Filter by Categories
Labor Pains
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDuring the past century, the world has experienced 'practice contractions.' These birth pangs will increase until Christ returns to establish the Kingdom.
The Second Exodus (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe Bible tells us that the time is coming when God will regather Israel to the Land of Promise, a greater Exodus than that from the Land of Egypt.
The First Prophecy (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Eve's curse lies the beginnings of both women's difficulties in childbearing and the battle of the sexes. The effects of this curse are still being felt daily!
The Beginning of Sorrows
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe "last days" began with Christ's resurrection, when Satan was formally deposed as ruler of earth. God made His kingdom available at that time.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe transfiguration prefigured the Kingdom of God, with the disciples only seeing Jesus in the end, showing salvation is through Him alone.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe biblical concept of 'Jacob's Trouble" describes a lengthy period of severe divine punishment prophesied in Jeremiah 30:12, the worst time for Israel and Judah, but eventually culminating in their deliverance. The scriptures symbolically refer to summer (such as the 9th of Av) as a season of judgement, linking both historical and modern events (duality of prophecy), fulfilling prophecies of national apostasy and consequences. The consequences include economic collapse, military defeat, foreign domination, pestilence, war, and natural disasters necessitating extreme chastisement to provoke repentance. The curses of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 can be seen as "warning shots" of God's displeasure over moral decay and national sins. Jacob's trouble, both in ancient times and current times, will strip Jacob's children of their autonomy, forcing a total reliance on Almighty God. The metaphor of labor pains is used to describe the pain and intensity of the trials which describes the inevitable, but transformative, suffering. We are warned against complacency, prioritizing godliness over any worldly alternatives, trusting God, and seeking His coming Kingdom. We must trust in God's sovereignty amid our trials, realizing that suffering is often a tool for sanctification. Consequently, we must faithfully await His timing for deliverance. While no one except God the Father knows the timeline, we should stay ready, clinging to Him. Thankfully, Jacob's Trouble is not an end, but an intense refining fire, leading to redemption for all who humbly submit to the sovereign will of God.
John (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThough Christ knows that we will inevitably fail, as all of the disciples stumbled, He knows He can pull us through as long as we yield to Him.
Light Affliction?
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsAffliction seems to be an integral part of Christianity. However, when it is viewed in the context of eternity, it is relatively light.