Playlist: Philadelphia, Letter to (topic)
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEach of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.
The Philadelphia Syndrome
Commentary by David C. GrabbeThe Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.
The "Open Door" of Philadelphia
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMany have misunderstood the 'open door' reference in the letter to Philadelphia. It refers to Isaiah 22:15-25, which describes the role of Eliakim the steward.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the Day of the Lord, Christ stands in the midst of all seven churches. We are to learn from the lessons from all seven, not get sidetracked by eras.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidJust as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.
We Still Need a Sense of Urgency
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's selecting a particular candidate does not necessarily mean He has given America a reprieve from the results of her sins. We still need a sense of urgency.
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
A Place of Safety? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has the ability to protect and save in a variety of methods. The Scriptures reveal various purposes for intervention, protection, and prudent escape.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
Revelation 2-3 and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
Don't Lose Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.
When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidThroughout Israel's history, the trumpet blast has always meant the onset of war, death, and destruction, ushering in harsh correction for physical Israel.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the 'Christian' world, militant atheism may be decreasing, but religious indifference is also increasing at even a more dramatic rate.
A Place of Safety? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughObsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.
Make Sure of Your Focus (1998)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur focus should be to seek God's kingdom, reciprocating God's love, committing ourselves to a life of service, fulfilling His purpose without complaining.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.
Sanctification, Teens, and Self-Control
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people are responsible for the spiritual knowledge that they have learned from their parents, as well as the custodianship of spiritual blessings.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Foundations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe pillars of the Parthenon were fitted together in sections. It is impossible for these pillars to stand without a solid foundation.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly 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.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.
Pillars in the Temple of God
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingChrist says He will make those who overcome 'pillar[s] in the temple of My God.' The pillars of a building support its roof and the structure as a whole.
Where God Places His Name (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
Sanctification and the Teens
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.