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Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ stands as the central figure of Scripture, the very heart of God's Word, and our Savior and soon-coming King. He is the Trailblazer, the Archegos, who has forged the path to salvation through rugged terrain, cutting a trail for us to follow to a better place, the Kingdom of God. As the Firstfruit, He went before us, showing the way by living a life without sin, always doing the Father's will, and emerging glorified on the other side. He calls us to follow Him, to imitate His steps, to zig when He zigged and zag when He zagged, ensuring that if we stay on His trail, we too will reach glorification. His command to "Follow Me" is the first duty of His disciples, a charge to emulate and conform to Him from beginning to end. Whether serving others, suffering without complaint, or keeping God's commandments, we are to walk as He walked, never straying from the path He blazed. He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that no one comes to the Father except through Him, marking His trail as the sole, unique way to the divine destination. This path is not a singular step but a procession of many steps over time, requiring endurance through a narrow and difficult journey. As the Firstfruit of the wave sheaf offering and the model Firstfruit on Pentecost, He is the preeminent standard we must emulate. His life is the playbook, the regimen we must follow to become firstfruits ourselves. Through His example and the tools He provides, like the Holy Spirit, He enables us to walk this path, grow in righteousness, and transform into His image. Our focus must remain firmly fixed on Him, for He is the Head, the center of this feast, and the One who makes all things possible for us on this journey to the Kingdom of God.
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKnowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.
The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.
The Prayers of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's example teaches us to pray humbly in all situations, including decision making, resisting temptation, and acquiring spiritual strength.
Blazing a Trail Through the Wilderness
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThe story of Daniel Boone and his exploration of the frontier provides us with parallels to a Christian's journey as a firstfruit of God's Kingdom.
Persistence
Sermon by John O. ReidPersistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision, which prevents us from casting off restraint and gives us the will to keep on.
Hebrews (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews is addressed to a people living at the end of an era, who were drifting away, had lost their devotion, and were no longer motivated by zeal.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are satisfied with the fact that Jesus was resurrected, we miss its full glory and significance, as it has eternal consequences for God's elect.
Are You Strong in the Lord?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHardship is not removed from our spiritual trek, but God strengthens us to endure and overcome through our afflictions. Suffering is a training ground.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe truer our conception of Christ, the truer our discernment will be in dealing with spiritual problems or conflicts. Modern Israel has cuddled up to sin.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.