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An Abundance of Living Water
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Last Great Day, the significance of water is brought into sharp focus, not merely as the physical sustenance found in lakes and streams, but as the living water that God promises to all humanity. This living water, far surpassing the mere drops from a tap or pond, represents an abundance that flows freely to those who seek it. Jesus Christ Himself revealed this profound truth on the Last Great Day, standing amidst the crowds in the Temple precincts, declaring that if anyone thirsts, let them come to Him and drink. He proclaimed that out of the heart of those who believe in Him will flow rivers of living water, a stark contrast to the meager golden pitcher used in the ceremonial pouring of water on the altar during the festival. This living water, as Jesus taught, is not a trickle but a boundless sea offered to all who believe, a source of eternal refreshment and life. In His encounter with the Samaritan woman, He contrasted the seeping, limited water of Jacob's well with the inexhaustible, flowing living water He provides, a fountain that nourishes and satisfies forever, leading to eternal life. This water, unlike any earthly source, energizes and fulfills all yearnings of the human spirit, bringing one to the very life of God. In the vision of Ezekiel, this living water flows from the Temple, starting as a gentle stream but growing into a mighty river, too deep to cross, bringing life and healing wherever it goes. It transforms even the Dead Sea into a living sea, teeming with fish, illustrating the miraculous power of this water to heal and produce abundance. This river does not stop but continues to spread, as Habakkuk foretells, until the whole earth is saturated with the knowledge of God, accompanied by this water that fosters understanding and growth. During the Great White Throne Judgment, a time of judgment and opportunity following the Millennium, this living water will be freely given in abundance to billions who rise to life. It will guide and direct them toward salvation, flowing out from the Temple in Jerusalem, filling the earth gradually but surely with God's presence and power. Jesus implores all to come and drink of this water, promising that it is free and more than sufficient for every need, a tonic that once imbibed, leaves no desire for anything else. As Psalm 36 echoes, under the shadow of God's wings, the children of men will put their trust in Him and be abundantly satisfied with the Fountain of Life, drinking from the river of living waters that promises life everlasting.
God of Our Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of humanity's profound struggle with sin and the need for salvation, Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate source of living waters, offering deliverance to all. Inspired by the Water Ceremony on the Last Great Day, where water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and poured out on the altar in a grand procession, He proclaimed with great joy that anyone thirsting for salvation should come to Him. With a radiant expression, He invited all to drink from the wells of salvation, as echoed in Isaiah 12:3, where it is said with joy one will draw water from these wells. This imagery of living waters represents a dynamic, inexhaustible fountain, not a stagnant well, but a spring of active, powerful sustenance. During the Great White Throne Judgment, billions will rise in the second resurrection to a world of abundance and paradise, far removed from the hardships of their past lives. They will eagerly approach this Source, free from interference, and with immense gratitude accept the offer of living water, knowing it will quench their thirst forever, as Christ promised in John 4:14. The Hebrew word for salvation, yeshu'ah, carries profound significance, emphasizing deliverance from distress and danger. Closely tied to the name of Jesus Christ, Yeshuah, it reveals Him as the embodiment of salvation. This connection underscores that He is the central figure in God's plan, the very essence of the living waters that flow continuously, offering redemption and eternal life to all who come to Him.
Why the Last Great Day?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of 'Rivers of Living Waters' signifies an immense outpouring of God's Spirit, as introduced by Jesus Christ in John 7:38, where He declares that out of a believer's heart will flow rivers of living water. This imagery conveys a sense of vast magnitude, not a mere stream or trickle, but a broad, gushing, voluminous flow akin to mighty rivers or the waters of Niagara Falls. Jesus emphasizes that His Spirit will be available in limitless supply, surpassing even the greatest earthly waters in its abundance and indescribable greatness. This powerful metaphor ties directly to the significance of the Last Great Day, a time of unparalleled spiritual abundance. It reflects a period when God's Spirit will be openly accessible in limitless quantities to everyone who desires it, extending beyond a single generation to all of humanity across all times. The 'Rivers of Living Waters' symbolize the floods of salvation that will be available, as multitudes come to know and praise God for the salvation He offers, previously denied to many. This overwhelming provision of spiritual life underscores the grandeur and magnitude of the day, marking it as a truly great and awesome event in God's plan.
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.
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.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rivers identified in the Garden of Eden were given in the context of pre-flood geography, making the use of modern topographical maps irrelevant.

The Bride of Christ (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerOn the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews practiced a water-pouring ceremony from the Pool of Siloam, culminating in Jesus' declaration in John 7:37-39 that He was the true source of living water dispensing the Holy Spirit - fulfilling Israel's Messianic hope. This ritual foreshadows God's plan to prepare the Church as the Bride of Christ by refining her faith, obedience, and spiritual discipline, enabling her to be united with Him at His return. I Corinthians 2:11-13 teaches us that our daily choices build character that will endure divine testing providing Christ is the exclusive foundation. By aligning with God's divine order, we do our part in yielding to this active preparation. Isaiah 9-12 and Jeremiah 30-31 present prophesies Christ's role as the Word, orchestrating historical event to restore physical Israel as well as all creation under His government of peace. As Jesus Christ's perfected helpmate, the Bride will share in a redemptive mission, assisting, and teaching truth to the post-Tribulation remnant of Israel as well as preparing the splendiferous Holy City. The Eighth Day festival anticipates the universal offer of salvation, with the Bride, patterned after the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, actively serving alongside Christ. God's chosen saints should rejoice in their role, inviting all to partake of the "water of life" (Revelation 22:17) which symbolizes salvation and eternal unity with God's purpose.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChristians must address marriage problems from God's perspective. Stress can cause people to lay aside their values in favor of humanly reasoned solutions.