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Peace, Peace (Part Two): Christ's Peace
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the discourse on peace, a critical examination reveals the deceptive cry of 'Peace, peace!' as highlighted in Jeremiah 6:10-15. At a time when calamity loomed over Jerusalem and Judea with the impending Babylonian invasion, false prophets and priests misleadingly proclaimed peace, denying the true state of turmoil. They offered superficial comfort, claiming all was well, when in reality, there was no peace—neither externally nor internally. Their words were a mere bandage on a grievous wound, failing to address the deep-seated issues and leaving the people unprepared for the destruction that followed. Similarly, in I Thessalonians 5:1-3, Paul warns of a parallel deception at the end time, during the Day of the Lord. He foretells that many will proclaim 'Peace and safety!' just before sudden destruction strikes, catching the unsuspecting off guard. This false assurance mirrors the historical deceit in Jeremiah's time, suggesting a world lulled into a false sense of security, ignoring the spiritual and physical realities. The outcome, as Paul emphasizes, is inescapable destruction for those who heed such lies. Both passages underscore a profound truth: the outward claim of peace often masks an inner corruption. While the absence of visible conflict might suggest tranquility, it hides a spiritually rotten core, revealing that true peace has been elusive since Eden. The hypocritical stance of those claiming spiritual health is exposed by the sudden calamities that befall them, proving that wickedness and peace cannot coexist, as reiterated in Isaiah 48:22 and 57:21, where it is declared that there is no peace for the wicked. Thus, the deceptive cry of 'Peace, peace!' serves as a stark warning against complacency and a call to recognize the deeper, spiritual absence of true peace in a world rife with sin.
Peace, Peace (Part One): Peace with God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of a profound warning delivered through Jeremiah, God expresses His frustration with the people of Judah for their refusal to heed His calls to repentance. Amidst this dire message, the priests and prophets are singled out for their failure to truthfully convey the seriousness of the impending wrath. Instead, they falsely comforted the people by proclaiming, "Peace, peace!" when there was no peace to be found. This deceptive assurance glossed over the deep sinfulness of the nation, suggesting that all was well and that God's mercy would prevail without the need for true repentance. Their cries of peace were superficial, masking the ugly reality of idolatry, deceit, and covetousness that pervaded the land. This false proclamation of peace stood in stark contrast to the turbulent reality of the times, as the threat of Babylonian conquest loomed ever closer. The priests and prophets ignored the evident signs of turmoil and the rising powers in the east, choosing to believe that peace would somehow prevail. Yet, there was no peace with the approaching conqueror, no peace with God who was angered by their unrepentant hearts, and no peace among the Judeans themselves, torn by internal factions and personal strife. Their cries of "Peace, peace!" were nothing more than lies, a superficial salve on open wounds, failing to address the deep-rooted sin that made true peace impossible. This historical example serves as a sobering lesson for any age, highlighting the absence of peace in a world steeped in sin. Humanity, as depicted in Isaiah, has never truly known the way of peace due to incessant iniquities that separate them from God. The lack of peace extends beyond nations to personal relationships and internal struggles, revealing that peace is unattainable in the presence of sin. Only through addressing and repenting of sin can an environment of peace be established, allowing for growth in righteousness as God desires for His people.
The Peacemakers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn times of great crisis, particularly as the coming Day of the Lord approaches, there is often a deceptive cry of "Peace, peace" when there is no true peace. This false assurance, echoed in the proclamation of "peace and safety," masks the underlying spiritual decay and imminent destruction that will suddenly overtake the world. Such declarations expose the hypocrisy of those who speak them, for they know there is no real peace, yet they proclaim it to deceive and pacify others. True peace, in its deepest sense, goes beyond the mere absence of war and encompasses well-being, contentment, prosperity, and stable relationships, ultimately rooted in a covenant with God. Without a right relationship with Him, genuine peace remains unattainable, as sin creates division and enmity, breaking the bond that could bring lasting harmony. Outward appearances of peace often hide inner turmoil and discontent, revealing that sinful humanity is at war within itself, lacking the stability and unity that only God can provide. As history shows, from the frustration of Solomon to the present day, real peace eludes those who are separated from God, leaving only a hollow echo of "Peace, peace" where none exists.
The Handwriting Is on The Wall (2003)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven as Paul admonishes us about the night being far spent, we must make careful and judicious use of our time in anticipating the return of Jesus Christ.
Satan (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses disinformation, spread through false ministers/prophets, teaching smooth things that destroy. We must test the spirits to ensure a teaching is from God.
Lamentations (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe expressions of sorrow in the Psalms far outnumber expressions of praise, indicating that the Hebrew culture has almost made the lamentation an art form.