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Establishing Our Hearts Before Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ's return is a central theme of hope and urgency for us as spiritual conquerors. The Feast of Trumpets celebrates His second coming as the ultimate Conqueror and Deliverer, intervening in world affairs, resurrecting the firstfruits, and establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. This event marks a pivotal change from the age of man and darkness under satan to the age of God, heralding the World Tomorrow, the Millennium, and God's Kingdom. As part of God's redemptive plan, Christ will return in clouds, with a shout, the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. At the seventh and last trump, His direct intervention will demolish the world's Babylonian system of government, replacing it entirely with God's government. Despite the somber and destructive aspects tied to this day, it fills us with great hope, lifting, encouraging, and inspiring us with purpose and direction. Jesus repeatedly warned us to wait and watch for His second coming, correcting the impatience seen in His disciples nearly 2,000 years ago and still present in the church today. This waiting is not passive but a virtue requiring patience, resignation, submission, dependence, and contentment amid challenging circumstances. The early church lived in expectation of His immediate return, and James, in the late AD 50s, exhorted scattered members to wait patiently, emphasizing patience five times in his writings as a moderating force against urgent tendencies for immediate action. We must establish our hearts, strengthening our faith to stand firm during trials as we await His return, knowing that the exact date cannot be known in advance. Signs of the end times, such as wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, persecutions, and false prophets, have occurred over the last 2,000 years, but their global scale and impact are increasing, signaling that the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord are imminent, with Christ's return to follow. This return will be sudden, like lightning, and unexpected, like a thief in the night, yet God reveals more to those in His church who watch, urging us to hold fast, repent, and remain vigilant. We must be ready at any moment, as human speculation about the timing is vain, and only the Father knows the day and hour. This uncertainty fosters a daily urgency to live God's way of life, balancing waiting with active spiritual growth and character development. As we patiently wait for Christ's return, we are responsible for watching and praying, ensuring everything is ready for His arrival at any time. We must not let delays produce hopelessness or depression but remain steadfast, working with God to establish our hearts with godly love and fellowship, enduring trials to the end. Shared encouragement and selfless help among believers become increasingly vital as His return nears. Christ promises protection to those who endure patiently, safeguarding us from His wrath during the hour of trial coming upon the world, transforming suffering into triumph. The indwelling of God's Spirit empowers us to endure trials, refining us into pure and righteous beings worthy to meet Him at His return.
Patiently Waiting for Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the late 1960s, many members of the Worldwide Church of God anticipated that Jesus Christ would return on the Feast of Trumpets in 1975, following a period of fleeing to a place of safety in 1972. This expectation arose from human impatience and speculation, fueled by earlier writings and the turbulent events of the era, including the Cold War, assassinations, race riots, and the Vietnam War. The church's urgency for God's way of life to replace satan's world turned into impatience for the return of Jesus Christ. Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ's disciples also displayed impatience regarding the timing of His return, living under Roman occupation and facing turmoil. He corrected them for their eagerness to know the exact time of His coming. The early church, for decades, lived in expectation of an immediate second coming, and even as late as the 50s AD, James exhorted scattered members to wait patiently for the few remaining years. James, in his epistle, addressed the impatience within the church, emphasizing the need for patience in waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He highlighted principles such as establishing hearts, not grumbling against one another, suffering affliction, and enduring trials, all of which require active, God-given restraint and contentment while facing challenges. The urgency for Christ's return must not turn into impatience, as seen in historical schisms within the church when members became frustrated with God's timetable. Human speculation about the exact time of Christ's second coming is vain, as the date cannot be known in advance and resides only in the mind of God the Father. While the church may have a general sense of the timing through signs of the times, impatience from obsessing over specific dates can lead to division and deception. James urges patience through illustrations like the farmer waiting for rains, the prophets enduring mistreatment, and Job persevering through trials. These examples show that waiting for Christ's return requires active faith, obedience, and submission to God's will, not passive idleness. Believers must establish their hearts with conviction, avoid grudging against others, and endure trials with longsuffering patience, trusting that Jesus Christ will return according to the Father's plan. The responsibility while waiting for Christ's second coming includes watching and praying, avoiding despair from delays, establishing hearts with godly love, fellowshipping sincerely without grudging, and patiently enduring trials to the end. True urgency for His return is based on action rooted in truth, not desperate impatience driven by annoyance at delays. The best preparation for meeting Christ is to patiently develop an intimate relationship with Him, establishing hearts in love and faith, and enduring trials to be refined as worthy to meet Him at His return.
Politics and Christ's Return
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe in the church are forward-looking, eagerly anticipating the return of Jesus Christ and His establishment of the Kingdom of God. We look forward to being part of the first resurrection and becoming very God, transformed from mortal to immortal, from corruptible to incorruptible. This hope shapes our perspective, setting us apart from worldly categories of liberal or conservative, as our ultimate focus is on the heavenly citizenship and the divine transformation that awaits us at His return.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus never inserted Himself into the political process, but instead, He taught His disciples to come out of this world's way of life.
What Does Jesus Mean by the Parable of the Fig Tree (Matthew 24:32)?
Bible Questions & AnswersWe will know Christ's return is near when we see the events He mentions earlier in the chapter begin to occur. Verse 33 provides the key to His parable.
Christ's Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets memorializes God's deliverance of Israel beginning with Joseph, and looks forward to Christ's return when God will deliver His people.
Jesus on His Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.
The Love of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOnly with the help of God's Holy Spirit are we able to fathom the dimensions of width, breadth, length, and depth of Jesus Christ's and the Father's love.
Trumpets, Christ's Coming, and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause the exact time of Christ's return is not known, we must always be ready, as though His return is imminent. Those not prepared will be blindsided.

Clouds (Part Three): The Revealing of Christ
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerClouds are frequently associated with the Day of the Lord. What will those clouds conceal and what will they reveal once drawn back?
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
The Return of the Clouds
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Clouds can be an emblem of God's ability to hide Himself from some and reveal Himself to others. God is in total control of what He reveals and hides at any time.
Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.
Holy Days: Trumpets
Bible Study by StaffThe Feast of Trumpets sounds a dire warning of war on the one hand and triumph for God and His saints on the other. Our goal is to be prepared for Christ's return.
Caught Up in the Rapture
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIs the rapture biblical? If so, when will it occur? Is it different from the promised resurrection? Here is what the Bible teaches, without the traditions of men.
Is the Kingdom of God Within You?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat did Christ mean by 'the kingdom of God is within you'? This statement has tripped up students for centuries, but the context makes it is very plain.
A Swift End
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen the end-time signs begin to be fulfilled, the time for long-term spiritual growth will be over. So Jesus commands us, 'Therefore you also be ready.'

The End Is Not Yet
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must make sure that our understanding and interpretation of natural disasters and heavenly spectacles align with what the Bible says about them.

The Duality of Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. HennIf we really want to understand prophecy, we must understand that many prophecies have a type and an antitype, a former fulfillment and a latter one.

Watch What?
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsJesus does not specify in so many words what we are to watch. The evidence points to the fact that watching has everything to do with spiritual preparation.
The Fall of Jerusalem and the Coming of the Son of Man
Sermonette by Charles WhitakerThe formula 'the coming of the Son of Man' is code for 'the Day of the Lord.' The formula does not refer to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, but the days ahead.
Where the Eagles Are Gathered
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Olivet Prophecy foretells a gathering of eagles or vultures in anticipation of God's judgment. Will they mistake us for the nearly-dead?
'I Will Come Again'
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets memorializes the fact that God is sovereign, yet it also looks forward to the return of Christ to this earth as King of kings.
What Is the Feast of Trumpets, Anyway?
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe Feast of Trumpets has very little directly written about it in Scripture. Here are the basic facts about this pivotal and holy day.
The Appointed Time of the Resurrection
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe time of Christ's return appears to be soon in the light of recent events. Watch for the gathering of armies around the future capital of the world.
Where Is the Promise of His Coming?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAs this world keeps on turning, more people become skeptical about the return of Jesus. The Bible, however, insists that He will come again and quickly.
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.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Exodus 19, there are 12 parallels with Christ's dramatic return illustrated in Matthew 24. All of these events will culminate in a blast of a trumpet.

Where the Eagles Are Gathered
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeJesus' statement that 'Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together' is a warning that He will judge those who resist Him.

The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.

'Behold, He is Coming with Clouds'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe passages that describe Christ's return in power and glory contain the same detail: that He will come in, on, or with clouds. Here is the significance.
How Long, O Lord?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Seventh Trumpet is a call to assemble, a call to battle, and announces the arrival of a new ruler, Jesus Christ, separating the wheat from the tares.
Coming to Know Him
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen the fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets occurs, we will see God directly when Jesus Christ returns, an event which will get everyone's attention.

The Unknown Deadline
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod gives His elect two unknown deadlines: Christ's return and the Christian's lifespan. They focus His people on becoming spiritually rich toward God.
The Unknown Deadline
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe do not know how long the project (our sanctification process) will take. Each day is critical in doing our part to be of the same mind as God.
Land of Milk and Honey
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJesus Christ will accomplish what no politician has ever been able to accomplish, to drain the putrid corrupt swamps of all failed man-made government.

Where is the Promise of His Coming?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDoubting that Christ will return has always been problematic for the faithful weak as well as a tool of the heretics denying the second coming of Christ.

The Fall Holy Days
Article by John ReissThe four autumnal holy days - Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Eighth Day - generally represent God's plan of salvation for humanity.
It's Worth the Wait
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn Psalm 37:4, we are admonished to patiently wait for the Lord, with the promise that those who trust God's timetable will eventually inherit the earth.
Shock and Awe - and Speed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe world will experience the ultimate 'shock and awe campaign' at the second coming of Christ. When these events start, they will occur at meteoric speed.
The End Is Not Yet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's people do a disservice to the cause of truth when they allow the media-hype to trigger a false hope about Jesus Christ's return being imminent.
How Long, O Lord? (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeter warns of scoffers in the church, apostate tares, devoid of God's spirit, ridiculing the doctrine that Christ would return or doctrines of judgment.
The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSeveral types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.
The Fifth Seal (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.
The Removal of the Originator of Sin
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaOne of the blessings which occurs at the beginning of the Millenium will be the removal of the originator of sin, the dragon, serpent, Satan the devil.
1335
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerTwo of Daniel's prophecies differ by 75 days, perhaps paralleling the 75 dramatic days between the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus Christ.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.

1335 (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerThe apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, suggests loving Christ's appearing on day 1,335 (Daniel 12:12) should come first in our understanding of prophecy.
How Much Longer Do We Have?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen Christ returns, we cannot be at odds with Him at all, but must have been attending to the salvation process, putting our spiritual houses in order.
'As a Thief in the Night'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeChrist's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.
Trumpets and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur hope is founded on Jesus rising from the dead. If there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless; if Christ did not rise, we are still under condemnation.

Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
When Our Change Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance and conversion leading to transforming into Christ's image depend on change. Christianity is a force for personal change, leading to universal change.
The Second Exodus (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe timing of the regathering of Israel is uncertain, but here are the Scriptural markers that narrow the time frame to a significant prophetic event.
What Is the Book of Revelation?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThough the book of Revelation speaks of the end of the world using strange and fearsome symbols, the real subject of Revelation is readily apparent.
God and Reality
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God puts us through is designed to reveal reality to us. Accepting His doctrine without looking for loopholes will keep us true.
Don't Be Indifferent (1995)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot allow ourselves to become surfeited with the world's distractions, being lulled off to sleep as the foolish virgins, wasting our precious time.
A Place of Safety? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecies concerning the Man of Sin refer to a person with great political power with global significance rather than to a leader of a small church.

Watch and Vigilantly Prepare
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are ambassadors in a foreign land, awaiting the return of Christ, when we will help our Warrior King subdue all the rebellious nations of the earth.

Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Thirteen): Jacob's Trouble
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDuring Jacob's Trouble, a confederacy of gentile peoples (particularly the offspring of Ishmael and Esau) will destroy the nations of modern-day Israel.
The Wrath of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLove motivates the two intrinsic parts of God's holy character—goodness and severity, as He seeks to rescue humanity from the consequences of sin.
Trumpets Means War!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus Christ returns, He will marshal an army of resurrected saints who will wage a just war against the Satan-inspired end-time rebellion.
Our Time For War
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs God's resurrected saints and part of the 144,000, we will assist the Captain of our Salvation to bring an end to Satanic world rule forever.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.
Shouting Gleanings and Singing Olives (Part One)
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Isaiah 24 prophesies that God will preserve a remnant made up of grape gleanings (the His Church) and of olives (national Israelites) who will sing together.

Recognizing the Second Witness
Article by Charles WhitakerJesus Christ has and will make a witness in His two advents. Will we devoutly accept Him or reject Him because He does not fit our preconceptions?
Intensity is Increasing: Are You Listening?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)It is far more important for God's called-out ones to be ready than to know the time of Christ's return, an event to which even He is not privy.
Psalms 90-100
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms 90-100 are prophetic, having a definite time progression, especially referencing the time frame between the Feast of Trumpets to the Last Great Day.
Preparing to Rule!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHave you ever considered what it will be like right after Christ returns? What will you do, as a king, to help and govern the people placed under you?
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.
Antichrist Deceptions
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAntichrists manifest several characteristics, including fostering deception and confusion, preventing fellowship, and creating intense spiritual conflict.