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Preparing for the Feast

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a yearly vacation. It is a time set apart for both rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him.

Looking Back to the Future

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The dwelling in booths and the sacrifices were the context for rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles. The booths depict our current lives as pilgrims.

Intimacy with Christ (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must fight against the world's pulls (including advertising), simplifying our lives, seeking quiet to meditate and build a relationship with God.

Are You Ready For Kingship?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation 5:10 declares that God has made His people kings and priests who will reign on the earth. This is not a figurehead role like modern constitutional monarchies, but genuine ruling authority, symbolized by a rod of iron. The question naturally follows: are God's people actively preparing for this kingship? John 14:1-3 reveals that Christ, since His ascension, has been preparing a place, an office, for each of His followers. At His return, He will resurrect His firstfruits and invite them to join Him in ruling the earth. The Bible itself serves as the royal instruction manual, containing the laws, principles, and character of God that future kings will need. Deuteronomy 17:14-20, titled "Principles Governing Kings," provides five foundational lessons for those being prepared to rule. First, the king must be an Israelite whom God chooses. Spiritually, this refers to God's calling and election. Those called, baptized, and Spirit-led become the spiritual Israel of God. The name Israel means one who prevails with God, pointing to the essential character trait of an overcomer. Revelation 2 and 3 confirm that those who overcome will be granted thrones and share in Christ's inheritance. Second, the king must not multiply horses. Horses represent military power and worldly ambition. God's instruction is to avoid trusting in carnal methods of gaining power and instead trust Him to fight spiritual battles. As Exodus 14 and 23 demonstrate, God promises to be an enemy to His people's enemies. The real battle is spiritual, fought against sin and false beliefs, and victory comes little by little through faith and endurance. Third, the king must not multiply wives. In the ancient world, kings used marriages to forge political alliances. Spiritually, this warns against forming covenantal ties with worldly beliefs and distractions that compete with loyalty to God. God

Prophets and Prophecy (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A 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.

Elements of Motivation (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we have been bought with an awesome price, we have no right to pervert our lives, but are obligated to look upon our bodies as vessels in His service.

Friendship Within the Church

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We will be judged on our responsiveness to each other and our subsequent friendship with our brethren, one that goes through the grave for all eternity.