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The Beast and Babylon (Part Five): The Great Harlot
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe symbol of the harlot in Revelation represents a powerful and influential entity, identified as Jerusalem, which stands for all Israel. God describes His relationship with Israel using the language of marriage, a covenant relationship to which she was to be faithful. Despite the intimacy and the great gifts He bestowed upon her, including the revelation of Himself and knowledge of His purpose, Israel's responsibility was the greatest on earth, and her deviance from God was equally profound. God acknowledges Jerusalem, representing all Israel, as great in political, economic, and military power, controlling a significant portion of the world's wealth and holding the Beast in check until God's appointed time for her humbling. Unfortunately, her power is tainted by whoredoms, religious confusion, and deviance from her responsibility to God. Revelation 17 depicts the great harlot sitting on many waters, the Beast, and seven mountains, symbolizing her wide-ranging authority over many nations and peoples. Unlike the diverse Beast, composed of multitudes, nations, and tongues, the Woman is portrayed as a singular, united entity, highlighting her distinct and dominant influence in this end-time prophecy.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Nine): Babylon the Great
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFor being a religious book, the Bible contains an unusual number of references to harlotry! Yet they provide understanding of the great harlot of Revelation.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Babylon is a system, virtually irresistible to the carnal mind, appealing to ambition and self-centeredness. It is far greater than any church institution.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Seven): How Can Israel Be the Great Whore?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's Word frequently paints unfaithful Israel as a harlot because she has consistently played the harlot in her relationship with God.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Eight): God, Israel, and the Bible
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThough she transgressed every commandment in multiple ways, the sin through which Israel's unfaithfulness is most frequently demonstrated is gross idolatry.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHair length and clothing are outward indicators of a person's inner spiritual condition. They serve as a testimony of what we are on the inside.
Sin and Overcoming, (Part 2): What Is Sin Like?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen a righteous man feels an inclination to sin, God will place stumblingblocks in his way to force moral choices, as well as a watchman to give understanding.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.
Amos (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe favorite-son status of Israel was conditioned on accepting the terms of the covenant with God. Israel, then and now, has placed her trust in material things.
Looks Fair, Feels Foul
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBe wary of things and people that appear attractive and fair on the outside, but are actually foul and destructive underneath. Evaluate the fruit.
The Woman Atop the Beast (Part 2)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe great harlot of Revelation 17 has great wealth and bloodthirsty persecution of God's people. We must watch world events and come out of her ways.