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The Harvesting of the Firstfruits

'Prophecy Watch' by Bill Keesee

Biblically, a harvest represents the gathering and resurrection of the saints, but also includes other aspects of our preparation for God's Kingdom.

Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Previously, we may have seemed to fixate on prophecy and timelines for God's masterplan rather than Christ as the central focus. The dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him. Consequently, from the Wave Sheaf offering to the two loaves presented to Almighty God at Pentecost, the firstfruits imagery points directly to Jesus Christ, "first in time and preeminence"—and then to His disciples, then and now, who emulate Him. We do not just receive the Holy Spirit, but we are to walk as He walked, abiding in Him as branches cling to the vine, relying on His strength and example to live godly lives, using the gift of the Holy Spirit to grow into the image of Christ. Consequently, Pentecost is far more than a religious ritual or prophetic speculation, but rather it is about Jesus as the Firstfruit, the Way, and the Vine-celebrating the Feast of Weeks as accepting His leadership, His life, and His ongoing work molding us into His image.

Rejoice in God's Feast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.

Holy Days: Pentecost

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

The late spring Feast of Pentecost shows the harvest of firstfruits, God's church. It is a continual reminder of our part in God's plan!

Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The grain offering is not substitutionary; it does not symbolize an individual but rather the product of his labors toward others from God's bounty.

Rehearsing God's Plan

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's holy days are a carefully crafted series of memorials that tell the story of God's magnificent plan of salvation, told in a set of parable-like vignettes.

The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.

Why Count Fifty Days?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible has much to say about the number fifty, such as counting 50 days to Pentecost, the measurements of the Tabernacle, and the 50 year Jubilee.

The Appointed Weeks of Pentecost

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Each day in the count is a reminder to consider what we are sowing and what we are cultivating because it will assuredly come to fruition and then evaluation.

Boaz and Pentecost

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.

How Do We Keep God's Festivals?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Here are the foundational principles to keep in mind in observing the Feasts of God throughout the year.

Pentecost and Hope

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Simeon's life serves as a precursor to that of God's called-out ones, demonstrating the elements necessary to bring a person to spiritual maturity.

Psalms: Book Two (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Book II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.

Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.

Sowing and Reaping

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

A basic agricultural principle, what is sown will be reaped, also applies to human behavior. Sin brings death, while following God's Word produces life.

Deuteronomy (Part 2) (1994)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Deuteronomy, which is to be reviewed every seven years, provides us with vision and instruction for living in our spiritual Promised Land.

Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes teaches that life has meaning and purpose only when lived by faith for God's Kingdom, not just for earthly, 'under the sun' pursuits.