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Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Shabbat rest (ceasing from activity) and nuach rest (pleasantly creating) are necessary for the proper keeping of the Sabbath.
Don't Show Up Empty
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeExploring the concept of "empty," this message warns us about God's command not to return physical or spiritual blessings which He has bestowed upon us with zero fruit. The major example is Exodus 23, covering the three Feasts wherein our forebears were not to come empty after the agricultural produce bestowed upon them. But empty is not just monetary, as was shown with Saul's military campaigns which he often victoriously completed. We observe in Isaiah 55 that God's word does not return in futility but rather proceeds as a chain of interlocking events instead of a spontaneous outcome. Our spiritual growth, likewise, should be a constant process of becoming increasingly godlike. As each day unfolds, we should continually grow to a new depth of godly character as God gives us the opportunity to become His first fruits. It requires heavy labor to bear fruit, cultivating the healthy spiritual soil which we are commanded to dress and keep. We cannot foolishly think that we will achieve spiritual growth merely by passively standing in close proximity to God's word or His church.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile God is consistently depicted as working, magic seemingly provides a shortcut that bypasses overcoming and growth, attaining something for nothing.
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.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was the perfect place for mankind to get its start, a place where Adam and Eve could become acquainted with God and developed godliness.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasBriars, thistles, thorns, and weeds are visible emblems of sin or its consequences, which we must pull up by the roots for the balance of our physical life.
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.
A Seed of Highest Quality
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod calls Israel a seed of highest quality, but she turned into a degenerate vine, bearing bitter fruit, rejecting God and relying on her own resources.
How Do the Land Sabbath and Jubilee Years Work (Leviticus 25)?
Bible Questions & AnswersAfter seven cycles of sabbatical years, a total of 49 years, the fiftieth year was proclaimed a jubilee. The land was to rest from cultivation.
Teachings From Tabernacles (2021)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeIf we neglect our cultivation of spiritual fruit during the year, the harvest will reflect that. The fruit of one's labors will be evident at harvest time.