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The Israel of God
Article by Charles WhitakerIn Galatians 6:16, the apostle Paul refers to the church as the Israel of God, a name inspired by God Himself who first uttered the word Israel when He changed Jacob's name after a night of wrestling at Peniel. Jacob, originally meaning supplanter, was aggressive and cunning, exploiting circumstances to his advantage, as seen when he gained the birthright from Esau and later deceived Isaac for the firstborn's blessing. This deception forced Jacob to flee for his life to Padan Aram, where he sojourned with Laban for twenty years, during which he developed a stronger relationship with God, though slowly. God assured Jacob of His protection, commanding him to return to the land of his fathers, and with God's help, Jacob prevailed over Laban and later with God at Peniel, refusing to break off the wrestling match. Subsequently, he reconciled with Esau and took a stand against idolatry, recognizing God's work in his life and offering thanks to Him. God protected Jacob during his journey home, as the terror of God was upon the surrounding cities, preventing pursuit. The prophet Hosea contrasts the combative, self-reliant Jacob with the overcomer he became, Israel, meaning he prevails with God, a name reflecting his transformation through milestones like Bethel and Peniel on his road to conversion. Symbolically, Jacob represents a carnal person who has not overcome, while Israel represents a prevailing Christian, an overcomer who will inherit the Kingdom of God. Spiritually, the kings descending from Jacob are those who, like him, have overcome and will someday rule as God, making Israel an apt designation for God's church, whose members struggle to overcome and, remaining faithful, will prevail to rule as princes forever with Him.
Searching for Israel (Part Two): Blessings in Faith
Article by Charles WhitakerThe blessings granted to Jacob's sons as well as Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, identifies the descendants of ancient Israel today.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Twelve): Joseph
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod frequently bypasses the firstborn, selecting for His purposes another sibling. Jacob selected Joseph's second son, Ephraim, to receive the blessing.
The Nation of Israel—Biblical Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Pat HigginsModern-day Jews are just a fraction of those whom the Bible calls 'Israelites.' This is a distinction we must understand to grasp vital truths in God's Word.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Six): New Testament Teaching
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose who follow Christ are the true Israel, the Elect, and the Chosen, called by God to precede unfaithful physical Israel in the salvation process.
What's in a Name?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGod uses names very particularly in His Word. Knowing the meaning and identity of certain names can greatly aid our study of Bible prophecy.
Amos 5 and the Feast of Tabernacles
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow can we evaluate whether our Feast is 'good' or not? God's criticism of Israel's feasts in Amos 5 teaches what God wants us to learn from His feasts.
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.
What You Feel vs. What You Believe
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFeelings and emotions may throw our faith off course. Our moods are mercurial and we must control them with daily prayer and Bible study.
Amos (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos severely chides Israel for exalting symbolism over substance, superstitiously trusting in locations where significant historical events occurred.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
The Providence of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must learn to let God provide blessings rather than, through crafty scheming life our forefather Jacob, grabbing them from others for themselves.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRather than having an apathetic relationship toward God, we must ardently, earnestly, and fervently seek God in order to imitate His behavior in our lives.
The Providence of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe have to exercise faith, realizing the timing will be right for us, enabling us to accept His provisions and decisions for us without fear or anxiety.