Filter by Categories
Why Must Satan Be Released?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe great hope of Christians is that Jesus Christ will return to establish His Kingdom on earth, deposing Satan from his current rulership of this world and silencing the malignant, unseen influence that has ensnared humanity since the time of Eve. During the Millennium, Satan will be bound, as described in Revelation 20:1-3, unable to deceive the nations, marking a time of glory as God's government prevails and satan's rule ends. This binding serves to protect the nations from deception, though it is not his final punishment, which follows later. When released after the Millennium, satan provokes rebellion, deceiving humanity once more with his lying words, condemning himself as he resumes his destructive ways. Despite knowing his disastrous end as foretold in Scripture, his nature remains unchanged, emerging from a thousand years of stasis to discount the peace and prosperity under Christ's rule and to act in self-interest, bringing chaos and destruction. Isaiah 14 reveals this attitude, showing helel's desire to ascend and exalt his throne, convinced he deserves more than God granted him. Satan's release also serves as a powerful lesson about his unyielding nature and a reminder of human nature's readiness to mirror his spiritual image, choosing spiritual blindness and self-centeredness. As Revelation 20:7-9 illustrates, the nations fall for his deceptions, easily manipulated by their natural inclinations, just as Eve was. His spirit permeates the world, working in those who disobey, and even after regeneration by God's Spirit, the struggle against the old self persists, ever-ready to resist God when unleashed, radiating pride and antagonism akin to satan's ways. As a test for the nations, God releases satan to separate those inclined to follow him from those who heed God, exposing human nature's unchanging proclivity to align with his self-centeredness. The Almighty will finally judge the adversary for his ceaseless opposition, alongside the nations who follow his poisonous message, highlighting that while satan's influence amplifies human perversity, carnality remains a malignant force on its own.
Behind Enemy Lines: Lucifer, Helel, and Satan
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSatan was first named Helel, or 'son of the dawn.' When Jerome translated the Hebrew into Latin, he named him Lucifer, or light-bringer, a title of Christ!
Jesus Christ's Purposeful Manifestation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Jesus Christ appears, having received power promised to Eve's offspring, He will destroy the works of the devil, which includes removing our sins.
Imagination
Sermon by John O. ReidSatan works on us through our imagination; he broadcasts images to our minds. To counter this, we must resist him, practice humility and draw close to God.
Confronting the Field of Battle
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must put on the entire armor of God, not just the defensive parts. We must proactively rather than reactively assume out part in the spiritual battle.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.
The Spirit World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough many popular notions of angels come from non-biblical sources, the Bible offers the most accurate insights into their role, nature, and function.
The Bride of Christ
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe names of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 prove equally significant as demonstrating the traits or characteristics of the wise virgins.
The Imposter Syndrome
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe Imposter Syndrome leads to an identity crisis with an exterior covering or facade that protects exposure of internal feelings of inadequacy.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.
Wrong Ideas
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOver the course of millennia, only a few have been willing to hold to the covenant with God or make the sacrifice for building the faith He requires.
The Beginning of Sorrows
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe "last days" began with Christ's resurrection, when Satan was formally deposed as ruler of earth. God made His kingdom available at that time.
The Model Prayer (Part Eight): Testing and Deliverance
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe traditional translation of the last request in Jesus' Model Prayer (Matthew 6:13) suffers from poor word choice, twisting its encouraging message.
Blurring the Lines
Commentary by Joseph B. BaityThe Destroyer has mastered the craft of redefinition, blurring boundaries, eliminating the defining lines between evil and good, profane and holy.
Continuing on to Completion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of God's grace, those who are called late will reap as much as those who are called early. Whenever we are called, we must continue faithfully.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.