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Prophecy Fails

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Speculating on unfulfilled prophecy requires constant recognition that such teaching and study remain highly speculative and subject to revision, since only statements already confirmed by Scripture and history carry dogmatic certainty. All other conclusions rest on human reasoning drawn from the firm framework given by Jesus Christ, the apostles, and the prophets, yet they lack the revelatory authority of the biblical text itself. Even the most careful prognostications, including those advanced by Herbert W. Armstrong, constitute expert opinion rather than infallible revelation; the overall structure of prophecy may stand, but specific applications and timings have repeatedly required adjustment as world conditions change. Rigid attachment to every detail of earlier interpretations risks rendering the church obsolete, much as certain groups have become fixed in outdated patterns that no longer engage present realities. Christ therefore commands believers to watch continually so that understanding stays current rather than frozen. This caution connects directly to the larger purpose of Scripture, which places doctrine and Christian living at the center of divine judgment. Prophecy stimulates interest and confirms God's sovereignty, yet it must remain subordinate to the pursuit of love, the quality that never fails and under which all other responsibilities fall. Partial knowledge of future events will eventually give way to fuller understanding, but faith, hope, and especially love abide as the enduring priorities.

Prophecy's Place

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Studying prophecy is good, but doctrine and Christian living are far more necessary and helpful to our practicing and growing in God's way of life now.

The End Is Not Yet

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must make sure that our understanding and interpretation of natural disasters and heavenly spectacles align with what the Bible says about them.

No Private Interpretation

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Peter warns that prophecy is not 'of any private interpretation.' Wild or self-serving speculating, as Judas Iscariot did, can lead to grave consequences.

Don't Lose Your Focus!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.

The Beast and Babylon (Part Three): Who Is the Woman?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Is the Woman depicted in Revelation 12 the church, as the church has dogmatically taught? Or is she another prophetic entity that is active today?

How Long, O Lord? (1994)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

The Two Witnesses (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's truth may bring about sadness, astonishment, anger, and bitterness to the one delivering the message. James and John were types of the Two Witnesses.

Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Herbert Armstrong made scores of predictions, and many of them never came to pass. Does this make him a false prophet? Is he thus not worthy of following?

Patiently Waiting for Christ's Return

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must develop an active, God-given restraint and constancy in endurance while facing trials and waiting for Christ's return, trusting that God will provide.

Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Both the watchman and the one who hears have a responsibility to make preparations for bad times, helping themselves and others through the tough times.

The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Several types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.

Success in This World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must invest in our own self-improvement and preparation, continually striving against stagnation and deterioration, and the powerful pulls of the world.

The Three Angels

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We tend to organize things in groups of three, such as the proclamation of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-13. Angelos could refer to a human messenger.