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Who Owns Water?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWater imagery carries profound significance, reflecting both life and death, blessing and affliction, order and chaos, depending on human obedience to, or rebellion against, God. Water 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. The abundance of water is seen as having no other source than God Himself. Isaiah prophesies God's promise of refreshment, portraying fountains and springs as expressions of God's Spirit moving within the individual, bringing new strength and joy. In the book of Revelation, the magnificence of water is inherent in the voice of the heavenly Christ, whose Word forever gives life like life-giving streams. This spiritual water of life is offered 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. RitenbaughIn the context of the Last Great Day, water imagery emerges as a profound symbol of spiritual abundance and life. The drought conditions experienced in the continental United States, where water levels in lakes, rivers, and streams visibly dropped, underscore the preciousness of water, mirroring the spiritual thirst that humanity faces without the living water promised by God. This living water, far beyond the physical, is highlighted on the Last Great Day as a divine promise to all humanity, representing an outpouring of God's Spirit. In John 7:37-39, Jesus Christ Himself reveals the significance of water on the Last Great Day, declaring that if anyone thirsts, they should come to Him and drink, promising rivers of living water from the heart of believers. This water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, given in great abundance to those who believe in Him, an abundance that will be fully realized in the time of the Great White Throne Judgment when billions will rise to receive this life-giving Spirit freely. The water ceremony on the Last Great Day, where priests drew water from the pool of Siloam and poured it on the altar amidst joyous singing of Isaiah 12:3, serves as a backdrop to Jesus' proclamation. His offer of living water surpasses the ceremonial pitcher, promising a sea of spiritual sustenance to all who believe, a stark contrast to the limited physical water of the ritual. In John 4, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, contrasting the seep well's limited water with the living water He offers, a fountain springing up to everlasting life. This living water, unlike the physical water that leaves one thirsting again, nourishes eternally, fulfilling all yearnings of the human spirit and leading to eternal salvation. Ezekiel 47:1-12 paints a vivid picture of a river of living water flowing from the Temple, increasing in depth and volume as it flows eastward, healing the Dead Sea and bringing life wherever it goes. This river, teeming with fish and nourishing trees bearing fruit every month, symbolizes the transformative power of God's Spirit, turning death into life and barrenness into abundance during the time after the Millennium. Habakkuk 2:14 extends this imagery, foretelling that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. This gradual saturation of living water, beginning from the Temple, signifies a progressive filling of the earth with God's Spirit, preparing humanity for the Last Great Day. Isaiah 55:1-3 issues a call to all who thirst to come to the waters freely, emphasizing the abundance and satisfaction found in God's offer. This proclamation echoes the invitation of Jesus during the water ceremony, urging all to drink their fill of the living water without cost, promising eternal life. Finally, Psalm 36:5-9 reflects the ultimate satisfaction of the children of men during the Great White Throne Judgment, as they drink from the river of God's pleasures and find the fountain of life in Him. This imagery of abundant satisfaction under the shadow of His wings encapsulates the promise of the Last Great Day, where the vast majority will partake of the living waters and find eternal fulfillment.
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.
The Prophecies of Balaam (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam, a Mesopotamian soothsayer, has four oracles in God's Word. Despite coming from an enemy of God's people, these oracles are true and worth our study.
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 Flood Is Upon Us!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughRevelation 12 pictures a flood proceeding from the mouth of the dragon, sweeping many away in a torrent of information that drowns out the truth.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
The Teaching of Jesus and Prophecy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe teaching of Jesus is the key to Revelation. The Olivet Prophecy (the testimony of Jesus) in Matthew 24 unlocks the meaning of the seals in Revelation.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle Peter claims Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit. Does his statement prove the Holy Spirit is a divine Person in a Trinity?