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Unleavened Bread Basics
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEgypt, as a symbol in the context of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, represents the environment of sin, a realm of godlessness and slavery under a despotic ruler. It is likened to the world, with Pharaoh as a type of satan, portraying the hardship and affliction of bondage rather than sin itself. God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt was not a deliverance from sin, as the Israelites carried their idols and sinful ways with them even after leaving. Instead, it was a liberation from the power of Pharaoh and the oppressive environment where idolatry was learned. Similarly, Lot and his family were delivered from Sodom's depraved environment, yet their sinful inclinations persisted, showing that deliverance was from the place of sin, not from sin itself. Understanding Egypt as a symbol of the world shifts the focus to what God did in delivering His people from darkness and the present evil age, rather than emphasizing human efforts to overcome sin. This perspective underscores the Feast as a memorial of God's intervention, prompting a response of eating unleavened bread and putting away leaven to honor His act of liberation.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (2019)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Egypt, in the context of Israel's exodus, serves as a type of the world, not directly as a symbol of sin. It represents the place and culture of bondage where sins are committed, rather than sin itself. When the Israelites left Egypt, they did not leave sin behind, as they continued to sin even after their departure. Instead, they left the place of their captivity, symbolizing a separation from the world, not an immediate escape from sin. This distinction is crucial to understanding the analogy of conversion, where leaving Egypt mirrors the early stages of being called out of the world's influence, though personal overcoming of sin remains a process. The narrative of the exodus emphasizes that God is the primary actor in this liberation. The Israelites did little to affect their freedom, merely following simple commands such as preparing the lamb, staying in their homes, and marching out when instructed. Their departure from Egypt was entirely the work of God, who forcibly thrust them out of bondage. This underscores that in the analogy of our calling, God is involved from beginning to end, doing virtually everything to bring us out of the world, while our role is obedience to the minimal actions He requires.
Unleavened Bread and Pentecost
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEgypt, in the context of the Days of Unleavened Bread, is not a direct symbol of sin but rather a type of the world, the place or state of bondage where sins are committed. It represents the culture and system in which one is ensnared before being freed by God. The Exodus analogy illustrates that Israel did not leave sin behind when they departed from Egypt, as their sins continued in the wilderness. Instead, they left the place of their captivity, signifying a separation from the world. What Israel left behind in Egypt—their possessions, homes, and excess baggage—represents the burdens that hinder the journey to the Promised Land. These things symbolize the encumbrances that must be forsaken when one accepts the blood of Jesus Christ and begins to follow God. The emphasis during the Days of Unleavened Bread is not primarily on coming out of sin, but on following God's lead, which is an act of obedience and righteousness. By doing what is right and following Him, one naturally departs from the ways of the world and the bondage it represents. God thrust Israel out of Egypt, accomplishing their deliverance almost entirely by His own power. This underscores that the liberation from the world is primarily His work, with Israel's role being to follow His guidance. The eating of unleavened bread serves as a memorial of what He did to bring them out, reinforcing the importance of obedience to His lead as the path away from the world's influence.
Our Walk Out of Darkness Into the Light
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAfter we accept Christ's sacrifice, we desperately need to come out of sin, walking in light rather than darkness, having continuous fellowship with God.