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Until Shiloh Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophecy concerning Judah in Genesis 49:10 speaks of a significant figure known as Shiloh, marking a pivotal moment for the tribe and the entire family of Israel. The scepter, a symbol of rulership, shall not depart from Judah, nor a ruler's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes. This indicates that Judah will maintain leadership and authority up to the arrival of Shiloh, who is associated with bringing peace and rest. The term Shiloh, though disputed in its precise meaning, is understood to convey notions of peace, calm, and quietude, connected to Hebrew words like Shalom and Salem. This suggests that after a period of warfare and ferocity, as described in the preceding verses, Shiloh's coming will usher in a time of tranquility for Judah and all Israel. Furthermore, to Shiloh shall be the obedience of the peoples, implying a gathering of not just Israel but all nations under His leadership, uniting them in harmony.
The Scepter of the Kingdom of God (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Martin G. CollinsThe scepter, a symbol of kingship, was promised to Judah, as recorded in Genesis 49:10, where Jacob prophesied that the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Shiloh is understood as a prophetic reference to the Messiah, embodying the role of the Prince of Peace or the Seed of Abraham, through whom the ultimate authority and obedience of the people are directed. This promise of the scepter, tied to the kingly line, remained with Judah, signifying the enduring connection to divine authority and the fulfillment of God's covenant.
The Scepter, Duty, and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is in absolute control over His Creation, with a plan and purpose that extends to the smallest detail. In the context of the scepter of the Kingdom of God, Shiloh represents a significant prophetic element. The scepter, symbolizing authority and rule, is tied to Judah, and Shiloh is understood as the point of ultimate fulfillment of this authority. The prophetic narrative indicates that the scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes, pointing to a future culmination of God's plan through this figure. This underscores the enduring nature of God's governance and the promise of a lasting kingdom under His divine order.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
Psalms: Book One (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook One of the Psalms, parallel with the spring season, focuses on the Messianic prophecies, revealing God's plan to redeem Israel by crushing Satan.
Faith and the Calendar (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue is not mathematical or astronomical, but instead a matter of trust in God's faithfulness, authority, sovereignty, oversight, or ability to govern.
Deuteronomy and Idolatry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.
A House Left Desolate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is a God of mercy, but He has a stiff core of justice which will not be placated unless we repent. To whom much has been given, much will be required.
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow does one count to Pentecost when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath? If we are consistent and honest with the Scriptures, the solution is clear.
Pentecost Revisited (Part Two): Joshua 5
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoshua 5 makes no mention of a harvest, an altar, a priest, the waving of the sheaf, or the offerings God commanded to accompany the waving of the sheaf.
Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome stretch the second commandment to condemn the use of all paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Others claim only Hebrew names for God can be used.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil opened the minds of our first parents to evil, the experiential knowledge that comes from sin.
Rejoice and Fear God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fill our lives with peace, repenting, changing our attitude, and voluntarily yielding to God before we can produce the fruits of righteousness.
Why Are You Here?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, following a pattern, routinely calls the lowly and weak to guard against pride. God will transform the weak of this world through His Holy Spirit.
Where God Places His Name (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe re-establishment of Jerusalem as the world capitol demonstrates that even when God is angry, He still restores His people.
A Time For Thanksgiving
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our annual Thanksgiving was derived from the harvest festivals, patterned after the Holy Days such as Pentecost and Tabernacles. We must not forget God.
Christ Our Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe do not have the ability to bring peace to the world; only Christ can do that, first reconciling people to God and then with other people.