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The Purpose of Israel
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's purpose in choosing Israel was multifaceted, rooted in a divine plan to bring about salvation and to demonstrate humanity's need for Him. Initially, God selected Abraham for his unique qualities, seeing in him the potential to found a nation that would culminate in the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of His redemptive plan. Through Abraham's descendants, God intended Israel to be a conduit for blessing all mankind, as Christ had to come from a specific lineage to fulfill His role as Messiah. Israel was to serve as a special treasure to God, a people set apart from all others, maintaining a unique relationship with Him. They were called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, acting as a mediatory nation between God and the rest of humanity, bridging the gap through their covenant with Him. This role involved obedience to His laws, showcasing His way of life as an example for other nations to emulate, with the potential to spread peace and prosperity if they adhered to His commandments. Additionally, God used Israel to advance His plan throughout history, positioning them to influence world events and prepare the environment for Christ's birth and ministry. Despite providing them with every physical and spiritual advantage—strong lineage, fertile land, and divine promises—Israel repeatedly failed to obey Him. This failure was part of God's purpose to illustrate that humanity, even under ideal circumstances, cannot succeed without His spiritual help, highlighting the necessity of His Holy Spirit and the New Covenant. Israel's history of shortcomings serves as a negative example for learning, admonishing others not to repeat their mistakes such as lust, idolatry, and disobedience. Their struggles and captivities over thousands of years stand as a classroom lesson for all peoples, demonstrating the impossibility of solving human problems without God's intervention. Yet, God has not abandoned Israel; He promises a future restoration where they will be gathered, given His Spirit, and finally fulfill their role as a model nation during the Millennium, influencing other nations to follow His ways. Ultimately, Israel's purpose includes a future opportunity for redemption, where they will revisit their past failures under God's guidance, understanding their errors and glorifying Him as intended from the beginning. Their temporary rejection has opened the way for others to be grafted into His plan, benefiting the whole world through the mysterious ways He works to bring about salvation for all.
Why Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGod chose Israel for a profound purpose within His overarching plan to bless mankind through the Person of Jesus Christ. Physically, Jesus had to descend from a line of humanity, and God selected Abraham, a man of special qualities and faithful character, to build a model nation. From Abraham, who became known as the father of faith, God created Israel as a people with a unique link to Him, molding them from the best clay for His purposes. This special relationship granted Israel a prime place in God's heart, though their righteousness did not make them inherently better than others. Israel's role as God's primary agents was to fulfill His promises and drive His plan forward, particularly through the house of David and its greatest descendant, Jesus of Nazareth. While God sometimes uses Gentiles, He predominantly employs Israelites to shape history according to His will. Throughout ancient times, Israel and Judah were positioned to influence world empires, prodding events to unfold as God intended. From Egypt's rise and fall, impacted by Israelite labor and the Exodus, to Babylon's conquest of Judah and the subsequent empires, Israel's presence set necessary conditions for Jesus to be born in Judea as foretold. Even after consigning Israel to disobedience, God continues to use them to advance His plan. In fulfillment of promises of prosperity and power to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the descendants of Joseph have risen into great nations, using their might and influence to push other peoples and accomplish incremental steps in God's design. The tiny State of Israel, largely peopled by descendants of Judah, wields disproportionate influence in world affairs, remaining a focal point of conflict and attention as predicted, preparing the way for His Son's second coming to establish His Kingdom on earth.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael was intended by God to be a model nation, a witness to the Gentiles, demonstrating wisdom and understanding through adherence to His statutes and judgments. God desired that the surrounding peoples would marvel at Israel's governance and prosperity, recognizing them as a great and wise nation. However, Israel's history reveals their failure to fulfill this purpose, often becoming a model of what not to do despite God's abundant blessings and care. He provided them with everything they needed, promising to love, bless, and multiply them, yet they repeatedly forsook Him, provoking His anger by turning to other gods. From the beginning, God established Israel as a special treasure, chosen above all peoples on earth, not because of their number or strength, but because of His love and the oath sworn to their fathers. He intended for them to bear His name, living in honor and obedience to display to the world how His people should live, attracting others to His ways. Despite this unique relationship, Israel's vacillating loyalty and unfaithfulness often led to correction and judgment, reflecting a microcosm of God's broader relationship with humanity. God's purpose for Israel, though not fully realized in their early history, remains steadfast, with the promise of ultimate redemption and atonement for His people.
Why Israel? (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael failed to keep the covenant with God. However, God withheld one necessary, spiritual ingredient—the key dimension that makes the New Covenant work.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
What Would Jesus Do?
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus' disciples' citizenship is in heaven, preparing for a new Kingdom of God to emerge; they do not participate in the conflicts or politics of the world.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Eight
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf God is manipulating everything in His sovereignty, why pray? What does prayer teach us? Here is why God commands us to come before Him in prayer.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.
Who Are the Firstfruits?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe may take it for granted that 'firstfruits' are synonymous with 'Christians.'" However, 'firstfruits' is very general, referring to surprising things.
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.