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God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Greek term *musterion* (G3466), translated as "mystery" in English, is used in a highly specialized and narrower sense within the Bible. It does not refer to a puzzle or something difficult to solve in the ordinary sense. Biblically, *musterion* indicates the divine but invisible activities of God in our behalf for our preparation for His Kingdom and salvation. More selectively, it signifies a revelation of an action taken by God so that His called and chosen can grasp more clearly what He has done for them. In Ephesians 3, the mystery discussed pertains to Gentiles fellowshipping with Israelites in the same Christian congregations, a concept previously unthinkable. This mystery was hidden until the ministry and death of Jesus Christ opened the door for such unity, made possible through God's grace and the sacrificial death of Christ as a spiritual cleansing for the Gentiles. This act of God resolved the separation, allowing both groups to worship together through faith in Jesus Christ. These mysteries are not hidden in the sense of being obscure puzzles but are often unrevealed truths that become vital once God provides clarity. They are akin to being hidden in plain sight within the pages of the Bible, present all along but requiring divine revelation for full understanding. Examples of such mysteries include the gospel and the ministry of Jesus Christ as revealed in Ephesians 1, the good news of the Kingdom of God preached by Him as noted in Mark 1, the blinding of Israel by God as mentioned in Romans 11, and the revelation of Jesus Christ as the real Creator in I Corinthians 2. Each of these, once unveiled by God, enhances our understanding and benefits our spiritual growth.

The Beast and Babylon (Part Five): The Great Harlot

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

An important element in understanding prophecy involves the term *musterion* (G3466), which appears in the identification of the Woman named Mystery, Babylon the Great, in Revelation 17 and 18. This name, Mystery, suggests a deeper, hidden significance beyond a surface interpretation. As referenced in I Corinthians 2:7-9, the use of this term indicates that the Woman represents more than just a religious entity; she embodies a city or nation with vast political, economic, and military influence, engaged in worldwide merchandising, shipping, and manufacturing. This depiction in Revelation 18 highlights a prophetic image of globalism, where her power is so immense that her downfall would halt worldwide trade and incite panic among businessmen. The term *musterion* underscores the complexity and breadth of her identity, pointing to a powerful, unified entity that exerts authority over many nations, as symbolized by her sitting on many waters, the Beast, and seven mountains.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Greek term *musterion* (G3466) is translated into English as "mystery" and appears twenty-two times in the Bible, with seventeen uses by Paul, four by John, and one by Jesus Christ. Biblically, it does not signify an enigma or a secret difficult to solve as the English term often implies. Instead, *musterion* is used in a highly specialized way to denote the divine but invisible activity of God on behalf of His called and chosen, aiding in their preparation for His Kingdom and salvation. This activity, though obscure and potentially not apparent publicly for centuries, becomes clear when God inspires its reality to be taught to His people, resulting in a much clearer understanding. These mysteries are not truly hidden but are like truths unrevealed, vital once God brings them to light, encouraging faith that He is indeed working for the benefit of His children.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.

Vanity (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Solomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.