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Priestly Purity
Article by Martin G. CollinsThe Levitical priests of ancient Israel were required to maintain outward purity, being without physical defect before performing their duties. They adhered to strict guidelines concerning their physical condition when approaching God in their Temple or Tabernacle responsibilities. Leviticus 21 specifies that a descendant of Aaron had to be unspotted and free from defects such as blindness, lameness, a marred face, a limb too long, a broken foot, a broken hand, being hunchbacked, dwarfed, having a defective eye, eczema, a scab, or castration. These defects, categorized into injury, deformity, disease, and surgery, barred a priest from going near the veil or approaching the altar, as they would profane God's sanctuary. When the Temple in Jerusalem was completed in 515 BC, the priests followed God's instructions in Leviticus for purifying themselves, as noted in Ezra 6:20, where all were ritually clean through sacrifices as sin offerings and obedience to God's law.
The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPurity before God is far more than just being clean. To Jesus, being pure in heart, described in the Beatitudes, touches on the very holiness of God.
Matthew (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that what truly defiles a person—evil thoughts, murder, adultery—comes from their heart and mind, not from eating with unwashed hands.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.
Deuteronomy (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is an incremental process in which we systematically destroy the sin within us as our forebears were asked to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
God's Sea of Glass (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike tumultuous waves, the sea of glass before God's throne is tranquil and serene. Before we can stand on this sea of glass, we must be set apart and cleansed.
The Priesthood of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility as a royal priesthood and a kingdom of priests is to become holy as God is holy, exceeding the holiness of the Levitical priesthood.
Not-So-Great Expectations
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA person's expectations can blind him to the truth because his preconceptions fail to match reality. This fault indicates he does not see God clearly.
When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.
Abraham (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we surrender to God, allowing Him to shape character in us, He will enable us to live in hope, giving us direct access to Him, giving us a more abundant life.