Filter by Categories
What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeZephaniah 3:9 speaks of a significant transformation, declaring that God will turn to the peoples a pure language, enabling them all to call on the name of the LORD and serve Him with one accord. This prophecy indicates a coming change in speech rather than a restoration of something previously existing, as the Hebrew term suggests a shift or turning to a new state. The Hebrew word for language fundamentally means a termination or edge, often translated as lip, and extends to imply speech and language, reflecting a deeper connection to the heart as the true source of expression. In Hebrew thought, the lips are seen as the termination point of the heart, which drives speech, as evidenced in Proverbs where the heart of the wise teaches the mouth and the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. Jesus Christ Himself emphasized this principle, stating that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Furthermore, language continuously evolves to describe changing realities, adapting as cultures shift, sometimes for better or worse. As culture degrades, so does language, with words being repurposed or new terms created to reflect societal changes. Language is not merely a collection of words but a mirror of the underlying culture. Therefore, the prophecy of a pure language signifies a profound renovation of the dominant culture, one that will include God and reflect a far better reality.
What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeLanguage is not merely a collection of words but a reflection of the culture it represents. When a people begin speaking a pure language, it indicates a profound cultural shift away from the sinfulness of human society toward a way of life that includes God. A culture distant from God will inevitably have a debased language, revealing the deeper issue of hearts straying from Him. The prophet Isaiah exemplifies this connection between language and spiritual state. Overwhelmed by a vision of the Lord's majesty, Isaiah laments his unclean lips, reflecting the impurity of both himself and his people. After a seraphim purifies his lips with a live coal from the altar, removing his iniquity, Isaiah's language transforms. Though still speaking the same Hebrew words, they now convey truth and honesty, free from obscenity, lying, and evil-speaking, mirroring a renewed spiritual reality. God does not favor one human language over another, as all have been shaped by imperfect people to describe a fallen reality. He has expressed His will through multiple languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—demonstrating that a believer is not required to learn a specific tongue to call on Him. True purity in language stems from the heart, not from pronouncing specific names or sounds, as even accurate knowledge of God's names is insufficient without a heart aligned with Him.
A Pure Language
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe don't need to be experts in Hebrew or use Hebrew names to call on the name of the Lord, nor is Hebrew sacred. Pure language comes from an undefiled heart.
Babel: Man's Way vs. God's Way
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterAt Babel, the people were of one mind but in total rebellion to God. The events at Babel and the events at Pentecost differentiate God's way and man's way.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
Asphalt Aspirations and Pentecost's Promise
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God reversed the Babel debacle with His own plan to unify, making one called-out people, having one mutually understood language, commencing on Pentecost.
Words Versus Images
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritually, relying on images leads to shallowness of thought at best and idolatry at its worst. Virtually everything we know about God comes through words.
Out of Control
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Diverse cultures separate peoples, causing cantankerousness and hostility, even when these cultures share the same language or share a common language.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2002)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecy of Deuteronomy 28:42-49 concerns the curse of the stranger rising higher and higher above us, displacing our Israelitish culture with foreign one.
Using Our Spiritual Vocabulary
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the same way that we use only a small fraction of our vocabulary, because we are human, we use only a small fraction of what we have learned from God's Word.
A Government to Fear (Part Six)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The US government has changed for the worse in the past 50 years, incrementally following collective dictatorships like Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
The Poetry of the Bible
CGG WeeklyThe Bible can be described as a literary marvel, a glorious work of art that matches—indeed surpasses—the brilliance of any secular work.
A Picture Against a Thousand Words
CGG WeeklyA fundamental difference exists between images and language, and by understanding the difference, we can understand the second commandment's importance.
Divorce and Remarriage
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAny given doctrine must be built layer by layer, combining and comparing scriptures rather than allowing a single scripture to determine the doctrine. When we understand that porneia includes all the hideous perverted sexual sins that go beyond ordinary adultery- including bestiality, pedophilia, homosexuality, incest, and every other imaginable sexual perversion, we understand that Jesus gave a greater latitude and flexibility in these divorce decisions than we had earlier assumed (based exclusively upon adulterous 'fraud'). Any violence against the marriage contract (stemming from unconversion) would constitute grounds for divorce, and would permit the converted partner to remarry. Mutual access to the tree of life (God's Holy Spirit) gives marriage the best (actually the only) chance to succeed.
Globalism (Part Eight): A Force for Conflict
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGlobalism, as it comes in contact with tribalism, often causes conflict because the two systems are incompatible. Such a collision is prophesied.