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.
The Blessing of Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by John ReissIf we remain faithful, we remain an integral part of His plan of salvation. Through His grace, we are a part of His 'promise to come.'
The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.
Belief and the Firstfruits
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod has bless,ed the firstfruits with precious belief and knowledge which must be protected, guarded, nourished and exercised so it will not slip away.
Who Are the Firstfruits?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe may take it for granted that 'firstfruits' are synonymous with 'Christians.'" However, 'firstfruits' is very general, referring to surprising things.
The Harvesting of the Firstfruits
'Prophecy Watch' by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)Biblically, a harvest represents the gathering and resurrection of the saints, but also includes other aspects of our preparation for God's Kingdom.
The Firstfruits Declaration
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Israelites were to bring their first fruits to the altar in a basket and make a solemn declaration to rehearse God's deliverance and abundance.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Pentecost offering of two loaves contains the idea of difference, while the New Testament Pentecost in Acts 2 shows differences being divinely overcome.
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.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe grain offering is not substitutionary; it does not symbolize an individual but rather the product of his labors toward others from God's bounty.
The Wavesheaf Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost know very little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.
Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.
God's Entourage
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamWouldn't it be great if we received a call from a favorite singer or movie personality, or perhaps even the President, who invited us to join his or her entourage?
Do We Remember Who We Are?
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidThough we are the weak in the world, in God's eyes we are precious. Although we are right now lower than angels, we will be set over the works of His hands.
Who Are You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod chooses the base and the foolish of the world, giving them the precious truth leading to sanctification and glorification, making us unique to God.
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.
God's Entourage
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMany kings and would-be kings in the Bible, such as Adonijah and Absalom, used entourages as a means to telegraph their political prowess.
Pentecost and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSimeon's life serves as a precursor to that of God's called-out ones, demonstrating the elements necessary to bring a person to spiritual maturity.
'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'
'Ready Answer' by StaffTo understand Jesus' command, we need to examine what else He said to the same people. We should also determine just whom He commissioned to preach.
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.
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.
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.
The Sixth Seal and Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEach depiction of the Sixth Seal also shows God's involvement with physical Israelites. John's vision precedes a glimpse of 144,000 of the tribes of Israel.
God's Investment in You
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod wants to protect His investment in us, calling those whom He knows will exercise the zeal, and willingness to sacrifice, to complete the project.
God Wants You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe have a special calling as the firstfruits, ultimately becoming God's very offspring, patterning and conforming our lives after Jesus Christ.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
The Millennium and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe millennial situation will resemble the behavior of our forebears; it will be our responsibility to lead them to hope, joy, character, and faith in God.