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Offerings (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe grain offering, also termed the meal offering, is detailed in Leviticus chapter 2 and represents a sweet savor to the Lord, akin to the burnt offering and peace offering, indicating it does not involve sin. Unlike the burnt offering, it does not require the giving up of a life or the slaughter of an animal; instead, it consists of flour, oil, and frankincense. Flour, as the fruit of the earth, symbolizes man's portion and what is owed to fellow man, contrasting with the burnt offering which represents man's duty to God. The grain offering thus embodies the fulfillment of man's responsibility to his neighbor, and it was always offered alongside the burnt offering, showing that devotion to God and love for neighbor are inseparable. The fine flour of the grain offering, ground to the consistency of talcum powder, illustrates the evenness and perfection in character, with no unevenness, much like the consistent nature of Jesus Christ. Oil poured on the offering represents the power of God's Holy Spirit, necessary for service to man, differing from the cleansing aspect of water used in the burnt offering. Frankincense, also part of the offering, enhances its fragrance under the heat of trial, symbolizing a steadfast, positive attitude amidst difficulties, unlike honey which corrupts under heat and is forbidden in the offering. Salt is required in the grain offering as a preserving and seasoning element, while leaven, which corrupts, is generally excluded, emphasizing the need for purity in offerings made on behalf of others. An exception exists with the wave sheaf offering of firstfruits, which includes leaven and represents the church with inherent sin, thus not burned on the altar as a sweet aroma to God. This offering, along with the two wave loaves on the Day of Pentecost, underscores that no amount of God's Holy Spirit can make a person acceptable as long as sin remains within. Only through the preceding sacrifice of Christ are such offerings made acceptable before God, highlighting the necessity of His work for communion and fellowship with Him.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Three): The Meal Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.
What Is an Offering?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first recorded offering teaches that offerings arise from the fruits of our labor and that God values the giver's heart more than the gift itself.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe grain offering is not substitutionary; it does not symbolize an individual but rather the product of his labors toward others from God's bounty.
Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 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.
Sugar Cookie
Sermonette by Bill OnisickNavy Seal training has a humbling 'sugar cookie' exercise in which trainees are arbitrarily forced to endure excruciating discomfort and humiliation.
A Warning from Jude (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe stories of Cain, Balaam, and Korah help us to understand Jude's urgent warning to the church for all time. These men's ways are continually repeated.
The Bond of Perfection: Sacrifice
Sermon by Bill OnisickSacrifice is the central theme of God's plan, not only the foundation of salvation, but also a means by which we are transformed into God's image.
The One Thing
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickSacrifice is the foundational principle for salvation and spiritual growth, as exemplified by Christ's preordained sacrifice before the world's creation.
The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe 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 Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVarious animals were used in the burnt offering—bullocks, lambs, doves, and goats. Each depicts some characteristic of Jesus that we must emulate as we serve God.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Five): Religion and Holiness
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Amos exposes the ancient Israelites' religion as syncretic, a blend of God's way and paganism, corresponding to this world's Christianity.
Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve as the spice of godliness in a fallen world by preserving, enhancing, sacrificing, witnessing, and blessing.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit is a product of growth requiring knowledge, work, patience, truth (light) and water (God's Spirit). Only by remaining on the vine will we bear fruit.