant with the many, understood as Israel or the saints. Understanding this prophecy places Christ's ministry and the founding of the church in their proper historical context, enhances comprehension of prophetic timelines, and guides believers to watch for the correct world events as the end approaches, focusing on the true signs of His coming rather than false indicators.
Finishing the Week
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe 'confirm[ing] a covenant with many' in the Seventy Weeks Prophecy hints at a future confirmation of the covenant to complete the seventieth week.
The Teaching of Jesus and Prophecy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe teaching of Jesus is the key to Revelation. The Olivet Prophecy (the testimony of Jesus) in Matthew 24 unlocks the meaning of the seals in Revelation.
Caught Up in the Rapture
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIs the rapture biblical? If so, when will it occur? Is it different from the promised resurrection? Here is what the Bible teaches, without the traditions of men.
The Book of Daniel (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel's efficacy in prayer resulted in his view of God's omnipotence and absolute sovereignty. God has a timetable in world history.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not fulfilled with the binding of Satan. Rather, there are numerous prophecies of God atoning for the sins of physical Israel.
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.
What Makes This a 'Good' Friday?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGood Friday is a semi-holy day for many, commemorating the assumed day Jesus died. Yet its observance is based on bad math and overlooking obvious scriptures.
'After Three Days'
Booklet by Richard T. RitenbaughA scriptural explanation of the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, showing that He died on a Wednesday and rose from the dead on the Sabbath.
The Day of Atonement and Israel's Future
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe cleansing of Joshua's filthy robes in Zechariah 3 is a future application of the cleansing in Leviticus 16, when Jesus Christ cleanses Israel in the future.
The Appointed Time for Israel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaIn Leviticus 23, God's festivals are called appointed times. One appointed time for ancient Israel was the fulfillment of the 70 Weeks prophecy of Daniel.
The Book of Daniel (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to emulate Daniel by faithfully studying and praying for understanding, asking God for what He has promised and for His will to be done.
The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.
When Is the Year of Release (Shemitah)?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe anchor point of both the Shemitah and Jubilee is the Day of Atonement. Deuteronomy should be read at the Feast just after the year of release begins.
Chronic Difficulties
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman tradition and Bible truth regarding the timing of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection do not square. Here is the overwhelming chronological evidence.
Is Any Time Right for You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen life is empty, time drags; when life is full, time flies. In order to make the best use of time, we must spend it on something that will outlast it.
The Cost of Reconciliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by StaffThe wise men or magi have been mysterious figures since their appearance 2,000 years ago. The Bible's consistent revelation provides clues to their identity.
The Importance of Dating
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughCurrently, several chronological systems are vying for predominance among scholars. What impact might this have on our biblical understanding of prophecy?