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Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the book of Revelation, certain chapters are identified as inset chapters, which do not follow the sequential time progression established by the overall narrative. These inset chapters serve as historical digressions, providing greater clarity and detail to events within the main timeline. They explain aspects necessary for a fuller understanding of what is happening during the described periods. For instance, chapter 7 is an inset chapter that interrupts the sequence between the opening of the sixth seal in chapter 6 and the seventh seal in chapter 8. This digression clarifies what happens to a specific group of people during the events of the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, revealing that God creates an environment for the conversion of a great innumerable multitude even amidst such turmoil. Chapters 10 and 11 are also considered part of the same inset material, with the inset beginning in chapter 10, verse 1, rather than chapter 11 as traditionally assumed. This inset starts with a spectacular vision of a mighty angel and does not follow the time sequence of chapter 9. Instead, it continues through chapter 11, detailing events such as the seven thunders and the testimony of the Two Witnesses, which occur before the sounding of the seventh trumpet in chapter 11, verse 15. This positioning indicates that the events described, including the preaching of the Two Witnesses, take place well before the later seals and trumpets, offering insight into how conversions are possible during intense prophetic periods. Other chapters, such as 12, 13, 14, 17, and 18, are also identified as insets. Chapter 12 provides a condensed history of the true church, tracing its origins and struggles through various eras up to future tribulations. Chapter 13 offers an overview of the political system influenced by satan, showing its historical roots and end-time manifestations. Chapter 17 reveals the relationship between the false church and this political system, while chapter 18 focuses on the economic system associated with it. Each of these inset chapters is often introduced by a significant vision or angelic appearance, marking their divergence from the main chronological flow and providing essential background or explanatory content. These inset chapters collectively enhance understanding by addressing questions that might arise within the prophetic timeline, ensuring that the revelation is comprehensive and clear regarding the unfolding of God's plan.
The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Book of Revelation, certain sections, known as inset chapters, do not follow the sequential flow of the main narrative but provide additional context or detail. For instance, in Revelation 11, an inset chapter, the sounding of the trumpet coincides with the resurrection of the Two Witnesses, aligning with the resurrection of the elect at the return of Jesus Christ. This event occurs simultaneously with other significant happenings, such as lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail, all marking the grand announcement of His appearing. Similarly, Revelation 10:5-7, another inset passage, highlights the seventh angel's sounding, which announces the culmination of the mystery of God's plan up to the establishment of His Kingdom by Jesus Christ. These inset chapters emphasize that the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the saints, and the unfolding of God's judgments happen in a unified, continuous action, underscoring the singular and powerful nature of His coming.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the book of Revelation, inset chapters are sections that do not adhere to the chronological sequence of events as presented in surrounding chapters. These chapters serve to provide detailed explanations or historical digressions that enhance understanding of the broader narrative, including the seals, trumpets, and bowls of God's wrath. For instance, chapter 7 is an inset between the opening of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12 and the seventh seal in Revelation 8:1, offering details of events occurring between these seals, though not strictly within their sequence. This digression shows God postponing certain events to allow for specific occurrences that would otherwise be hindered by the intensity of the unfolding chaos. Chapter 10 is also identified as an inset chapter, not following directly from the events of chapter 9, and its connection to chapter 11 suggests a continuation of inset material rather than a new sequence. The appearance of another mighty angel in Revelation 10:1, distinct from previous angels, marks the introduction of content that precedes many of the major events, including those in chapters 8 and 9, and even some prior to the opening of the seals in chapter 6. The events of chapter 10, including the seven thunders, occur before the preaching of the Two Witnesses in chapter 11, and before significant trumpet events, indicating a historical or explanatory focus rather than a direct timeline progression. Other inset chapters, such as chapter 12, provide an encapsulated history of the true church, spanning from heavenly origins to end-time persecution, clearly out of sequence with surrounding events but offering a sequential overview of time. Chapter 15 sets the stage for the chronological events of chapter 16, while chapter 17 reveals the relationship between the false church and satan's political system across long periods, and chapter 18 focuses on the economic system used by satan throughout history. These insets are often introduced by significant visions or angelic appearances, underscoring their distinct role in providing deeper insight into the overarching narrative of Revelation.
The Three Angels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to organize things in groups of three, such as the proclamation of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-13. Angelos could refer to a human messenger.
The Two Witnesses (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to recognize prophecies as they occur or shortly afterward. To cling to an interpretation before the events happen leads to missing vital details.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
The Two Witnesses (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's Two Witnesses will accomplished their work before the Beast kills them. Humanity will feel relief at their death, but stark terror at their resurrection.
The Beast From the Earth and 666
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.