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The Holy and the Profane
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe concept of the profane, derived from Latin roots meaning "against the temple," signifies anything far from the true worship of God. Biblically, the temple embodies the worship of the true God, and thus, not only words but also people, behaviors, and instruments of worship can be deemed profane when they oppose this sacred purpose. God expresses profound concern over maintaining the distinction between what is clean and unclean, holy and unholy, or appropriate and profane, as these designations reflect His nature, character, and way of life. He issues stern warnings and severe consequences for profaning what is His, such as His name, Sabbaths, sanctuary, altar, and ordinances, emphasizing the gravity of these distinctions. God's seriousness is evident in the death penalty for working on the Sabbath, the destruction of Aaron's sons for offering profane fire, and the judgment on profane prophets, priests, and the Israelites for their desecrations, leading to their scattering among the Gentiles. Even after such scattering, the profaning of His name persists. A future time is foretold when God's priests will teach His people to discern between the holy and unholy, the clean and unclean, upholding His laws and hallowing His Sabbaths. Currently, however, the reality is one of blurred distinctions. God teaches that holiness is not transferable, but uncleanness can contaminate, rendering the work of our hands unfit for His service. Those called into His service must be holy as He is holy, distinguishing between the holy and unholy, the clean and unclean, to truly know Him.
Holiness of God (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs bearers of God's name, we must aspire to holiness. Perfecting holiness is the process by which we are transformed from the glory of man to the glory of God.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe bronze altar, made with the censers from the rebels, was a reminder of the folly of rebelling against holy things, replacing God's standards with human ones.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gives conditions for acceptable sacrifices and offerings, differentiating the holy and authentic from the defiled, unclean and strange.
Profanity (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProfane living is equally, if not more significant, than profane words or speech. W bear the name of God; how we act and behave reflects on God.
Profanity (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's blood makes us holy; we are a new creation, having an intimate relationship with God. We need to change our behavior to reflect this new status.
Prayer and the Incense Altar
Sermon by Kim MyersWe have much work to do as saints, sending up incense symbolically as we pray for each other and for God's purpose to be fulfilled universally.
The Priesthood of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility as a royal priesthood and a kingdom of priests is to become holy as God is holy, exceeding the holiness of the Levitical priesthood.
Examples of Divine Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, and Uzzah, all aware of the penalties for their actions, rebelled against God's clear and unambiguous instructions.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFormality and decorum (in terms of dress and behavior) are part of godly standards and sanctity. We must always look for the spirit and intent of what God commands.
The Priesthood of God (Part Ten) Conclusion
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.
The Fear of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven before we acquire the necessary building blocks of faith, hope, and love, we must acquire the fear of God, which unlocks the treasures of God.
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who ignore the clear biblical instructions for the wavesheaf offering with its unambiguous prohibitions risk the displeasure and judgment of God.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBy studying eating in the experiences of those in the Bible, we plumb a deep well of instruction from which we can draw vital lessons to help us through life.