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Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Tree of Life is introduced within the account of the Garden of Eden as one of two significant trees planted by God "in the midst of the garden," alongside the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Herbert Armstrong's frequent teaching on these Two Trees illustrated the two fundamental ways of life available to humanity—the way of get, representing self-centeredness, and the way of give, representing love and outgoing concern. This teaching itself exemplifies the biblical principle of "first occurrences," since Genesis, being loaded with foundational firsts, establishes patterns that clarify meanings developed throughout the rest of Scripture. The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil are understood to have been placed side by side in the Garden, a deliberate arrangement believed to have presented Adam and Eve with a clear, unavoidable choice, since God tempts no one and does not obscure moral decisions. After Adam and Eve sinned by partaking of the forbidden tree, God drove them from the Garden and stationed cherubim with a flaming sword specifically at the east side of Eden to guard "the way of the tree of life." This placement is significant because the Garden had only one entrance, located to the east, meaning there was only one direction from which God could be approached—a pattern reflecting that there is only one way to God. This directional principle recurs throughout Scripture: those who reject God, such as Cain and the post-Flood peoples who settled in Shinar, consistently move eastward, away from Eden and from God's presence, while movement westward symbolizes a returning toward God, as seen in the westward scattering of Israel and the ultimate future regathering of Israel toward Jerusalem. The Garden, containing the Tree of Life, is identified as God's dwelling place on earth, His "temple" before the Tabernacle or Temple existed, and is tied geographically to the area later known as Jerusalem rather than to Mesopotamia. This connects the Tree of Life not merely to a lost paradise but to the unfolding of God's continuous plan, which begins and ends at the same location—Jerusalem—where Christ ascended and where He will return. The Tree of Life, therefore, functions as an early marker within a much larger pattern of copies, shadows, and patterns that God established, pointing forward through the Tabernacle, the Temple, and ultimately to the restoration of access to God's presence and to eternal life itself.
Eden, The Garden, and The Two Trees (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus' crucifixion took place outside the camp of Israel, just outside the border of the Garden of Eden, the general area where the Miphkad Altar stood.
Like a Tree
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordTrees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.
The Great Mystery
Sermonette by Gary GarrettAdam and Eve originally had a most enviable relationship with the Creator, as well as access to the Tree of Life, if they had chosen it.
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.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe receive more of God's Spirit as we respond to His calling, drawing near to His presence and reversing Adam and Eve's fatal errors.
The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
What Happened to the Thief on the Cross? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDid the criminal crucified next to Christ go to heaven? That is commonly believed—yet even Jesus was not in heaven that day! Digging deeper shows the truth.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Six): The Eighth Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Eighth Day encapsulates the fullness of God's divine plan through Christ, who embodies and fulfills every lesson, hope, and promise depicted in the holy days.
History of the Church
Sermonette by Gary GarrettThe honor roll of faith in Hebrews 11, suggests that the 31 AD dispersal of God's Holy Spirit was in fact merely a continuation of a much older distribution.
The Garden of God
Article by StaffThe Bible uses agriculture to provide many lessons for us. Are we learning them—or are we repeating history as Israel did?
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Nine)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe command not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is universal and for all time, applying to each and every one of us.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
Christ's Death and the 'Immortality' of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.
Seeking God's Will (Part Six): Forethought
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pilgrims were unprepared for the bitter New England winters. They had very little practical foresight, paying a heavy toll for not counting the cost.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom does not give us complete understanding into the ultimate purposes of God, but when accompanied with faith in God, it will brighten our countenance.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms 105 and 106 describe the Great White Throne period, expressing the yearning desire to be included in His Kingdom and declaring God's praises.