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The Rain Comes Down
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Nashville, where most members of Church of the Great God traveled to keep the eight days of the Feast, this year's event may be remembered as one of the rainiest in living memory. The skies opened up nearly every day, sometimes overnight, but with enough frequency that a burst of brilliant sunshine was a welcome change from the persistent overcast. At least one storm made driving hazardous, disrupting some dinner plans that evening. The golf outing took place under threatening skies, though participants endured only scattered showers. Overall, the rain disrupted activities only in minor ways. In the lands of the Bible, particularly Canaan, rain is a rare event, occurring only during specified rainy seasons. The land of Israel, lacking major rivers, relies on dewfall and water captured in cisterns for much of the moisture needed to grow crops. Since Israel in Bible times was substantially agrarian, with an economy dependent on farmers' fields, favorable weather was crucial. God placed His people in a land where they had to rely on Him and His control of the weather, making the cycle of their lives an annual test of faith. Rain in due season became a sign of blessing from God, while its absence or untimely arrival signaled disfavor. To the Israelites, rain was a sign of abundance and life itself, as plants could not grow and bear fruit without it, and they would perish without the produce from the ground. Rain was among the foremost of God's provisions, directly correlated with His favor. The ideal is to have rain in its season, as rain at the wrong time could be as harmful as no rain at all. Crops require moisture at seeding time to germinate and encourage growth, and just before harvest to mature the fruit. This reflects references to the early rain in late autumn, when seeds for the spring crop are planted, and the latter rain in spring, when the crop nears harvest. Fall and spring, times of holy convocations when God gathers His people to teach them His way, align with these periods of rainfall. Just as physical rain fell almost every day during the Feast, so too did the spiritual rain of God's Word pour down, providing the necessary watering to produce fruit for God's pleasure. Thus, the rain experienced can be seen as a sign of God's blessing.
Rain
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWeather disasters expose the moral weaknesses of a nation. We need to patiently and obediently wait for the early and latter rains that God will provide.
'. . . And Not a Drop to Drink'
'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. CollinsThe scarcity of water will become a factor as the end nears. World consumption of water is setting us up for major conflict over this precious resource.
The Pattern of Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordGod has a pattern that we can use for planet formation, a skill He will teach us after we assume a glorified spirit body following our resurrection.
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.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA converted person, accepting God's specific care with His children, realizes that both prosperity and deprivation are tools in the Creator's workshop.
The Two Witnesses (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Two Witnesses have authority from God to annihilate those who interfere with their work as well as power over weather patterns and natural elements.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rivers identified in the Garden of Eden were given in the context of pre-flood geography, making the use of modern topographical maps irrelevant.
Amos (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod, through His prophets, warns that He will chasten His people with increasing severity until they repent and begin to reflect His characteristics.
The Dew of Heaven
Article by Ronny H. GrahamDew is a creation of God that He uses several times in His Word. Here is how this symbolism applies to us today.
Are We Already In Captivity?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.
Seeking God in the Mundane
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecostalism, with its sensationalism, is dangerous to a true believer. God is more interested in quietness and meekness than in bombastic displays of power.
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.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God is at work producing leadership in an organization that will follow Him, calling people into His family, carefully crafting it into a perfect organism.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughIsrael had every opportunity that the Gentiles did not have. God gave the Israelites gifts to live a better way, but they completely failed to reflect Him.
Consider the Butterfly
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCreation teaches the orderly mind of God. The butterfly provides valuable analogies to illustrate our conversion and transformation from mortal to immortal.
Parable of the Two Builders
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus asks in His Sermon on the Mount, What have we founded our lives upon? Having the right foundation will allow us to weather the storms of life and prevail.