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The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPeace, as a fruit of sacrifice, emerges from the profound dedication exemplified in the offerings, particularly the peace offering, which reflects Jesus Christ as the ideal model. This offering symbolizes the harmony and stability that come from loving one's brother, which is defined as keeping God's commandments in relation to him. Such love provides assurance and prevents stumbling, fostering illumination that enables one to see solutions to relationship problems through sacrifice. In contrast, hatred or breaking commandments towards a brother envelops one in darkness, leading to blindness, fighting, and a lack of peace. This absence of peace is evident in failing to honor relationships, such as with parents, where unwillingness to sacrifice results in discord and a lack of well-being for all parties involved. True peace, therefore, is contingent upon laying oneself out in sacrifice to express love, mirroring the devotion seen in the sacrificial laws. The peace offering also illustrates a shared communion, as seen in the ritual of presenting the brisket, signifying a connection between the offerer, the priest, and God. This act underscores that fellowship with God and access to His spiritual nourishment are conditioned upon maintaining purity through sacrifice. Striving to emulate Christ's thorough dedication in the burnt and meal offerings demonstrates an understanding of faith, love, and sacrifice, which are essential for sustaining the peace and communion expressed in the peace offering. God has invested greatly to provide this harmony, and the least we can do is offer full devotion as a living sacrifice in return.
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.
Offerings (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering symbolizes the abundant life that results from complete devotion to God (the burnt offering) and service to others (the meal offering).
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
The Sixth Commandment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus magnifies the Law in Matthew 5, moving beyond the behavior into the motivating thought behind the deed, warning that we do not retaliate in kind.