Filter by Categories
Coming to Know Him
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe return of Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Olivet Discourse and related passages, is a central theme of prophecy, marked by overwhelming sensory phenomena that demand the attention of all humanity. In Matthew 24, it is foretold that His coming will be accompanied by great sights in the heavens—the sun darkened, the moon without light, stars falling, and the powers of the heavens shaken. Then, the sign of the Son of Man will appear, a magnificent and radiant display that will captivate all eyes. All tribes of the earth will mourn as they witness Him descending from heaven, an event of such magnitude that it becomes a sensory overload of sights and sounds, almost too much for the human mind to comprehend. These global phenomena ensure that no one can ignore His return, marking it as the most significant and stunning event in human history. Further, His arrival on the Mount of Olives is described as a dramatic intervention, where the mountain splits from east to west, providing a way of escape for His trapped people. This act underscores the power and authority of His coming, as He settles accounts with a great plague, utterly defeating the enemy by melting them like wax. His rule will be established with a rod of iron, a visual and auditory crescendo that reveals the Creator, Savior, and Lord of Hosts in all His glory. This is not a quiet or subtle event; it is a slam-bang, in-your-face revelation of His might, ensuring that every person on earth acknowledges His presence and power.
Day of Deception
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's Olivet Prophecy, found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, stands as the foundational prophecy in the Bible, setting the stage for all prophetic understanding. It provides the basis for unlocking the secrets of Bible prophecy, ensuring that all other prophecies align with what Jesus Christ presents as the foundation. The initial verses of the Olivet Prophecy clarify elements such as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and several seals in Revelation 6. Jesus also references the Abomination of Desolation, connecting to Daniel 9 and offering insight into its nature and timing. Additionally, when speaking of His return, He points to the great signs described in Joel 3 that precede this event. The Olivet Prophecy establishes critical priorities for spiritual readiness. Across all three accounts, there is a strong emphasis on watching and being prepared, maintaining spiritual alertness for the Kingdom of God, as the central message is that He is returning, and readiness is essential. At the outset of the prophecy, Jesus issues a paramount warning against deception, stating first and foremost to be careful that no one deceives. He highlights the danger of religious deception, noting that many will come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, and will deceive many. He reiterates this concern with warnings about false prophets and false messiahs who will mislead many, urging not to believe them. Jesus identifies deception as the most prominent danger at the end of the age, foreseeing a flood of falsehood and misinformation that His people must navigate to discern truth, righteousness, and goodness.
The Love of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA major event before Jesus Christ's return will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world, nor ever shall be. Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved alive; but for the elect's sake, those days will be shortened. This time of unparalleled horror will bring destruction and war unlike anything humanity has ever experienced, serving as a direct precursor to Christ's second coming. He will return in power and glory to save mankind from its own destruction. Extraordinary events in the heavens will occur, terrifying people with cosmic disturbances never before seen in human history. Men's hearts will fail them from fear and the expectation of what is coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Only then will the sign of the Son of Man appear, marking Christ's return. His coming will involve great events in the skies, followed by worldwide catastrophes and His appearance in glory.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Exodus 19, there are 12 parallels with Christ's dramatic return illustrated in Matthew 24. All of these events will culminate in a blast of a trumpet.
Christ's Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets memorializes God's deliverance of Israel beginning with Joseph, and looks forward to Christ's return when God will deliver His people.
The End Is Not Yet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's people do a disservice to the cause of truth when they allow the media-hype to trigger a false hope about Jesus Christ's return being imminent.
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.
Famine (Part One): The Beginning of Sorrows
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFamine is caused by sin, ignorance, foolish farming practices, and inadequate means of transit. The whole world will soon suffer intense spiritual famine.
Four Views of Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.
Winners Never Quit, Quitters Never Win
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWinston Churchill's wartime advice, 'Never give in,' is good advice for us now as we approach the horrible time of the Great Tribulation.
Learning to Navigate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we navigating through life toward God's Kingdom like Jesus Christ? As our example, He has already done the heavy lifting; our job is to follow his lead.