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Eroding Religious Freedom
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFreedom of religion in America is being slowly eroded rather than removed en masse. However, the Bible encourages us in such times.
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.
Prudence
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe should not bring about needless persecution on ourselves or on the body of Christ because of our foolish texting, posting, tweeting, or e-mailing.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.
They Could Not Destroy It!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMiraculously, each attempt to destroy the Scriptures resulted in the printers doubling their production. Christ has always supplied the means to spread the Word.
The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: He levels no criticism! What makes the Smyrnans so acceptable?
Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnder the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.
Who Are the 'Souls Under the Altar' Mentioned in Revelation 6:9-11?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe fifth seal is symbolic of the coming Great Tribulation. Revelation 6 reveals an event to take place on the earth just before Christ's return.
The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPersecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often spend so much time engaged in our present-day trials that we fail to understand and learn from the experiences of Christians of the past.
Matthew (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThose who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
Winners Never Quit
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaChrist's admonition to endure to the end is in itself a solemn prophecy that Christians will have difficult times. How can we make sure that we will endure?
Overcoming Destructive Fear
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaJesus cautioned His disciples not to have any destructive fear. The worst fear of all is that which would cause us to deny Christ—namely, the fear of man.
The Fifth Seal (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse is the Fifth Seal, depicting souls under the altar crying out to God for vengeance. Here is what it means.
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2011)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While love grows cold because lawlessness abounds, the church may well have to go underground in order to survive. We must prepare for horrific times.
Smyrna: Faithful Until Death
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Those Who Are Persecuted
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
Death, or Not A Hair of Your Head?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur challenge in the wake of the terrible things we witness now is to retain confidence that God is in control, even though our faith will be sorely tested.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhat appeared to be a series of judicial set-backs for Paul was actually the outworking of God to place him before even higher levels of secular leadership.
No Greater Love
'Ready Answer' by StaffChrist says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?
A Place of Safety? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughObsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.
How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe scattering of the early church strengthened it, allowing fresh seed to be scattered in new fields. The 'bad' thing actually increased the church's power.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Arnoldists, Albigenses, Cathers, Waldensians, and the Lollards all had Sabbath-keepers in their ranks. Gradual syncretism is a pattern of church history.
Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.