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God's Spiritual Harvest

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The concept of a spiritual harvest is deeply woven into God's plan of salvation, as illustrated through the agricultural harvests of the Old Testament, which serve as types of God's gathering of people into His Kingdom. The wave sheaf offering, made from the first of the firstfruits of the barley harvest, represents an initial, small harvest and is foundational to this spiritual process. This offering, waved before God for acceptance, symbolizes a thankful acknowledgment of Him as the Giver of the harvest, sanctifying it to Him. In the New Testament, this agricultural imagery transforms into a spiritual harvest, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the arch-typical wave sheaf, harvested from the physical world through His resurrection and lifted to God's throne for acceptance as the sacrifice for sins and as our High Priest. The 50-day period from the wave sheaf offering to Pentecost emphasizes the firstfruits of the Kingdom. It begins with the waving of the barley sheaf, representing Christ, and concludes with the waving of two leavened loaves on Pentecost, symbolizing the called-out people of God, the elect. This act pictures the Father's gracious acceptance of fallible human beings into His Kingdom. Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, marks the culmination of this early harvest period, highlighting God's work with His firstfruits, from Christ's acceptance as the perfect sacrifice to the time when all His brothers and sisters fully enter His Family. On the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended with power upon the first members of the church, marking the establishment of the church of God and the beginning of spiritual group salvation. This event empowered the people to keep God's commandments, enabled the gospel to be preached worldwide through miraculous language abilities, and signified access to God the Father through the Spirit. It also united the church in peace and order, contrasting with the confusion of Babel, and underscored the church as the first small harvest of God's calling to salvation out of the world. The spiritual harvest theme continues with the understanding that those called now are predestined as firstfruits, set apart for a unique opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit and prepare for the coming Kingdom of God. This calling, initiated by God through Christ, emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful as part of the church of the firstborn, registered in the Book of Life in heaven. The ultimate vision of this harvest is the resurrection of the firstfruits, where God will glorify His spiritually begotten children, granting them power and glory akin to that of Jesus Christ, leading to an eternal purpose within His Family.

The Harvest Is Almost In!

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

The harvest we have all longed for is almost here, but we have a little more time to labor. The return of Christ is soon, but it is not here quite yet.

The Present Harvest (Part One)

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The Jews of Christ's day were weary and discouraged because of the burdensome yoke their leaders placed on them through the tradition of the elders.

The Present Harvest (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Christ empowers His disciples to preach and heal. He is saying there will be an incomplete work of healing and preaching in the run-up to His return.

Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Four)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Pentecost offering of two loaves contains the idea of difference, while the New Testament Pentecost in Acts 2 shows differences being divinely overcome.

Holy Days: Pentecost

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

The late spring Feast of Pentecost shows the harvest of firstfruits, God's church. It is a continual reminder of our part in God's plan!

The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.

The Wavesheaf Offering

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most know little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!

Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.

Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.

Countdown to Pentecost 2001

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

How does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?

Rejoice in God's Feast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.

Teachings From Tabernacles (2021)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. Grabbe

If we neglect our cultivation of spiritual fruit during the year, the harvest will reflect that. The fruit of one's labors will be evident at harvest time.

Teachings from Tabernacles

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The temporary dwellings remind us that nothing earthly is permanent nor our true inheritance, and that our focus must be on what God is doing.

The Feast of Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Both Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread keep us off balance so that we remain humble, seek stability, and trust in God's providence for our ultimate destiny.

Ecclesiastes (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must have the patience to realize that God accomplishes His purpose for us in His time. God's timing is beautiful, taking place at the right time.