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How to Count to Pentecost in 2025
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe symbolism of Jesus Christ as the Wavesheaf is deeply tied to the promise of resurrection from death to eternal life. As the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, He was raised up, and so too will those who belong to Him be raised to eternal life. The Wavesheaf offering, representing the first part of the year's initial harvest, was held up to God to acknowledge Him as the Giver and Provider, marking the beginning of seven weeks culminating in the Feast of Harvest. However, this offering is not inherently linked to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which focuses on deliverance and the source of strength. The Father's acceptance of the Wavesheaf offering and His resurrection of Jesus Christ are not dependent on the timing of His deliverance from an environment of sin. For instance, the Father delivered the twelve disciples out of the world to His Son before Christ's resurrection and ascension as the Wavesheaf. Therefore, it is not necessary for the Wavesheaf offering to always fall within Unleavened Bread, as its primary significance lies in the harvest, not in the themes of Unleavened Bread.
Pentecost Revisited (Part One): Counting Consistently
Article by John W. RitenbaughThe count to Pentecost should not be any different in those years when Passover falls on the weekly Sabbath — the same instructions apply.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
The Very Same Day
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 'very same' or 'selfsame' day is a memorial of a past event, typically on the same date, including several of God's appointed times and pronouncements.
Holy Days: Pentecost
Bible Study by Earl L. HennThe 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!
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause Pentecost does not have a specific date, God commands us to count from the day after the weekly Sabbath falling within the Days of Unleavened Bread.
The Blessing of Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by John ReissIf we remain faithful, we remain an integral part of His plan of salvation. Through His grace, we are a part of His 'promise to come.'
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.
Countdown to Pentecost 2001
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow 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?
The Harvesting of the Firstfruits
'Prophecy Watch' by Bill KeeseeBiblically, a harvest represents the gathering and resurrection of the saints, but also includes other aspects of our preparation for God's Kingdom.
Boaz and Pentecost
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe name of Boaz (a type of Christ) appears many times more than Ruth (a type of the church), indicating Christ's intense work on behalf of the church.
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNeither Christmas or Easter appear in the Feasts of the Lord, but we find plenty of emphasis on the resurrection and ascension of Christ in the Holy Days.
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who ignore the clear biblical instructions for the wavesheaf offering with its unambiguous prohibitions risk the displeasure and judgment of God.