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The Purpose of Prophecy
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerGod sent all the prophets and seers to Israel and Judah with the primary purpose of urging His people to return to keeping His commandments. While some prophets foretold events, their central task was to preach repentance from sin and obedience to God's laws. Even when a prophecy does not explicitly state this purpose, as in Zephaniah 3:9, it implies that without keeping the commandments, one cannot truly serve God or call on Him. Commandment-keeping is of paramount importance to God, and prophets are instrumental in pressing God's people to obey Him. God intends that the revelations He provides, including prophecies, will keep His people within the parameters of His righteous government. At times, a prophet's actions, rather than words, serve this same purpose, as seen in Elijah's efforts to turn the people's hearts back to God and His commandments. God reveals mysteries through prophecies to motivate obedience, providing an incentive to develop righteous character reflective of His commandments.
The Place of Prophecy
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe should know the Bible's prophecies and be watching world events. But our focus on prophecy should not come at the expense of doctrine and Christian living.
Prophecy's Place
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughStudying prophecy is good, but doctrine and Christian living are far more necessary and helpful to our practicing and growing in God's way of life now.
Prophecy and the Sixth-Century Axial Period
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProphecy has many purposes, but it is never intended to open the future to mere curiosity. Its higher purpose is to give guidance to the heirs of salvation.
Why Study Prophecy?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe study prophecy to know the general outline of future events, be prepared for the next significant event, and understand God's will and His character.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA prophet is one who speaks for God, expressing His will in words and sometimes signs. Standing outside the system, he proclaims God's purpose, including repentance.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the 'Elijah to come.' We must apply duality of prophecy carefully and cautiously rather than indiscriminately.
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.
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.
No Private Interpretation
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter warns that prophecy is not 'of any private interpretation,' yet speculation runs rampant. Misguided speculation even led to Christ's betrayal and death!
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.
The Two Witnesses (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's truth may bring about sadness, astonishment, anger, and bitterness to the one delivering the message. James and John were types of the Two Witnesses.
The Two Witnesses (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's Two Witnesses will accomplished their work before the Beast kills them. Humanity will feel relief at their death, but stark terror at their resurrection.
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.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe 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.
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.