Playlist: Israel, Married to God (topic)
Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersThe book of Hosea reveals the profound relationship between God and Israel, portraying Israel as His wife. The Eternal viewed Israel's worship of other gods as spiritual adultery, a theme recurrent in the Old Testament where Israel is described as whoring after or playing the harlot with other gods. Despite His command that they …
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Four): God's Indictment
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael's relationship with God is portrayed as a sacred marriage covenant, marked by intimacy and exclusivity. When God called Israel out of Egypt and formed them into a nation, He knew the inclination of their hearts and their potential for carnality, which would lead to their destruction. Despite this, He bound Himself to them …
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Eleven): Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's relationship with Israel is marked by a profound and intimate bond, as He has known and loved Israel uniquely among all the families of the earth. As expressed in Amos 3:1-2, He declares, "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities." This knowing implies a …
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThroughout the Bible, God's relationship with His people is depicted as a sacred marriage, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the husband and His people as His wife. In Israelite society, the man was the head of the household, and thus, within this metaphor, God is cast in the role of husband and father. Malachi speaks of …
Bible Answers to The Da Vinci Code
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod entered into a covenant with Israel which was a marriage covenant. Israel played the harlot and received a bill of divorce. The law states that a man should not take back a wife who has been defiled because that is an abomination. Jesus sacrificed Himself so that Israel could be both redeemed and remarried. The problem …
The Day of Israel's Calamity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the sacred scriptures, God portrays Israel as a single entity, a female whom He finds in a deplorable state, cleanses, and finds attractive. He marries her, establishing a profound covenant, yet describes her unfaithful marital behavior. This imagery, seen in Ezekiel 16, captures the entire nation as one person, reflecting a …
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Israel entered into a covenant with God that was symbolically a marriage covenant. Their problem was trusting Him as one being faithful as one should be in a marriage covenant. God's relationship with the Israelites was completely one-sided. He loved them with all His being and provided for them. Following through on the …
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod remembers Israel's early devotion and the love of her bridal days. God uses the bridegroom and bride analogies because they picture the kind of fervent relationship He desires with His people. Fervency is warmth of spirit and an attitude. God does not need His people in any way. His people are not holy like He is. They do …
Our Ultimate Purpose (Part Three)
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloIn the relationship between Israel and God, a profound marital bond is depicted. Isaiah 54:5 reveals that Israel's Maker is her husband, the Lord of hosts, and her Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, called the God of the whole earth. Despite Israel's repeated disrespect and idolatry, Jesus expresses His enduring commitment to …
Hosea's Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHosea was ordered by God to make a symbolic marriage to a harlot. This heartbreaking marriage portrayed Israel's unfaithfulness to God in spite of His care.
Deuteronomy Opening
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy is addressed to the Israel of God, a group of God's called out ones who have been convicted that the Law has not been done away.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must become leaders in our own families, protecting them from the curses that are already falling on our nation. We have the obligation to fear God.
Deuteronomy and Idolatry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.
An Undying Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaEven though Gomer proved unfaithful, Hosea still loved her, buying her back from captivity and restoring her as his wife, just like God lovingly forgives.
The Bride of Christ (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's called and chosen people are being prepared, under Christ's direction, to become His perfect and faithful helpmate for eternity.
Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod expects works from all He has called. We show our faithfulness and loyalty to God by our works or conduct - what we produce by what we have been given.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.
Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A prophet is one who carries a message from another. A true prophet's message will derive from existing Scripture, even if he is breaking new, unexplored ground.
Standing on the Sea of Glass
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Sea of Glass at God's throne reflects and symbolizes God's holiness and purity, peace and calmness, and His purposes of righteousness and love.
Esther (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod allows each of us to experience trials and tests to humble us, leading us to repent, obey and trust, followed by an often-dramatic deliverance and joy.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.