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Deuteronomy, Land Sabbaths, Atonement, and Third Tithe
Sermon by Ryan McClureReflecting on the significance of God's annual Holy Days, we reflect on the metaphor of The Talent Game (a board game cyclically progressing thorough squares, requiring players to recall teachings of these annual holy days) to identify five key points. 1.) Deuteronomy and the Seven-Year Cycle: Deuteronomy 31:9-13 commands the reading of the Law every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles to instill fear of God and obedience. 2.) Land Sabbath and Year of Release: Leviticus 25 commands the land Sabbath, in which the land rests every seventh year, as well as the Jubilee Year every 50th year, inextricably intertwined with the Day of Atonement, promoting ecological rest, debt forgiveness and social equity, reflecting Almighty God's care for creation and justice. 3.) Historical events, including economic crises and agricultural problems during Shemitah years, underscore the dangers of ignoring these annual Sabbaths. 4.) Day of Atonement and the Two Goats: The atonement and the two goats emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the sole sin-bearer, not Satan, as traditionally applied to the Azazel goat. Atonement signifies complete forgiveness and removal of sin, distinguishing it from the Passover's peace offering. 5.) Third Tithe Year: Deuteronomy 26:12 connects the third tithe to the sabbatical cycle, supporting the needy (Levites, strangers, widows, orphans), culminating on the Day of Atonement. God uses these cycles to reinforce understanding and worship, encouraging His people to respond with humility and action, as exemplified by Josiah's reforms, which aligned believers with God's will and spiritual growth through obedience and reverence.
The Shemitah: God's Year of Release
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBecause we have spurned God's years of release, we have reaped a whirlwind of curses, including crop failure and devastating stock market crashes.
The Year of Release
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The land Sabbath is a type of the weekly Sabbath, wherein the land is given time to regenerate, and all debts (and grudges) are forgiven and slaves set free.
When is the Third Tithe Year?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn Israel, the third tithe was practiced as a community, drawing people together in a common experience. This is possible for the church, too.
Understanding Shemitah and Jubilee Cycles
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaPeople have speculated that Jesus Christ will return at the beginning of a Jubilee year, on the 120th year of Jubilees following 6,000 years.
2015 Eclipse
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughA set of astronomical events like these will not occur for another 500 years. Consequently, this could be a significant year prophetically.
Lessons From a Sandpile
Commentary by David C. GrabbeInspired by a sandpile, physicists developed a computer model to simulated the critical juncture when a single grain of sand would cause an avalanche.
The Isaiah 58 Puzzle
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIsaiah 58 is like the foreground of a picture puzzle. But it only really becomes clear when we add the background—the edge pieces—found elsewhere.
When Is the Year of Release (Shemitah)?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe anchor point of both the Shemitah and Jubilee is the Day of Atonement. Deuteronomy should be read at the Feast just after the year of release begins.
Are the Blood Moons Significant? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen the lights in the heavens are darkened, it indicates that the time is up, and judgment is at hand. Something—such as a nation—is coming to an end.
Preparing For the End
Sermon by Ryan McClureAs we head rapidly toward the end times, plagues will increase, meaning we must run our race deliberately and with intense focus, taking solace in Psalm 91.
Deuteronomy Opening
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy is addressed to the Israel of God, a group of God's called out ones who have been convicted that the Law has not been done away.
God's Stare Decisis
Sermon by Mark Schindler'Stare Decisis' is a principle that precedent should determine legal decision in making a case involving similar facts.
Tisha b'Av
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe 9th of Av commemorates major historical tragedies. When it occurs on a Sabbath during a Shemitah (year of release), horrible things occur.
Handwriting on the Wall: Forgetfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica once had national greatness, but because of the ignorance of youth, forgetting the lessons from history, they will soon pay for their forgetfulness.
Are the Blood Moons Significant? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIt is unusual for lunar eclipses to occur on God's holy days. Understanding those days helps us to find the right significance to the blood moons.
Stop the Groundhog Day of Sin
Sermon by Kim MyersInstead of repeating the same day over again, we must break the habits of things like gossip, promiscuity, pornography, sexual immorality, and drunkenness.