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The Miraculous Survival of Israel
Commentary by Clyde FinkleaFollowing the great revolt of the Jews from 66-70 AD, the walls of Jerusalem were breached on Tammuz 17, and the temple was destroyed. For nearly 1900 years, Jerusalem endured one overthrow after another. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, the British assumed control of Palestine. On November 2, 1917, the Balfour Declaration expressed favor for establishing a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. On May 14, 1948, the state of Israel was born against all odds. Even though Israel became a nation in 1948, no one had complete control of Jerusalem until 1967, after the Six Day War, when it once again came into the possession of the Jewish nation. In 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced the move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. President Harry Truman was the first to recognize Israel as an independent nation in 1948. In 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, Israel faced a critical moment, and President Richard Nixon provided crucial support, enabling Israel to defeat their enemies.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
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.
Israel's Case Regarding the Land
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The so-called Palestinian refugees became so when fellow Arabs refused to absorb them, hoping to create perpetual tension and hatred toward the Jews.
Israel: Past
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOnce Israel is identified prophetically, Bible prophecy opens up and God's plan becomes plain!
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Three): A Cycle of Rebellion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael consistently cycles through God's deliverance, apostasy through idolatry and immorality, God's chastening, national repentance, then deliverance again.
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 Fifteen):The Israel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe top priority for the Israel of God is to cooperate with Him as He develops godly character through their mortifying the old man and putting on the new man.
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.
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 Five): A Remnant of Judah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDespite her former relationship with God, absolutely no nation could ever out-sin Judah, even though God had given her multiple warnings to repent.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
The Purpose of Israel
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod chose ancient Israel 1) to be separate, 2) to demonstrate His love to them, 3) to keep His promises to Abraham, and 4) to make a covenant with them.
Jerusalem and the Plan of Redemption
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIsrael's harlotry and rejection of God's covenant gave Jerusalem an increasingly unsavory association, calling for its impending judgment and destruction.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part One)
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughPreaching to the ancient Israelites, Amos' indictments parallel today's spiritual decline. God wants His people to repent and avoid impending judgment.
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.
Tisha b'Av
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe 9th of Av commemorates major historical tragedies. When it occurs on a Sabbath during a Shemitah (year of release), horrible things occur.