Tag: Feast Days

Living Out ‘Thy Will Be Done’: A Faith Journey

Living Out ‘Thy Will Be Done’: A Faith Journey

It seems every year i circle back to Adonai’s Prayer, commonly called, “The Lord’s Prayer.” As i ask the question, “How do i live, ‘Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'”? Given the fact that many of the times and seasons observed today are nowhere found in Scripture? We just turned the page on the Gregorian calendar. Good-bye 2025 and hello 2026. We, as they say, “circled the sun.” If you think about the meanings of things. The things we have adopted into our faith system. It seems a rational conclusion, if we are being intellectually honest, things don’t add up. Especially with “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done,” as our marker.

What times and season’s is the Father observing? Is it the framework that He Himself established at creation. Then afterward giving direction to His chosen nation to observe for all time. As such establishing them as a beacon to all nations of the earth. They were to be set apart, different than those around them. So much so that He instructs them not to learn the ways of the nations around them. For them, His chosen people, to not even pick up their traditions or habits and ways of worship. Warning them not to integrate or assimilate those things into worship of Him. He told them He is jealous for them and if they follow His ways He would protect them.

The opposite is also true. If they did not observe His times and season. If they did not adhere to His commands and instructions. Then He would remove His protection. Cause the nations around them to swallow them up and scatter them among all the nations of the earth. He said this would happen until they awaken to the error of their ways and repent. Turning from their ignorance and destructive ways to again follow after God. Adhering to all the ways in which He instructed them from the beginning. However, He promised not to leave them alone. He promised there would come One who would restore a right relationship with the Father. Writing the commands of the Father on the hearts and minds of the people. In this way, the One to come establishes the example. This provides the ability to faithfully follow all that the Father commands.

Many twist the writings of one called an Apostle. They do so without understanding. They do so hypocritically. Not understanding the fullness of the promises to come. Another such follower of the Way warned against this very thing. The very word they hold warns that if someone comes and promotes another way, they are a false prophet. Am i saying now that this one is false? By no means, i simply point out this that the warning is true, “many twist his words.” This is not a new teaching. It is established in the Word of God. The very Word the Apostle himself tells the younger minister to follow. To remember all that you have learned for it is good and profitable. It will guide the reader to knowledge. It will rebuke, correct, and train in all righteousness. This so, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Recognizing the present times and seasons. Having to live in and among them as a member of society. Does not require observance. In fact, one could say that not observing them would cause one to stand out. This would make one different and set apart. The very thing we are called to as followers of the Way. Some ignorantly point to passages about judgment without fully recognizing what is being taught. How can we pray for something we are unwilling to even try to observe now? We know the Sabbath, the Feast Days, even the yearly calendar. Yet, like the world without knowledge does they worship what they do not know. While we are called to worship the One True God by His instruction. Not our traditions, not our feast days, not our times, but His. His Kingdom Come, His Will be Done, on Earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

At the start of this Gregorian year, what is your new year’s resolution? Is it to be more like our Messiah? If so, he observed the Sabbath and the Feast Days. These are based on the Calendar of Time established by the Creator of all things. People say praise and worship is practice for heaven. Should we not then also practice the Sabbath and the Feast Days with that same idea? Not only as bench marks that set us apart from the nations, but as practice for His Will Be Done. These are signs, like a wedding ring, they say to the outsider, we belong to the Way. We belong to the Creator of all things. We are members of the Family of God, brothers and sisters of Messiah, heirs of the Kingdom to come.

To this end i wish to live. Therefore, i do not observe the traditions of man but the ways established by the Father. So that i can truly say, “Thy Kingdom come. They will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven.” For this is The Way.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Exploring the Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Exploring the Connection Between Faith and Obedience

Why do i choose to observe the Sabbath? The Feast Days? Eat Clean? Is it to be more holy than the next guy? No it is not. Is it because i think i am better than you? No, not by a long shot. Why do i seek to honor the Torah? i do it out of love for Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. His challenge to me, “If you love Me obey My commandment.” (John 14:15) In spit of popular belief He wasn’t talking about any new revelation but the revelation of Torah. Of which He is, the fullness of Elohim.

Many a doctrine is built upon the idea that the law has been done away with abolished. They talk about the new covenant in Messiah. They use verses like Romans 10:4 and say, “See, Jesus is the end of the law!” The more i study the more i realize how unprepared i truly was when entering ministry thirty years ago. i lacked the seriousness of understanding the original texts language and audience. What was being said, how was it being said, and to whom was it being said? These answers are necessary, for only then, can one truly know the depth of Elohim’s Word to us.

“For Messiah is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 ~

‘End’ in the Greek is Telos. Aristotle said, concerning mans final cause; “Everything has a telos, its final cause, which defines its nature.” Regarding ethics Aristotle said, “For humans, the telos, is living a virtuous life leading to flourishing happiness.”

Telos from the root Tello. Tello means: to set out for a definite point or goal. Telos although does mean end and has been used in termination. It is highly unlikely Paul was using it this way. Telos also means the end result of, it is used also in comparison, to which end. The end to which all things relate, commonality, custom.

Given the fullness of the definition we need to explore more the idea being presented in Romans 10:4. “For Messiah is the definite point of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” Believes, is defined by action and activity not simply knowledge of for the demons believe and tremble. “For Messiah is the goal of the law, to bring righteousness to all who obey.” Law is Torah, it is better defined as the way, path or instruction. “For Messiah is the end result of the instruction for all who obey.” “For Messiah is the Telos of the Torah, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.”

There is a reason Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” For Messiah is our comparison of what it looks like to live out the Torah. It isn’t that Messiah ended the law but gave us a comparison. To walk out that which is commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by men. As Paul rights in Romans 2. “For it is not the hearers of the Torah who are righteous before God. No indeed, but it is the doers of the Torah who will be declared righteous.” Romans 2:13 ~ What is righteousness? It is things commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by man. Righteousness is obedience.

It is the mark of all those recorded in the Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews. “And it was accredited to him as righteousness.” What was? It was his faith that led to action and activity. It was Abraham taking Isaac to the mountain. It was Noah building a boat not knowing what rain was. It was Enoch living out daily obedience. “And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” How does one earnestly seek Him? By obedience to His Word. “He has shown you owe man what is good and what does He require of you? To Act Justly, To Love Mercy, and To Walk Humbly with Him.” It is action and activity that reveals the heart.

Yahoshua said, “Take My yoke upon you, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” He is the Word made flesh. He is our Rabbi, Teacher, who declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The way, Torah. The Truth, Your word is truth. The Life, man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of Elohim. In other words, the only way to the Father is through the Word.

During the final scenes of this fallen world Revelation reveals the target of Satan’s wrath. “And the dragon was enraged at the woman and went to make war with the rest of her children. Those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Yahoshua.” (Revelation 12:17) Two things to note here. First, they keep the commandments of Yahweh. Second, they hold to the testimony of Yahoshua. It isn’t those who seek righteousness within observance of Torah alone. It isn’t those who simply have an intellectual belief in Yahoshua. No, it is both and! “Who keeps the commandments and the testimony.” James puts it this way, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

The Word in every one of these instances is talking about the Tanakh. Yahoshua said, “On these two commandments you can hang the whole of Torah and the prophets. To love Elohim with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Action and activity. It is believing in something so passionately that you do all you can to obey.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Cultural Relevance vs. Biblical Accuracy in Modern Churches

Cultural Relevance vs. Biblical Accuracy in Modern Churches

It seems the more I look at the church today the more I come to realize one glaring point. The modern church here in the west is more concerned about cultural relevance than Biblical accuracy. If it were not so you could talk about Feast Days, Sabbath observance, and eating clean, without being ostracized. Unfortunately, it is true and anyone speaking of these things let alone observing them is immediately labeled, legalistic. As if to say a blatant disregard for the mosaic covenant is absolutely necessary for salvation.

We are heading into the “Holiday Season,” with its twinkle lights and mistletoe. It is a beautiful time of the year. It is marked by family gatherings, office parties, carolers, and holiday parades. The more society buys into the holiday magic, the more the church embraces the culture. I was listening to a ‘Christian’ radio station the other day and the DJ was all in on the holidays. It seems every year the decorations go up earlier. Halloween, begins in September. Hallmark no longer has the monopoly on Christmas in July and folks are setting up their trees November 1st. Thanksgiving? Sandwiched somewhere in there but mostly used to mark ‘Black Friday.’ A relatively new holiday masquerading as a day of discounts and bargains while revealing greed and selfishness.

The problem I see is that the church is more concerned about being cultured than they are about being Biblical. As I mentioned above even Christian radio is all in on culture. Want to decorate early? Go ahead! Want to have a Holy Ghost House, to counter the Haunted House? Go ahead! Want to brake out that elf on shelf in November? Go ahead! Don’t want to bake a turkey for Thanksgiving? Serve a ham instead! Are we really capable of justifying this blatant disregard for Yahweh’s word?

The argument is that the mosaic covenant is part of the Old Testament and we are living in the New. Really? What does that mean, exactly? Can you explain what repentance is necessary if the instruction of Yahweh is put away? Can you explain what it means to be lawless, from a biblical context? Are you prepared to explain the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness? What is the New covenant and how does it differ from the Old?

For too long now the church has ignored the appointed times of Yahweh, for its own traditions. It was this very act that got Israel labeled as an adulterous. It was their high places they set up. Their disregard of the Sabbath. Their lack of attention to the Feast Days. Their man made traditions in place of walking humbly with Yahweh. These things were the reason for their exile and subsequent scattering to the nations. Yet the church feels as though now, somehow, this doesn’t matter to Yahweh? Even though the Bible declares these things will be forever observed.

In fact, in the millennium. If the men do not come to Jerusalem for Sukkot, no rain will fall on their crops. Is Yahweh, messing with us? Is He forgetful of His own Word? No! And cursed is the man who says so. I have grown weary with the church. I have grown weary with my own soul. The battle inside me is a warring of the flesh and the spirit. My flesh wants to put up the tree, slice the ham, and do whatever my heart desires on the Sabbath.

The question is, do I want to worship Elohim? If so, I must do it in the spirit and in truth. I cannot lean on my own understanding but by every word of Elohim, live. If I love Him, I will obey His commandments. If I want to live in truth I must live in His word, for His word is Truth. Therefore, I honor the Sabbath day because Yahoshua honored the Sabbath day. I honor the Feast Days, because Yahoshua honored the Feast Days. I eat clean because Yahoshua ate clean. I do these things because Paul writes, imitate me as I imitate Messiah.

Over 80 times in the book of Acts the Apostles are recorded as honoring the Sabbath Day. Paul records his desire to be in Jerusalem for the Feast Days. Besides these things the Word says to honor them. It declares to the Israelite’s, “If you turn from doing your own pleasure on My Sabbath Day. If you call the Sabbath a delight . . . I will cause you to ride on the heights.” The Word declares that there is one instruction for the native and the foreigner.

Are we being called into lawlessness, and unrighteousness? No, by no means is this true. We are being called into instruction and into righteousness. Righteousness, those things commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by man. We are being called into the Way of the Rabbi. So then what is one to do? Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with Elohim. Put away mans traditions, and worship Elohim in Spirit and in Truth. Observe His Sabbaths and His Feast Days and Walk with Him.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Exploring Feast Days vs Holidays: A Scriptural Perspective

Exploring Feast Days vs Holidays: A Scriptural Perspective

i have thought about this series for some time. How do i share my understanding in a way that leads you, the reader, into curiosity? To inspire a deeper look into Scripture. To light a fire within you to be like the people of Berea. Who received with joy, the words being taught to them. But then went and searched the Scriptures to see whether or not it was true. There are plenty of posts you can go over in which i will have touched on these ideas presented here. Although, not so succinctly as i will try in this series of posts. i will present the options and then give my ‘why’s’ trying to be fair to both sides in the end. These are the topics i will present over the next few days. Yahoshua or Jesus (see post); Rabbi or Teacher (see post); Adonai Elohim or Lord God (see post); Feast Days or Holidays (Current Post); Sabbath or Sunday. In the end it will be my goal to have persuaded you to begin to evaluate your ‘why’s’. To ask the question of yourself, “Am I using mans justification or Elohim’s Word, to determine my beliefs?” Let’s continue.

Feast Days or Holidays
“This will be a day for you to remember and celebrate as a festival to Adonai! From generation to generation you are to celebrate it by a perpetual regulation.” Exodus 12:14

“If a foreigner staying with you wants to observe Adonai’s Pesach, all his males must be circumcised. Then he may take part and observe it; he will be like a citizen of the land. But no uncircumcised person is to eat it. The same teaching is to apply equally to the citizen and to the foreigner living among you.” Exodus 12:48-49

“You are to keep the festival of Sukkot for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing-floor and wine press. Rejoice at your festival — you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the Levite, and the foreigners, orphans and widows living among you. Seven days you are to keep the festival for Adonai your Elohim in the place Adonai your Elohim will choose, because Adonai your Elohim will bless you in all your crops and in all your work, so you are to be full of joy!” Deuteronomy 16:13-15

“For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus , because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, (Pentecost).” Acts 20:16

“Be careful, after they have been destroyed ahead of you, not to be trapped into following them; so that you inquire after their gods and ask, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I want to do the same.’ You must not do this to Adonai your Elohim! For they have done to their gods all the abominations that Adonai hates! They even burn up their sons and daughters in the fire for their gods!” Deuteronomy 12:30-31

 “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you — a wild olive — were grafted in among them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree, then don’t boast as if you were better than the branches! However, if you do boast, remember that you are not supporting the root, the root is supporting you.” Romans 11:11-31

Let me encourage you to go and read the passages above in fullness. Read the chapter, understand its richness. In the highlighted verses above look at who is being addressed. When you see the word foreigner, it is equivalent to the word gentile. We are joining ourselves to Israel and therefore invited to participate in the Feasts of Yahweh. However, we don’t get special license to celebrate our own way. We are called to observe the Feast as Israel did. Israel was warned not to assimilate into the cultures around them but to be separate from them. To show their separateness they followed Elohim’s ordinances.

Forget for a moment any argument that calls Easter or Christmas pagan holidays. Forget for a moment any debate about their origins. Rather, ask yourself, who celebrates Christmas and Easter? Is it only the Church that observes these holidays? When you are at the tree lot buying your annual Christmas tree, can you tell if you are buying it because that’s what you do at Christmas? Can you see the difference? Is it possible for you to discern from the one celebrating the winter solstice, from yourself? i assure you would be surprised. More over does the Church incorporate worldly influences into its celebrations? Things not rooted in Scripture? What does Elohim think of the ways in which the world honors their gods? How does He desire to be honored? Are we to tell Yahweh what He will accept of us, in how we choose, to honor Him? Are we creating the rules of separation? In reality, do these rules separate us from the world around us or from Elohim who we claim to honor? Does placing the nativity scene next to Santa make Christmas holy? Or does a cross by a bunny at Easter make it less separate from Passover?

What about Halloween? We are told to avoid any forms of evil. Halloween is pretty evil. Yet many will justify their celebrations and say they are redeemable. “You don’t know my heart!” They will say this while dressed as a demigod? Yet Yahweh calls anything of the nations abominations. Is Elohim wrong? Did He change His mind? Is the Bible wrong when it declares that Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever? Are we greater than our maker capable of saying what it is that honors Him? Especially, when He has already laid out seven feasts.

Yahweh has ordained seven amazing Feasts to honor and celebrate. They are commemorative. Established with a purpose to draw attention to the faithfulness and goodness of Elohim. To remind us that if we keep His commands and statutes we will live blessed and in safety. First, Passover, it is the beginning of the new year. We celebrate the freedom in Elohim as He leads us out of the bondage of sin and death. Through Yahoshua the Covenant reestablished. Second, the Feast of Unleavened Bread. A reminder that we are to remove sin from our lives. What is sin? John explains that sin is “transgression of the Torah, sin is Torahlessness.” Third, First Fruits, the resurrection of our Adonai Yahoshua from the dead but also the provision of Yahweh. Fourth, Pentecost, the celebration of the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mt Sinai. Even more now the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the Covenant being written on our hearts and minds.

Fifth, Feast of Trumpets, a day to call ourselves in preparation for the Holiest Day of the Year. To prepare for the Sixth Feast. Sixth, the Day of Atonement. The annual remembrance of how our sin separates us from Elohim. Yet, in His Love and Mercy, through Yahoshua, has Atoned for our sin. Calling us back into relationship or renewing our wedding vows of the covenant. The Seventh and Final one is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast we look forward to the Kings return and the millennial reign of King Yahoshua! Each of these amazing Feasts will be celebrated in the millennium. In fact, it says if the men don’t go to Israel at the appointed time. Then, rain will not fall on their land. It is still a big deal. With the exception of the Day of Atonement, these are celebrations, block parties, Feasts of Joy and Proclamation!

Yahoshua, and the Apostles after His ascension to the Father all celebrated these feasts. In fact, Josephus and Augustine both record that the early church celebrated these feasts. It was at the council of Nicaea that it was decided to move away from Passover and to celebrate Easter. In Constantine’s letter sent throughout the territory, he decried the Jewish people. He also called for the separation of the church from Judaism. Which goes directly against Romans 11:11-31. The Way of the Rabbi, the Word (Torah) made flesh, is to walk as Yahoshua walked. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj