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The Signs of God
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ is not against signs; the book of John is structured around eight signs. The Old Testament is full of signs that the Pharisees missed.
Sense of Wonder
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterIn the Bible, one of the words for wonder is Strong's 6382, pele, often associated with the signs and wonders that God performed for Israel in Egypt. These were miracles, miraculous events that struck astonishment in the sight of those who witnessed them. Asaph, in Psalm 77:11-14, recalls these wonderful deeds of God, stating that he remembers His mighty works constantly in his thoughts. He declares that God's ways are holy, affirming there is no god as mighty as Him, and proclaims that He is the God of great wonders, demonstrating His awesome power among the nations. Remembering these wondrous works of God is a vital step for us, as Israel was commanded to remember numerous times. We must actively recall not only the wonders recorded in Scripture but also the wonderful acts God has performed in our own lives. By keeping these wonders constantly in our thoughts and meditating on them, we come to understand that He is holy, mighty, and sovereign over His creation, truly a God who does wonders.
Made His Wonderful Work to be Remembered (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must remember that God is working not only in the world, but in our personal lives as well, training us to lead, act, and believe with conviction.
Different Signs of the Times
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe renewed interest in aliens and UFOs within mainstream media and entertainment raises questions about the portrayal of signs and wonders in popular culture. Reports of paranormal phenomena, such as UFO sightings and unexplained events, are now presented in a neutral or even slightly positive tone by reputable sources, subtly implanting these ideas in the public mind. The movie "Signs" introduces a significant shift by depicting both a sovereign God, providentially involved in creation, and extraterrestrial beings within the same worldview, blurring lines that were previously distinct. As the end-time approaches, the Bible warns that satan's deceptions will increase, accompanied by signs and wonders that could mislead many. Christ's return will be a spectacular event marked by heavenly signs, yet it will face fierce resistance from both human and supernatural forces. In this context, believers are reminded to focus on God's commandments, remaining vigilant against deception and prepared for the ultimate battle, rather than being distracted by speculative phenomena.
The Beast and Religion
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the context of the end times, the significance of signs and wonders emerges as a powerful tool of deception orchestrated by Satan through his human agents. Revelation 13:11-15 describes a second beast, also known as the false prophet, who performs great signs in the presence of the first beast, using these miracles to deceive onlookers and garner support for the beast's agenda. II Thessalonians 2:9 further reveals that the coming of the lawless one, understood as the first beast, is accompanied by all power, signs, and lying wonders, clearly establishing both beasts as instruments of Satan's manipulative influence. The miracles performed by the false prophet are real, yet their intent is to conceal Satan's true purpose, leading to widespread deception that could sway billions to align with the beast and the false prophet. These signs and lying wonders, amplified through worldwide media like the Internet and TV, will force individuals to make critical choices about their lives, underscoring the urgency of Jesus Christ's warning in the Olivet Prophecy to beware of deception. Revelation 13:8-9 offers a sobering reminder that all who dwell on the earth will worship the first beast, except those whose names are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, emphasizing the need for discernment to avoid being misled by these deceptive signs.
Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong made scores of predictions, and many of them never came to pass. Does this make him a false prophet? Is he thus not worthy of following?
The Two Witnesses
Sermonette by Mike FordMany have claimed to be the Two Witnesses. We can identify true and false prophets by their fruits, including if they teach that God's Law has been done away.
Seeing is Not Believing
Sermonette byWe have the tendency when we see something to register it as truth imprinted on our minds. Jesus warned of deceptions that could confound our sense of sight.
Let No One Deceive You
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIncreasing knowledge and other modern factors lend themselves to deception, yet this is one of the primary end-time trends that Jesus warns us against.
Is God a Magician?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTechnology makes us susceptible to the 'quick fix' mentality, expecting miraculous solutions to all problems, making us susceptible to false miracles.
A Place of Safety? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecies concerning the Man of Sin refer to a person with great political power with global significance rather than to a leader of a small church.
What Is a False Prophet?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeFalse prophets—including the great False Prophet of Revelation—claim to speak for God, yet reveal themselves in predictable ways. Here is what to look for.
The Beast From the Earth and 666
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.
Matthew (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good.
Seeing Is Not Believing
'Ready Answer' by Ryan McClureOur senses can be deceived through distraction and misdirection, which becomes especially critical when determining matters of spiritual importance.
The Book of Daniel (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel 7-8 is full of overlapping images and visions. Both chapters show the certainty of the end of Gentile kingdoms, replaced by God's eternal Kingdom.
Testing the Spirits (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Apostle John exhorts us to test and discern the spirits, judging between the true and the false, using the scripture as the steady standard of truth.