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Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the year 2005, when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, disagreement arises within the Church of God regarding the counting method for locating Pentecost, resulting in various groups observing Pentecost one week apart. When using the English method of exclusive counting, starting the count to Pentecost from the day after the weekly Sabbath within the Days of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost will always fall on a Monday, which was the practice followed due to it being the 50th day. However, employing the Hebrew method of inclusive counting, which begins with the day of Wavesheaf Day, a Sunday, Pentecost will always be on a Sunday, aligning with the correct day as per the Hebrew counting method rooted in the language of the Scriptures.
Pentecost: A Test?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsGod seems to have devised Pentecost as an annual test to discern who will live by every word, neither adding to nor subtracting from His instructions. Unlike other holy days, Pentecost requires counting, highlighting its unique purpose. In the past, some, including Herbert Armstrong, initially observed Pentecost on a Monday for nearly forty years. However, upon realizing a misunderstanding of the Hebrew meaning of the word "from," he promptly changed to a Sunday observance, prioritizing the Bible over long-held tradition. Some rejected this change, clinging to the Monday Pentecost tradition, thus failing the test by not valuing the importance of every word. This distinction in observing Pentecost on Monday versus Sunday serves as a measure of fidelity to God's precise commands.
How to Count to Pentecost in 2025
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn 1974, the Worldwide Church of God made a significant change regarding the counting to Pentecost, shifting from observing Pentecost on Monday to Sunday. This adjustment in understanding came from recognizing that the Hebrew term for "from" in the context of counting meant "beginning on" rather than "beginning after." Prior to this change, the church held that the day after the Sabbath was not included in the count, resulting in Monday as the first day of the count and also the day of Pentecost seven weeks later. With the revised understanding, the count now begins on the day after the Sabbath within Unleavened Bread, aligning Pentecost with Sunday, reflecting a more accurate interpretation of the biblical instruction.
Azazel: Observations and Questions
Article by Pat HigginsDoctrinal changes after decades of believing differently can raise questions. God reveals truth by His Spirit on His timetable and for His own reasons.
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Sovereign God, Not Man
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have all become little 'sovereigns.' Everyone thinks he or she can make up the rules about God's truth, when God is to be the sole arbiter of truth.