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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 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.
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.
Revelation 2 and 3: Eras?
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The notion of church eras in Revelation 2-3 is based on some fundamental errors. Jesus expects that all of us learn from all seven letters.
The Seven Churches (Part Two): Interpretations
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe modern church of God has taught that Revelation's seven churches typify successive eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this belief valid?
'He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear . . .'
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA man with myopic judgment will take the good times he has as evidence of God's pleasure, and conclude that the bad times must be caused by Satan's persecution.
The Seven Churches (Part Nine): Laodicea
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLaodiceanism, the prevalent attitude in God's church today, can be overcome if we submit to Christ's judgment rather than our flawed self-evaluation.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
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.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Avoiding Spiritual Burnout
Sermon by John O. ReidThe inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.