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You Shall Call Your Walls Salvation
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe church must keep a protective wall to protect against scattering and assimilation. We can assist in building protective walls by making sacrifices.
Rebuilding the Wall
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffIn former days, cities relied on strong exterior walls to shield their people and wealth from danger. These fortifications, equipped with gates and towers, controlled access and kept enemies at bay. A breached or broken-down wall spelled disaster for the inhabitants, exposing them to attack. Similarly, in the story of Nehemiah, the absence of Jerusalem's walls left the returning Jews vulnerable to the pagan influences of the surrounding world, leading to intermarriage, Sabbath neglect, and a return to the sins that had once caused their exile. Nehemiah, recognizing the peril of a broken-down wall, sought permission to rebuild it, understanding that without this protection, worldliness infiltrated their lives. Spiritually, we are tasked with building a wall to guard against the influences of satan's world. Just as a broken-down wall in ancient times allowed enemies to enter, a lack of spiritual barriers today permits harmful attitudes and temptations to creep in. We must actively construct this wall through prayer, encouragement, and upholding high standards within our community. When we see a brother straying outside the protective wall, we should sound the alarm and guide them back to safety. Fervent intercessory prayer, as exemplified by Jesus Christ praying for Peter, strengthens this wall against satan's attacks. Beyond the communal wall, we must erect a personal, spiritual wall around our homes, making them sanctuaries where God is honored and satan's ways are kept out. A broken-down wall in the home allows worldly entertainment, music, and internet content to infiltrate, undermining God's values. We must guard against these electronic Trojan horses by evaluating what we permit inside our walls, ensuring only that which brings glory to God enters. Like a schoolyard without a fence, a home without a spiritual wall leaves its inhabitants exposed and insecure. By rebuilding this wall through vigilance and a restored relationship with God, we create a safe haven where love and kindness prevail. Just as Nehemiah surveyed the destruction of Jerusalem's wall and worked to rebuild it, we must assess the breaches in our spiritual walls—within the church, our homes, and our lives—and dedicate ourselves to their restoration.
Building the Wall (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the midst of a misinformation barrage, we must commence rebuilding the collapsed walls of doctrine and truth, providing protection for God's church.
Building the Wall (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBuilding a wall requires standing, holding firm, showing alertness and a readiness for action, even if it requires self-denial and unpleasant dirty work.
Inside the Hedge
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMore important than any national border is the hedge God has placed around His people on the condition that they trust and obey Him.
Stay in Jerusalem
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Those who returned to Jerusalem did not completely fulfill their commission, failing to completely rebuild the walls and failing to totally rebuild the temple.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur physical bodies have a defense system to keep out invaders. Spiritually, how well do we maintain our defenses against error and contamination?
The Dew of Heaven
Article by Ronny H. GrahamDew is a creation of God that He uses several times in His Word. Here is how this symbolism applies to us today.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.
The Garden of God
Article by StaffThe Bible uses agriculture to provide many lessons for us. Are we learning them—or are we repeating history as Israel did?
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.
Psychological Manipulation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Subtle influences seek to continually shape us; our mental state is influenced by our environment, seeking to move us in a direction away from God.
A Pre-Passover Look
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.