Filter by Categories

The Teaching of Jesus and Prophecy

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The teaching of Jesus is the key to Revelation. The Olivet Prophecy (the testimony of Jesus) in Matthew 24 unlocks the meaning of the seals in Revelation.

The First Prophecy (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Genesis is a book of beginnings, and in that theme, it also contains the first prophecy. Part of it is God's curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15.

The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation's seven churches have intrigued readers for centuries. Were they just seven historical churches, eras, or attitudes ever-present in the church?

The Seven Churches (Part Two): Interpretations

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The modern church of God has taught that Revelation's seven churches typify successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this belief valid?

1335 (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The 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.

'I Will Come Again'

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Trumpets memorializes the fact that God is sovereign, yet it also looks forward to the return of Christ to this earth as King of kings.

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.

Matthew 24:34: 'This Generation'

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Preterists hang their entire philosophy on the interpretation (or misinterpretation) of 'this generation' in Matthew 24:34. Here is what it means.

Where Is the Promise of His Coming?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As this world keeps on turning, more people become skeptical about the return of Jesus. The Bible, however, insists that He will come again and quickly.

'Behold, He is Coming with Clouds'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The passages that describe Christ's return in power and glory contain the same detail: that He will come in, on, or with clouds. Here is the significance.

The Four Horsemen (Part One): In the Saddle?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are a terrifying image of impending doom. The hoofbeats of these fearsome figures can already be heard on the earth!

What Is the Book of Revelation?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Though the book of Revelation speaks of the end of the world using strange and fearsome symbols, the real subject of Revelation is readily apparent.

'As a Thief in the Night'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Christ's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.

The All-Important Introduction to Revelation

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Skipping the first chapter of Revelation deprives us of vital information necessary for understanding the rest of the book.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must keep the spiritual lessons of the letters, not just figure out prophecies. There are several ways to view them, but the most important is personally.

'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To some, the virgin birth is a major teaching, but it is only one of several signs that prove Jesus is the Messiah. Its major purpose is not to glorify Mary.

The Branch

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Branch is a well-known Old Testament prophetic figure, identified as the Messiah by most people. Yet, is there more to it than that? What does it mean to us?

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most of God's church believes that the seven letters of Revelation 2-3 reveal seven church eras. However, the Bible indicates an end-time fulfillment.

Lowly and Riding on a Donkey?

'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. Graham

All four gospels include Zechariah's prophecy that Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. This misunderstood beast has a unique symbolic meaning.

Born of a Woman

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the church of God has emphasized His death over His birth, the prophecies of Christ's first advent are vitally important in establishing our faith.

The Seven Churches (Part Six): Thyatira

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Thyatira receives a litany of praise and rebuke from our Savior. He particularly focuses on idolatry, which is spiritual fornication.

1335 (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The 75-day period surrounding Christ's death saw numerous remarkable fulfillments of prophecy. The closing days of this age will be similarly eventful.

Where the Eagles Are Gathered

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus' statement that 'Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together' is a warning that He will judge those who resist Him.

Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Amos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.

The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus 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?

To Watch and Keep

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Is prophecy merely to enlighten us about the future? On the contrary, God's spiritual purposes for prophecy concern the subjects of warning and keeping.

The Seven Churches (Part Seven): Sardis

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's fifth letter in Revelation 2-3, written to Sardis, calls its recipients 'dead.' Do they have any hope? Are our works lively, our faith living?

The Seven Churches (Part Ten): What Now?

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible indicates all seven churches of Revelation will exist at the end, but do God's people have hope for a bright future? Will Christ reunite His church?

The Seven Churches (Part Eight): Philadelphia

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Philadelphia church is often considered the best of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Is it? Does it have faults? Is our judgment biased?

The Lamb of Revelation (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

In most minds, lambs do not correspond to ideas of wrath and judgment, but the Lamb of God in Revelation is just that as our almighty Redeemer.

The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.

Israel's Long War

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the 2023 Israel-Hamas War shocked the world, it may not signal the end. These two peoples have been fighting for millennia. Other signs must be present.

'Seventy Weeks Are Determined...'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Seventy Weeks Prophecy is contentious among prophecy experts. But simply taking the Bible at face value makes the meaning of this prophecy crystal clear.