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Jesus in the Feasts (Part One): The Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ is presented as the central figure of both the Old and New Testaments, embodying the spiritual essence of the holy days, particularly the Feast of Unleavened Bread. In John 6, He declares Himself the Bread of Life, emphasizing that true sustenance comes from consuming Him spiritually. He teaches that just as physical food nourishes the body, taking in His character, teachings, and examples sustains, energizes, repairs, heals, and fosters spiritual growth. Without Him, there is no spiritual life, and He urges diligence in feeding on Him daily, paralleling the command to eat unleavened bread each day of the feast. This concept is reinforced through the metaphor of eating unleavened bread, which represents sincerity and truth—inner purity and outward righteousness. As described in I Corinthians 5:8, keeping the feast with sincerity and truth reflects the inward holiness and outward manifestation of genuine Christian character, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ. He is the archetype of unleavened bread, the One who embodies flawless integrity and active righteousness. Furthermore, in John 6:44-45, it is shown that God draws individuals to Christ to be taught by Him, engaging in a rigorous life course of consuming the Bread of Life and practicing it in daily actions. This process of ingesting and imitating Him is essential for spiritual purification and growth, aligning with the purpose of the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a reminder to integrate Him into one's life continually. Christ's role as the Bread of Life underscores His agency in leading His followers toward holiness and righteousness, preparing them for the Kingdom of God through His teachings and example.
The Reason for Unleavened Bread
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies far more than the avoidance of leavening. Our focus needs to be on God's management of the process of deliverance.
Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ, as the Bread of Life, presents a profound symbol of vitality and eternal existence. He declares in John 6 that He is the bread of life, the living bread that came down from heaven. He emphasizes that whoever comes to Him shall never hunger, and whoever eats of this bread will live forever. He states that the bread He gives is His flesh, offered for the life of the world, ensuring that those who partake in it will not face the second death but will be raised up at the last day. He further asserts that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood abide in Him, and He in them, establishing a living connection that grants eternal life. This bread, unlike the manna eaten by the ancestors who died, guarantees everlasting life to those who consume it. Thus, the bread, representing His flesh, consistently symbolizes living flesh and a living body, not death or a broken form, uniting all who partake in fellowship with Him in an unbroken body.
Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWas Jesus Christ's body actually broken? If so, it would have symbolized disqualification and a broken covenant. Only the bread of Passover was broken.
The Feasts of Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn this message, we learn the divine wisdom and unity within Almighty God's festivals (Leviticus 23) showing how each feast reveals His character, plan, and purpose for humankind. The speaker, using the method of comparison and contrast, exposes a chiastic structure or mirrored design connecting the spring and fall festivals, particularly Unleavened Bread and Tabernacles, both centering on deliverance, dwelling, and dependence on God, forming a complete picture of salvation through Christ. The pattern of one day followed by seven (Passover/Unleavened Bread) and seven days followed by one (Tabernacles/Last Great Day) symbolized the perfection and symmetry of His redemptive plan. Unleavened Bread focuses upon cleansing, sincerity, and feeding on Christ, the Bread of Life. Consequently, when we remove food from our dwellings, we purify every sphere of authority under God, thereby building a stable spiritual house upon Christ. Tabernacles, in contrast, emphasizes impermanence and humility, dwelling in temporary booths, reminding us of our dependence on God's daily provision in the wilderness. Together the permanence of houses and the transience of booths teach us that true security lies not in possessions or comfort but in Almighty God's sustaining presence. The physical symbols of food and dwelling illustrate some divine paradoxes. During Unleavened Bread, food lacks leaven—self-sufficiency and sin—but during Tabernacles, housing lacks permanence—worldly security and control. Through abundance and lack, permanence and transience, God's people learn to dwell in His presence, feed on His Word, and trust His timing.
The Bread and Wine of Passover
Sermon by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ is presented as the Bread of Life, a profound symbol within the context of the Passover, which is a central ritual of the New Covenant. This symbolism emphasizes life rather than death, portraying His flesh as living bread that sustains and offers eternal life to those who partake of it. He declares Himself as the bread that endures to everlasting life, the bread of God, and the living bread, indicating that His body is a source of spiritual sustenance and satisfaction that physical bread cannot provide. When partaking of the Passover bread, we are symbolically joined to His sinless life, becoming one with the living Savior. This act represents an ongoing relationship with Him, where He abides in us and we in Him, fostering a connection that strengthens us spiritually. The bread, as a symbol of His body, stands for the abundant life He lived and offers, a life that refreshes and sustains beyond mere physical needs, aligning with the peace offering's theme of fellowship and gratitude. Furthermore, the bread of life signifies the divine life Christ imparts, teaching us how to live as He did. It is through this continual ingestion of Him that we are sustained, with the promise of everlasting life in the resurrection. The Passover bread, therefore, is not merely a reminder of His death but a proclamation of the life He gave through sinless, devoted service, a life we share in as we partake, looking forward to the fulfillment of these promises when He returns.
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ as the Bread of Life stands as a central truth during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We must ask ourselves if we are continually partaking of this Bread, our Savior, by learning from Him and allowing His Spirit to shape us into His image. Through His life being lived within us and our steadfast submission to God's will, we find the promise of salvation. We shall be raised on the Last Day and live forever. As we move forward from this feast, let us remain committed to feeding on our Bread of Life, drawing strength and sustenance from Him.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, the teachings of Jesus Christ reveal profound insights into His identity and mission. Just prior to the events of the Feast in John 7, He delivered the powerful teaching in John 6:60-71, declaring Himself as the Bread of Life. He spoke of the necessity to eat His flesh and drink His blood, a statement that caused many to misunderstand and perceive it as cannibalism. This led to a significant falling away of disciples, highlighting the challenging nature of His message. Yet, amidst this rejection, He emphasized the unique role of the Twelve, with Peter affirming their commitment by stating that only He has the words of life. This teaching set a tense backdrop for His subsequent actions during the Feast of Tabernacles, underscoring the growing opposition and the critical timing of His mission. The revelation of Himself as the Bread of Life thus frames the urgency and the spiritual depth of His presence and teachings at the Feast, pointing to the sustenance and life He offers to those who believe.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding the Five Thousand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ, in the miracle of feeding the multitude at Bethsaida just before the Passover, demonstrated His power by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish to satisfy a large crowd, leaving twelve basketfuls of leftovers. On the following day, in the synagogue at Capernaum, He declared, "I am the Bread of Life." Though many were willing to receive the physical bread, they would not accept Him as the living Bread who came down from heaven. Jesus taught that He alone can satisfy the spiritual hunger in humanity, stating that He is the living bread which came down from heaven, and if anyone eats of this bread, they will live forever. He further emphasized that the bread He gives is His flesh, offered for the life of the world, and that unless one partakes of His flesh and blood, they have no life in them. Through this miracle and teaching, Jesus illustrated that He is the source of both present and eternal life, providing spiritual sustenance to a dying humanity with enough to satisfy the entire world.
The Model Prayer (Part Six): Our Daily Bread
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Model Prayer, Jesus Christ teaches us to request, "Give us this day our daily bread," a phrase that extends beyond mere physical sustenance to profound spiritual dimensions. As the staff of life, bread represents all food and symbolizes God's wondrous providence in providing everything necessary to maintain human life, from water and air to shelter and clothing. In our prayers, Jesus urges us to acknowledge what God provides so freely and to convey our extraordinary needs to Him as the Giver of all good things. Jesus Christ Himself embodies the ultimate spiritual nourishment as the Bread of Life, declaring, "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." He not only sacrificed His life for the remission of sins but also offers His flesh and blood to believers for eternal life. This metaphor signifies an ongoing relationship with Him through learning, obeying, imitating His example, and growing spiritually. When we ask God for our daily bread, we seek complete nourishment for our bodies, minds, and spiritual lives, recognizing that the only sure, life-giving sustenance comes from God Himself.
Filling the Void (2012)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeTry to satisfy a spiritual hunger through any other means than the Bread of Life, such as entertainment, technology, money, travel, etc. will leave us disillusioned.
Deliverance and Unleavened Bread
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe spring festivals memorialize the redemption and exodus of the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery, as well as our own spiritual redemption.
The Unleavened Bread of Perfection
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaKeeping the leaven out is very important in its own right. However, our primary focus should not be on the leavened bread but on the unleavened bread.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.
Christ, the Chief Cornerstone
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf a foundation is flawed, the building cannot stand. God built His spiritual temple on the prophets and the apostles, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone.
Everlasting Covenant of Blood
Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham'Blood is thicker than water' indicates that ties to the family come before any other alliances. Yet the 'blood' could also refer to the sealing of a covenant.
Passover: An Extraordinary Peace Offering
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Passover sacrifice is basically unconnected with atonement, but represents the peace and security which attends fellowship with God because of His acceptance.
Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.
Jesus Is God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ is the Word, by whom the world was created. He has always interfaced between mankind and the Father, having primacy as our Lord, Master, and Ruler.
The Unleavened Vanguard with Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist's warnings to His disciples in Luke 12 may have been given during the Unleavened Bread season, giving us additional forms of leaven to guard against.
Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread (2019)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Tabernacles both emphasize the importance of food and dwellings, reflecting lessons of dependence on God. True satisfaction cannot come from anything physical, but only from the Bread of Life through feeding on the life of Jesus Christ. To the world, this Bread seems lackluster and even revolting, but those who know Him experience the sense of well-being that comes from a growing relationship. It delivers the contentment, joy, and satisfaction that eluded Solomon, teaching us that spiritual nourishment surpasses all physical abundance.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
Manna and the Preparation Day (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod, in His providence, gave us the Preparation Day, which sets the stage so that we can properly receive the gift of the Sabbath—His holy time.
Have You Had Your Manna Today?
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod gave Israel manna to eat every day for forty years. Today, we have God's Word as our daily bread. Are we taking advantage of it, or are we allowing it to spoil?
Filling the Void
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloMore important than putting out sin is the vital need to continually ingest unleavened bread, that is, the Bread of Life, namely the words of Jesus Christ.
Ask and It Will Be Given
'Ready Answer' by StaffMany people hit a plateau in their spiritual growth and go little further. Have we have overlooked the simple principle of 'ask and it will be given'?
Remaining Unleavened
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur carnal natures must be displaced by God's Holy Spirit, motivating us to refrain from causing offense, but freely forgiving others as God has forgiven us.
John's Feeding of the 5,000
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe only miracle recorded in all four Gospels is the feeding of the 5,000, a profound sign that Jesus Christ exclusively is the Bread of Life.
Go Forward
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAre we ready to sacrifice as was Moses, realizing that our precious calling is far more than the imaginary quest of Don Quixote?
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Six, Conclusion)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility is to yield to God's sovereignty. Nevertheless, God has enabled us to freely sin, but holds us responsible for governing ourselves.
Manna and the Preparation Day (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Preparation Day is a day of 'gathering' what relates to eternity so that we can properly ingest the spiritual manna on the holy day without distraction.
John (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.
His Bones Were Not Broken
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingJesus is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb whose bones were to be left intact. His piercing parallels the lamb being bled by splitting its throat.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 8)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA poor spiritual diet will bring about a weak spiritual condition. What the mind assimilates is exceedingly more important than what the stomach assimilates.
Freedom, Liberty, and Bondage
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace places limits on our freedom, training us for the Kingdom of God. Our behavior must be clearly distinguishable from the non-believers in society.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGovernment may be the most important subject in the Bible because it touches on how Christians are to govern themselves under the sovereignty of God.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.