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The Work of the Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe wavesheaf offering, as the first of the firstfruits, holds a central place in the period from wavesheaf to Pentecost, representing Jesus Christ being accepted before God as our High Priest. He is the First of the Firstborn, glorified in the first resurrection. This period begins with the waving of the sheaf of firstfruit barley, symbolizing Christ, and underscores the harvest of the firstfruits and God's integral role in it. The entire panorama of God's work with His firstfruits is portrayed, from Jesus Christ as the perfect sacrifice for sin and our High Priest to the time when all of His brothers and sisters, the children of God, fully enter His Family. The emphasis during these fifty days of counting is on the intense labor of sowing and reaping carried out by human beings, striving to be offered before God as an acceptable offering, with Christ as the cornerstone of this spiritual harvest.
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.
The Wavesheaf Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost know little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!
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.
Our Journey from Passover to Pentecost
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingEven as we are to personally count the 50 days to Pentecost, we also must think continually of the lessons these days teach us about our spiritual journey.
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.
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?
Principled Living (Part Six): Becoming Holy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost forces us to stand out from the crowd, separated as firstfruits for sanctification and holiness. God has called us to be different.
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
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 Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion over time of Passover, the wavesheaf offering, and Pentecost results from making assumptions unwarranted by clear scriptural evidence.
John (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of John provides a plethora of signs corroborating Christ's authenticity and also shows how to live as God would live if He were a man.