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Parable of the Ten Virgins (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsBoth groups slumbered and slept. Even the most dedicated and sincere saints may temporarily become spiritually lethargic. The word slumbered is actually nod, a transient act, whereas slept should be sleeping, a continuous act. Thus, the progression of lethargy appears. First, the virgins nodded their heads as if napping, and later, they slept continuously and deeply. Initial weariness is the first step to further spiritual decay. It is vital to catch temporary apathy early to prevent permanent disillusionment. The ten virgins' service and reverence to God is done perfunctorily. It is more of a habit than a sincere zeal. They obey God almost mindlessly, developing it into a routine over time. Their lack of emotional maturity and forethought carries them through life in lightheaded bliss, and so they remain with the church, just filling a seat or attending only occasionally.
Trumpets, Christ's Coming, and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSpiritual sleep indicates a lack of awareness even though one is literally physically awake. That person is not alert to the times and shows an insensitivity to events. As a biblical metaphor sleep almost always has negative implication. It indicates inactivity combined with the sense of not being aware of what is going on while being awake but not really being aware. All the virgins slumbered and slept while the bridegroom was delayed. Paul instructs believers not to sleep as others do but to watch and be sober. Being spiritually asleep means being unproductive and unaware of what is going on. Paul urges those who sleep to awake and arise from the dead so that Christ will give light. If one is asleep there is need to be resurrected from that state and open the eyes to the light of reality and to the truth of God.
Praying Always (Part One)
Article by Pat HigginsThe Bible frequently employs sleep and waking from sleep as metaphors for spiritual states. The Greek word agrupneo translated as watch means to be sleepless or to keep awake. This command directs attention to a high state of spiritual alertness rather than physical observation of events. Translations render the term as keep awake, stay awake, or beware of slumbering. A failure to heed a spiritual call to wake up produced apostasy and scattering among those who had instead focused primarily on physical events. The instruction connects directly to overcoming through identification of problems in human nature, engagement in battle against them, and putting them to flight. Those who remain spiritually asleep become absorbed by the cares of life and face the end-time events as a snare.
Will Deceive Many (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsJesus Christ wants His people to look for and recognize the signs of the times, including rampant deception in the world and, sadly, even in the church.
Have We Settled on Our Lees?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughLees are "dregs," particles that settle during fermentation. Wine on its lees becomes more flavorful, but if left too long, it is ruined. This can apply to us!
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
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.
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.
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.
We Still Need a Sense of Urgency
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's selecting a particular candidate does not necessarily mean He has given America a reprieve from the results of her sins. We still need a sense of urgency.
Prophecy in Song
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFar from being just a book about married love, the Song of Songs relates to the present condition of the church of God.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod initiated the scattering of the church for our ultimate good. When the revelation of God was replaced with the wisdom of this world, God intervened.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
Discerning Signs and Redeeming Time
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people have an obligation to awaken out of their complacency, realizing that their allotted time for repenting and overcoming is drawing to its close.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.
Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the watchman and the one who hears have a responsibility to make preparations for bad times, helping themselves and others through the tough times.
Don't Be Indifferent
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe frightful Trumpet Plagues are coming on the world because of the breaking of covenants on the part of people who should have known better.
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.
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
Lest We Forget (2011)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern Israelitish nations have difficulty remembering God, His providence, and His mercy. Ingratitude has been one of the worst traits of our culture.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe largest portion of the great commission demands that the lion's share of time, money, or energy ought to be invested in feeding the flock.
Examine and Come Out
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Old Testament examples were given to show us what God had to do to pave the way for our calling, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.