Playlist: Pentecost (topic)
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.
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.
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause Pentecost does not have a specific date, God commands us to count from the day after the weekly Sabbath falling within the Days of Unleavened Bread.
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.
Pentecost - The Beginning - All in All
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must look beyond our own calling, realizing that the sacrifice of Christ was for all men, with the hope that they will be added to the family of God.
Peter's Pentecost Sermon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe signs that accompanied Peter's Pentecost sermon attracted attention, confirmed God's Word, and provided meaning to the effects of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of God's Spirit is for God's creative effort in our lives. God's Spirit transforms us from a state of destruction into a state of purity.
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.
Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
Pentecost and Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of our 'time-bound' state, unless we sync with God's timetable, we are squandering our God-given time to become members of His family.
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.
Was Joshua Required to Offer the Wavesheaf?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe phrase, 'when you come into the land' (regarding offering the Wavesheaf), sounds like an absolute command, but its usage shows there may be qualifiers.
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.
Why Count Fifty Days?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible has much to say about the number fifty, such as counting 50 days to Pentecost, the measurements of the Tabernacle, and the 50 year Jubilee.
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.
Is Speaking in Tongues the Only Sign?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIn Pentecostalism, speaking in 'tongues' is the worshipped sign that God has accepted a person. Yet the miracle of Pentecost was not the speaking gibberish.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
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.
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.
Numbering Our Days
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must allow God to show us how to carefully number our days in order to gain a heart of wisdom and develop a godly perspective upon our remaining time.
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.
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.
God's Gift of the Spirit
Sermonette by James BeaubelleCompared to the Pentecost in Acts 2, our receipt of God's Spirit was attended with far less drama. However, the power of God's Spirit is no less potent.
Beware the Leaven
Sermonette by Mike FordThe Jews establishes a fixed date for Shavuot in contradiction to the instruction for counting to Pentecost. This is part of the leavening of the Pharisees.
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.
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.
God's Holy Days - Our Shared Vision Of Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerFrom Passover to Pentecost to Trumpets to Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these days should solidify our vision of he Father, Jesus, and one another.
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.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we receive God's Spirit, we cannot escape the responsibility of using it, being a light to the world in the correct way of living. Hi Spirit is His power.
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being judged by our works, based upon what we know and what we are doing with this knowledge. The more we know, the more God expects from us.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
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.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Themes of Ruth (Part One): Naomi
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNaomi's attractive personality, selflessness, godly conviction and common sense characterize her relationship with her Gentile daughters-in-law.
"I Will Build My Church"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'
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.
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.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 7)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost commemorates the establishment of the church and the bestowal of spiritual gifts through God's Spirit. We need to use these gifts responsibly.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen Jesus told the religious leaders they would see Him seated at God's right hand and coming on the clouds, He did not mean they would be alive at His return.
Themes of Ruth (Part Three): Redemption
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus redeemed us with His shed blood from the penalty of our sins, but He also works as our High Priest, continually redeeming us until we are resurrected.
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we yield to God's Spirit, we receive the power to do the things God has prepared His firstfruits to accomplish, adding to the capabilities of the spirit in man.
Preparing While Waiting For God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWaiting for God is an acquired virtue requiring patience and longsuffering. Times of waiting are times to practice obedience and fellowship with others.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.
Christ's Mission Statement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLuke 4:16-21 and Mark 1:14-15, statements from Christ made at approximately the same time, constitute the composite mission statement directed at His disciples.
The Church, One Body
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.
The Holy Spirit
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod's Holy Spirit typically refers to the mind of God and Christ, which is added to our human spirit to create a sound mind by which we witness of God.
A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Spirit is an invisible force, the effects of which are clear by its manifestations. Spirit can be discerned by thinking through and evaluating its effects.
Are We Redeeming the Time?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTime is fleeting; any of us could perish tomorrow. Procrastination in matters of godliness can be fatal, as the parable of the rich fool teaches.
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 Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion and separation have been man's legacy since Eden. Christ is working to put an end to division, enabling us to be one with the Father and each other.
Gifted With Power From on High
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWith the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that amplify extant physical abilities for the expressed purpose of edifying the church.
Spiritual Renewal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul admonishes the Corinthians to resist contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, backbiting, whispering, slander, conceit, and agitation.
The Right Use of Power
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.
A Footnote on the Start of Christ's Ministry
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen the angry members of the local synagogue tried to push Jesus over the cliff, they paralleled the Jewish tradition for the azazel goat.
Never With Hands Hanging at Your Sides
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRejoicing did not become commanded until Pentecost, a joyous time in which God has brought us into fellowship with Our High Priest, enabling peace with Him.
Yoked With Christ, Our Helper
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe Paracletos (Helper or One who goes alongside) clarifies the biblical metaphor of taking Christ's yoke, which eases burdens because He shares them.
Did God Change the Sign From the Sabbath to the Holy Spirit?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeA common idea is that the Sabbath is the sign of the Old Covenant, but the Holy Spirit is the sign of the New. Yet the seventh day has been holy since creation.
Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should consider the events of our lives, coming to understand that they reveal God's on-going maintenance.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe second set of documents and events consists of Book Two of Psalms, Exodus, Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, relating to faith within trials.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIf we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
Why Are We Here?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's and Paul's example in Sabbath observance (including the annual Sabbaths) provide a model as to how we keep the Sabbath and the holy days.
Law and Spirit Together
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOver-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.