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The Olivet Prophecy Paradox
Sermon by David C. GrabbeSome have been perplexed about the apparent paradox within Christ's Olivet Prophecy which, on one hand, describes the end time in human history—so severe that without the intervention of Almighty God, no flesh would survive. But, on the other hand, Christ compares those same days to the ordinary routines of Noah's and Lot's times, namely eating, drinking, marrying, buying, and selling, that is, life carrying on as if nothing were amiss. The paradox can be neutralized by realizing that Christ does not emphasize the prosperity but the suddenness of the destruction, striking when people least expect it. The paradox is also resolved when we realize the incredible ability of people to adapt to suffering such as the victims of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII when people maintained a sense of "normal life" amid horrific conditions, some heroically, while others betrayed their fellow victims through compromise. Humans have an incredible resilience seeming "normal" even though tribulation. The true danger is not the result of human weapons or disasters, but Almighty God's "days of vengeance" on both Israel and the gentile nations for rebellion and oppression. In this context, unless God shortens those days, all flesh would perish. Adaptability can numb us to sin. Just as elites of the Warsaw Ghetto danced among the corpses, God's people tragically can adapt to lawlessness as their love turns ice cold. God's people must resist adapting to sin and spiritual complacency but stay ready for Christ's unexpected return.
Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Part Three): 'Belly and Thighs of Bronze'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter Alexander's death, his generals carved out kingdoms of their own. From the resultant wars, two major powers emerged: Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucid Syria.
Reinstituting Daily Sacrifices in Jerusalem
Commentary by Kim MyersBefore Christ's return, the Two Witnesses must appear, the Beast and False Prophet must arise, and daily animal sacrifices must be re-instituted in Jerusalem.
The Appointed Time of the Resurrection
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe time of Christ's return appears to be soon in the light of recent events. Watch for the gathering of armies around the future capital of the world.
The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSeveral types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.
The Book of Daniel (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to emulate Daniel by faithfully studying and praying for understanding, asking God for what He has promised and for His will to be done.
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.
What Happened Between the Testaments?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.
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.
The Bible—Superstition or Authority?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWhy do the many churches disagree about what the Bible says? Have you ever proved whether it is the authoritative Word of the Creator God?
Matthew (Part Thirty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe events in Matthew 24 parallel the six seals of Revelation 6 and the seventh seal of Revelation 7, showing a definite chronological progression.
Do You Really Know God?
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaWe can know for sure that we know Him intimately by keeping His commandments and practicing loving kindnesses.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe transfiguration prefigured the Kingdom of God, with the disciples only seeing Jesus in the end, showing salvation is through Him alone.
The Book of Daniel (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel 7-8 is full of overlapping images and visions. Both chapters show the certainty of the end of Gentile kingdoms, replaced by God's eternal Kingdom.
The Two Witnesses (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first major concern of the Two Witnesses will be directed to the church rather than to the world at large, expunging worldliness out of the church.