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Places of Safety (Part One)

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

God see His Holy Days (include the weekly Sabbath) as typical places of safety. Such occasions foreshadow a time when the wolf and lamb dwell together.

A Place of Safety? (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The concept of a Place of Safety holds significant intrigue and importance as we consider the tumultuous times ahead. Many believe that Petra, in Jordan, could be this designated refuge, as Scriptures seem to indicate a specific location for protection during end-time events. This notion is so widely recognized that even tour guides in the Holy Land reference biblical passages to highlight Petra's potential role in future events, reflecting a broad interest among various Christian communities worldwide. The urgency of finding such a place stems from the unprecedented devastation foretold, where no flesh would be saved alive unless God intervenes. This dire prediction underscores the necessity of divine protection, suggesting that some of God's people must be shielded to survive the catastrophic events that will systematically take life across the earth. While God is fully capable of protecting His people anywhere, as demonstrated by historical accounts of divine intervention, His purpose appears to involve segregating His faithful into a specific place, referred to as "her place" or "your chamber," during these unique times. Scriptural indications point to a separation or escape for some at the time of the end, where those whose names are written in the Book of Life will be delivered. This deliverance often involves fleeing from danger, as advised in prophecies concerning Jerusalem and worldwide distress, emphasizing physical survival through urgent escape rather than remaining amidst trouble. God's guidance to flee, supported by His provision of a way of escape, aligns with His purpose to protect a remnant during the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Specific groups within the church, particularly those identified as Philadelphians, are promised protection from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole earth, suggesting a distinct segregation for safety. In contrast, others may face severe trials or martyrdom, indicating varying fates among God's people during these end times. The imagery of separation and protection, as seen in prophetic visions, reinforces the idea that a small number will be safeguarded in a designated refuge, fulfilling God's purpose amidst unparalleled global upheaval.

Places of Safety

'Prophecy Watch' by Staff

Jesus Christ assures us of protection, as seen in His prayer to the Father in John 17:12, where He declares that He has kept those given to Him by God. This promise extends to all believers, offering spiritual safety and, according to God's will, physical deliverance. In Revelation 3:10, Jesus speaks of keeping His people from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world, prompting questions about a specific Place of Safety where God might protect us during such times. While some passages, like Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 21:36, suggest that certain believers may escape the calamitous end of the age, the exact nature of this escape remains unclear. In Luke 21:21, Jesus instructs His disciples to flee to the mountains with urgency when danger approaches, without specifying a particular location, implying that safety may be found in swift action to a general area of refuge. The concept of escape, as used by Jesus in Luke 21:36, carries the meaning of fleeing or running out from danger, raising the possibility that God may require the faithful to make efforts to escape rather than being miraculously delivered. Psalm 91 speaks of God's watchful care over His people, yet biblical examples show that safety does not always mean avoidance of danger. Faithful servants like Daniel faced the lion's den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego endured the fiery furnace, while Jesus Himself bore the cross. This indicates that God may not always remove His people from harm but expects them to stand fast in faith, even through terror or death if required. Ultimately, Jesus counsels readiness and vigilance in Luke 12:35-40, urging His followers to keep their lamps burning and be prepared for His return at an unexpected hour. Whether He takes us or we must flee to the hills in the tumultuous times before His coming, we can trust that He is with us. If we are truly in Christ, He remains our most secure Place of Safety, having not lost even one whom God has given Him.

Safety in the Wrong Place

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Politicians and ultra-wealthy citizens believe they are prepared for a catastrophic tribulation by relying on places like Cheyenne Mountain, a military command and control complex buried 2,000 feet underground, carved out of solid granite, and able to withstand a direct hit from a nuclear bomb. The U.S. government considers this complex a place of safety, using it to monitor and respond to threats from terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, strategic adversaries, and cyber-attacks. However, when God's vengeance comes, people will try to escape by fleeing into such underground bunkers and caves, terrified as God shakes the earth, so much so that they will want the rocks to fall on them. The U.S. government thinks it is well prepared for every kind of nuclear, chemical, biological, or terror attack, or any natural disaster, but this reliance on themselves to deal with their fear will be their downfall. Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety. No amount of physical activity or human planning will save anyone from God's wrath. In contrast, the faithful who obey and reverence God will find safety, as the Psalmist declares that only the Lord makes one dwell in safety, allowing them to lie down in peace and sleep.

A Place of Safety? (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God fully intends to separate part of His end-time church, removing them to a place of safety while others must face the travails of the tribulation. This place of protection is described as a wilderness, a fortress of rocks, possibly in the modern nation of Jordan, where the Lord goes forth as a mighty warrior. It is a desolate area, so forsaken that it seemingly cannot support life, receiving perhaps only two or three inches of rain a year, and thus, food and water must be provided miraculously by God. Those who live righteously and speak uprightly, despising oppression and refusing evil, are promised this protection, and they will not see the army coming against Israel. Scriptures encourage people to prepare themselves, to turn their lives aright, and to develop qualities that God seeks in those who will receive His protection from the coming destruction. God appeals to His people to gather their thoughts, meditate on the consequences, and change direction toward righteousness, with the hope that they may be hidden during His anger. It is His desire to deliver and protect, and nothing is too hard for Him if given the chance. There are strong implications that this place of safety might be Petra, though it is not absolutely provable by scripture. If it is Petra, it will be a great trial, inhospitable like southwest Arizona, with extreme temperatures, no water, no modern amenities, and littered with filth from millennia of waste. It may mean living without personal privacy for three and a half years, depending on God for daily sustenance. While safe from satan, human nature remains a challenge, as seen with ancient Israel who failed in the wilderness due to lacking spiritual resources and relationship with God. Despite its hardships, this place will be far better than enduring the tribulation. The focus must be on preparing for the return of Jesus Christ, striving for the Kingdom of God rather than fixating on a specific location. If the focus is on the right goal, God may grant the added blessing of protection from the tribulation. Responding to the signs and the voice of our Savior is crucial, as He knocks at the door, urging us to prepare mentally and spiritually to endure what the place of safety might demand.

Places of Safety (Part Two)

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

God has warned us what is to come; we now have time to refine our character, allowing God's Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ.

A Place of Safety? (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Obsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.

A Place of Safety? (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many biblical examples, including Jesus, David, and Jacob, all fled for their lives in a prudent common sense move. Discretion is often the best part of valor.

Where Is Your Trust?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

In times of trouble, where is our trust? The Kingdom of God is what we should be seeking—not a self-satisfied avoidance of suffering.

Hidden From the Hour of Trial

'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. Graham

Those whom God hides in the metaphorical edge of Ezekiel's garment will be few—and some of them may be 'thrown into the fire' before the end.

What Is Joel 2 Really About?

'Prophecy Watch' by Mike Fuhrer

It is easy to misunderstand the literal meaning of the prophecy of Joel 2, in which God's army sweeps across the countryside and into the city.

Every Word?

'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins

God frequently admonishes His people to be careful to observe His commands. Carefulness in living by God's every word may have life-or-death consequences.

Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

God promises some Christians that He will keep them from the Tribulation, the 'hour of trial.' Here are the characteristics of those whom God will protect.

Hope to the End (Part Two)

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

We need these horrific times and conditions to learn the consequences of foolish decisions in order to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

Psalms 90-100

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Psalms 90-100 are prophetic, having a definite time progression, especially referencing the time frame between the Feast of Trumpets to the Last Great Day.

The Rapture and Trumpets

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.

The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Several types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.

Make Sure of Your Focus (1998)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our focus should be to seek God's kingdom, reciprocating God's love, committing ourselves to a life of service, fulfilling His purpose without complaining.

The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2004)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot assume that we are going to be immune from tough times and persecution, but we need to ask God for the strength to endure what He gives us to endure.

Back to Basics

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Increasing knowledge without the capacity to process it leads to insanity. To combat information overload, we must get back to the basics of Christianity.

The Remnant

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The subject of a remnant occurs 540 times in the Bible! What is a remnant? How does it apply in this end time? How does it apply to the church?

'Seventy Weeks Are Determined...'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Seventy Weeks Prophecy is contentious among prophecy experts. But simply taking the Bible at face value makes the meaning of this prophecy crystal clear.

Hope to the End (Part Three)

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

Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.

Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.