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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.
The Capital of the World
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Isaiah 62 speaks of a profound change concerning Jerusalem, not merely a shift in power, but a transformation where the nations will praise Jerusalem instead of viewing it as a trouble spot. God is set to effect a major attitude change, making Jerusalem the praise of the earth. What will it take for this ascendance to impact other global cities to which people flock for jobs and entertainment? In Isaiah 2, God outlines His plans for Jerusalem, involving both the tearing down of the present evil world and the building up of restoration. God's approach includes humbling mankind and destroying what has been built under prideful influences, preparing for a renewed focus on Jerusalem. Revelation 11 symbolically refers to Jerusalem as Sodom and Egypt, highlighting not its geography but the immoral and idolatrous way of life that has come to characterize its people. This emphasizes the spiritual state over the physical location. Hebrews 11 notes that Abraham, the father of the faithful, also sought this city, looking forward to the divine promise of Jerusalem's future. Isaiah 58 addresses restoration, suggesting that recovery and change in attitudes toward Jerusalem can happen quickly once people live rightly. God will work powerfully to establish His new city worldwide, with the fruits of right attitudes appearing swiftly. Isaiah 60 speaks directly to Jerusalem as the new capital of the world, where God will dispel both physical and spiritual darkness covering the earth. People will come to praise God, bearing gifts to worship the Great King. God will work vigorously to institute this city, the Jerusalem from above, sought by Abraham and by His people. As watchmen on Jerusalem's walls, never silent day or night, the call is to give God no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem the praise of the earth, choosing His way over the deceptive ways of the world.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the prophecy of Joel, the Eternal will dwell in Zion, and all will be holiness for God's people. Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, will utter His voice from Zion and Jerusalem, serving as the refuge of His people and a stronghold to the children of Israel. Creation will resound at the voice of Him who, in that hour, will protect His own. Jerusalem will be everlastingly holy because the Eternal Himself is there, and no strangers will pass through to plunder, destroy, or pollute. When they come, it will be to worship the Lord of Hosts.
Shouting Gleanings and Singing Olives (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerIn Isaiah's Apocalypse, spanning chapters 24 through 27, Zion emerges as a pivotal geographic and spiritual focal point, contrasting with the worldwide scope of God's work. Isaiah 24 concludes with Christ reigning gloriously on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, His brilliance outshining the moon and sun as He sits before the elders. This specific location underscores that Christ rules from Jerusalem, not any other place, establishing it as the center from which He governs the earth. Isaiah 25 reinforces this by referencing "on this mountain" or "in this mountain" three times, identifying Mount Zion as the base where Christ is enthroned and initiates His ongoing work of reconciliation among the Gentiles worldwide. This work, though global in reach, is directed and supervised from Zion, merging the themes of worldwideness with Zion as the central point of authority. Isaiah 27:13 further emphasizes this by declaring that the Lord reigns in the holy mount at Jerusalem, marking it as the culminating focus of Isaiah's prophetic vision. Thus, Zion, synonymous with Jerusalem, stands as the epicenter of Christ's rule and the source of healing and restoration for all the earth during the Millennium and beyond.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Four): Where Is the Woman of Revelation 17?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Great Harlot of Revelation 17 has intrigued Bible students for centuries. Is she a church? What does it mean that she is a 'mother of harlots'?
Jerusalem and the Plan of Redemption
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIsrael's harlotry and rejection of God's covenant gave Jerusalem an increasingly unsavory association, calling for its impending judgment and destruction.
The Harvest is Almost In
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout Jesus Christ ruling this earth, mankind cannot govern himself one iota. Good times are coming to the earth when God's governance will restore all things.
What's in a Name?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGod uses names very particularly in His Word. Knowing the meaning and identity of certain names can greatly aid our study of Bible prophecy.
City of Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsParadoxically, Jerusalem has not been a city of peace, but a magnet for conflict, a situation which will not end until Christ returns.
144,000 of the Tribes of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe attributes of the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are found in prophecies of Israel, indicating that a humbled remnant of Israel will turn to God.
Refuge! Refuge! (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsRealizing that men are prone to mistakes, God commanded the Israelites to have six cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally committed manslaughter.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe proof that a person has truly made a change of heart appears when his life begins to show him doing what is right. Right living is the fruit of repentance.
Where God Places His Name (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe re-establishment of Jerusalem as the world capitol demonstrates that even when God is angry, He still restores His people.
Psalms 90-100
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms 90-100 are prophetic, having a definite time progression, especially referencing the time frame between the Feast of Trumpets to the Last Great Day.