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Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the letter to the church in Philadelphia, found in Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus Christ offers profound encouragement and commendation, presenting a message of uplifting positivity. He identifies Himself as the Holy One, the True One, and the One who holds the key of David, with the authority to open and shut doors that no one can oppose. This authority underscores His power to grant access to the Kingdom of God, a central theme in His communication to the Philadelphians. He acknowledges their faithfulness despite their little strength, noting that they have not denied His name and have made the most of the open door to salvation He has provided. As a reward for their likeness to Him in holiness and righteousness, Christ promises the Philadelphians significant blessings. He assures them of protection during times of trial, pledging to keep them from severe tribulations because of their perseverance in faith. Furthermore, He offers them a permanent place in the temple of God as pillars, signifying stability and an eternal habitation free from fear, contrasting with the seismic instability of their city. They will receive the name of His God, the name of the city of His God, the New Jerusalem, and His own new name, symbolizing an everlasting identity immersed in His presence. These rewards reflect their deep connection to Him, ensuring they will always be with Him and known as His Bride throughout eternity. Christ exhorts them to hold fast to what they have, to maintain their faithfulness to the end, so that no one may take their crown, emphasizing the importance of enduring in their spiritual journey.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the letters to the seven churches found in Revelation 2 and 3, our High Priest and Savior, Jesus Christ, delivers final personal communications to His elect. These messages provide essential evaluation, instruction, praise, and sometimes correction, ensuring that His people can endure to the end and be saved during the dire times of the Day of the Lord. Positioned at the beginning of the book of Revelation, these letters prepare His followers for the roles they must play in that period, offering guidance to follow Him faithfully amidst a world in chaos. To the church in Smyrna, Christ introduces Himself as the One who was dead and came to life, the First and the Last, emphasizing His eternal nature and victory over death. He acknowledges their good works, tribulations, and abject poverty, yet declares them spiritually rich. Unlike other churches, Smyrna receives no criticism, reflecting their faithfulness and righteousness. Christ warns them of impending suffering and imprisonment, orchestrated by the devil to test their faith, but encourages them not to fear. He urges them to remain faithful even unto death, promising the crown of life as a reward—a symbol of honor, status, and eternal life in the Kingdom of God, far surpassing their earthly struggles in the beautiful city of Smyrna. This crown of life assures them of a place in the New Jerusalem, where they will rule and live a life greater than any they have known. Furthermore, Christ promises that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death, guaranteeing their eternal security if they endure to the end. This assurance stands as a beacon of hope, reinforcing that their real life with God in His Kingdom is secured through faithfulness, no matter the persecution or martyrdom they face.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the book of Revelation, the concept of overcoming is central to the messages delivered to the seven churches, each accompanied by specific rewards for those who conquer. To the Ephesians, who must overcome their loss of first love and battle-hardened nature, the promise is eternal life in the presence of God, enjoying all the joys of paradise. The Smyrnans, facing persecution with courage yet needing to overcome fear, are assured they will not be hurt by the second death, securing eternal life. For the Pergamenes, who struggle with envy and feelings of being short-changed by their faithfulness, the rewards include hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name, symbolizing eternal life with God and surpassing the perks denied to them in their city. The Thyatirans, battling grave spiritual weaknesses, a willingness to follow false teachers, and an affinity for corruption, are promised power over the nations and the Morning Star, which is Christ Himself, reflecting their potential for leadership through overcoming. The Sardians, nearly unconverted in their worldliness and desire for a good reputation among men, must overcome much to receive white garments, assurance their name remains in the Book of Life, and Christ's confession of their name before the Father. The Philadelphians, with little strength and facing pressures from those pushing false teachings, are promised to be made pillars in the temple, residing forever with God, and bearing the names of the Father, Christ, and the New Jerusalem, symbolizing strength, stability, and total identity with God. Lastly, the Laodiceans, burdened by poor self-judgment, lack of zeal, poor character, lack of righteousness, and a distant relationship with Christ, are offered a seat on His throne, signifying an intimate connection upon overcoming. Beyond the seven churches, the ultimate promise in Revelation 21 to those who overcome all things is eternal sonship in God's Family, a reward within grasp for those who strive to purify their character into the image of Christ and endure to the end with His help.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, Christ offers distinct rewards to those who overcome, reflecting His promise of eternal fellowship and life with God. To the faithful few in Sardis, who have remained unspotted by the world, He promises to walk with them in white garments, symbolizing righteousness, holiness, purity, fidelity, worthiness, and victory. These white garments mirror His own attributes, indicating that those who emulate Him will share in His rewards and presence, wherever He goes. Additionally, to the overcomers, He assures that He will not blot their names out of the Book of Life, emphasizing the importance of their loyalty and growth in His image. He further promises to confess their names before His Father and the angels, signifying eternal acceptance and worthiness to enter the Family of God, completing the process of salvation as they bear His name forever. These rewards underscore the call to live His way with zeal and dedication, ensuring a lasting bond with Him.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
Remembering God's Gifts, Promises, and Rewards
Sermon by John O. ReidDuring these times of intense distress and tribulation, God expects that we use our memories to reflect upon His gifts, promises, and rewards.

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
'Prophecy Watch' by David F. MaasIn the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.
Change and Hope
Sermon by John O. ReidAs God found it necessary to test our forbears, He allows us to go through grueling experiences (trials, tests, and temptations) for maximum growth.
How Did They Overcome? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThose whom God has called understand the importance of overcoming, but how do we overcome? In Revelation 12:10-11, God describes those who will overcome.
A Place of Safety? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has the ability to protect and save in a variety of methods. The Scriptures reveal various purposes for intervention, protection, and prudent escape.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidIt is not profitable to focus on the place of safety or the specific time of Christ's return, but instead to make the best use of our time to overcome.
The Greatest Hall of Fame
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughFew aspirants receive enshrinement into a hall of fame because the selection process is extremely rigorous, ensuring only the very best are chosen.
Listen Carefully (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaIt is vital for Christians to establish an attitude and habit of hearing. Of particular importance is our responsibility to listen to Jesus Christ.
Pillars Stand for Something!
Article by John O. ReidGod has called us to be "faithful pillars" in His house. The Bible teaches what we need to be doing to become pillars, and the reward of a "faithful pillar."
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.