Playlist: Letters to the Seven Churches (topic)
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Book of Revelation, often attributed to John, contains a series of letters addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor. These letters, found in chapters two and three, are directed to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each letter begins with a description of Jesus Christ, …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Seven): Repentance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 focus on the need for repentance and maintaining faith during times of stress and danger. Christ's message to these churches is to come out of the world, focus zealously on Him and His way, overcome sin, particularly idolatry and syncretism, and endure to the end. …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches are found in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the book of Revelation. These letters are significant because they appear at the beginning of the book, setting the context for the entire work. The book of Revelation is meant to be a disclosure, an unveiling of vital information from God the Father …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs the book closes, Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Savior, sends a final personal communication known as the letters to the seven churches. These letters, found in Revelation 2 and 3, provide necessary evaluation, instruction, praise, and sometimes correction. They are essential for His people to endure to the end and be …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches in Revelation, particularly the letter to the church in Philadelphia, emphasize the importance of communication. Jesus Christ communicates directly to the church, offering commendation and encouragement. In His letter to Philadelphia, Christ's message is notably positive and uplifting, …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Four): Pergamos
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches serve as divine evaluations, judgments, and critiques of the workers within God's institution, the church. These letters assess the performance of the church members, identifying those who are diligent and those who are not. Some members are praised for their efforts, while others are encouraged …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eleven): Laodicea
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's letter to the Laodicean church begins with a strong self-identification, setting up a dichotomy between Himself and the church. He calls Himself the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, and the Beginning of the creation of God. These titles emphasize His dependability, truthfulness, and authority as the Creator, which …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Five): Thyatira
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches, including the letter to the church of Thyatira, are not to be interpreted prophetically or applied to modern churches. Instead, they should be understood personally, using Christ's insights to identify and overcome our own sins, so we may be found worthy at His return. The letter to Thyatira, …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letters to the seven churches, as seen in the letter to the church in Sardis, are to be approached as epistles, similar to those written by Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and John. These letters are meant for personal reflection and instruction, not as prophecies to be applied to specific people or churches. The goal is to use …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe purpose of the letters to the seven churches is to ensure our faith all the way to complete sanctification and salvation by whatever means possible. These letters appear in a book of prophecy centered on the Day of the Lord and are supposed to be applicable all the way up until that time, no matter where in history one …
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 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.
Back to the First Century
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughHaving no central leadership, we have entered an era of seemingly organizational disarray, a crucial time in which we should adjust to what God has done.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
Is There a True Church?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod'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.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)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.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidJust as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.
Revelation 2 and 3: Eras?
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)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 "Open Door" of Philadelphia
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMany 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.
Revelation 2-3 and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
A Search for Identity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod 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.
God Hates? (Part Two)
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAlmighty God loves righteousness—something which Gods saints should emulate. Conversely, God abhors, disdains, and hates evil, particularly the Nicolaitans'.
Why Are You Here?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)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.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
A Place of Safety? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has the ability to protect and save in a variety of methods. The Scriptures reveal various purposes for intervention, protection, and prudent escape.
Increased With Goods
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Laodicean congregation had a penchant toward materialism, which sidetracked them from their primary goal of following Christ.
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.
The Providence of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod uses calamities as part of His creative process. Like Jacob, who initially succumbed to weak faith and fear, we must repent of our loss of devotion to God.
Repentance
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn mainstream Protestantism, repentance has fallen out of favor, yet it is mentioned far more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament.
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNeglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.
Be Strong and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile the returned Judean exiles prioritized their own houses over building the temple, we should understand that it is always time to work on God's house.
The Fruit of Repentance
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may feel sorry or even guilty when we sin, but have we actually repented? The Scriptures show that true repentance produces these seven, distinct fruits.
Psalm 51 (Part Four): Psalm 51:13-19
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance is far more than feeling guilt or apologizing but instead is a spirit-empowered reorientation of heart, mind, and behavior.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
Facing Times of Stress: Persecution
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPersecution involves a wide spectrum, ranging from torture, physical beating, social excommunication, imprisonment and death. Our boldness should match Paul's.
Rod of Iron
Sermon by John O. ReidCultural and belief systems contrary to God's way of life will not dissolve or break apart easily, but will require a rod of iron to break them apart.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because of the rapid information flow, the changes occur faster and the regressions become the norm, as is seen in the acceptance of homosexuality and abortion.
Passionate Patience
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWhile waiting for Christ's return and overcoming our carnal minds, we must struggle to connect with God's will and purpose, developing passionate patience.
A House Left Desolate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is a God of mercy, but He has a stiff core of justice which will not be placated unless we repent. To whom much has been given, much will be required.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidIt is not profitable to focus on the place of safety or the specific time of Christ's return, but instead to make the best use of our time to overcome.
Trumpets: Soon To Be Fulfilled?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe attitudes of II Timothy 3:1-5 are rampant now and should give us the urgent incentive to repent and overcome, preparing for Jesus Christ's return.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.