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Preparing To Work

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The Millennium will be a time of intense work to repair the damaged infrastructure and the depleted and poisoned soil, bringing it back up to Edenic standards.

Do You Have Enough Oil?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the oil is often assumed to represent God's Spirit, yet it indicates much more and it accrues over time.

Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Spiritual preparation is a vital responsibility for every believer, as it aligns with the biblical call to remain vigilant and ready for the return of Christ. We must live as though His return could happen at any moment, maintaining a constant state of spiritual readiness. This involves being awake and aware of our personal spiritual condition, sensitive to the changes and events around us, and not allowing ourselves to become complacent or insensitive to our relationship with God. The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the danger of spiritual slumber, where some awoke too late to prepare, missing their opportunity. Warnings given through prophecy are meant to motivate us to prepare spiritually, ensuring we are not caught off guard by the challenges or the ultimate return of Christ. Just as a watchman warns of impending danger to prompt action, spiritual preparation requires us to heed these warnings and adjust our lives accordingly. God expects His children to be prudent, to exercise caution, and to actively work on their spiritual state, not presuming that He will intervene regardless of our efforts. This preparation is an ongoing process, mirroring the diligence of the ant in foresight and industry, ensuring we are always ready for whatever lies ahead in our walk with Him.

Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The concept of judgment in Scripture often serves as a catalyst for spiritual preparation. God's warnings of impending judgment, as seen in the account of Noah, encourage a faithful response to His grace. Noah prepared for the coming judgment by obediently building the ark, an act of physical and spiritual readiness for what God foretold. Similarly, before the destruction of the firstborn in Egypt, the Lord revealed to Moses the provisions for the Passover, and the Israelites prepared themselves according to His instructions, obeying and thus being spared. This emphasis on spiritual preparedness continues in the New Testament. Paul urges readiness for the Day of the Lord, highlighting the suddenness and inescapability of judgment. Believers are called to be self-controlled and to exercise faith, love, and hope, which define watchfulness. Jesus Christ's teachings, such as in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, warn against complacency in one's relationship with God, underscoring the need for constant spiritual vigilance. The foolish virgins, expecting entry into the wedding banquet, were rebuffed by the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ at His second coming, with the words, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." Moreover, the imagery of bronze as strength in Scripture reinforces the need for spiritual fortitude. When Jeremiah was called to God's service, He made him like a fortified city with bronze walls, promising strength to withstand assaults from enemies. This strength, empowered by God's Holy Spirit, enables believers to resist any adversity when they are spiritually fortified. Thus, preparation for future challenges and responsibilities in God's Kingdom remains essential, as judgment serves as a warning to act both physically and spiritually in anticipation of what is to come.

Be Prepared

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Spiritual preparation is essential for aligning with God's purpose. Just as we plan extensively for physical needs, we must also prepare spiritually to avoid burdens and to support what God is accomplishing in creating us in His image. God Himself prepares for everything, knowing the end from the beginning, and has provided records of the past and prophecies of the future to guide us. We must learn from these to anticipate and ready ourselves for what lies ahead. Desire to please God is the first element of spiritual preparation, as seen in David's longing to build a house for the Lord. This desire breeds motivation and leads to planning for the future. Without it, there is no movement toward God's will. Vision is equally vital; those who prepare spiritually have a clear vision of what they aim to accomplish, following detailed plans much like builders with blueprints. God's plans for us are meticulous, down to the smallest detail, ensuring every part fits perfectly into His purpose. Preparation also involves understanding that God's work in us is not punishment but testing to refine our quality. As trials intensify, especially as significant events approach, we must recognize these as corrections to fit us into His spiritual temple. The purpose of our preparation, like David's for the Temple, is to glorify God through high standards in our lives. We must actively participate in this building project under Jesus Christ, intensifying our steadfast practice of God's way of life as we move forward.

Our Spiritual Career

Sermon by Ryan McClure

God puts everyone in the Body as He sees fit. We should be thankful for the role God is preparing us for rather than try to leapfrog to a higher position like Helel.

How Prepared Are You?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

As we prepare for the coming disasters resulting from cracks in our national character, it behooves us to get our physical and spiritual families in order.

Prepare

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

We need to prepare for a grim future by coming out of this world, exercising and toughening up the spiritual aspects of our lives through Basic Training.

Watch and Vigilantly Prepare

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are ambassadors in a foreign land, awaiting the return of Christ, when we will help our Warrior King subdue all the rebellious nations of the earth.

Preparing While Waiting For God

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Waiting for God is an acquired virtue requiring patience and longsuffering. Times of waiting are times to practice obedience and fellowship with others.

Preparing Your Heart

Sermon by John O. Reid

Because the heart represents what and who we are and how we conduct our lives, the condition of our spiritual heart is of the utmost importance to us.

Preparing the Bride

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

A Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.

Preparations For Christ's Return

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because of its intractability, the earth will require softening up through earth-shaking events before Christ's return, symbolized by the Feast of Trumpets.

Elite, Special Spiritual Forces Training

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Like a muscle, God's Spirit must be continually used to overcome Satan's attacks in our minds which are, without discipline, hostile to God's laws.

Parable of the Ten Virgins (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus gave the Parable of the Ten Virgins to encourage His disciples to be watchful and to make preparations for His return and the end of the age.

Where the Eagles Are Gathered

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Olivet Prophecy foretells a gathering of eagles or vultures in anticipation of God's judgment. Will they mistake us for the nearly-dead?

On Your Marks . . . Get Set . . . Go!

Article by Charles Whitaker

Jumping the gun and going offside are infractions that have spiritual counterparts. We do not want to be guilty of moving before God does.

Holy Days: Trumpets

Bible Study by Staff

The Feast of Trumpets sounds a dire warning of war on the one hand and triumph for God and His saints on the other. Our goal is to be prepared for Christ's return.

Will Deceive Many (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins

Jesus Christ wants His people to look for and recognize the signs of the times, including rampant deception in the world and, sadly, even in the church.

'As a Thief in the Night'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Christ's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.

Parable of the Ten Virgins (Part Two)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is prophetic concerning the attitude of Christians at the end time. The wise and foolish virgins each have things to teach us.

Foundations

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

The pillars of the Parthenon were fitted together in sections. It is impossible for these pillars to stand without a solid foundation.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.

Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.

Who Deserves Our Loyalties?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.

How Long, O Lord?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Seventh Trumpet is a call to assemble, a call to battle, and announces the arrival of a new ruler, Jesus Christ, separating the wheat from the tares.

David Was Ready

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We need to be preparing ourselves for whatever God has prepared us to do in His Kingdom, preparing for an office, but more importantly preparing in character.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.

Examine Yourself

Sermon by James Beaubelle

Jesus kept the two great commandments flawlessly, providing us an example. These two great commandments are where most of our self-examination should revolve.

Dealing With Change (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Those who call Christ 'Lord, Lord' yet fail to do what He says face ruin when disaster strikes, while those who do what He says will weather the storm.

Life, Fortunes, Sacred Honor

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many of the Declaration's signers literally lost their fortunes, properties, and health—even their lives. Are we willing to commit ourselves as fully?

How Long, O Lord? (1994)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.

The End Is Not Yet

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's people do a disservice to the cause of truth when they allow the media-hype to trigger a false hope about Jesus Christ's return being imminent.

God Wants You

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

We have a special calling as the firstfruits, ultimately becoming God's very offspring, patterning and conforming our lives after Jesus Christ.

The Mark of the Beast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Will we trust God in the basic areas of life—food, clothing, and water—or compromise, accepting the mark of the beast to save our physical lives?

Take Heed to Yourselves

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ tells us to take heed about our vulnerability to evil influences. We have a short window of time to repent and get our lives turned around.

Qualifications of a Godly Judge

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.