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An Abundance of Living Water

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In the context of the Last Great Day, the significance of living water emerges as a profound symbol of divine abundance and spiritual renewal promised to all humanity. This living water, far surpassing the physical water from taps, ponds, or streams, is what God offers in great measure. On the Last Great Day, as depicted in John 7, Jesus Christ stands amidst thousands in the Temple precincts, boldly inviting all who thirst to come to Him and drink, promising that out of their hearts will flow rivers of living water. This is not a mere trickle but an overwhelming outpouring, a sea of spiritual sustenance compared to the paltry golden pitcher used in ceremonial rites. During the water ceremony of the Last Great Day, priests would draw water from the pool of Siloam and pour it upon the altar, accompanied by joyous singing of Isaiah 12:3, "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of Salvation." In this moment, Jesus declares that the water He offers is infinitely greater, a source of eternal life that nourishes and refreshes beyond any earthly well. Unlike the seep well of Jacob, described in John 4 during His encounter with the Samaritan woman, where water merely collects from surrounding soil, the living water He provides is like a flowing spring, inexhaustible and invigorating, ensuring that those who drink of it will never thirst again for anything else. This living water, as further illustrated in Ezekiel 47:1-12, flows from the Temple in Jerusalem, steadily increasing in depth and volume as it moves eastward, transforming even the Dead Sea into a living sea teeming with life. It heals and fosters growth wherever it touches, symbolizing the miraculous power of God's Spirit to bring the dead to life and create abundance. Habakkuk 2:14 envisions this water spreading until the whole earth is saturated with God's knowledge, a gradual but unstoppable flow that works with the Word to produce understanding, guidance, and salvation. Jesus implores all to come and drink freely of this living water, an active and energizing force that inspires action akin to His own. It is not stagnant but moves dynamically, working within to produce good works and spiritual growth. During the Great White Throne Judgment, a time of renewed opportunity after the Millennium, this water will be freely given in abundance, guiding countless souls toward salvation. As expressed in Psalm 36, those who trust in God during this period will be abundantly satisfied with the Fountain of Life, drinking deeply from the river of living waters that promises eternal fulfillment.

That Great Day of the Feast

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

In the Millennium, God will call all nations of the world to Jerusalem to be taught by God, to receive His Holy Spirit to know Him and His way of life.

God of Our Salvation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Humanity faces a profound problem of sin, living in ignorance of their deep need for salvation. Most have followed their own desires, resulting in a history of corruption and evil, cut off from God. Yet, in the future, during the Great White Throne Judgment, billions will rise in a second resurrection, offered their first true opportunity for salvation. This time will be marked by abundance and joy, a stark contrast to the grueling lives many endured, where they will eagerly seek sustenance from the Source. Inspired by a water ceremony on the Last Great Day, Jesus Christ proclaimed with exuberance and joy that anyone thirsting should come to Him. He offered living water, not stagnant but dynamic, active, and inexhaustible—a fountain of salvation that never ceases. This living water represents continuous blessings and deliverance, a wonder to those who have known only scarcity and hardship. With joy, they will draw from this ever-flowing spring, willingly and eagerly accepting the offer of salvation, free from interference, and finding in it a sustenance that quenches thirst forever. The Hebrew word for salvation, yeshu'ah, carries explosive significance, emphasizing rescue from distress and danger. It is the central focus, the emphatic heart of the promise. Closely tied to this is the name Yeshuah, given to Jesus Christ, meaning He will save His people from their sins. This name, chosen by God, embodies the entire plan of salvation. Throughout history, in prophecies and prayers, this name appears as a beacon of hope, revealing that salvation is not merely a concept but a Person—Jesus Christ, the God of our salvation for all time and for all people.

Why the Last Great Day?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

On this Last Great Day, the concept of 'Living Water' emerges with profound significance, symbolizing the vast outpouring of His Spirit as spoken by Jesus Christ. He declares that out of the heart will flow rivers of living water, not mere streams or trickles, but mighty, voluminous rivers akin to the Mississippi or the torrents of Niagara Falls. This imagery conveys an immense, limitless supply of His Spirit, available in quantities beyond earthly comprehension, marking this day as truly great, huge, and indescribable. This notion of 'Living Water' ties to the idea of salvation being opened to multitudes, as reflected in the water ceremony of this day where songs of praise speak of drawing water with joy from the wells of salvation. These are not small wells but ones cascading and overflowing freely, allowing all to dip into them and receive salvation. The magnitude of this availability of His Spirit extends to all nations and generations, not limited to a specific time or people, but accessible to everyone who has ever lived, underscoring the awesome scale of this day. The outpouring of His Spirit, likened to 'Living Water,' will transform the earth during this great time, freeing it from corruption and enabling unprecedented abundance to support billions. This Spirit will infuse all who receive it, fostering acts of service, kindness, and cooperation, creating a world without competition or strife. The sheer scale of this transformation, where His Spirit flows like boundless rivers, defines the Last Great Day as a moment of unparalleled magnitude and wonder in His plan for humanity.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Four)

Sermon by David F. Maas

One of the most marvelous gifts God has given humanity is water—having both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as the symbol of God's Spirit.

From Both Sides Now and the Greatest Day

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

We must know both where we are starting and where we are going, having absolute faith that we will get there. If we do, taking that last step will be as certain as the first.

Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

On the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.

Pentecost - The Beginning - All in All

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

We must look beyond our own calling, realizing that the sacrifice of Christ was for all men, with the hope that they will be added to the family of God.

John (Part Thirteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.

Eternal Responsibilities

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We each have an eternal responsibility to do the will of God, continually seeking Him. Those who do not choose God's way of life will be mercifully put to death.

The Berean Example

Article by Staff

The ancient Bereans have a wonderful biblical reputation. Just how special were these Macedonian Christians?

Stimulating a Spiritual Appetite

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maas

A major key to our spiritual survival is the control, regulation, and re-direction of our appetites from what is not good for us to what is good for us.