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Gratitude for Deliverance and God's Word
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEven though we have heard that the Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies coming out of sin, the principal focus is that we remember God as our Deliverer.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDuring the seven Days of Unleavened Bread, God emphasizes the importance of eating unleavened bread, instructing us twelve times to do so over the week, while mentioning the removal of leaven only four times. This suggests a greater focus on actively consuming what is pure rather than merely avoiding what is corrupted. If we are busy eating unleavened bread, we are too full to partake of the leavened kind, symbolizing a spiritual truth. Unleavened bread represents the Word of God, which is pure, unalloyed, undefiled, and true. As Jesus Christ declared, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. To live fully and be complete, we must consume God's unleavened Word, embodying sincerity and truth. Jesus Himself, the Word, is full of grace and truth, faithful and true, and we are called to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Christ is the embodiment of this unleavened bread, totally pure, and we must ingest His character and way of life to attain eternal life. This is not merely a ritual act, such as participating in the Passover service, but a continual process of studying the written Word of God, digesting it, and living it. Belief must manifest in action, turning into a lived experience that builds the character God requires for entrance into His Kingdom. Jesus Christ lived this Word, not just as knowledge to avoid sin or debate, but as a dynamic force that compelled Him to do God's will. It energized Him spiritually, driving Him to prioritize God's work over the physical things of this world. His life demonstrated the unleavened bread in action—coming out in His words, deeds, and every step He took. As followers, we are called to walk in His steps, using what we have been given to grow and build upon it. If we know to do good and fail to act, it is sin, akin to not eating unleavened bread. We must actively do good works, filling our lives with what is right, which minimizes the opportunity for sin. This dual commission—to do good and avoid sin—mirrors the essence of the Days of Unleavened Bread, where eating unleavened bread, or living God's Word, is paramount. If we fill ourselves with this spiritual sustenance, as Jesus did by going about doing good, we follow His example and maintain a proper relationship with God.
Days of Truth
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe must be diligence to keep ourselves free of leavening, ingesting God's truth by means of reading the Scriptures, inculcating it deeply into our character.
Are You Alive to God?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEphesians 2 says Christians were spiritually dead. Thankfully, God resurrected us from the grave through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
Sincerity and Truth (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn contrast to the world's embracing of fraud and deceit, God's called-out ones are obligated to eat the bread of sincerity and truth all our lives.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMost people have not used the Word of God as their standard of morality and conduct, but instead are allowing society and culture to shape their attitudes.