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My House or God's?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe concept of God's House, as symbolized by the Temple, carries profound significance as a place of worship and relationship with Him. In Haggai 1, God expresses concern over His people's misplaced priorities, as they focus on their own houses while neglecting the Temple, which represents the worship of God. The Temple is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of their proper response to Him, facilitating their connection with the Divine. God's real desire is for their attention to be on worship and relationship with Him, rather than on material concerns or personal domains. This theme of misplaced focus is echoed in John 7:53, where the religious leaders return to their own houses, prioritizing comfort and status over following Jesus Christ, who goes to the Mount of Olives to teach in the Temple. Their retreat to familiar spaces reflects a lack of spiritual vision, preventing them from recognizing the importance of God's House and the true worship occurring there. Similarly, in Haggai, the people's labor for their own houses while the Temple lies in ruins draws God's displeasure, as He withholds blessings due to their improper focus. The individual houses mentioned in these accounts can also represent physical church organizations, which, while necessary for spiritual well-being, should not become the primary focus over the worship of God. The warning is clear: the Temple, as the spiritual center of worship, must take precedence over personal or corporate houses. When the spiritual Temple is in good order and worship is conducted in spirit and truth, God blesses the work of His people's hands, benefiting all houses. Ultimately, as seen in Haggai 1:12-14, the people respond to God's call, obey His voice, fear His presence, and work on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, setting a precedent for prioritizing His House above all else.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.

Be Strong and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile the returned Judean exiles prioritized their own houses over building the temple, we should understand that it is always time to work on God's house.
Be Prepared
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given us clear records of what has occurred in the pass, enabling us to bind time, profiting from the past and preparing for the future.
Psalm 51 (Part One): Background
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDavid's power and assumption of immunity led to arrogance, complacency, and a total disregard for God's commands, bringing an unpleasant visit from Nathan.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.