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When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidIn the context of biblical imagery and history, the sound of trumpets carries profound significance. For many, it evokes the longing to hear the trumpet that heralds the return of Jesus Christ, signaling the end of man's misguided rule influenced by satan, and the cessation of the pain inflicted on humanity. Biblically, in Israel's history, the trumpet often served as an immediate warning of imminent war, death, and destruction. It also recalls the intimidating blast that grew in intensity as the Ten Commandments were about to be given, and the commands in Numbers 10 where the sound of a trumpet directed the movement of tribes. Furthermore, there is a revealed insight among God's Family that a final trumpet will be blown, marking a critical moment of change and judgment, though the world remains unaware of the utter devastation that awaits until that sound is heard.
What Is the Feast of Trumpets, Anyway?
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe Feast of Trumpets holds profound significance as one of God's feast days, marking the fourth of the seven annual holy days and the first of the fall holy days. It falls on the first day of the seventh month of God's sacred calendar, a day still observed by some as Rosh Hashanah, meaning Head of the Year. The blowing of trumpets is central to this feast, symbolizing major, tumultuous events of the end times, the return of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection of the dead, as indicated by various scriptures. This feast represents a pivotal turning point in world history, picturing the transition from the age of man and darkness to the age of God and the Kingdom of God. God commands the observance of this day as a 24-hour stop, urging a focus on eternal matters over mundane daily tasks. The appointed time for this observance is clearly set on the first day of the seventh month, a time to reflect on the profound changes and divine interventions it symbolizes.
Trumpets and the Fall of Jericho
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets, as outlined in Leviticus 23:24-25 and Numbers 29:1, is marked as an annual Sabbath and a holy convocation, during which no customary work is to be done and an offering is to be made. It is specifically noted as a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a phrase that can also be translated as a remembrance of shouting or the shout of the shofar, the ram's horn, which the Hebrews described as shouting rather than blowing. This memorial aspect signifies something that keeps remembrance alive, akin to a monument or a ceremony ritually performed on a set day. The blowing of trumpets holds significant symbolic weight, often inferred in historical accounts like the story of Joseph, where trumpets and shouting likely accompanied his elevation to a high rank under Pharaoh, mirroring the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. In another account, the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6 prominently features the blowing of trumpets and shouting, despite uncertainty about the exact timing of the event. Here, seven priests blew seven ram's horns, or shofars of jubilee, during the seven-day march around the city, culminating in a long blast and a great shout on the seventh day, leading to the collapse of the city's walls. This act not only announced God's judgment on Jericho but also symbolized the proclamation of liberty for God's people, akin to the Jubilee year, where inheritances are restored. The trumpets at Jericho also signified God's presence, paralleling other biblical instances where trumpet blasts herald divine action or judgment. The Ark of the Covenant, present during the march, represented God's throne of judgment, emphasizing the divine authority behind the event. These elements collectively tie the blowing of trumpets to the broader theme of divine intervention and the establishment of God's people in their inheritance, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment anticipated on the day of Trumpets with the return of Jesus Christ.
Lift Up Your Voice Like a Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe sound of a trumpet has always been a powerful means of communication, capturing attention and conveying critical messages. In the life of ancient Israel, trumpets were essential for various purposes, as outlined in Numbers 10, where a complex system of trumpet blasts informed a widely encamped and mobile people of necessary actions. These blasts, likely initiated at the Tabernacle and relayed by other trumpeters throughout the camps, directed the movement of the camp, called assemblies, signaled war, and marked significant occasions such as days of gladness, appointed feast days, new moons, sacrifices, offerings, the Jubilee Year, general worship, and coronations of kings. The necessity of such a system is evident in a time without modern mass communication, ensuring that every Israelite was attuned to the trumpet's sound. The Feast of Trumpets, known in Hebrew as Yom Teruah or Day of Shouting, acknowledges this significance, emphasizing a memorial of shouting or blasting, which could refer to the sound of the shofar or even communal praising of God's name. This day, rich in symbolic meaning, highlights the trumpet's role in worship and communal unity. Four primary reasons for the sounding of trumpets emerge from these practices. First, trumpets were blown to offer a great shout of praise to God, used during feast days and regular worship to glorify Him, as seen in the grand processions and temple dedications where music and trumpet sounds ascended as offerings. Second, trumpets provided direction, guiding the assembly or army movements, as in the wilderness or during battles like Gideon's, where trumpet blasts coordinated actions and instilled fear in enemies. Third, trumpets served to make announcements, such as proclaiming the Year of Jubilee on the Day of Atonement, heralding significant events or the coming of key figures with profound messages. Lastly, trumpets gave warnings, alerting people to impending danger or divine judgment, as seen in calls to gather in fortified cities or prophetic warnings of God's wrath, urging repentance and preparation for critical times. Through these uses, the trumpet remains a vital instrument in Israelite life, embodying communication, worship, direction, announcement, and warning, all integral to their relationship with God and their communal identity.

The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
Trumpets and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur hope is founded on Jesus rising from the dead. If there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless; if Christ did not rise, we are still under condemnation.
Trumpets Means War!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus Christ returns, He will marshal an army of resurrected saints who will wage a just war against the Satan-inspired end-time rebellion.
Trumpets: Glorious Appearings
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod spoke audibly to Moses and the people, intentionally testing their faithfulness, to instill the fear of the Lord in them, and to keep them from sin.
Why Trumpets?
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Feast of Trumpets depicts a time when angelic beings sound an alarm, warning God's saints to prepare to put themselves under His sovereign rule.
'I Will Come Again'
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Do Not Sound a Trumpet
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughTo call attention to one's prayers, fasting, and offerings is a display of hypocrisy. We are warned about showing off our piety and righteousness.

The Fall Holy Days
Article by John ReissThe four autumnal holy days - Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Eighth Day - generally represent God's plan of salvation for humanity.
How Long, O Lord?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Seventh Trumpet is a call to assemble, a call to battle, and announces the arrival of a new ruler, Jesus Christ, separating the wheat from the tares.
Coming to Know Him
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen the fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets occurs, we will see God directly when Jesus Christ returns, an event which will get everyone's attention.
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
The Patterns of God
Sermon by John O. ReidThe final conflict at Armageddon will cause mankind to remember what their desire to disobey God, and what their obsession go to war, has cost them.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 8)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has to know whether we will be loyal and our convictions are anchored in His law. The tests we are going through now are preparing us for His kingdom.
How Long, O Lord? (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.

The Shout of a King
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Trumpets had a first century, Messianic fulfillment that most of the Jews, then and now, completely missed.
The Shout of a King
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe prophecy in which the daughter of Jerusalem must shout to her king riding on a donkey was fulfilled when Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem.
Who Is on the Lord's Side?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a day of decision, a time to determine whether we are on the Lord's side. We must loyally fulfill the role to which God called us.
Jesus on His Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.

Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Exodus 19, there are 12 parallels with Christ's dramatic return illustrated in Matthew 24. All of these events will culminate in a blast of a trumpet.
The Temptations of Christ: Behold, the Lamb of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist's baptism possibly occurred after His return from temptation, leading His Father to praise Him as a victor, returning on the anniversary of Trumpets.
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.