A Tale of Two Complaints (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah is often called the 'Weeping Prophet.' He can perhaps also be called the 'Complaining Prophet' on account of his two major complaints to God.
Baruch's Complaint (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah and his scribe, Baruch, lived during a time of great upheaval. Baruch complained that God's plans against Judah were crimping his own ambitions.
Lamentations (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the recent solar eclipse, reminds us that in the peoples of past cultures believed that solar and lunar eclipses were omens of impending tragedy, leading to rituals to combat their influence. Although the Bible uses the imagery of the eclipse to portend the confusion at the end of the age, …
Baruch's Discontent
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerCharles Whitaker focuses on the example of faithful scribe, Baruch, in Jeremiah 45:1-5, who has been characterized as a kvetcher or complainer. He was given the message by Jeremiah that God was going to uproot the civilization that he knew, and that he was not to attempt to take advantage of the calamity for personal gain. God …
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
Lamentations (Part 2; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh contends that while Scripture does allow for individuals to share their faults with one another for encouragement and brotherly advice, no man has the power to forgive sins or grant absolution, a prerogative retained by Christ and God the Father alone. Trusting human allies rather than God to also seems to be a …
Be Prepared (2012)
Sermon by Kim MyersKim Myers, reflecting on the account in Jeremiah 1, sees a parallel warning to modern day Judah and America, as well as the greater Church of God, in the wake of the deterioration of the Worldwide Church of God and the subsequent watering down of God's laws and doctrines. The splinters of the greater Church of God have not shown …
The Day of Israel's Calamity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs a nation, we have rejected wisdom in favor of foolishness, bringing about major calamities: famines, pestilence, earthquakes, cosmic disturbances.
Building the Wall (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the imagery in Revelation 12:16 of the torrent or flood spewed out from Satan's mouth, depicts the torrent of misinformation and lies, causing anxiety and confusion. Like the scattering of the church, the greater nation of Israel will be compromised with Satan's torrent of misinformation. In the …
Passover (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe temple Passover commanded by Hezekiah was a very unusual circumstance in which the king centralized worship to keep Baalism from defiling the Passover.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA 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.
Hebrews (Part 9)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates Christ's superior qualifications as High Priest. After the change from the Aaronic to the Melchizedek priesthood, it was also necessary to bring about a major change in the Covenant. The flaw in the Old Covenant was not in the law, but stemmed from the fleshly, deceitful, carnal hearts of mankind. All …
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores several nuances of the term grace, describing a generous, thoughtful action of God, accompanied by love, which accomplishes His will, equipping us with everything we will need to be transformed into the Bride. Even though we, like Jeremiah, may feel timid and underpowered, God is always out in front, …
Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that if God had accepted the calendar for 1600 years, it would be presumptuous for one living at the end of days to call it flawed. This calendar issue had surfaced during the tenure of Herbert W. Armstrong's apostleship and was thoroughly studied and systematically resolved. God assigned the tribe of …
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
Israel: Present
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible gives many clues as to the location of the 'lost' Ten Tribes of Israel. With God's Word, along with historical records, only one conclusion is possible.
