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An Abundance of Living Water
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLiving water is the Holy Spirit, which God gives freely and abundantly to all who believe. Jesus offered it on the Last Great Day, when the priests poured a pitcher of water on the altar and sang of drawing water from the wells of salvation. He stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink," promising rivers of living water flowing from the believer (John 7:37-39). That ceremony was paltry beside what He gives: a gallon against a sea. To the Samaritan woman He contrasted Jacob's well, a seep well that is exhaustible, with a fountain of flowing, inexhaustible water that satisfies fully and springs up into eternal life (John 4). Since the Spirit has so far been given only as a trickle to those God calls, the full outpouring awaits the Great White Throne Judgment, when billions raised to life will be able to drink as much as they desire. Ezekiel 47 pictures this as a river flowing from the Temple, deepening until it cannot be crossed, healing the Dead Sea and giving life and fruitfulness to everything it touches. Habakkuk 2:14 shows the earth filling with God's knowledge as waters cover the sea. Living water is active energy that moves, produces understanding, guidance, correction and good works, and leads toward becoming like Christ. God invites everyone to come, drink freely, and be satisfied (Isaiah 55:1-3; Revelation 21:6; 22:17).
That Great Day of the Feast
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn 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. RitenbaughHumanity 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. RitenbaughOn 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. MaasOne 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 SchindlerWe 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. RitenbaughOn 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 SchindlerWe 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. RitenbaughThe 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. CollinsWe 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 StaffThe 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. MaasA 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.