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The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of Church Eras in relation to the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 raises significant questions about their temporal significance. The book of Revelation presents these churches in the context of the Day of the Lord and Christ's return, suggesting their messages hold spiritual validity not only for the apostle John's day but also for the present time. Jesus' servants are to teach this prophecy in the churches until He returns, emphasizing a future relevance. While history and experience within the modern church of God may suggest the seven churches exist successively as eras from the days of the apostles to Christ's return, no internal biblical evidence supports this idea. However, the grammatical structure of Jesus' messages indicates that the churches exist simultaneously, as He addresses them collectively with the phrase, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." In the message to Thyatira, Christ states that all the churches shall know He is the Judge and Head through her calamity, implying that all must exist concurrently to observe this event. The language of the epistles further points to an end-time frame of reference, with warnings and promises tied to His imminent return, such as coming quickly to Ephesus and Pergamos, casting Thyatira into great tribulation, and standing at the door for Laodicea. The scattering of the church into many small groups also aligns with the idea that all seven churches, with their distinct personalities, sins, lacks, and needs, exist together in the present day, as reflected in the various branches of the church. Finally, the messages to the seven churches carry individual relevance for the elect of God in the end time. A careful self-examination reveals that each person may exhibit, to some degree, the problems described in every message. Christ's consistent advice to all seven is to overcome, promising magnificent rewards for those who heed His counsel and avoid the threatened judgments.
The Seven Churches (Part Two): Interpretations
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe modern church of God has taught that Revelation's seven churches typify successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this belief valid?
Revelation 2 and 3: Eras?
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The notion of church eras in Revelation 2-3 is based on some fundamental errors. Jesus expects that all of us learn from all seven letters.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the Day of the Lord, Christ stands in the midst of all seven churches. We are to learn from the lessons from all seven, not get sidetracked by eras.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost of God's church believes that the seven letters of Revelation 2-3 reveal seven church eras. However, the Bible indicates an end-time fulfillment.
Power
Article by David C. GrabbeThe church of the Philadelphians has a 'little strength', suggesting that Christ commends them for being 'faithful in little' and will reward them with much.
A Search for Identity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave His approval for the destruction of the Worldwide Church of God into numerous groups, allowing heresies so He could see who really loves Him.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDespite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.
Sin and Overcoming (Part 3): The Battle For Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Laodicean temperament falls far short in promoting the processes of overcoming and repentance. Spiritual growth and godly behavior take tremendous work.