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Israel's Restoration and the Zeitgeist of Zeal
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God's work encompasses the restoration of all things, a critical effort spoken of by His holy prophets since the world began. This includes the regathering and restoration of Israel, a process integral to His plan of salvation. After Christ's return, God will search out the lands of Israel's enemies to find and return scattered Israelites to the Land of Promise, defined from the river of Egypt to the River Euphrates. This regathering is a determined action by God to bring His people back, not to their lands of exile, but to their rightful inheritance. Restoration, distinct yet closely linked to regathering, involves actions God takes to return Israel to His favor. This includes a single act of forgiveness on the Day of Atonement, removing the iniquity of the land in one day, as well as a gradual process of increasing Israel's wealth and prestige among the nations, positioning them as the head of the world's nations. Restoration follows punishment for Israel's sins, which God administers in full before renewing His people. This punishment arises from the multitude of Israel's iniquities, as their sins have increased over time, necessitating divine correction to reverse the acceleration of sin. In the time of Jacob's trouble, a period of tribulation for Israel due to her sins, God promises to regather and restore His people, punishing gentile nations in the process. This restoration is set in the latter days, highlighting God's determined purpose to renew national Israel. During their captivity, Israelites will reflect on both the blessings of liberty and prosperity they once enjoyed and the curses of disease, deprivation, and scattering they endure, prompting a return to God. God's commitment to regather and restore Israel is evident in His covenantal faithfulness, fulfilling both blessings and curses with righteousness. He will prosper and multiply Israel more than their fathers, adding value to the restored nation. This value includes circumcising their hearts, enabling them to love and serve God completely through a new heart and spirit, ensuring faithfulness under the New Covenant. This covenant of peace will remain with Israel forever, preventing future backsliding and incurring God's wrath no longer. As part of this restoration, God will curtail the influence of gentile nations while increasing Israel's wealth, power, and prestige, preparing them for a significant role in His worldwide plan of salvation. Christ, as a shepherd, will lead restored Israelites out of the Land of Promise to preach the gospel to Gentiles and minister to Israelites residing outside the land, mirroring the New Testament model of going out to the people. These preachers, trained and unhindered, will operate in assigned territories corresponding to the twelve tribes, ensuring the gospel reaches all nations and peoples. God's restoration of Israel is central to His purpose of bringing salvation to the entire earth. Restored Israel, under the New Covenant, will carry the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the power of God to salvation, to all who have ever lived, fulfilling His promise that through Abraham all families of the earth will be blessed. This immense undertaking, driven by zeal for the gospel, will be the foundation of Israelite civilization in the World Tomorrow, culminating in the end as Christ promised when the gospel has been preached in all the world.
144,000 of the Tribes of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe attributes of the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are found in prophecies of Israel, indicating that a humbled remnant of Israel will turn to God.
The Sixth Seal and Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEach depiction of the Sixth Seal also shows God's involvement with physical Israelites. John's vision precedes a glimpse of 144,000 of the tribes of Israel.
Zephaniah (Part Three): Quick Destruction, Eternal Restoration
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe restoration of Israel is a central theme in the unfolding of God's plan for a new age following the tumultuous times of wrath and judgment. After the Day of the Lord and the great tribulations, Jesus Christ will return as a mighty warrior and conquering King to tear down the old order and build anew with a humbled remnant. He will start with Israel, showing compassion, teaching, and helping them rebuild not just their cities but their lives. As foretold in Isaiah 2, the nations will eventually flow into Jerusalem to participate in the peace and prosperity that Israelites experience under God's government. In Zephaniah 3, the progression of restoration begins with God's wrath against Judah, representing all Israel, and the wicked nations. Then Christ begins to restore the remnant, teaching them in kindness and offering grace. He addresses a small, humble remnant of Israel, advising them to be patient and endure through the terrible times of Tribulation and the Day of the Lord until His indignation has passed. Once this is accomplished, He will reverse the confusion of Babel by giving the peoples a pure language, aiding them in calling upon God's name, learning the truth, and following it. The scattered people of Israel will return to Jerusalem, resuming proper worship as commanded by God, offering sin and burnt offerings to learn His ways as intended from the beginning. Finally, God will have a people who obey His voice, a remnant purged of the proud and rebellious, transformed into a humble people willing to serve Him. No longer deceitful or living in fear, they will rejoice as God dwells in their midst, bringing salvation, joy, quiet, comfort, and peace through His boundless love. God Himself will exert His power to restore Israel, turning their fortunes around, leading them back to Him, and bestowing renown and glory upon them. His determination ensures that His purposes will come to pass, uniting Him with His people in a renewed and glorious relationship.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fourteen): Israel Redeemed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs a rigorous process of refinement in preparing people for the roles He desires them to fulfill, focusing on spiritual qualities such as love, faith, humility, and obedience. Soon, He will initiate this character development process with the people of Israel, beginning with a severe punishment due to their mounting sins, which have become a heavy burden even to Him. However, this punishment is only the starting point. A crucial subsequent step involves paying for and carrying away the sins of a humble remnant, providing redemption and forgiveness to those who are humbled, ensuring the process continues. God voices His exasperation with Israel for their persistent rebellion and lack of understanding, despite His constant provision and nourishment as a loving father. Their sin, a heavy burden, stifles their growth and leads to regression, necessitating a lifting of this burden. The result of their evils is prophetically described as desolation, with cities and countryside burned and ruined, leaving only a small remnant in fear and desperation. Without this remnant, the nation would face annihilation. Israel's behavior, contrary to God's intentions despite His strict instructions, justifies His wrath, bringing famine, disease, war, captivity, slavery, and death as direct consequences of their sin and unfruitfulness. God emphasizes the connection between sin and punishment, underscoring that His wrath is a lawful response to Israel's spectacular breaking of the covenant. Yet, as His beloved, He will save a remnant and try again. A change occurs with this small remnant, who will no longer depend on their oppressors but will turn to God in truth, showing faith in Him. This remnant will return to God, achieving what He has sought for millennia, and the destruction He decrees will ultimately overflow with righteousness, causing the people to change. In the future, a few from the houses of Israel and Judah will come to their senses, mourn, and be humbled, recognizing their guilt in rejecting the Messiah, leading to God's grace, forgiveness, and the offer of His Holy Spirit. God will gather this remnant, the outcasts of Israel and the dispersed of Judah, from all over the world in a Second Exodus, more significant than the first, aimed at the salvation of Israel. One of the initial actions with this gathered remnant is forging peace between Israel and Judah, ending centuries of division and uniting them into one nation under Christ and David, their prince. This uniting, symbolized as one stick in God's hand, will enable Him to use Israel as a tool for various purposes in the Millennium, supported by their God, King Jesus Christ. Israel, now converted, will fulfill their original promise to be an example nation before the world, complying with God's direction under David's leadership. God promises a covenant of peace, an everlasting agreement of fellowship, allowing Him to live among them, drawing other nations to desire Israel's special relationship with Him. Through grace in the wilderness, despite wars, captivity, and distress, God provides real salvation to the humbled remnant, wooing them back, redeeming and ransoming them as they respond with repentance, shame, and love for Him. At the return of Christ, He will make a New Covenant with this gathered remnant, superior to the first, inscribing His law on their open hearts and minds as they accept their place as His people. This includes a cleansing of sin, forgiveness, and His Holy Spirit within them, marking a national conversion of the remnant emerging from great tribulation. This spiritual salvation and reconciliation between God and His people are symbolized by the Day of Atonement, focusing on the covering and cleansing of human sins through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose precious blood alone atones for sin. The remnant returns mourning and afflicted of soul, mirroring the commanded fasting on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing their humbled state. They w
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Ten): Where Is Israel Today?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNo matter how scattered Israel is, God will not lose the smallest grain. Using Jerusalem as a reference point, Israel dispersed north and west into Europe.
The Appointed Time for Israel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaIn Leviticus 23, God's festivals are called appointed times. One appointed time for ancient Israel was the fulfillment of the 70 Weeks prophecy of Daniel.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Six): New Testament Teaching
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose who follow Christ are the true Israel, the Elect, and the Chosen, called by God to precede unfaithful physical Israel in the salvation process.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Nine): Romans 11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul poses two questions in Romans 11: Has God discarded Israel for all time? Will God graft physical Israel into the Covenant people of Abraham?
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Four): God's Indictment
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though Jacob's offspring have had a special relationship with God, their carnal nature led them to test God's patience, growing more corrupt than even Sodom.
Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersTo dramatize the perennial harlotry of Israel and the incredible love God exhibits toward His people, He commands Hosea to marry a harlot, Gomer.
Learn to Fear God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidFearing God is equated with obeying or complying with God's instructions, voluntarily measuring all our thoughts and behavior against His Law.
'Until Right Now, This Very Day'
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If modern Israel disobeys the terms of the covenant, the fact that God made a covenant with them will not deflect the full impact of God's judgment.
Safety in the Wrong Place
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsPentagon and government officials vainly regard man-made underground burrows as their 'place of safety' in the event of nuclear holocaust.
The Second Exodus (Part Three)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAt some point in the near future, the modern descendants of Israel will learn of their true identity—and have to face the consequences of that knowledge.
The Second Exodus (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe timing of the regathering of Israel is uncertain, but here are the Scriptural markers that narrow the time frame to a significant prophetic event.
'Done Away' Is Incorrect
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Protestantism alleges that God's law is 'done away.' What Scripture shows, though, is that some aspects are not required presently, but God's law is eternal.
Ezekiel's Temple and the Covenants
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeA future Millennial temple (described in Ezekiel 40—48) will contain some elements of the Old Covenant, including animal sacrifices and Levitical priests.
Preparing To Work
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe 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.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not fulfilled with the binding of Satan. Rather, there are numerous prophecies of God atoning for the sins of physical Israel.
The Present Harvest (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Christ empowers His disciples to preach and heal. He is saying there will be an incomplete work of healing and preaching in the run-up to His return.
Meet the Minor Prophets (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twelve small books are often overlooked, but the Minor Prophets contain vital messages for today's Christians facing the time of the end.
The Challenge of Growth in the New Eden
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Young people need to prepare themselves now, envisioning themselves as architects, civil engineers, transportation engineers, explorers, and teachers.
Preparing to Rule!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHave you ever considered what it will be like right after Christ returns? What will you do, as a king, to help and govern the people placed under you?
The Needed Dimension
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we humbly submit before God, all of His efforts go for naught. God will not give His Spirit to those who will not obey Him.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParts of God's law are not presently required, yet not 'done away." Paul took a vow that required animal sacrifice. Ezekiel 34-48 shows the sacrificial law observed.
The Goodness and Severity of God (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGod seems to display irreconcilable contradictions, such as great wrath and deep compassion. Yet these are not contradictory traits but rigorous responses.
The Goodness and Severity of God
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)On the heels of destruction will come the forces of reconciliation. The forces of destruction and construction will appear to be virtually simultaneous.
Hope!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidHope is a joyful and contented expectation of salvation or fulfillment. Modern Israel has very little hope because of reaping the consequences of sin.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout God's Spirit, mankind is guided by another spirit, leading to destructive consequences, made all the more menacing by increased technological capabilities.
Forgiveness and the Perpetual Covenant of Peace
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIt is commonly thought that we pay no price for forgiveness, yet Scripture shows that God gives us significant responsibilities to be a part of His family.
Rainbow of Peace
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)As Israel comes to itself, God will gently re-gather His people from their exile, an event which will make reconciliation available to the entire world.
Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twelve books of the Minor Prophets—including Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah—are often overlooked in favor of the Major Prophets and the four gospels.
Rejoice and Fear God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fill our lives with peace, repenting, changing our attitude, and voluntarily yielding to God before we can produce the fruits of righteousness.
Why 153?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first sign in the book of John corrected the physical need for wine; the eighth sign of 153 fish corrected a spiritual need on the part of God's people.
Nahum
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamNahum, whose name means 'comfort,' assures the captives that God would again comfort those who had suffered under the fist of the Assyrians.
God's Will in the End Time
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not like to inflict punishment on people, but because of sin, He is obligated to correct. But as quickly as God punishes, God restores and heals.
Why 153 Fish? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAt Cana, the wedding party (and the physical nation) had water for purification rites, but the wedding feast (and the nation) lacked the all-important wine.
The Third Day (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblically, the third day carries much historic and prophetic significance.
New Heavens and New Earth
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFollowing Jacob's Trouble, God will regather a remnant of the outcasts, breaking their yokes and bringing them to repentance and rest in the Promised Land.
Examining God's Judgments
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.
Prosperity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe still suffer the consequences of Israel's request to have a king like other nations and to adopt political and economic systems like every other nation.
The Harvest is Almost In
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout Jesus Christ ruling this earth, mankind cannot govern himself one iota. Good times are coming to the earth when God's governance will restore all things.
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.
Famine (Part Three): The Abundance of God's Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAfter Christ's return, famine will be the penalty for not keeping His Feast of Tabernacles. God will establish conditions in which famine will never occur again.