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Are We Already In Captivity?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.

Scattering and Gathering: Images of History and Prophecy (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Gathering and scattering cannot be done at the same time, but can be accomplished at different times. God gathers to reverse the effects of calamity.

The Time of Jacob's Trouble

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The biblical concept of 'Jacob's Trouble" describes a lengthy period of severe divine punishment prophesied in Jeremiah 30:12, the worst time for Israel and Judah, but eventually culminating in their deliverance. The scriptures symbolically refer to summer (such as the 9th of Av) as a season of judgement, linking both historical and modern events (duality of prophecy), fulfilling prophecies of national apostasy and consequences. The consequences include economic collapse, military defeat, foreign domination, pestilence, war, and natural disasters necessitating extreme chastisement to provoke repentance. The curses of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 can be seen as "warning shots" of God's displeasure over moral decay and national sins. Jacob's trouble, both in ancient times and current times, will strip Jacob's children of their autonomy, forcing a total reliance on Almighty God. The metaphor of labor pains is used to describe the pain and intensity of the trials which describes the inevitable, but transformative, suffering. We are warned against complacency, prioritizing godliness over any worldly alternatives, trusting God, and seeking His coming Kingdom. We must trust in God's sovereignty amid our trials, realizing that suffering is often a tool for sanctification. Consequently, we must faithfully await His timing for deliverance. While no one except God the Father knows the timeline, we should stay ready, clinging to Him. Thankfully, Jacob's Trouble is not an end, but an intense refining fire, leading to redemption for all who humbly submit to the sovereign will of God.

If You Do Not Obey My Voice

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

America's infrastructure, educational standards, and economy, etc. are beginning to flag, largely from disobedience to God's laws and squandering blessings.

Israel's Immigration Problem

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Economically, the alien has enslaved modern Israel by becoming the lender, putting an iron yoke around the necks of the people in the host nations.

Hamas' October 7 Attack

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Hamas' October 7 attack fits into a biblical pattern of God's people turning from Him, causing God to hide His face and allow incredible suffering.

Slavery and Babylon

'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. Collins

We are all affected by the enslaving system of Babylon, as servitude comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, economic, and political.

Sabbathkeeping (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

It is from the proper use of the Sabbath—in fellowshipping with Him and getting to know Him—that we derive true spiritual rest and refreshment.

Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We need to prepare physically and mentally for God's expected judgment—a terrible thing for those not aligned to His divine purpose for humanity.

God's Faithfulness and Hope

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The children of Israel severely tested God's patience through their compulsive murmuring and faithlessness, but God refused to give up on them.

Amos (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Amos is addressed to the ones who have made the new covenant with God. Having made the covenant, we must remember that privilege brings peril.

Lamentations (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Lamentations show poignant before-and-after vignettes of formerly happy times contrasted with the horror of the present as God punishes Judah.

Hope to the End (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The church must forcefully deal with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or it too will succumb to the terrifying vortex of despair.

The Four Cups of Wine

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Jewish tradition calls for four cups of wine on Passover based on God's 'I will' statements in Exodus 6:6-7, which apply to the Israel of God today.

Dystopia? Utopia?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Great Tribulation is the ultimate dystopia. The return of Christ will avenge all the crimes committed against God's people, as God's Kingdom is restored.

Are We Ready To Enter The Promised Land?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We may not be troubled by giants or enemy nations, but we have trials of similar magnitude. We dare not behave as the timid spies, but live with boldness.