Filter by Categories
The Wavesheaf Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe wavesheaf offering, though often overlooked, holds profound significance in God's plan of salvation. It is not designated as a holy day by God, but its meaning is far from minor, as without what it represents, there would be no salvation. The primary instruction for this offering is found in Leviticus 23:9-14, marking a small, initial harvest that begins the count to Pentecost, the culmination of the early harvest. This offering represents the first of the firstfruits, an early part of the harvest season as described in Exodus 23:19 and 34:26. Jesus Christ embodies the archetypical Wavesheaf, having been resurrected from the dead on a Saturday evening, unbeknownst to the priests performing the ritual. On Sunday morning, as the firstborn among many brethren, He was lifted through the heavens to God's throne, accepted by Him as the sacrifice for our sins and as our High Priest. This event marked a momentous step in God's plan, securing the payment for our sins and installing a sinless, dynamic High Priest as our Mediator before the Father, assuring our salvation and conquering death. Though the wavesheaf offering may seem insignificant amidst the more visible activities of Passover and Unleavened Bread, it memorializes the most significant spiritual event yet to occur on earth: the resurrection and ascension of our Savior Jesus Christ. It signifies the real beginning of the spiritual work of harvesting human souls, culminating in our resurrection and transformation to spirit as His brothers and sisters upon His return. Through this annual observance, God wisely prompts us to take stock of our progression through time, encouraging us to devote ourselves to making the most of it and gauging our progress toward His Kingdom.
Was Joshua Required to Offer the Wavesheaf?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Wavesheaf Offering holds a significant place in the historical and instructional context of Israel's harvest practices. God instructed Israel in Leviticus 23:9-11 to bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of their harvest to the priest when they came into the land He gave them, to be waved before the Lord on the day after the Sabbath for their acceptance. This marked the beginning of the harvest, a critical workday for an agrarian society, not coinciding with a holy day in earlier practices. The phrase "when you come into the land," used in various instructions, indicates a general time when Israel was settled in the promised land, not necessarily immediately upon crossing the Jordan. As seen in Deuteronomy 26:1-3, this phrase implies possessing and dwelling in the land, which occurred after the conquest, suggesting that the Wavesheaf Offering was not required immediately upon entry, especially if other conditions, like the sanctity of holy days, were not met. Further examination in Numbers 15:17-21 of a similar "when you come into the land" instruction for a heave offering reveals the labor-intensive nature of harvest activities. If the Wavesheaf Offering were assumed to be made on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, it would imply performing extensive work on a holy day, which contradicts the principle of keeping such days sanctified. Additionally, God would not accept offerings of grain that the Israelites did not sow themselves, as noted in related instructions. In Joshua 5, though the Israelites ate of the land's produce, the grain was not from their own labor, meaning they could not offer it as a Wavesheaf. Thus, there was no requirement to make the Wavesheaf Offering at that time, reinforcing that it should not fall on a holy day. The insistence on placing Wavesheaf Day within Unleavened Bread, even on a holy day, is a newer concept not aligned with earlier understandings where the harvest's start was kept separate from holy days to maintain their sanctity. Joshua 5 does not support the idea that the Wavesheaf Offering or the harvest's beginning could occur on a holy day, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's holiness in all offerings and observances.
Pentecost Revisited (Part One): Counting Consistently
Article by John W. RitenbaughThe count to Pentecost should not be any different in those years when Passover falls on the weekly Sabbath — the same instructions apply.
Wavesheaf Requirements and Joshua 5
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf Israel had offered a foreigner's grain, it would have violated Leviticus 22:25. The conditions for a wave sheaf offering were not right until Joshua 22.
Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?
Article by David C. GrabbeFor decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?
The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe wavesheaf offering is reckoned from the weekly Sabbath within the Days of Unleavened Bread. It had specific requirements that were not met in Joshua 5.
Offerings (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering (grain offering) represents fulfilling our duty to our neighbor. he materials used in the meal offering symbolize Jesus' perfect character.
Offerings (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe burnt offering shows Christ giving Himself completely to God as God's portion. It represents a life fully devoted to God, which is what truly satisfies Him.
The Work of the Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow does one count to Pentecost when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath? If we are consistent and honest with the Scriptures, the solution is clear.
How to Count to Pentecost in 2025
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn 1974, a quiet and ill-advised change was made to how Pentecost is counted, inadvertently aligning the toil of harvesting with a high holy day Sabbath.
Holy Days: Pentecost
Bible Study by Earl L. HennThe late spring Feast of Pentecost shows the harvest of firstfruits, God's church. It is a continual reminder of our part in God's plan!
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause Pentecost does not have a specific date, God commands us to count from the day after the weekly Sabbath falling within the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.
Pentecost Revisited (Part Two): Joshua 5
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoshua 5 makes no mention of a harvest, an altar, a priest, the waving of the sheaf, or the offerings God commanded to accompany the waving of the sheaf.
Countdown to Pentecost 2001
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?
Counting to Pentecost: A Simple Approach
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the Scripture, the count to Pentecost must begin on the day after the Sabbath in the Days of Unleavened Bread, even in 'anomalous' years.
God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit is a product of growth requiring knowledge, work, patience, truth (light) and water (God's Spirit). Only by remaining on the vine will we bear fruit.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion over time of Passover, the wavesheaf offering, and Pentecost results from making assumptions unwarranted by clear scriptural evidence.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.
Boaz and Pentecost
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNeither Christmas or Easter appear in the Feasts of the Lord, but we find plenty of emphasis on the resurrection and ascension of Christ in the Holy Days.
God's Holy Days - Our Shared Vision Of Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerFrom Passover to Pentecost to Trumpets to Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these days should solidify our vision of he Father, Jesus, and one another.
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who ignore the clear biblical instructions for the wavesheaf offering with its unambiguous prohibitions risk the displeasure and judgment of God.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types, slain as the Passover Lamb, resurrected with the cutting of the wavesheaf, and ascended to His Father at the time of the waving of the sheaf.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.
'After Three Days'
Booklet by Richard T. RitenbaughA scriptural explanation of the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, showing that He died on a Wednesday and rose from the dead on the Sabbath.