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playlist Go to the Seven Churches of Revelation (topic) playlist

The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation's seven churches have intrigued readers for centuries. Were they just seven historical churches, eras, or attitudes ever-present in the church?


Revelation 10 and the Church's History

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Revelation 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.


Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must keep the spiritual lessons of the letters, not just figure out prophecies. There are several ways to view them, but the most important is personally.


A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

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.


Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The church has Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. As long as there is a church, there will also be at least one living stone upon another.


A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most 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.


Revelation 2 and 3: Eras?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

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.


The All-Important Introduction to Revelation

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Skipping the first chapter of Revelation deprives us of vital information necessary for understanding the rest of the book.


Is There a True Church?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.


God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.


Revelation 2-3 and Works

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.


Is There a True Church?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.


Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.


'He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear . . .'

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

A man with myopic judgment will take the good times he has as evidence of God's pleasure, and conclude that the bad times must be caused by Satan's persecution.


A Search for Identity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God 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.


The "Open Door" of Philadelphia

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Many have misunderstood the 'open door' reference in the letter to Philadelphia. It refers to Isaiah 22:15-25, which describes the role of Eliakim the steward.


Why Are You Here?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God, following a pattern, routinely calls the lowly and weak to guard against pride. God will transform the weak of this world through His Holy Spirit.


Smyrna: Faithful Until Death

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.


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.


Are You Running on Empty?

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

The Parable of the Ten Virgins must become a wake-up call to the church of God that we are 'running on empty,' to quote a Jackson Brown song.


A Time To Scatter

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

While we yearn for the church to be re-united, until our own personal walk with God is attained and we intently seek Him first, church unity will not happen.


Repentance

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In mainstream Protestantism, repentance has fallen out of favor, yet it is mentioned far more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament.


But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

'Prophecy Watch' by David F. Maas

In the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.


What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.


A Calendar Summary

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.


The Elijah Syndrome

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Elijah fell into a dilemma of either fearing God or fearing man, and ended up fearing Jezebel rather than God, thinking he was alone in his zeal for God.


The Bride of Christ

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

The names of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 prove equally significant as demonstrating the traits or characteristics of the wise virgins.