Playlist: Church Eras (topic)
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.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Revelation presents a progression of time through the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3, indicating distinct eras from the first century up to the return of Jesus Christ. Each message, though addressed to specific congregations like Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and …
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerBrethren, we have been born into unearned riches beyond anything this world has to offer, and we must be careful to use these riches in line with what God intends for us through Jesus Christ. If we are not vigilant, we can fall into the same trap as the very rich, becoming complacent and trusting in our own wealth, unable to see …
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3 present messages to the seven churches, which are understood as representing seven consecutive eras of God's church, alongside seven first-century congregations and seven end-time organizations typified by those congregations. These messages are intended for all churches, indicating a …
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The concept of Church Eras, as often discussed in relation to the seven congregations in Revelation 2 and 3, is not supported by the scriptural context. These seven congregations—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—existed simultaneously in the first century, likely no later than …
Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 can be understood as relating to spiritual conditions in seven first-century congregations, as seven groups at the end time, or as eras throughout church history. This last perspective is particularly instructive, especially concerning the Ephesian era. The Ephesian era, …
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)One of the strongest beliefs held by those who emerged from the scattering of the Worldwide Church of God is that Revelation 2 and 3 describe seven church eras, representing long periods of time from the founding of the church during Christ's lifetime up to the present and continuing to His return. Herman Hoeh, in the 1959 …
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.
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.
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.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.
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.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDespite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.
Sin and Overcoming (Part 3): The Battle For Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Laodicean temperament falls far short in promoting the processes of overcoming and repentance. Spiritual growth and godly behavior take tremendous work.