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The Prophet
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe function of a prophet, as outlined in Deuteronomy 18:15-22, is to serve as a messenger raised up by the Lord God from among His people, speaking words directly from Him that must be heeded. God warns that anyone who refuses to listen to and obey these words, spoken in His name through the prophet, will be held accountable by Him. This emphasizes the critical role of the prophet as a conduit for divine instruction and the importance of recognizing and obeying God's message through such a figure. God also provides guidance on discerning true prophets from false ones. If a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and their predictions do not come to pass, it is clear that the Lord has not spoken through them, marking them as a false prophet whose words should not be feared or obeyed. Additionally, any prophet who presumes to speak words not commanded by God or speaks in the name of other gods faces the death penalty, underscoring the severe consequences of false prophecy. God's criteria for identifying a true prophet include the fulfillment of their prophecies and the presence of the fruits of His Spirit in their actions, ensuring His people can distinguish between genuine and deceptive claims. In the context of an end-time scenario, the function of a prophet remains significant. If a man claims to be God's end-time prophet, his credibility hinges on whether his prophecies are directly from God and are fulfilled as promised. God assures His people that He will not act without revealing His plans through His true servants, providing clarity and order so that His people can recognize a genuine prophet or leader when sent. This reflects God's commitment to communicate with His people in a manner that allows them to discern truth and follow His guidance without fear of being misled.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlthough by no means a wild man, John the Baptist experienced alienation from people, especially the entrenched religious and political leaders.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA prophet is one who speaks for God, expressing His will in words and sometimes signs. Standing outside the system, he proclaims God's purpose, including repentance.
What Is a False Prophet?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeFalse prophets—including the great False Prophet of Revelation—claim to speak for God, yet reveal themselves in predictable ways. Here is what to look for.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the 'Elijah to come.' We must apply duality of prophecy carefully and cautiously rather than indiscriminately.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A prophet is one who carries a message from another. A true prophet's message will derive from existing Scripture, even if he is breaking new, unexplored ground.
Elijah and John the Baptist
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus declares that none was greater than His cousin, John, known as 'the Baptist.' Jesus clearly says that John fulfilled the prophesied role of Elijah to come.
A Tale of Two Complaints (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah is often called the 'Weeping Prophet.' He can perhaps also be called the 'Complaining Prophet' on account of his two major complaints to God.
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 Two Witnesses (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's Two Witnesses will accomplished their work before the Beast kills them. Humanity will feel relief at their death, but stark terror at their resurrection.
The Two Witnesses (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Two Witnesses have authority from God to annihilate those who interfere with their work as well as power over weather patterns and natural elements.
Servant of God, Act One: Going Around, Coming Around
Article by Charles WhitakerA little-known character from the book of Jeremiah shares the stage with more well-known figures and teaches them a lesson we can learn from today.
Amos (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people to whom Amos writes have the mistaken assumption that because they have made the covenant with God, they can bask in a kind of divine favoritism.
The Two Witnesses (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to recognize prophecies as they occur or shortly afterward. To cling to an interpretation before the events happen leads to missing vital details.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
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.