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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.

Christ Our Standard

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Knowledge 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. Ritenbaugh

Following Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We 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. Ritenbaugh

The brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.

Four Views of Christ (Part 7)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.

The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God 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. Ritenbaugh

Christ'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 Ford

The 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.

Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Persistence

Sermon by John O. Reid

Persistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision, which prevents us from casting off restraint and gives us the will to keep on.

Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If 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.

Hebrews (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 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.

Psalm 23 (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.

Patience With Growth

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Fruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.

Hebrews (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.

Seeking God in the Mundane

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pentecostalism, with its sensationalism, is dangerous to a true believer. God is more interested in quietness and meekness than in bombastic displays of power.

Diligence in the Face of Trials

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are in the battle of our very lives, facing the three formidable fronts of the world, Satan, and our own flesh. We must be strong in the Lord.

The Road to the Kingdom

Article by Mike Ford

The way leading to eternal life is narrow and difficult and few find it. The road to the Kingdom may not be a highway, but neither is it concealed or secret.