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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. RitenbaughAs we approach the Passover season, we are called to evaluate ourselves against a true standard, and that standard is Jesus Christ. He is the trailblazer, the pioneer who has gone before us, showing the way to the Kingdom of God. In John 14:6, He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This emphasizes that He is the true and living way, the only path we must follow. As the Captain of our salvation, He has blazed the trail, and we are to imitate Him by walking in His footsteps. Jesus Christ not only set the path but also embodies the goal we strive for. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, as seen in Hebrews 12:2, where we are urged to look unto Him who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He starts and finishes our salvation, standing at the beginning and end of our race, guiding us to keep our eyes focused on Him. Without Him, we cannot reach the destination; He is both the route and the ultimate example we must emulate. Furthermore, His life demonstrates the method of achieving this goal through constant action and goodness. In Acts 10:38, Peter summarizes His ministry by saying He went about doing good, healing all who were oppressed. This relentless dedication to good works left no room for sin, showing us a powerful principle: by filling our lives with doing good, we displace sin. Throughout His ministry, as depicted in Mark 1 and Mark 6, He maintained a hectic pace, moving from town to town, preaching, healing, and serving, always giving Himself to others. This example teaches us to start wherever we are, doing good to those around us, as urged in Colossians 3:16-24 and Galatians 6:9-10, extending kindness even to enemies, as taught in Matthew 5:43-48. Thus, Jesus Christ as our Trailblazer not only shows us the way but demands that we follow His lead by living a life of active goodness. He is the standard by which we measure our progress, the pioneer who has prepared a place for us, and the living guide who ensures we can reach the Father through imitating His character and process of salvation.
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.