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Deuteronomy, Land Sabbaths, Atonement, and Third Tithe
Sermon by Ryan McClureThe Book of Deuteronomy holds a significant place in understanding God's law and its cyclical observance. At the end of every seven years, as commanded in Deuteronomy 31, the law is to be read to the people at the Feast of Tabernacles, ensuring that all, both old and young, are exposed to God's teachings, blessings, and cursings. This practice, highlighted in messages from 1994 and 2001, and every seven years thereafter, emphasizes the importance of revisiting Deuteronomy to instill a fear of God and foster wisdom through understanding His law. Reading and reviewing Deuteronomy is no small matter to God; it is a blessing if we repent, overcome, and align our lives with His way of living. Additionally, Deuteronomy 26:12 connects to the third tithe year, which begins and ends on the Day of Atonement during the sabbatical cycle, reflecting a communal blessing for God's people. The purpose of focusing on Deuteronomy every seven years is to reinforce the foundation of a good relationship with Him, teaching us to fear the Lord and gain wisdom as we navigate the cycles of holy days and sabbatical years.
Deuteronomy and History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Deuteronomy holds a place of critical importance, offering specific instruction to Israel just before they entered the Promised Land, written in the last month of Moses' life after forty years of testing and trials. Its purpose was to enable them to live successfully in the Promised Land, with a command to review it every seven years to reconfirm its teachings in their minds. Deuteronomy's instructions are not done away, intended for all generations of Israelites far into the future, applying even up to the time of the Lake of Fire as part of God's unchanging purpose and preparation for His Kingdom, which will be established at the return of Jesus Christ. God brooks no changes to Deuteronomy, emphasizing that not one jot or tittle will pass away until all is fulfilled, reflecting His unchanging mind and character. The book serves as a guide for spiritual Israel, the church, at this time in God's purpose, providing wisdom and a basis for judgment between right and wrong, even if the application of every law is not fully understood. Deuteronomy helps foster a deep respect and fear of God, not through terror, but through a profound reverence for His character and intelligence, encouraging humility and adherence to His commands. Deuteronomy was written to be a tool, akin to a compass, pointing the way to specific teachings elsewhere in the Bible, though not sufficient on its own for thorough understanding of salvation's details. It offers an overview of basic requirements God desires His children to focus on daily, shaping their worldview and perspective to align with His truth. Historically, it served as the Old Covenant, an expanded rendering meant for renewing the covenant with God when Israel settled in the Promised Land, and remains relevant for guiding both the Israel of the flesh and the Israel of God, especially at critical times in history. The book also played a significant role in later Judean history, as seen with King Josiah, who, upon rediscovering Deuteronomy during Temple repairs, followed its instructions earnestly, striving to cleanse Judah of idolatry and realign the nation with God's direction. This illustrates Deuteronomy's purpose as a guide to redirect individuals or nations back to the right path when they stray from God, showing the way without detailed specifics but with clear intent for His people's conduct and relationship with Him.
Deuteronomy's Major Themes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Deuteronomy holds a unique and significant place among biblical writings, distinguished by God's command to read it every seven years, ensuring its teachings are indelibly impressed upon the minds of His people. This command underscores the invaluable instruction contained within, vital for those striving for the Kingdom of God. Covering only the final 70 days of Moses' life, with the bulk of the content focused on the last 30 days, Deuteronomy encapsulates a condensed farewell speech from Moses, delivered at the end of Israel's 40-year wilderness journey. This book is not merely a historical recount but includes past events of God's involvement with Israel and prophecies still being fulfilled today. Its importance is further highlighted by the requirement for kings to personally copy every word of this book, ensuring familiarity with its guidance for ruling as God intends. Deuteronomy serves as a foundational guide for personal rulership over one's life, emphasizing responsibility before God as if already a king. Deuteronomy applies equally to the spiritual Israel, the church, as it did to the ancient physical nation, offering spiritual instruction of immense value. Quoted 86 times in the New Testament across 17 books, its influence on both Jewish and Christian thought is profound, often described as the heartbeat of the Old Testament. Its living words, relevant across all eras, address timeless spiritual concepts and human nature, unaffected by technological changes. The title "Deuteronomy" derives from a mistranslation in the Greek Septuagint as "Second Law," later adapted into Latin as "Deuteronomium," and finally into English. However, the book is more accurately understood as a book of instruction rather than codified law, contrasting with Leviticus. It intersperses specific laws, often repeated from other scriptures, with extensive sermonic instruction from Moses, preached verbally to Israel in his final days. Structured similarly to ancient Hittite and Assyrian treaty documents, Deuteronomy functions as a covenant document between a suzerain and vassals, outlining obligations and benefits. It begins with a preamble, followed by a historical prologue, stipulations, blessings and curses, and concludes with prophetic elements and Moses' death. Far from a cold legal text, it is a gracious offer from God, filled with heartfelt appeals for cooperation necessary for being created in Christ's image. Set at the edge of the Promised Land, just east of the Jordan River, Deuteronomy's time setting is particularly relevant to the end-time generation, poised to enter their inheritance. It provides a last-minute opportunity to refresh memories and spot weaknesses for final preparation. Delivered in the fortieth year of the wilderness journey, it marks significant transitions, including the deaths of key figures like Aaron and Miriam, with Moses as one of the last of his generation. Deuteronomy also emphasizes family operation within God's plan, urging parents to instruct children in His ways, ensuring generational continuity in understanding their identity and purpose. It presents foundational themes of love, obedience, and personal choice, with God setting before His people blessings and curses, urging them to choose life by following Him. The book reveals God's personal involvement in choosing individuals, highlighting His love and the privilege of being part of His family, while calling for humility, love for strangers, and unwavering devotion to Him.
Deuteronomy (Part 2) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Deuteronomy holds a unique position among the sacred writings, placed right beside the ark, serving as a summary of wilderness experiences and a modification of certain laws for use in the promised land. God commands in Deuteronomy 31 that every seventh year, during the Feast of Tabernacles, this book is to be read, reviewed, and expounded upon, emphasizing the importance of learning to fear Him. The word "fear" appears 28 times in Deuteronomy, almost always in the context of learning to fear the Lord, underscoring the necessity of this reverence. Dominant themes in Deuteronomy are expanded upon in later scriptures, providing vision for preparing to live in the inheritance God has promised. Deuteronomy 30 reveals that His way is not difficult, as testified by God Himself, though human struggle arises from past enslavement to sin. The book also highlights God's faithfulness, a major theme tied to the Feast of Tabernacles, which in the Old Testament context focuses on His provision during the Israelites' pilgrimage, supplying their needs through 40 years in the wilderness despite their temporary dwellings symbolized by booths. Deuteronomy 7 introduces the concept of grace, illustrating that God's choice of His people is not based on their greatness but on His mercy, setting a principle by which He operates. Additionally, the book emphasizes God's faithfulness as a foundation for trust, portraying Him as a solid, trustworthy pillar who upholds His promises and completes what He begins, ensuring His people's journey to the promised land through His unwavering provision and care.
Deuteronomy (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy occupies a significant place in Scripture, deemed essential enough for the kings of Israel and thus for those destined to be kings in the Kingdom of God. It is to be read every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles in the year of release, a unique privilege not accorded to any other book in the Bible. Symbolically positioned near the ark of the covenant, Deuteronomy holds a special place in the mind of God, serving as an elaborate commentary on the Ten Commandments, expanding their meaning and application through statutes, judgments, health laws, blessings, curses, and ceremonies. In an encapsulated form, Deuteronomy contains everything necessary for salvation, acting as a Reader's Digest version of the entire Bible. It is cited 195 times in the New Testament, surpassed only by Psalms and Isaiah, and provided the foundation for Jesus Christ's responses to satan's temptations. Described as the heartbeat of the Old Testament, Deuteronomy connects one with the life and rhythm of the whole Bible, offering profound profit for genuine study. Structured as a treaty or covenant, Deuteronomy presents Israel's creed and portrays God as both active and near to His people. It defines sin as a breaking of the covenant between God and Israel, covering every significant doctrine related to salvation, including faith, election, laws, sanctification, forgiveness, justification, grace, God's sovereignty, providence, judgment, holiness, pilgrimage, choices, and His closeness. Uncompromisingly monotheistic, it asserts Yahweh alone as God, defining His character more completely than perhaps any other book. Deuteronomy provides instruction on being the people of God, entrusted with His knowledge, challenged to live it by faith, and to display it to others. It is directly aimed at God's witnesses, detailing their responsibilities and calling for total loyalty to Yahweh. The book serves as a constitution for Israel, broadly applicable to the whole community in various life situations, covering historical events, commandments, detailed stipulations, blessings, curses, exhortations, witnesses against Israel, prophecies, and closing remarks. God commands the review of Deuteronomy every seven years to ensure the people—men, women, children, and aliens—hear, learn, fear the Lord, and observe His law, leaving no excuse for ignorance of His sovereignty, providence, grace, their origins, redemption, instructions for living, and His purpose. This reading, set during the Feast of Tabernacles amidst harvest-time gratitude and liberation from debt in the year of release, reinforces their identity as the covenant people. Deuteronomy prepares a people on a mission, not to confront or challenge with God's message, but to embody it through their lives. It is directed at God's witnesses to equip them for the time they will fully represent Him by living as His people before all.
Deuteronomy: Fear
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of fearing God as a foundational element for a proper relationship with Him. In Deuteronomy 5, Moses recounts the Israelites' terror at Mount Sinai, where they were paralyzed by fear of God's presence, believing they would die if they faced Him directly. God expresses exasperation, wishing they had a heart to fear Him and keep His commandments, so that it might be well with them and their children forever. This proper fear, rooted in reverence and leading to obedience, is presented as a simple process: fear God, obey His commandments, and receive well-being. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Moses expands on this, stating that fearing God is a requirement for those in covenant with Him. This fear underpins walking in His ways, loving Him, serving Him, and keeping His commandments and statutes. All aspects of obedience are founded in this fear, forming a comprehensive package essential for a relationship with God. Deuteronomy 8 further illustrates this through the lens of child-rearing, portraying God as a parent disciplining His children. Moses emphasizes that the wilderness period was a time of instruction and testing for Israel's maturity, with the crossing of the Jordan symbolizing a step into maturity. Verse 6 admonishes the people to keep God's commandments, walk in His ways, and fear Him to reach their potential and enjoy the covenant's blessings. The fear of God is a response to witnessing His powerful leadership, hearing the wisdom of His Word, seeing His miraculous acts, and experiencing His instructive discipline. Overall, Deuteronomy presents the fear of God as both an internal attitude and an active response, essential for spiritual growth and maturity, motivating obedience and leading to the abundant life God promises within His covenant.
Deuteronomy Opening
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy holds a significant place as a source of spiritual instruction, revealing essential guidance for life and relationships with God and one another. On the surface, it appears as a book about a community of people being prepared for a new life, focusing on an ancient body of people forming into a nation after forty years of wandering in the wilderness following a long period of enslavement. Yet, its relevance extends far beyond that historical context, offering vital instruction for spiritual well-being even today, thousands of years after its writing. Deuteronomy sets the stage with Moses as its author, recording what God gave him, drawn from Israel's experiences on their journey. It places Israel just east of Jericho, poised to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land after forty years of wandering. Though the opening does not explicitly state why Deuteronomy is given, its purpose is profound and multifaceted, intended for all of God's people across time until His purpose for mankind is completed. The title "Deuteronomy," a Greek term meaning "second law" or "repetition," can be misleading, as it is neither merely a repetition of prior laws nor a replacement of them. Instead, it is a specific collective arrangement of instructions for a distinct purpose, especially needful for Israel's use in the Promised Land. Its importance is underscored by a unique command to review it afresh every seven years, a prominence given to no other book in the Bible, suggesting its instruction is meant for times far into the future, beyond just entering the Promised Land. In Hebrew, the book is titled "These Are the Words," drawn from the opening verse, reflecting Moses' composition as he delivered this message to the Israelites, knowing he would not enter the Promised Land. Described as a lengthy farewell address, Deuteronomy is far more significant to God's purpose than a mere farewell. It serves as crucial instruction for the church today, not limited to the physical nation of Israel at the time of its writing, but fully intended for spiritual Israel, the Israel of God, at this time in God's purpose. Deuteronomy's impact is evident in its frequent referencing by Jesus Christ and the New Testament, quoted more often than any other book except Isaiah. Jesus Himself drew from Deuteronomy in His teachings and responses to challenges, living by its words. Every significant doctrine related to salvation is broached within its context, including faith, faithfulness, election by God, keeping the law, sanctification, forgiveness, justification, grace, God's sovereignty, providence, judgment, holiness, making choices, and the need for a savior. It uncompromisingly declares YHWH as God with no other, sharply defining His character and what it means to be His people, entrusted with His knowledge and challenged to live it out as witnesses before the world. Deuteronomy holds a unique privilege in its placement beside the ark of the covenant within the Holy of Holies, alongside the Ten Commandments, a distinction no other book of Scripture receives. This positioning points to its significance in Israel's history and daily life in relationship with God, symbolically serving as an elaborate commentary on the law, offering counsel for God's judgments. Its instruction is of critical importance, intended to enable successful living in the Promised Land, and remains relevant for spiritual Israel today, with not one jot or tittle done away.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy provides profound insights into the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of choices and their consequences. It underscores that long life and spiritual health come from the fear of God, which drives us to act in wisdom and submit to His way. This fear is not merely dread but a deep respect and reverence that motivates obedience to His commandments, as seen in various passages where submission to God is presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Deuteronomy also highlights God's grace in calling His people, not based on their righteousness or any outstanding quality, but purely as an act of His love. This calling, mirrored in Israel's selection, is a foundation for faith, love, and submission to Him. The book repeatedly emphasizes the gift of the law as a consequence of salvation, not a means to achieve it. The law is given to those already redeemed, to guide their lives in the inheritance and maintain their freedom, aligning them with God's way of living. Moreover, Deuteronomy presents God's faithfulness as a central theme, illustrating that He is dependable and upholds His promises. His provision for Israel during their wilderness journey, despite its hardships, serves as a constant reminder of His care. This faithfulness, detailed in chapters like Deuteronomy 8, charges His people never to forget His providence and to keep His commandments, reinforcing that what He begins, He finishes. His unwavering commitment is the foundation of the faith by which His people live, ensuring that His covenant obligations are always fulfilled.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the book of Deuteronomy, the concept of faith appears in limited forms, with one instance describing God as faithful. This reference occurs within the Song of Moses, where Israel is labeled as perverse, highlighting a stark contrast to God's steadfast nature. Deuteronomy emphasizes a call to commitment, urging loyalty and faithfulness akin to a marriage covenant, reflecting the relationship God sought with Israel. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, there is a stirring appeal to choose life and good over death and cursing, linking obedience to entering the promised land and, by extension, to a deeper relationship with God. This section underscores that life and blessings come from loving the LORD your God and walking in His ways. The book also ties love and obedience closely together, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:16 and 30:19, where God commands love for Him as a precursor to following His statutes and commandments. This love is portrayed as a deep, abiding affection, essential for loyalty, and is presented with emotional tenderness, showing God's profound desire for His people to make right choices. Throughout Deuteronomy, the appeal to keep God's commandments extends beyond the Ten Commandments to encompass all aspects of life, including prayer, study, marriage, and business dealings, emphasizing a comprehensive loyalty to Him. Additionally, Deuteronomy 30:11 asserts that God's commandments are achievable, not beyond human grasp or requiring impossible standards. He encourages and gently chides, affirming that obedience, while not always easy, can be lived out in a manner acceptable to Him. The book also frequently addresses the fear of God, with the term appearing twenty-eight times, often in contexts urging reverence and respect as a learned quality essential for a proper relationship with Him. This fear, tied to learning and obedience, is highlighted as a purpose of communal gatherings like the Feast, reinforcing the progression of hearing, learning, fearing, and doing as a path to spiritual growth.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy holds a significant place in the Scriptures, and its importance is evident in God's command to read it every seven years in the hearing of the people of Israel. This directive underscores the need for the community to be reminded of its teachings and to adhere to the divine instructions contained within. Deuteronomy 5 reiterates the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their centrality as God Himself wrote them on two stone tablets, which Moses then placed in the ark. This act symbolizes the eternal and enduring character of these laws. In Deuteronomy 10, it is noted that Moses secured these tablets in the ark, a chest of wood overlaid with gold, highlighting its holiness and the sacredness of the testimony it contains. Deuteronomy 31 further confirms the significance of these tablets and introduces the Book of the Law, widely understood to be Deuteronomy itself, which was placed beside the ark as a witness to God's covenant. The book also sets a vision for inheriting the land, with the word "land" appearing 160 times, over 130 of which refer to the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 1:8 connects to the promise first given in Genesis 12, which expands over time to encompass vast territories and, ultimately, a greater inheritance. Deuteronomy 4 emphasizes the purpose of God's laws, statutes, and judgments, which are given not only for immediate benefit but for the ultimate purpose of preparing the people for His Kingdom, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects divine quality and eternal life. In Deuteronomy 30, God asserts that keeping His commandments is not impossible or difficult, nor is it beyond understanding or inaccessible. Yet, the challenge arises from sin, which estranges the heart from God, making obedience hard. This estrangement builds a wall of separation, and sin's ingrained dominance in human thinking must be broken to align with God's way. Finally, Deuteronomy establishes a vision for those about to enter the land, preparing them for the challenges ahead. It calls for perseverance, loyalty, and a burning vision to overcome spiritual battles and internal struggles with sin, urging the people to choose life by obeying and clinging to Him.
Deuteronomy: Hearing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the critical theme of hearing and paying attention to God's words. This theme is central to fulfilling the covenant with God, as it instructs us to hear, learn to fear our God, and carefully observe all the words of the law. The importance of hearing is evident in the frequency of related terms in Deuteronomy, appearing approximately 70 times as "hear," "listen," "take heed," "give ear," and "perceive," averaging twice per chapter. These words often carry the force of divine commands, urging us to concentrate and understand God's instructions. In Deuteronomy 4, the benefits of listening to God are highlighted. First, hearing enables a person to hold fast to the Lord, as those who listened remained loyal and lived, while those who ignored God's instruction at Baal Peor perished. Second, listening generates understanding and wisdom, as observing God's statutes makes a nation wise and understanding in the sight of others. Third, hearing provides an opportunity to ease the way for children and perpetuate God's blessings on the family, as God desires these teachings to be passed along diligently through constant example and instruction. Deuteronomy 5 reinforces that hearing the covenant, particularly the commandments, is our part in the agreement with God. Fulfilling these terms secures the blessings of God's presence and fosters character growth. God emphasizes that hearing and obeying lead to a joyful, abundant life with no downsides to keeping His commandments. In Deuteronomy 9, God urges the Israelites to hear the truth about themselves, acknowledging their insignificance and rebellious nature. Despite their failures, God's grace allows them to enter the Promised Land, reminding them of their junior role in the covenant and the need to obey the great God. Finally, Deuteronomy 30 presents a clear choice between life and death, urging a continuous decision to choose life by hearing and obeying God's words every day. This choice ensures not only survival but the promise of eternal life through adherence to God's covenant.
Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Deuteronomy holds a unique position, as it is to be reviewed every seven years and was placed beside the ark, signifying its importance. It serves as a summary of the wilderness experiences and a modification of some laws, preparing the people to live in the land. Deuteronomy presents dominant themes that emphasize vision for living in inheritance, breaking enslavement to sin, and presenting choices that challenge us due to the sin within. It underscores the importance of the fear of God as an acquired characteristic that undergirds faith, hope, and love, marking it as the beginning of wisdom. Deuteronomy highlights God's grace and faithfulness, teaching that we must learn through daily trials that He is indeed faithful, ingraining this trust into our personality. It portrays God as solid and trustworthy, One who will finish what He starts and fulfill His obligations to His Word. The book also introduces holiness, showing a clear division between God and the world, commanding intolerance of worldly remnants within us as He is Hannah, as God is the standard of holiness, demands extremely high standards that can only be met within a relationship of exclusive love. Furthermore, Deuteronomy frequently addresses idolatry, though the terms "idol" and "idolatry" are rarely used, instead referring to "other gods" in a personal sense, akin to a rival in a relationship, evoking God's jealousy and passion against anything that breaks the covenant relationship with Him. The book tests whether we truly love God, emphasizing total commitment and allegiance, and shows that obedience is a major theme, often linked with promises of well-being and life. Deuteronomy asserts that God's way, though sometimes challenging, ultimately leads to a better life when patiently endured, reinforcing that obedience is evidence of understanding and trust in God's promises.
Deuteronomy (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy, when combined with Exodus and Numbers, illustrates God's faithfulness in an Old Testament setting, highlighting His grace in guiding Israel toward the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 7, the first five verses present commands designed to protect the holiness of Israel, introduced abruptly to address a matter easily taken for granted. Israel is reminded that they are set apart, exclusively belonging to God, a status achieved solely by His work when He separated them from Egypt's dominion and led them through the wilderness, even dividing the Red Sea. Their holiness was established through yielding to His call, following Moses, and keeping Passover, protected by His grace despite their fears. Holiness in Deuteronomy implies being distinctive and set apart for God's purpose, not to be used for lesser aims, much like the Sabbath is reserved for worship or sacrifices for God's worship alone. Israel, as a nation, is personally set apart by God for His use, and recognizing His exclusive claim is vital to fulfilling His purpose. The text emphasizes that Israel is already holy, not urged to become so, because God has designated them as such, though they are not yet holy as God is holy, indicating a further stage of sanctification. In Deuteronomy 7:1-5, stern judgments are commanded against the Canaanites, whose iniquity is full, as part of the obligation holiness imposes on Israel. These commands to exterminate reflect God's expectation for Israel to maintain holiness through severe action, driven by love and opposition to the Canaanites' immoral practices, such as cult prostitution and child sacrifice. Symbolically, the Canaanites represent destructive forces to holiness, whether demons or indwelling sin, requiring significant sacrificial action to overcome. Deuteronomy also underscores childrearing as a theme, portraying holiness laws as God's rearing of His children. These laws become obligatory because Israel is holy, distinguishing them from the world's methods. Various regulations, such as food laws and sanitation rules in Deuteronomy 23, are tied to holiness, emphasizing cleanliness and orderliness as aspects of godliness, reflecting God's pure and transcendent nature. God walks among Israel, expecting cleanliness to avoid defilement, a principle extending to moral and spiritual purity. The sharpness of division between the world, represented by the Canaanites, and holiness is illustrated in Deuteronomy 7, showing God's intolerance for sin and contamination. Commands to avoid intermarriage and idolatry aim to prevent spiritual defilement, highlighting the need to remain unspotted from worldly influences. Ultimately, Deuteronomy teaches that maintaining holiness requires strict adherence to God's laws to avoid conformity to the world, ensuring distinctiveness and spiritual growth as a witness to His purpose.
Deuteronomy (Part 6)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Deuteronomy serves as a foundational reflection on the past, providing lessons for the present and future. It encapsulates the main elements of salvation and acts as an expansion of the covenant made with Israel when they came out of Egypt. This book is a comprehensive guide, detailing the responsibilities and solutions for God's people, emphasizing that their survival in the wilderness, much like our pilgrimage to the Kingdom of God, depends not on their ability to keep the covenant, but on God's providence and grace. Deuteronomy reflects on God's faithfulness, as seen in chapter 7, where it is clear that Israel's selection was not due to their greatness, but due to God's commitment to His promise to Abraham. In chapter 4, it offers warnings and exhortations about straying from the path, yet reassures that even in the latter days, during times of tribulation, God's abiding faithfulness holds the door open for return, no matter how far one has drifted. This promise of forgiveness and sustenance, as illustrated by historical provisions like manna and protection in the wilderness, underscores that God remains steadfast, ready to support and guide through His unwavering commitment.
Deuteronomy (Part 3) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Deuteronomy presents dominant themes that guide us in understanding our purpose and relationship with God. It offers a vision of preparing for our inheritance, akin to living in the promised land, as a foundational aspect of our lives. Deuteronomy emphasizes the need to learn the fear of God, a quality not inherent in us by nature, but essential as the basis for developing other significant attributes of God's character. Central to Deuteronomy is the revelation of God's grace and faithfulness as the reasons we are positioned to receive our inheritance. God's faithfulness is not merely a concept to acknowledge intellectually; it must be experienced personally and practically in our lives. Deuteronomy 8 illustrates that, like the Israelites, we must recognize that God provided for their needs and protected them throughout their journey, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This faithfulness ensured their passage through the wilderness into the Promised Land, where His purpose continued to unfold. Moreover, Deuteronomy warns of the danger of forgetting God's faithfulness when prosperity comes, as seen in the concern that the Israelites might forget Him in a land flowing with milk and honey. It underscores that God's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith in Him, essential for salvation by grace through faith, as we can only trust Someone who is consistently faithful. Deuteronomy also highlights the sharp division God sees between His people and the world, portraying His people as holy and set apart. This holiness is not just a legal declaration but a call to achieve transcendental moral purity through living according to God's ways. The book illustrates this through specific commands and laws, such as sanitation practices outside the camp, reflecting God's presence among His people and His intolerance for defilement, as He walks in their midst and desires not to be tainted by sin. Additionally, Deuteronomy 32 reveals God's sovereignty over all nations and His special ownership of Israel as His portion, establishing a mutual relationship of possession grounded in love. This relationship, where God possesses us and we possess Him, is the pathway to growing toward holiness, achievable only through a loving surrender to Him. Deuteronomy 6 further emphasizes that love for God must precede and motivate the keeping of His commandments, combining affection with action as the complete expression of love.
Deuteronomy: What Is God Looking For?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Deuteronomy holds a significant place as spiritual instruction for the Israel of God, remaining fully valid to this day. Jesus quoted from it more frequently than any other Old Testament book, using it to defend Himself and setting an example for us to follow in His steps. Deuteronomy represents the Old Covenant in its fullest form, serving as the agreement between God and Israel, and it continues to be relevant for preparing the Israel of God for the Kingdom of God. It provides a clear foundational statement of our responsibilities to God and to each other in a relationship with Him. Deuteronomy acts as a compass, a tool to keep us on track doctrinally in the processes of salvation and to remind us of our heritage as the Israel of God. Its use is exemplified in the revival under King Josiah, who, upon discovering the book, read it aloud and was deeply moved by the curses in Deuteronomy 28. Recognizing how far Judah had fallen from a good relationship with God, Josiah initiated reforms, reconfirming the covenant and striving to eliminate idolatry, though the nation's overall commitment remained temporary. This illustrates one of God's main intentions for Deuteronomy: to provide guidance and direction for His worshippers, helping them find their way back when spiritually lost. The book also offers a God-approved worldview within its 34 chapters, encompassing concepts and ideas to guide our lives. It begins with historical accounts of Israel's origins and extends to the blessings and curses in the final chapters, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to the covenant. Deuteronomy serves as a reminder of our spiritual heritage, encouraging us to value and pass it on to future generations, providing a foundation to connect with broader biblical details. As a covenant document, Deuteronomy details the agreement between God and Israel, renewing and expanding the covenant made at Mount Sinai. It portrays God as a powerful yet benign conquering King, promising to supply Israel's needs while warning of tragedy if they fail to submit to His rule. The book outlines terms that bind Israel and God in relationship, offering a serious overview of their historical union rooted in His merciful rescue from slavery. It touches on many aspects of God's plan for spiritual salvation, addressing doctrines like faith, faithfulness, law, sanctification, forgiveness, justification, grace, sovereignty, providence, judgment, holiness, and making choices, though often requiring careful reading to discern these elements. Deuteronomy is uncompromisingly monotheistic, sharply defining God's character and allowing no room for idolatry. It challenges God's people to live out their knowledge of Him by faith, serving as His witness before the world through direct commands. It provides a righteous lens to perceive life and our responsibilities, keeping us aligned with His purpose. The sternness of Deuteronomy reflects God's desire for His people to have no excuse for turning away, demanding faithfulness that mirrors His own to us, urging us to respond with the best effort we can muster.
Deuteronomy and Idolatry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.
Deuteronomy (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop vision (the ability to see in the mind's eye) so that by living the statutes of Deuteronomy, we may become a witness to all of mankind.
Deuteronomy: Being Careful
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur care in following God's instructions must be thorough, leaving no place for inattention, short cuts, negligence, or doing only enough to get by.
Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWinter is a time of cold, darkness, and sadness. As many as 10% of people in northern areas have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Psalms for winter can help.
Do You See God in Deuteronomy?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God displaced the Amorites because they had defiled the land; not one righteous person existed. Israel was warned not to defile themselves with demonism.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.
Deuteronomy (Part 5) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, humble obedience and dependency upon God strengthens us, while prideful self-sufficiency weakens us.
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.
The Third Tithe Blessing
Sermon by David C. GrabbeGod's people were obligated to declare before God that they had faithfully distributed the tithe. The blessing was applied nationally.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
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.
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.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.