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God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
Let the Saints be Joyful in Glory!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod gave the Ten Commandments on the Feast of Firstfruits or the Day of Pentecost. The Day of Pentecost did not picture the firstfruits until after they entered the land as far as the harvest was concerned, but it did picture God's firstfruits by designating Israel as the first nation. It also pictures those people whom God has called, beginning with Seth and continuing through the righteous line of Noah, whom we find before the Flood, and then through Noah to Abraham after the Flood and so forth, whom we know as Jesus said, will be in the first resurrection. Do you remember what happened at Mount Sinai when the Ten Commandments were given there? The trumpet blew long, loud, louder, and even louder, and God spoke the Ten Commandments. He got their attention right off the bat and would not leave it and would not let their attention dwindle. Here is where we find the parallel between the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, all that followed, and our coming to the resurrection and being part of coming to Mount Zion, the city of the living God. For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the words should not be spoken to them anymore. Of course referring back to the ancient Israelites when God was on the mountain giving the Ten Commandments. God gave His church the Holy Spirit of power and inspiration and the help that we need to live His way of life. It enables us to see God and follow Him and to submit to Him in faith. By His sinless life and teachings, He has shown us how to live and He has done what is necessary so that the rest of us can follow and we can have salvation because He lives guiding us through this period of sanctification toward eternal life.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.
Pentecost and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSimeon's life serves as a precursor to that of God's called-out ones, demonstrating the elements necessary to bring a person to spiritual maturity.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews systematically proves Christ's superiority to patriarchs, prophets, the Levitical Priesthood, and angels, establishing His credentials.
The Day of Atonement and Israel's Future
Sermonette byThe cleansing of Joshua's filthy robes in Zechariah 3 is a future application of the cleansing in Leviticus 16, when Jesus Christ cleanses Israel in the future.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Three): Divine King
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe trumpet blast is both a memorial and a proclamation that Almighty God is present, powerful, and personal, reminding us how we must respond.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not fulfilled with the binding of Satan. Rather, there are numerous prophecies of God atoning for the sins of physical Israel.
The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Sermon on the Mount is as vitally important today as when Christ preached it. It contains the way we are to live as God's representatives on this earth.
Spiritual Heat Treatment
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterAfter metal has endured its prescribed heat treatment, it glows brightly. Our job, as God's metaphorical metal, is to endure the trials of heat treatments.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Abraham (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham came from a civilization in Mesopotamia that was highly advanced in science, including calculus and chemistry, and having indoor running water.