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Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEach of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
The Seven Churches (Part Eight): Philadelphia
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Philadelphia church is often considered the best of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Is it? Does it have faults? Is our judgment biased?
The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughRevelation's seven churches have intrigued readers for centuries. Were they just seven historical churches, eras, or attitudes ever-present in the church?
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist favors the Philadelphia church, but such favor puts it under obligation. Sadly, God's favor causes some to think too highly of themselves.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.
The Philadelphia Syndrome
Commentary by David C. GrabbeThe Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.
The "Open Door" of Philadelphia
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMany have misunderstood the 'open door' reference in the letter to Philadelphia. It refers to Isaiah 22:15-25, which describes the role of Eliakim the steward.
The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the Day of the Lord, Christ stands in the midst of all seven churches. We are to learn from the lessons from all seven, not get sidetracked by eras.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidJust as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.
A Swift End
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen the end-time signs begin to be fulfilled, the time for long-term spiritual growth will be over. So Jesus commands us, 'Therefore you also be ready.'
A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost of God's church believes that the seven letters of Revelation 2-3 reveal seven church eras. However, the Bible indicates an end-time fulfillment.
We Still Need a Sense of Urgency
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's selecting a particular candidate does not necessarily mean He has given America a reprieve from the results of her sins. We still need a sense of urgency.
The Remnant
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe subject of a remnant occurs 540 times in the Bible! What is a remnant? How does it apply in this end time? How does it apply to the church?
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.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
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.
Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod promises some Christians that He will keep them from the Tribulation, the 'hour of trial.' Here are the characteristics of those whom God will protect.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
Revelation 2-3 and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.
What Is the 'Synagogue of Satan' (Revelation 2:9; 3:9)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe word synagogue comes from a Greek word meaning 'assembly of men' or 'congregation,' and is similar to the word 'church.' Satan counterfeits God's way.
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
Power
Article by David C. GrabbeThe church of the Philadelphians has a 'little strength', suggesting that Christ commends them for being 'faithful in little' and will reward them with much.
Empirical Selfishness
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhile it is natural and harmless to identify with a teacher that we hear each week, that identification should not be the source of friction.
Don't Lose Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.
Smyrna: Faithful Until Death
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.
When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidThroughout Israel's history, the trumpet blast has always meant the onset of war, death, and destruction, ushering in harsh correction for physical Israel.
Where Is Your Trust?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn times of trouble, where is our trust? The Kingdom of God is what we should be seeking—not a self-satisfied avoidance of suffering.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the 'Christian' world, militant atheism may be decreasing, but religious indifference is also increasing at even a more dramatic rate.
A Place of Safety? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughObsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.