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Deuteronomy, Land Sabbaths, Atonement, and Third Tithe
Sermon by Ryan McClureAt the end of every seven years, as commanded by God, the law in Deuteronomy is to be read to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles. This practice ensures that everyone, both old and young, is exposed to God's law, understanding His blessings and cursings. The purpose of this reading is to help us learn to fear God, which is fundamental to having a good relationship with Him. Reviewing Deuteronomy every seven years is no small matter to God; it is a blessing if we read, repent, and align our lives with His way of living. Through this command, God provides wisdom and encourages us to respond with humility and a tender heart as we strive to worship Him in spirit and truth.
Deuteronomy (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands that the book of Deuteronomy be read every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles in the year of release, a privilege and distinctive honoring not accorded to any other book in the Bible. This command, given to both the religious and civil leadership, ensures that all of Israel—men, women, children, and aliens—hear, learn, fear the Lord, and observe to do all the words of this law. The reading occurs during a time of harvest-time gratitude and widespread liberation from debt and slavery, reminding the people of their covenant relationship with God and His generosity, as pictured by the Feast of Tabernacles. Deuteronomy holds a significant place in Scripture, encapsulating everything necessary for salvation in a form akin to a Reader's Digest version of the entire Bible. It serves as an elaborate commentary on the Ten Commandments, expanding their meaning and application through statutes, judgments, health laws, blessings, curses, and ceremonies. Symbolically positioned near the ark of the covenant, it stands close to the legal basis of God's judgments, offering counsel for His governance and mercy. The purpose of this periodic reading is to provide the covenant people with a working knowledge of God's sovereignty, providence, grace, their origins, redemption from Egypt, instructions for living, and His purpose for them, leaving no excuse for ignorance. Through this practice, God ensures that His people are continually reminded of their identity and mission as His witnesses.
Deuteronomy and History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Israelites lost their identity when they went into captivity. They failed to teach their children, to keep the Sabbath, and to remember who they were.
Deuteronomy's Major Themes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Deuteronomy is the heart of the Old Testament, with its words throughout the New Testament, providing a foundation of doctrine and an outline for entering God's Kingdom.
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.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For the Children
Sermon by David C. GrabbeFor too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.
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.
It Can Only Be One Way - Choose!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersAs the carcasses of our forebears covered the Sinai, the ruined lives of former believers who compromised with God's law, also have succumbed to ruin.
Handwriting on the Wall (2015)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)At the end of a seven year cycle, the seventh year on the Hebrew calendar, was the year of release when the Law was publicly and solemnly read.