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Who Owns Water?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWater, as a symbol, carries profound significance, embodying both life and death, blessing and affliction, order and chaos, depending on human obedience to, or rebellion against, God. It is portrayed as a force that only God can control and govern, a source of life, and a cleansing agent. King David acknowledges God as the One who supplies water to the earth for mankind, emphasizing that God owns the water and gives it freely as an element essential to life. The abundance of waters points to no other source than God. Isaiah prophesies God promising refreshment and strength through spiritual fountains and springs, reflecting the movement of God's Spirit within the individual. In Revelation, the magnificence of water is inherent in the voice of the heavenly Christ, whose Word forever gives life like life-giving streams, offering the spiritual water of life as a gift to anyone thirsty for God's Truth. While evil men may temporarily take away the physical blessing of water, they cannot touch the far more important spiritual water of life.
An Abundance of Living Water
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWater, as a symbol, holds profound significance in the context of the Last Great Day and the broader framework of God's plan. The sheer abundance of living water, distinct from mere physical water, is promised by God to all humanity, representing a spiritual outpouring of immense magnitude. This living water, as revealed by Jesus Christ, signifies the Holy Spirit, given in great abundance to those who believe in Him, especially during the period of the Great White Throne Judgment following the Millennium. During this time, billions will rise to life, and God will open the floodgates, allowing them to drink freely of this water of life, guiding them toward salvation. In the vivid imagery of the water ceremony on the Last Great Day, priests would draw water from the pool of Siloam and pour it upon the altar in the Temple, accompanied by joyous singing of Isaiah 12:3, "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of Salvation." At this moment, Jesus stood among the throng and proclaimed that if anyone thirsts, they should come to Him and drink, promising rivers of living water flowing from the hearts of believers, far surpassing the symbolic pitcher of water used in the ceremony. This living water, unlike the stagnant seep of Jacob's well, is a flowing, inexhaustible fountain, refreshing and nourishing, leading to eternal life. Further, the vision in Ezekiel 47 illustrates a river of living water flowing from the Temple, increasing in depth and volume as it extends eastward, transforming even the Dead Sea into a living sea teeming with life. This water heals, nourishes, and fosters growth, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's power to bring the dead to life and create abundance. Habakkuk 2:14 envisions this water spreading until the whole earth is saturated with God's knowledge, flowing gradually but persistently to fill every corner with understanding and guidance. This living water is not static; it is an active, energizing force that inspires action akin to the Source, Jesus Christ. It is offered freely, implored by Him as a kind Elder Brother and High Priest, urging all to drink their fill without cost, promising satisfaction beyond any other pursuit. During the Great White Throne Judgment, this proclamation will echo as an invitation to all who thirst to come to the waters and drink, with more than enough for everyone, ensuring abundant satisfaction from the Fountain of Life as described in Psalm 36.
Agape Never Fails
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIn the World Tomorrow, the majority of the water will be fresh and God's Holy Spirit composed of agape love will slake mankind's spiritual thirst.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Four)
Sermon by David F. MaasOne of the most marvelous gifts God has given humanity is water—having both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as the symbol of God's Spirit.
That Great Day of the Feast
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn the Millennium, God will call all nations of the world to Jerusalem to be taught by God, to receive His Holy Spirit to know Him and His way of life.
Baptism and Unleavened Bread
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe pattern of burial and rescue from a watery grave appears often in scripture, indicating that baptism plays an enormous role in God's overall purpose.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
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.
The Second Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has a timetable, carefully calculated to allow people to receive and respond to the truth at their best time for salvation, each in his own order.
Unifying Behaviors
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEvery righteous, selfless act of outgoing concern we perform promotes unity within the church, drawing brethren closer together, suggesting a spiritual law.
John (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must understand Jesus' words about being born again from a spiritual perspective. Interpreting His symbols physically obscures necessary truths.
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.
God of Our Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Great White Throne Judgment is a general resurrection to mortal life, allowing the majority of those who have ever lived an opportunity for salvation.
The Berean Example
Article by StaffThe ancient Bereans have a wonderful biblical reputation. Just how special were these Macedonian Christians?
My Hour Has Not Yet Come
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus' response to His mother at the wedding—'My hour has not yet come'—was not disrespect but perhaps a challenge to attach real faith with mere knowledge.