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Prophecy Fails
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughProphecy has long been a significant element in the teachings of God's church, often serving as a means to capture attention and affirm God's sovereignty. It constitutes nearly one-third of God's Word, demonstrating that when God speaks a prophetic word, it is fulfilled as promised, reinforcing our faith in His promises. However, while prophecy is stimulating and intriguing with its puzzles and vivid imagery, it is not the most crucial aspect of God's Word. Too much emphasis on prophecy can overshadow the more vital elements of doctrine and Christian living, where God's judgment truly lies. Despite its importance, prophecy must be approached with caution, recognizing that our understanding and teachings on unfulfilled prophecies are highly speculative and subject to change. Even the predictions of respected figures like Herbert Armstrong, while insightful, are not infallible and should be viewed as expert opinion rather than divine revelation. The world has changed significantly since his time, and clinging dogmatically to past interpretations risks becoming outdated. Christ urges us to watch and stay current, lest we miss critical developments. Scripture itself warns of the limitations of prophecy. In I Corinthians 13:8, Paul declares that prophecies will fail, emphasizing that our knowledge and prophetic understanding are only partial. We do not know everything, and even great teachers like Paul or Armstrong were limited in their understanding. The focus should instead be on love, which Paul identifies as the greatest virtue, surpassing faith and hope. As we navigate our spiritual journey, we must prioritize growing in God's character, which is rooted in love, over an excessive fixation on prophecy.
Why Study Prophecy?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe study prophecy to know the general outline of future events, be prepared for the next significant event, and understand God's will and His character.
The Three Angels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to organize things in groups of three, such as the proclamation of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-13. Angelos could refer to a human messenger.
Looking Forward (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe church may fear that the Lord is delaying His coming, and scoffers make the seeming delay worse. However, God is giving people opportunity for repentance.
The Two Reports
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)We must not complacently think our days are prolonged, but learn to sigh and cry for the abominations, thoughtfully numbering our days.