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The Harvesting of the Firstfruits
'Prophecy Watch' by Bill KeeseeIn the Old Testament, the Feast of Harvest, also known as the Feast of Pentecost, marks the firstfruits of the labors sown in the field. It concludes a grain harvest that starts with the Feast of Firstfruits, the day of the wavesheaf, when the initial barley harvest is offered before the Lord. This early harvest, paralleling Israel's spring grain harvest, symbolizes a spiritual gathering of God's children. The agricultural imagery woven throughout God's Word highlights the significance of such festivals, illustrating divine plans through the cycles of sowing and reaping. As Christ Himself noted, the fields are already white for harvest, indicating the readiness of this early gathering to commence.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod 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. HennThe Feast of Pentecost pictures the harvest of firstfruits, God's elect in this age. On it, God sent His Spirit to aid them in their spiritual growth.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe grain offering is not substitutionary; it does not symbolize an individual but rather the product of his labors toward others from God's bounty.
Why Count Fifty Days?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Rehearsing God's Plan
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod'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. GrabbeThe 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.
The Appointed Weeks of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEach 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. RitenbaughThe 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.
Let the Saints be Joyful in Glory!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe wave sheaf offering and the fifty-day count to Pentecost reveal God's unfolding plan of salvation through a spiritual harvest centered in Jesus Christ, the "first of the first fruits." The waved barley sheaf, offered after the Sabbath during Unleavened Bread, symbolized the risen and accepted Christ, whose perfect sacrifice opened the way for humanity's redemption. From that moment begins a purposeful progression culminating at Pentecost, where two leavened loaves represent God's called people—still imperfect, yet sanctified and accepted through His grace. Empowered by the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost, believers are transformed through obedience, unity, service, and ongoing sanctification as they prepare for their role in God's kingdom. Together, these holy days affirm that God faithfully calls, refines, preserves, and will ultimately glorify His saints as first fruits alongside Christ, assuring them that every trial, act of growth, and step of faith serves His eternal purpose in expanding His divine family.
Pentecost and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSimeon'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. RitenbaughBook II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.
How Do We Keep God's Festivals?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughHere are the foundational principles to keep in mind in observing the Feasts of God throughout the year.
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.
Sowing and Reaping
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeA basic agricultural principle, what is sown will be reaped, also applies to human behavior. Sin brings death, while following God's Word produces life.
Still Producing Fruit?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must remain spiritually productive to the very end, allowing experience, obedience, and perseverance to refine us into mature disciples.