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The Symmetry of History (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerHistorical patterns emerge from the unchanging wickedness of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9) and the persistent deception of Satan, the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9), producing recurring structures across time that members of the Body of Christ recognize as meaningful symmetry rather than mere coincidence. This concept of historical repetition is explored through Karl Jaspers' theory of an "Axial Period," roughly 800 BC to 200 BC, which he considered uniquely pivotal to human civilization, with the actual turning point falling around 500 BC. During this era, major political transformations occurred: the ten tribes of Israel fell to Assyria near the period's beginning, Judah fell to Babylon at its midpoint, and ancient power structures in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, India, and the Far East collapsed, replaced by emerging Greek and Roman civilizations that would shape subsequent history. Beyond political shifts, Jaspers emphasized a "spiritual process," a crossover in ideas concerning philosophy, law, and religion, including a movement from polytheism toward monotheism. This religious transformation is illustrated by the rise of Judaism itself, which, despite rabbinic claims to ancient origins, actually developed during the Babylonian Exile through a process of syncretism. Jewish exiles absorbed cultural traits from their Babylonian captors, and this influence persisted even among those who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. After Ezra and Nehemiah died, subsequent leaders, responding to Greek cultural pressures, constructed a version of Judaism markedly different from the faith of the Patriarchs—one characterized by rigid legalism and ritual form without godly power, precisely the self-righteous religious system Christ condemned in Mark 7:6-8 for honoring God with lips while hearts remained distant, and for elevating human traditions above God's commandments. A more defensible framework than Jaspers' vague "pivot period" identifies two clear, biblically-grounded tipping points within this same timeframe: God's imposition of a 2,520-year punishment period upon the ten-tribed House of Israel around 722 BC, and a parallel 2,520-year punishment period imposed upon Judah at the period's midpoint. These tipping points provide concrete, divinely-orchestrated markers that genuinely altered history's course, unlike Jaspers' undefined pivot year. This examination of the Axial Period ultimately raises the question of whether such a pivotal era was a singular, unrepeatable event or instead represents a pattern that could recur. The inquiry into whether history displays genuine symmetry—whether a "Second Axial Period" might exist with its own defining characteristics and consequences—points toward continued investigation into how biblical history reveals recurring divine dealings with nations and peoples across time.
Discounting the Bible
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible needs no authentication from scholars, historians, or archeologists. The Bible proves itself true every time a sinner turns from his wicked ways.
New, Bible-Validating Discoveries
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe discovery of a clay bulla substantiates the account of II Chronicles 34:8, which avers that Josiah appointed Ma-aseiah to serve as Governor of Jerusalem.
Suppressed Archaeology (Part Two)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMany members of the archeological community suppress evidence of any Western Hemispheric explorations before Columbus, especially evidence of Semitic settlement.
Recent Finds
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThere have been several finds over the last few years that have added to the already large mass of evidence for Scripture's faithfulness to history.
The Importance of Dating
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughCurrently, several chronological systems are vying for predominance among scholars. What impact might this have on our biblical understanding of prophecy?
The Proof of the Bible
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWe live in an age of skepticism. Is the Bible superstition or authority? Did you ever stop to PROVE whether the Bible is the inspired Word of God?
The Truth Matters!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSecular scientists opt for political correctness, denying anything which would establish the historicity of the Bible, even the location of Joseph's tomb.
Prophecy and the Sixth-Century Axial Period
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProphecy has many purposes, but it is never intended to open the future to mere curiosity. Its higher purpose is to give guidance to the heirs of salvation.
Suppressed Archaeology (Part Three)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSemitic peoples were living on what was to be called the American Continent over 2,000 years before Columbus set foot in the western hemisphere.
Why Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael plays a prominent part in Scripture. Here is God's stated purposes for choosing and using the children of Israel throughout His Word—and beyond.
Abraham (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham was a wealthy and influential man who instructed the Chaldean priesthood on the reality of God, showing the foolishness of worshipping the creation.
Proofs of Christ's Resurrection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThere is more corroboration of evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ and His life experiences than that regarding Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar.
Abraham (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham did not come from a primitive, but a highly advanced civilization, having huge multi-storied dwellings with running water and indoor bathrooms.
The Real Prince of Egypt
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughComparing the movie 'Prince of Egypt' with what the Bible and history tell us about the life of Moses proves that truth is more incredible than fiction.
The Intertestamental Period
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Intertestamental Period spans approximately 400 years from Malachi to the appearance of John the Baptist, creating the environment for Christ's ministry.
The Book of Daniel (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSin, the real opiate of the people, makes us oblivious to danger, giving us a debased and reprobate mind. It is not static, but leads to destruction.
The Book of Daniel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we look upon the Book of Daniel as a puzzle of prophecies, we miss the more important point that it gives strategies to remain godly in a godless venue.
What Happened Between the Testaments?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.
Abraham (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham came from a civilization in Mesopotamia that was highly advanced in science, including calculus and chemistry, and having indoor running water.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.
Who Were the Philistines?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFor centuries, the Philistines were a constant menace on Israel's flank. Here is what the Bible, history, and archeology have to say about this people.
The Bible—Superstition or Authority?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWhy do the many churches disagree about what the Bible says? Have you ever proved whether it is the authoritative Word of the Creator God?