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The Duality of Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. HennMany find prophecy to be the most captivating part of Bible study, yet few grasp the essential keys to its understanding, leading to widespread misinterpretation. A primary key is that most prophecy is dual in nature, consisting of two predictions: a type and an antitype. The type is often a minor historical event symbolizing a major future event, typically in the end time, which is the antitype. An example of dual prophecy is the Olivet Prophecy in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, where the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 serves as a type of the Great Tribulation preceding Christ's second coming. Failure to recognize this duality caused confusion among early Christians, who expected Christ's return immediately after Jerusalem's fall, leading to disappointment and apostasy when He did not appear. Similarly, the Jews' misunderstanding of dual prophecies about the Messiah's first and second comings contributed to their rejection of Christ, expecting a conquering king rather than a suffering servant. Not all prophecies are dual; predictions about ancient city-states like Tyre and Sidon may lack an antitype, though God often applies duality to prophecies concerning His people Israel or the church. Ancient Babylon, for instance, typifies a future society rebelling against God, destined for ruin as foretold. Dual prophecies in the New Testament also predict a first-century apostasy in the church, serving as a type for an end-time falling away, a pattern observable in the modern church of God. Understanding this principle of duality remains crucial for discerning God's Word and staying vigilant in these times.
No Private Interpretation
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter warns that prophecy is not 'of any private interpretation.' Wild or self-serving speculating, as Judas Iscariot did, can lead to grave consequences.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny prophetic speculation, accurate or not, is useless unless it is promotes diligence in living godly lives, eagerly preparing for the return of Christ.
Symbolism, Types, and Prophecies
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must be careful about applying a biblical symbol to prophetic events too rigidly. The term 'Zion' may apply to the church, but not all the time.
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.
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.
Matthew 24:34: 'This Generation'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPreterists hang their entire philosophy on the interpretation (or misinterpretation) of 'this generation' in Matthew 24:34. Here is what it means.
Why Isn't Harold Camping Right?
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughMany are woefully ignorant biblically. Christ warned that no one will know the day or hour of His return, and that many will try to deceive about this event.
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.
Establishing Our Hearts Before Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJames emphasizes patience five times, suggesting that it is a capstone of saintly character, encompassing long-suffering, forbearance, and self-restraint.
To Watch and Keep
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerIs prophecy merely to enlighten us about the future? On the contrary, God's spiritual purposes for prophecy concern the subjects of warning and keeping.
Don't Lose Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.
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.
Yet Another Call for a European Army
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughIf our speculations about a military might emerging from the European Union (assuming the Beast rises out of Europe) are correct, it won't be anytime soon.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1997)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church of God reflects a more general trend on the world scene—the disintegration of the major religions into millions of pieces.
The Two Witnesses (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to recognize prophecies as they occur or shortly afterward. To cling to an interpretation before the events happen leads to missing vital details.
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 Beast From the Earth and 666
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.