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Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Exodus, as part of the Pentateuch, holds a significant place within the structure of biblical literature. It is the second book of the Law, corresponding to the second book of the Psalms, and is associated with themes of marriage, law, covenant, exile, and redemption. Exodus also aligns with the Festival Scroll of Ruth and the season of Pentecost, reflecting a time of spiritual connection and growth. Additionally, in the historical narrative, when the Israelites left Egypt, they are described as going out arrayed by fives, symbolizing an orderly departure under God's organization, which is linked to the concept of salvation and grace. This arrangement by fives recurs throughout the Old Testament, underscoring a divine pattern of redemption and deliverance as seen in the exodus event.

Psalms: Book Two (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Exodus holds a significant place within the broader organizational structure of biblical texts, correlating with the second book of Psalms (Psalms 42-72), Psalm 147, the book of Ruth, and the Pentecost season. Exodus, meaning "going out" or "departing," centers on the theme of separation, as it details Israel's departure from Egypt. This narrative embodies God's redemption of Israel, illustrating how He brought them out to redeem them, or redeemed them to bring them out. Key events in Exodus, particularly between chapters 19 and 24, highlight the giving of the law and the making of the covenant at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the importance of law and covenant in the relationship between Israel and God. This covenant is portrayed as a marriage covenant, uniting Israel to God. Additionally, the latter part of Exodus focuses on the construction of the tabernacle and the crafting of priestly garments, symbolizing the building of a community dedicated to serving God. These elements reflect the themes of preparation and perfection, akin to the harvest symbolism of Pentecost, where the process of refining and constructing mirrors the spiritual growth and readiness of God's people. The overarching narrative of Exodus ties into the broader themes of redemption, law, covenant, marriage, and separation, aligning seamlessly with the seasonal and thematic correlations of Pentecost and the associated texts.

Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Book Two of the Psalms, encompassing Psalms 42-72, is thematically linked to the Book of Exodus, the Book of Ruth, and the Pentecost season. These connections reveal shared themes of separation, redemption, and covenant. In Exodus, the children of Israel are separated in Egypt and later led into the wilderness, where God works with them to bring them to the promised land. This mirrors the journey of preparation and trial found in Book Two of the Psalms. Additionally, the concept of redemption is central, as God redeems Israel from Egypt, paralleling the frequent redemption and salvation of David in the Psalms during his numerous straits. The idea of covenant also emerges, resonating with the overarching narrative of God's relationship with His people across these works.

The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Exodus unfolds a profound narrative of spiritual redemption. As it begins, the Israelites recognize their state of sin and slavery, crying out for a deliverer. God provides Moses, who stands as a type of Christ, embodying the roles of Deliverer, Lawgiver, and Judge. Through this historical account, Exodus illustrates a pattern of liberation and divine guidance, revealing deeper spiritual truths that resonate beyond the surface story.

The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Exodus carries profound significance as it centers on the theme of redemption. It portrays Israel in slavery, with Pharaoh as a type of satan and Egypt representing the world. Israel symbolizes the Christian, bound in servitude to sin within this worldly context. The narrative focuses on their liberation from bondage, achieved at the price of the Passover lamb, illustrating a powerful act of deliverance. The book concludes with the dedication of the Tabernacle, which represents the collective body of believers, signifying that they have been redeemed and built into a unified entity under God's purpose.

Offerings (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Exodus opens with the children of Israel in slavery, and it narrates their redemption from bondage through the miraculous intervention of God. Within this account, typical characters emerge: Pharaoh represents the adversary, and Egypt symbolizes the world of sin. This narrative of deliverance highlights the power and purpose of God in freeing His people from oppression.

The Song of Moses

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Exodus, particularly in relation to the song of Moses found in Exodus 15, holds a significant place in the imagery of divine judgment and redemption. This song, composed by Moses after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army, captures a moment of profound intervention by God, where He saves His people and punishes the wicked. The imagery of the Israelites standing on the shore of the Red Sea parallels the vision of the saints standing on the sea of glass in later scriptural accounts, suggesting a continuity of theme. Both instances highlight God's astounding judgment upon oppressors, akin to the drowning of the Egyptians, which was a major blow to the superpower of that era. The use of timbrels in Exodus 15 also finds an echo in the harps mentioned in later visions, reinforcing the connection. Furthermore, the song's themes of judgment and salvation, where God steps into world affairs to punish the guilty and redeem His chosen, resonate universally, making it a fitting expression of praise for His mighty works and enduring reign.

Deuteronomy (Part 5)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Exodus presents a profound narrative of deliverance and the subsequent giving of law. It begins with a brief history of why Israel was in Egypt and how they became slaves. A significant portion of Exodus describes the destruction of Egypt, the departure of the Israelites from bondage, and the start of their wandering in the wilderness. Notably, there is no consequential mention of laws until Exodus 20, where God gives the Ten Commandments. The overall theme of Exodus is the redemption or deliverance of an enslaved people, with 19 chapters dedicated to their liberation before any serious focus on law. This structure underscores a vital lesson: salvation precedes the law. Israel was saved, delivered, and redeemed from slavery before God introduced the law. The law does not save, redeem, or deliver; rather, it is given as a consequence of freedom. It is provided for life after salvation, to guide the freed people in living within the inheritance, to remain free, and to prepare them to dwell in harmony with God's way. The law serves to align the redeemed with the same guidelines, ensuring they live as God intends in the inheritance.

Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The book of Exodus illustrates the active participation of the worshippers in constructing the physical implements and tools necessary to carry out the divine instructions given by God. They were involved in building the Tabernacle itself, along with its furniture and implements, strictly adhering to the precise guidance provided. This process established a rigid system of worship, where physically following these verbally delivered instructions was paramount. The seriousness of this adherence is evident in instances where God executed individuals for failing to comply with exact specifications, such as the sons of Aaron for using improper coals of fire, and a servant of David for not transporting Tabernacle implements as instructed. These examples underscore the necessity of following the letter of the law in that system, highlighting the consequences of carelessness or deviation. Under the New Covenant, the responsibilities depicted in Exodus serve as types of the spiritual duties believers now undertake. Metaphorically, believers are described as parts of Christ's body, constituting the spiritual Temple. Working alongside Christ and the Father, they are tasked with fashioning their character and conduct according to divine will, with the same precision and care that was demanded in the construction of the physical Tabernacle. This ongoing spiritual building process requires attention to detail and a commitment to avoid skipping responsibilities, reflecting the same dedication expected of the Israelites in their adherence to the covenant.