Pentecost - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays
Holy Days: Pentecost
Bible Study by Earl L. HennPentecost symbolizes a major key to spiritual understanding. On this day, God sent His Holy Spirit to His church, empowering Christ's disciples to carry out the church's work. This event, marking the regeneration by the Holy Spirit, opens our understanding of God's spiritual principles and His plan for humanity. Pentecost occurs in
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Pentecost offering contains the idea of difference, while the New Testament Pentecost in Acts 2 shows differences being divinely overcome in the church. In Acts 2:1, the apostles were all of one accord and in one place. They were different people but one in purpose. Because God accepted them, He gave them the gift of the Holy S
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbePentecost underscores the meaning of generous devotion to others, as seen in Leviticus 23:22, which instructs not to wholly reap the corners of the field nor gather any gleanings from the harvest, but to leave them for the poor and the stranger. This instruction aligns with the grain offering's symbolism of giving humanity its due
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe unique offering on the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, serves as a parable that teaches about the Messiah. The centerpiece of this offering consists of two loaves baked with leaven, which raises a significant question since leaven universally symbolizes corruption in Scripture, yet it appears in a holy day offering. Th
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn addressing the Jew/Gentile divide, the themes of the Pentecost offering are echoed in the two leavened loaves, representing converted Jews and Gentiles with significant differences. Yet, from the beginning, God's intent was to bless all the families of the earth through Abraham and his Seed, justifying those who belong to Christ
How to Count to Pentecost in 2025
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn 1974, the Worldwide Church of God made a significant but unannounced change in how to count to Pentecost, particularly in years when Passover occurs on a Sabbath. This change mandated that the day of the Wavesheaf offering must always fall within the Feast of Unleavened Bread, differing from the earlier practice of using the wee
The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeTomorrow marks the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, following the seventh Sabbath since the day of the Wavesheaf. In preparation for this holy day, we delve into the Scriptures to uncover its profound lessons. Pentecost is a feast to the LORD, where He is to be the central focus of our minds, glorifying Him above all symbol
Boaz and Pentecost
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost, also known as the Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks, is first mentioned as a harvest festival, emphasizing the gathering of firstfruits. It marks a period of fifty days from the wave sheaf offering during Unleavened Bread, culminating in a celebration of the harvest. This day serves as a memorial to God's work in br
Pentecost, Consistency, and Honesty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is much confusion within the Church of God regarding the subject of Pentecost, especially in years like 2005 when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath, leading to disputes over the proper counting method. This disagreement results in various groups observing Pentecost one week apart. Pentecost does not have a specific date assi
Pentecost and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughToday is Pentecost, a day that commemorates the harvest of the firstfruits, which will happen at the time that same Son of God returns. In Israel, this harvest in early summer was a smaller harvest, particularly of wheat, which in biblical symbolism stands for the righteous, the saints. So, Pentecost reminds us of God's called-out
The Pentecost Witness
Article by David C. GrabbeThe day of Pentecost is marked by extraordinary signs and wonders. When the Holy Spirit was given, as recorded in Acts 2:1-11, the display of power amazed all who were present. A sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the air, fire appeared to rest on the apostles, and they spoke in such a way that every person heard the message i
The Appointed Weeks of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEach day in the count is a reminder to consider what we are sowing and what we are cultivating because it will assuredly come to fruition and then evaluation.
Pentecost - The Beginning - All in All
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe day of Pentecost holds a significant place in God's great plan, reflecting His meticulous orchestration of Creation. It pictures the harvest of the first fruits, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding of His purpose. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit on this day, the next part of God's eternal plan begins, uniting those
Peter's Pentecost Sermon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe signs that accompanied Peter's Pentecost sermon attracted attention, confirmed God's Word, and provided meaning to the effects of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPentecost holds a unique and radiant significance among the holy days, likened by some to a brilliant flash of light on a gloomy day. It is seen as the central figure among the three holy day seasons, walking in the middle of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Tabernacles, symbolizing spiritual freedom in contrast to the political and
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWe may do the right thing toward a neighbor but not do it with the exact, perfect attitude that God does it in. Thus, our 'good' work contains corruption.
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?
Pentecost: A Test?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsBeing careless with something we deem minor can be fatal. We are to live by every word God gives to us, kept pure, unadulterated by additions and subtractions.
Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.
Peter's Trumpets Message—on Pentecost
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerPeter's first sermon took place on the Day of Pentecost, yet his subject seems to 'fit' the Day of Trumpets. Here is how Pentecost and Trumpets relate.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
Pentecost and Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of our 'time-bound' state, unless we sync with God's timetable, we are squandering our God-given time to become members of His family.
Pentecost and Memorial Day
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost and Memorial Day may seem to be quite different, but we should not be too hasty in concluding that they do not share any common features.
The Work of the Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.
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.'
God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.
The Wavesheaf Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost know little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!
Was Joshua Required to Offer the Wavesheaf?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe phrase, 'when you come into the land' (regarding offering the Wavesheaf), sounds like an absolute command, but its usage shows there may be qualifiers.
Why Count Fifty Days?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, marks a significant moment when the counting of fifty days reaches its fulfillment. The term Pentecost, derived from the Greek word "pentekostos," means fiftieth, indicating an ordinal sequence. This name reflects the process of counting fifty days, a practice understood by all to deter
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.
Is Speaking in Tongues the Only Sign?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIn Pentecostalism, speaking in 'tongues' is the worshipped sign that God has accepted a person. Yet the miracle of Pentecost was not the speaking gibberish.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
Numbering Our Days
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must allow God to show us how to carefully number our days in order to gain a heart of wisdom and develop a godly perspective upon our remaining time.
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.
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.
Principled Living (Part Six): Becoming Holy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost forces us to stand out from the crowd, separated as firstfruits for sanctification and holiness. God has called us to be different.
God's Gift of the Spirit
Sermonette by James BeaubelleCompared to the Pentecost in Acts 2, our receipt of God's Spirit was attended with far less drama. However, the power of God's Spirit is no less potent.
The Firstfruits Declaration
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Israelites were to bring their first fruits to the altar in a basket and make a solemn declaration to rehearse God's deliverance and abundance.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.
Our Ultimate Purpose (2024)
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.
Who Are the Firstfruits?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe may take it for granted that 'firstfruits' are synonymous with 'Christians.'" However, 'firstfruits' is very general, referring to surprising things.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
God's Holy Days - Our Shared Vision Of Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerFrom Passover to Pentecost to Trumpets to Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these days should solidify our vision of he Father, Jesus, and one another.
Beware the Leaven
Sermonette by Mike FordThe Jews establishes a fixed date for Shavuot in contradiction to the instruction for counting to Pentecost. This is part of the leavening of the Pharisees.
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.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we receive God's Spirit, we cannot escape the responsibility of using it, being a light to the world in the correct way of living. Hi Spirit is His power.
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being judged by our works, based upon what we know and what we are doing with this knowledge. The more we know, the more God expects from us.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
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.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
Themes of Ruth (Part One): Naomi
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNaomi's attractive personality, selflessness, godly conviction and common sense characterize her relationship with her Gentile daughters-in-law.
"I Will Build My Church"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
Belief and the Firstfruits
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod has blessed the firstfruits with precious belief and knowledge which must be protected, guarded, nourished and exercised so it will not slip away.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 7)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost commemorates the establishment of the church and the bestowal of spiritual gifts through God's Spirit. We need to use these gifts responsibly.
The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen Jesus told the religious leaders they would see Him seated at God's right hand and coming on the clouds, He did not mean they would be alive at His return.
Themes of Ruth (Part Three): Redemption
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus redeemed us with His shed blood from the penalty of our sins, but He also works as our High Priest, continually redeeming us until we are resurrected.