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Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands as the central figure of Scripture, the Word of God, and the focus of all biblical revelation. He is the preeminent Firstfruit, the initiator of God's spiritual harvest, as described in I Corinthians 15:23, where He is called the firstfruits. His resurrection marks Him as the firstborn from the dead, a title affirmed in Colossians 1:18 and Revelation 1:5, signifying that others will follow in His path. As the Firstfruit, He is first both chronologically and in quality, surpassing all who come after, who are also called firstfruits to the Lord. In the context of the holy days, particularly Pentecost, Jesus Christ is the model Firstfruit, the standard for the elect to emulate. On wave sheaf day, He represents the beginning of the harvest, the first to be given glory. On Pentecost, He is the preeminent Firstfruit par excellence, the One whom all must follow. His role as the prototokos, meaning first in preeminence, authority, and privilege, underscores His position as all in all, as noted in Colossians 3:11. The call to follow Him is the first duty of His disciples, as seen in His command to Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, and Philip to "Follow Me." This charge implies not just physical following but a spiritual imitation of His actions and way of life. He never strayed from His Father's will, providing an unerring example for all to pursue on the path to the Kingdom of God. As the trailblazer, the Archegos, He has forged the way through the wilderness of this world, cutting a path for others to follow to glory, ensuring that staying on His trail leads to the same destination. Jesus Christ, as the Firstfruit, is also the dispenser of the Holy Spirit, a responsibility given to Him by the Father. He grants this Spirit to those who repent and are baptized, enabling them to walk the path He has laid out. His desire is for brethren, a bride, to join Him as firstfruits at His return, motivated to guide them along the way He pioneered. Through His example, instruction, gifts, help, and strength, He makes it possible for others to grow in righteousness and become like Him, focusing not on personal struggles but on His perfect model. Ultimately, the goal is to be exactly like the Firstfruit, the Head, by forsaking the human way and embracing the godly way. The truth resides in Him, and to be firstfruits after His manner, one must put on Christ, living as He lived in true holiness and righteousness. He is the true focus of Pentecost, the One who leads and guides in the walk of faith to the Kingdom of God, ensuring that through His efforts, all can be completed and perfected to the end.

Jesus Is God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus 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.

Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.

The High Christology of Colossians

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

High Christology as a doctrinal stance was not enough to prevent the eventual apostasy of those in Asia Minor. Doctrine must produce the right conduct.

Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We 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.

Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

After reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Forty): Ecclesiastes 12:1-14

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 emphasizes the brevity and the progressively harder difficulties of life and urges youth to seek God before the decline of old age.

Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Despite being perhaps the oldest text in the canon, Job contains many detailed, even scientific, insights into the creative and sustaining power of Christ.

Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.

Born Again or Begotten? (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The concept of a spiritual birth has confused many. The Bible consistently compares Christians to already-born children or adults, not fetuses.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.

Who Are the Firstfruits?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

We may take it for granted that 'firstfruits' are synonymous with 'Christians.'" However, 'firstfruits' is very general, referring to surprising things.

Power Belongs to God (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Human beings, even those who have been called, have an innate fear that God will not always provide. This fear originates in doubt about God's power.

The Priesthood of God (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The firstborn privileges indicate prominence, carrying the birthright promises. In the New Testament, the firstborn did not always correspond to actual birth order.

Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.

Born Again (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.