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Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus teaches that His disciples must remain alert and ready at all times, for His return will come at an unexpected hour. The importance of alertness is evident in the necessity of being prepared for the Son of Man, requiring patient waiting and constant vigilance, even if His return is late at night or early in the morning. If the servants prove worthy by staying watchful, their master will care for them. The unwise servant errs by assuming he can do as he pleases while the master is away, forgetting the day of judgment will come. He also mistakenly believes he has ample time to set things right before the master's return, a dangerous assumption that overlooks the urgency of readiness. In contrast, the faithful servant is blessed for being found diligently doing the will of the master upon His return. Jesus emphasizes that His return is certain but unexpected, and the church must continue serving God faithfully until that moment. The evil servant neglects his responsibility with an attitude contrary to the command to be ready, treating other servants harshly and facing severe consequences for evading his duties. This highlights the seriousness of failing to uphold responsibilities, especially for those under one's care. Judgment varies according to understanding, with faithless servants who ignore their calling or fail to produce fruit facing stricter judgment than those unaware of the Son of Man's coming. Even the ignorant servant bears responsibility to know the master's will, and all are judged based on their level of responsibility. Knowledge and privilege bring greater accountability, making sin doubly grievous for those who know better. God desires to find His servants with their work completed, glorifying Him upon Christ's return.

Stand Fast in a Changing World

Sermon by Kim Myers

God instructs us to watch, emphasizing the need to pay strict attention to the changes in morals and character within society. He urges us to be cautious and active in how we conduct our lives and treat one another. He calls for diligence in Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation, warning against becoming lackadaisical in these practices. God desires us to make real changes in our lives and to be prepared spiritually, as life is short and the day of Christ's coming remains unknown. He highlights the temptations in the world and the deterioration of every aspect of life, urging concern and a desire for personal change. As we observe the rapid changes around us, God wants us to draw close to Him through godly transformation, engaging daily in making Christ-like adjustments to our character and actions. He instills a sense of urgency, reminding us that every day and every hour matters in our journey as firstfruits to qualify for the Kingdom of God.

Praying Always (Part One)

Article by Pat Higgins

In Luke 21:36, Jesus Christ imparts a crucial instruction to remain alert and pray always to be counted worthy to escape the impending turmoil and to stand before the Son of Man. This verse encapsulates a vital survival guide, both physically and spiritually, for those facing the end times, emphasizing the essence of escaping the worst of the Tribulation and joining Christ in God's Kingdom. The concept of "watch" in this context transcends merely observing world events. It embodies a deeper call to overcome, urging a vigilant battle against personal flaws and external influences. This involves not just watching our human nature, but actively combating it, resisting the world's pressures, and defending against satan's schemes. Overcoming, therefore, more accurately conveys the active engagement and vigilance required as the end approaches, covering the entire process of spiritual struggle that defines our calling. Luke 21:36 ties together the warnings and teachings of the chapter, linking spiritual diligence with the ability to escape the foretold events and enter God's Kingdom. It serves as a roadmap to safety and salvation, highlighting two essential components: the commitment to overcome through constant vigilance and the dedication to pray always. These elements are fundamental to the spiritual foundation necessary for enduring the challenges of the end times.

Don't Be Indifferent (1995)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot allow ourselves to become surfeited with the world's distractions, being lulled off to sleep as the foolish virgins, wasting our precious time.

Can You See Yourself From Every Side?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

As we exercise circumspection, we must take God's will for us into our cautious examining in our prayers, study, and meditation, avoiding the world.

The End Is Not Yet

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must make sure that our understanding and interpretation of natural disasters and heavenly spectacles align with what the Bible says about them.

How Many Wars?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus tells us not to be troubled about the wars and rumors of wars, for they are like false labor pains. We are now at the beginning of sorrows.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The letter to the church in Sardis reads like an obituary, warning us who are alive but lacking zeal to repent and become serious about our calling.

The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

Laodiceanism 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.

Laodiceanism

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.

Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 4)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Public opinion is easily manipulated by propaganda. By manipulating attitudinal desensitization, the mainstream media pushes society into progressive positions.

Make Sure of Your Focus!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Distractions produce a movement toward randomness and confusion, seriously endangering one's calling. We must sharpen our focus on God and His purpose.