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Fast-Forwarding the Tape
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasPeople cannot live without hope. To cope with trials, we should metaphorically fast-forward the tape to what comes later.
Hedging Our Bet
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMankind desires to see into the future to control what is to come, realizing that knowing a future outcome can take the hazard out of decision-making.
Looking Forward
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, citing Mark Twain's aphorism, "The art of prophecy is difficult, especially with respect to the future," points out that there are too many variables for any human to predict accurately. We can be thankful that God's prognostications and prophecies are totally trustworthy, many of which have already come to pass. God is a forecaster extraordinaire. Prophecy is the ability to forecast an event in advance. Many predictions are quite probable with regard to general predictions, but the more qualifiers and variables we add, the less probability the prophecy will work out. Some futurists, like H. G. Wells, have been successful in their prognostications, although many turned out to be duds. We should gaze forward, anticipating what God will reveal to us, becoming "nostalgic about the future," and not wistfully looking back, lingering or dallying, as did Lot and his family. By looking back, Lot's wife was boldly repudiating the will of God. Once we have made the commitment to follow God, to recount the cost would be suicidal. God has to come first before anyone else from the time of commitment and beyond. Looking back leads to "plowing a crooked furrow." Paul assured us that pressing forward to knowing Christ makes every other goal rubbish. In putting all into the goal of following and knowing Christ, we are not alone; we have a big cloud of witnesses who have provided us an example to follow something we cannot immediately see, except through the lens of faith.
Why Study Prophecy?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe study prophecy to know the general outline of future events, be prepared for the next significant event, and understand God's will and His character.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament, providing overviews of life-guiding advice, essentially a roadmap through the maze.
Rejoice in What We Are (2011)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we have been given revelation, we should have peace and a sense of well-being about life that would make the high-achievers of this world envious.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fifteen): Deference
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon makes the subject of deference a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. Christians must always strive to see God behind those in power over us.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Fast-Forwarding the Tape
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasSome of us fast-forward to catch a glimpse of the ending of a story. This curiosity is similar to God's showing us how life's experiences can turn out.
Why Must Satan Be Released?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSatan refuses to repent, even after suffering 1,000 years of confinement. Upon his release, Satan expertly manipulates the pulls of carnal nature.
Why Must Satan Be Released?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeSatan's release after the Millennium will reveal the Devil's unrepentant rebellion against God and test the character of humanity one last time.
The Bible—Superstition or Authority?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWhy do the many churches disagree about what the Bible says? Have you ever proved whether it is the authoritative Word of the Creator God?
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A prophet is one who carries a message from another. A true prophet's message will derive from existing Scripture, even if he is breaking new, unexplored ground.
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
Gratitude for Deliverance and God's Word
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEven though we have heard that the Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies coming out of sin, the principal focus is that we remember God as our Deliverer.
Deadlines
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIn a recent study, scientists declared that, regardless of lifestyle or environmental factors, each human being has a clock with its own expiration date.