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The Plagues of Egypt
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughDuring this season, it is fitting to reflect on the mighty works God performed to free the children of Israel from Egypt. The ten plagues of Egypt were sent by God for several purposes. They instilled confidence in Israel, showing them that God worked through Moses and was a powerful God they could rely on. The plagues also weakened Egypt in wealth, agriculture, and leadership, leaving the Egyptians fearful of what would happen next. Most significantly, the plagues demonstrated the absolute weakness of Egypt's gods and the supreme strength of the true God. The Egyptians were deeply superstitious, attributing divine significance to countless elements of life, with gods for nearly everything. Many animals were considered sacred to specific deities or cults. The plagues directly challenged these beliefs. In the first plague, as recorded in Exodus 7:14-21, God turned the waters of the Nile to blood, striking at the heart of Egypt's religion. The Nile, worshipped as the god Hapi, was their lifeline, and God transformed this source of life into a bringer of death, stench, and misery. This act also profaned sacred fish of the Nile, further humiliating their beliefs. In the second plague, detailed in Exodus 8:1-4, God sent frogs abundantly across Egypt, invading homes and personal spaces. This struck at the goddess Heket, associated with procreation and childbirth, symbolized by the frog. The plague indirectly targeted the Nile again, as the frogs originated from this revered river, turning a symbol of blessing into a source of torment. The fifth plague, described in Exodus 9:1-4, brought severe pestilence upon Egypt's livestock, affecting cattle, horses, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep. Many of these animals were sacred to various Egyptian gods and cults, and this plague also impacted Pharaoh and the priesthood, who owned the largest herds, diminishing their wealth and status. Through these and other plagues, God exposed the impotence of Egypt's deities, proving His unmatched power over all their false gods.
Passover Preparedness
Sermonette by John O. ReidWe are to seriously consider this season, examining ourselves carefully and soberly, measuring ourselves against the sinless life of Jesus Christ.
Evaluating the Price of Redemption
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidOf all of God's appointed times, the Passover is one that we should not rush into without thought and preparation, lest we miss the awesome depth of its meaning.
Purge Me With Hyssop
Article by StaffThe Bible frequently uses the hyssop plant as a symbol of cleansing and purification. In relation to Christ's sacrifice, this herb has a connection to the Passover.
Grace, Unleavened Bread, and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe eat unleavened bread because of what God has done, not what we have done. Eating unleavened bread symbolizes following God and displacing sin.
Passover (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe proponents of a 15th Passover discount clear scriptural details and instead speculate. One cannot build doctrines on implication, distortion, and traditions.
Unleavened Bread and Pentecost
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnleavened bread serves as a memorial of God's deliverance from the bondage of sin. We must realize that our part of the salvation process is to follow God.
The Night to be Much Observed
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.
The Creepy-Crawler Pestilence
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsEven as God sent lice, flies, and locusts plagues to Egypt, so there is a modern plague of 'crazy ants' that are drawn to electronic devices
Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe keep Unleavened Bread because of what God did to bring us out of sin (typified by Egypt). While God compels us to make choices, He is with us all the way.
Animal Idolatry
'Prophecy Watch' by Mike FordHave the animal rights groups gone too far? This movement borders on—if not transgresses—the line between concern and idolatry.
Don't Go Out of the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term house can mean structure, family, kingdom, or church of God. The instruction to us personally is to not leave the church or fellowship of faith.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
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.
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.