The peace offering symbolizes the abundant life that results from complete devotion to God (the burnt offering) and service to others (the meal offering).

For decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?

The meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.

Pentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.

The leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.

Like Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.

The meal offering represents the intense self-sacrifice required in service to man. Our service to man must be done for God's sake rather than man's appreciation.

Each day in the count is a reminder to consider what we are sowing and what we are cultivating because it will assuredly come to fruition and then evaluation.

The Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.

Book II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.

We are being judged by our works, based upon what we know and what we are doing with this knowledge. The more we know, the more God expects from us.

God's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.

We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.