STUDY ON:

- FEASTS (CELEBRATIONS)
- THE SABBATH
- SACRIFICES – For today
- TIME (DAY) – To God
- WHAT WE CAN EAT – God should know … He created us

INTRODUCTION

(Comments in parentheses and emphasis are mine)

As we enter the start of God’s yearly cycle (It starts with Passover … and ends with The Eighth Day Assembly), I cannot keep the joy within me silent. I need to share this amazing walk with our Savior. For some of you, this devotion may simply be a reminder of why we celebrate God’s Feasts: Because His Son did, as well as those who were with Him. For those desiring a closer walk with your Master, do not try to absorb this in one sitting. (Like your mother said: “chew your food before you swallow.”). Also, please take the time to look up each verse in your Bible. I pray that you do not discard it merely because it may go against what “we have been taught”. To do that would be holding on to the traditions of men. Remember, it is ALL about the Messiah’s work (what He has done and what He is going to do).

To best describe this, let me share with you a statement from First Fruits of Zion:

But of what value is it for us to profess that the Messiah fulfills the sacrifices when we know virtually nothing about those same sacrifices that He fulfilled? To simply dismiss it all by saying, “Yeshua (Jesus) fulfilled the sacrifices,” does a great disservice to the Word of God AND to the Master Himself. (end quote)

When you really think about it, what do some of these “New Testament” phrases mean?

- “For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7b)
- “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6b)
- “If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy.” (Romans 11:16b)
- “God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.” (Romans 8:3b)

Many in the church know absolutely nothing about God’s Laws and the above sacrifices. Let us examine WHO our Savior is and what He is all about. Before I begin … remember at ALL times … we can do NOTHING to gain our salvation. So, how do you show someone that you indeed love them? To show love for God, HE says: “Obey Me, earnestly seek Me, and to love Me with ALL your heart, soul, mind and strength:

- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) … side note: “all these things” were food and clothing (many have added to His Word to make it mean whatever their flesh desires).
- “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1)
- “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
- Matthew 22:37 and Mark 12:29-30 (in New Testament) … is this a new summary of God’s Law? Of course not! See Deuteronomy 6:5 (in Old Testament)

So let us do so. Many are afraid to grasp on to what God gave our forefathers; Many are afraid because they have been taught that they no longer exists. The fact is: To truly know what our Messiah actually came to do, we must understand what God’s plea was in Ezekiel 18:29-32 (“29 Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? 30 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign YHVH. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign YHVH. Repent and live!”). If we do not walk through the Feasts each year, how can we adequately pass on to our children the depth of what the Messiah has done and is still GOING to do? If we don’t have guidelines, don’t we end up doing what please ourselves? Isn’t that what we have now? Read carefully the following description of each Feast. Once you see the Messiah, a light bulb may click!

Regarding God’s Feasts:

In the Feasts, we see the walk of a believer. What an example our Savior set! Let us walk through each one now and enjoy seeing HIM in each. Let us not forget who God’s children are (and always have been): Those who believe in the Promise (Both before and after the Messiah rose). His love for Israel is eternal (God does not lie or change His mind). The fact is: those who believe in the Messiah IS Israel (simply being a Jew does not get you in). God gave all these Feasts / Celebrations to the one He loves … Israel. (Maybe that is where the confusion starts … knowing who we are in Christ). Let us do a quick overview on God’s relationship to His children. Read the following verses and see that this love for Israel is “eternal”, “forever”, “always”! Israel is the name HE gave His family!

- “You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O YHVH, have become their God.” (2 Samuel 7:24)
- “so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘The YHVH Almighty, the God over Israel, is Israel’s God!’” (1 Chronicles 17:22)
- “Because of YHVH’s eternal love for Israel,” (1 Kings 10:9)
- “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to YHVH: “He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.”” (Ezra 3:11)

He gave the following Feasts to celebrate to Israel. God does NOT have two families nor does He change His mind or lie. Therefore, if you are a child of God’s … these are for you, just like they were when our great-great-great (etc…) grandpa received them!

PASSOVER

Original command: found in Exodus 12:1-14 and repeated in Leviticus 23:5: “YHVH’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.” Remember, the dates of these feasts are based upon God’s calendar. So this is NOT January 14th being spoken of in the passage above. My friends, it takes time to break old habits. It took me years of searching and asking questions … but now, it is second nature and part of my life (as well as part of my children’s life and THEIR children). You WILL feel lonely at times, but so did many of the “greats” in the Bible!

Spiritual meaning: We are all called out of our bondage to sin. Prior to being saved, we stand condemned as sinners. When Egypt is mentioned in God’s Word, it usually represents the world and its sin. While in Egypt, they were slaves. Likewise, those without the Spirit are slaves to sin – they cannot stop sinning. Have you been called out of darkness? Have you left your sin behind? Have you been getting the “leaven” (sin) out of your “house” (heart)? This is the call for those who will BECOME children of God … to overcome the world and come into the light: 1 John 5:4-5 and John 3:19-21.

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this Feast, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- “Yeshua (Jesus) sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”” (Luke 22:8)
- “Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” (Yeast represents sin.) (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: Mankind, to separate themselves from the Jews (about the time of 250 AD), created new Holidays. Actually, what they did was they took pagan celebrations and “made them God’s”. Passover was changed to “Good Friday” (actually, our Messiah was crucified on Thursday … another study). God is VERY clear that doing so is a sin. Let us look and see what God says about taking pagan days and making them His … or even celebrating His days on another day other than the day that HE says to celebrate them:

- “… be careful NOT to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” You must NOT worship YHVH your God in THEIR way …” (Deuteronomy 12:30b-31a)
- (Read this next one very carefully. Jeroboam tried to IMITATE God’s feasts … on another day. It was a sin and STILL is a sin if we do this.) “And this thing became a sin … He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, LIKE the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar … On the fifteenth day of the eight month, a month of HIS OWN CHOOSING, He offered sacrifices on the alter … So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.” (1 Kings12:30a, 32a and 330
- “Dear friend, do not IMITATE what is evil but what is good.” (3 John 11)
- “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do NOT learn to IMITATE the detestable ways of the nations there.” (Deuteronomy 18:9)

UNLEAVENED BREAD

Original command: found in Exodus 12:15-20 and repeated in Leviticus 23:6: “On the fifteenth day of that month YHVH’s Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast.”

Spiritual meaning: AFTER we have been called out of our bondage to sin, we must die to self. If the old man is not buried, the new man cannot grow. In order for us to truly live for Christ, we must slay that old man (die to our sinful self). Have you done so? Are you still living in bondage to sin? Are you still a slave to sin, or do you desire to live in obedience through faith? If you have not put to death that old man, do it today! Galatians 5:24: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” This is also addressed in Romans 7:6, Matthew 16:24-25, and 6:5-10

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- “But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.” (Acts 20:6) Paul and his fellow missionaries were STILL celebrating the Feasts of YHVH’s AFTER Yeshua (Jesus) went to be with His Father. What did Yeshua (Jesus) teach? Obedience to His Father.
- “On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Yeshua (Jesus) and asked, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’” (Matthew 26:17 as well as Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7-8)

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: There is none (Many have never died to self and, therefore, remain slaves to sin (Egypt))

FIRSTFRUITS

Original command: found in Leviticus 23:9-14. Yeshua (Jesus) is all of the offerings required. HE is the Lamb, the Single Grain and the New Wine!

Spiritual meaning: Assuming that we have left our sinful life (Passover) and put to death our sinful nature (Unleavened Bread), we can now rise up as a new creation IN HIS IMAGE! Yeshua (Jesus) was buried during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, but He has risen. Therefore, He was the first fruit of MANY. The “Man” scattered the seeds on the ground … have you sprouted yet? Are you part of the harvest? Examine Mark 4:26-29 carefully: “He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain–first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.’”

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) The original kernel fell. Now that it has risen up out of the ground, are YOU one of the seeds that it has produced? Are you going to be one of the first fruits in the coming Kingdom?
- “If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” (Romans 11:16) This one is harder to see. Yeshua (Jesus) is the FIRST and if HE is holy, so are all that come after Him. We must know the past: If the Sin offering touched anything, whatever it touched BECOMES holy. That is why Yeshua (Jesus) was never unclean when He touched the dead, leper, or even the woman in her monthly time. (For further study, see “was Yeshua (Jesus) ever unclean”).
- “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen — 23that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23) Again, another study, but the “light” has always been obedience (Satan was disobedient and was called “darkness”.
- “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.” (1 Corinthians. 15:16-20)

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: This is going to be a hard one to swallow for many: Easter is NOT when Yeshua (Jesus) rose from the dead. Actually, we can find Easter nowhere in God’s original words (Unless man changed it). Can you see, yet that Satan has attempted to distort God’s truth and cover our eyes to the truth?

PENTECOST

Original command: found in Leviticus 23:15-22 (verses 15-16 shown): “From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.”

Spiritual meaning: As stated before, our forefathers did not receive the Law from God until AFTER they were already delivered from bondage (redeemed). So it is with us. We left our bondage (Passover), put to death our flesh (Unleavened Bread), rose a new Creation (First Fruits), well, here it comes: Next is the Law. How do we live as new Creations? In our example: Our forefathers, left Egypt, went through the water and came out new. It was AFTER they were new creations that God told them how to live. Instead of the Law on stone tablets, the Law is now on our hearts … THAT is the difference. The Law is no longer outside (sanctification done by the sacrifices), but inside (sanctification done by the Spirit of God). The Spirit of Truth was given on the Feast of Pentecost!

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we? The work of the Spirit is to SANCTIFY us. This work of sanctification is discussed THROUGHOUT the New Testament. The passages are too numerous to mention … it is the Spirit that teaches the believer how to obey God’s Laws (This is done, like the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, AFTER salvation). They are no longer on stone tablets, but are to be written on our hearts! It is the Spirit that opens the eyes to see and the ears to hear the truth.

- Acts 2:1-4 Do you realize that the same things happened at the giving of the Law on the stone tablets as did here? He is simply an incredible God! He is perfect and full of wisdom! He shows us in the physical realm what is to come in the spiritual, so that we can understand!

• Exodus 19:17-19 (the giving of the Law on stone tablets), there was:
o Thick cloud covered
o Thunder and lightning
o Loud trumpet blast
o The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace
o The whole mountain trembled
• Acts 2:2-4 (the giving of the Law on our hearts), there was:
o Loud sound
o Violent wind
o Filled the whole house where they were sitting.
o Tongues of fire

- “This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Hebrews 8:8-11 … vs 10 written)
- “Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:16) Again … we find those who followed Yeshua (Jesus) still celebrating these Feasts after Yeshua (Jesus) left to be with His Father. So HE obviously did not tell them that they were done away with or to stop celebrating them.
- “I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,” (1 Corinthians 16:7-8) Let me ask you: Why would Paul still be celebrating this feast? Especially since he was the apostle to the Gentiles! It is because that is what Yeshua (Jesus) taught!

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: Sadly, the mainstream church does not celebrate this festival. his is going to be a hard one to swallow for many: Easter is NOT when Yeshua (Jesus) rose from the dead. Actually, we can find Easter nowhere in God’s original words (Unless man changed it). Can you see, yet that Satan has attempted to distort God’s truth and cover our eyes to the truth?

TRUMPETS

Original command: found in Leviticus 23:23-35 (verse 24 shown): “…On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.”

Spiritual meaning: Although many things have happened on this day (as God uses His appointments to reveal Himself), this appointment and the following ones have yet to be fulfilled. So, why are we not celebrating them? Why have we discarded them? They reveal what Christ is GOING TO DO in our lives and within Israel (His family)! The Feast of Trumpets is simply a day we are commanded to blow the shofar (trumpet) and celebrate. My friends … that is it! Blowing of the shofar (trumpet) and celebrating Christ! Can you see the symbolism in the blowing of the trumpet in relation to the future events spoken of in Scripture? We celebrate this Feast in ANTICIPATION of His return (out of faith). Can you see the sound getting louder each year as more and more believers walk in the truth? One year, it will no longer be a dress rehearsal, but the actual performance.

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus do)? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:31) Isn’t this what we are all hoping for? Isn’t this what we are trusting in? Will you be celebrating and blowing the shofar (trumpet) on this day? Or will you be, like many at His first coming, simply going about your business on this day and doing the “routine” of life? Please note that He is only coming to gather the elect! This is an awesome study (see study on “death” and the role of His priests, those who practice and teach the Laws of God)
- “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
- “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, “ and “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”” (Revelation 4:1 and 1:10)

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: Again, it is sad, but the mainstream church does not celebrate this festival either. The very day that our Messiah comes to get His elect (Priests) is not celebrated. Why? They have been taught that it is “finished” and there no Law to obey (except, of course “to love”). This is where the mainstream church has failed. They stopped at Passover and never died to self. I do not want to offend anyone (really, I don’t), but many are missing the fullness of Christ by not celebrating HIS way.

DAY OF ATONMENT

Original command: found in Leviticus 23:26: “…The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the Lord by fire.” Fire represents the Spirit of God who is refining us. What offering are you going to be presenting to your Creator? What victories has He given you in your life that you can present to Him? I pray that none of us appear before Him empty handed.

Spiritual meaning: This day represents judgment day. Although our sins have been atoned for, this day has not yet been fulfilled. This, indeed, is a solemn day … a day in which many will find out that they actually did not TRULY believe. It is on this day that our Lord may say to those who THOUGHT they were saved: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23) “That day” appears to be the Day of Atonement … Judgment Day. The original Greek word meaning “evil doers” actually refers to those who transgress the law. Read it again and really think about it, this time. These people were NOT Buddhists, Muslims, or any other religion but those who “thought” they were Christians because they were calling Him “Master, Master”.

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) Just like the people who said, “Lord, Lord” … We will see clearly who the Lord is on this day!
- “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) This is Day of Atonement. We may be saved by faith, but by our words and actions we will be judged … “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”” (Mathew 12:37)
- “It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:11-12) Yes, it is on THIS DAY that we will have to give an account to God! How humbling that is … even for the children of God. Both the wicked and righteous will give an account, for every knee will bow before him on that day.
- “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13) There’s that accountability thing again! Many will find out that they should have obeyed God’s Laws out of FAITH. That is the proof that we truly love God – we obey Him: “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” (1 John 5:3) and Nehemiah 1:5 … “Then I said: “O YHVH, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,”
- “But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:5)
- “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) Notice that the Day of Redemption is when we will find out IF we had the Spirit. Has the Spirit been teaching you the Law?
- “Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast.” (Acts 27:9) The Day of Atonement was also known as “The Fast” because we are commanded to fast for 24 hours on this day. So, it is VERY clear that even Paul was still celebrating the Feasts after the Messiah rose.

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: Do I sound like a broken record? Again, the mainstream church does not celebrate this festival. Possibly because many think that there is no longer any Laws … so what could they be judged by?

TABERNACLES

Original command: found in Leviticus 23:33-43 (verses 34-36 shown): “…On the fifteenth day of the seventh month YHVH’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings to YHVH by fire, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to YHVH by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work.”

Spiritual meaning: We will be with Him, our Savior and King, forever! (The Priests will be with Him … the rest of the dead rise up on the eighth day. Some to salvation, some to everlasting death) What a day this will be! This, too, is what we live in the hope of! This is also the Feast during which many believe that Yeshua (Jesus) was born. This is a representation of the day that we will begin to spend eternity with Him. Will you be celebrating on this day? It is a day that is prophesied in Zechariah 14:16-19. Will you be there with me and many others? “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, YHVH Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.” (Zechariah 14:16)

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

Regarding The Feast of Tabernacles (when God’s Priests are raised and spend 1,000 years with their Messiah):

- “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be PRIESTS of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
- “And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
- “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
- “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed– in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

Regarding The Eighth Day Assembly (when Satan is released and the rest of the dead rise up to hear the truth and be judged):

- “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Yeshua (Jesus) stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.’” (John 7:37-38) This is the Eighth Day Assembly … the last day of the feast. Did you notice? Yeshua (Jesus) was present and celebrating it.
- “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2) This is when all others (those made for common purposes and those who never preached or practiced obeying the Law (they were blinded) AND the wicked) come to life. They will all hear the truth and either accept or reject it.
- “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out — those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28-29)

- “Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,” (2 Corinthians 5:2-6 … vs 2 shown) Either way, we are all clothed with a temporary covering (called flesh). The day we stop groaning is the day we will be with Him forever!

Man’s traditional way of celebrating this Feast: There are only two examples of people celebrating birthdays in the Bible (both are wicked). Think about it, celebrating our flesh comes from pagans (I am not saying it is a sin … just that God never tells us to do so). Remember that there was no room at the inn when Mary had Yeshua (Jesus)? It is believed that it was on THIS festival (Tabernacles means “dwelling” or “temporary dwelling” … God came to dwell with man … and during this feast, He will do so again). Christmas is NOT Yeshua’s (Jesus) birthday. He was born in the fall (awfully cold for those shepherds to still be out on December 25th, as well as many other traditional thinking). The Feast of Tabernacles was one of three Feasts where they had to all come together … thus: no room at the inn.

Regarding God’s Sabbath

Original command: found in Exodus 20:10-11 … “but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” The Sabbath is included as part of God’s Feasts in Leviticus 23:2-3, and it is the FIRST appointment that is listed!

Note: It was originally established at creation (and cannot be changed … it is fact) – Genesis 2:3

Note: It was given as the fourth commandment of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:10-11

Note: It is to be a sign between us and God: “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come so you may know that I am YHVH, who makes you holy.’” (Exodus 31:13)

Spiritual meaning: finding rest in God. What amazes me is that there are only 24 hours each week put aside for God. It is almost like practicing for eternity. It is great to worship Him on Sunday (even Tuesday and Thursday, as well as any other day). The sin, however, is that many are not meeting with God on HIS appointed day … the seventh day each week. They do as they please on His Holy day.

New Testament findings: What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? Our Messiah celebrated this, as well as His followers … so why aren’t we?

- What did Yeshua (Jesus) do? He taught on the Sabbath. We see this in Mark 1:21, “They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Yeshua (Jesus) went into the synagogue and began to teach.” (As well as Mark 6:2)
- Acts 13:14-15; 42, 44, 15:21, 18:4
- Hebrews 4:9-11 states that “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” It is very clear that we are NOT to follow the acts of disobedience of those who do NOT honor the Sabbath. The Sabbath is continually mentioned as an important part of life … just as important as eating and sleeping.
- Matthew 12:8 says that Christ is the Lord of this day! He is the reason for it and where we find this true rest spoken of!
- Don’t you want the following blessing for yourself and your family? “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and YHVH’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in YHVH, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.‟ The mouth of YHVH has spoken.” (Isaiah 58:13-14) Let me ask you: Whose day is it and who spoke?

Regarding God’s Sacrifices

First … let us examine the original offerings and their meanings:

- Burnt offering … Voluntary act of worship; atonement for unintentional sin in general; expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God.

- Grain offering … Voluntary act of worship; recognition of God’s goodness and provisions; devotion to God.

- Fellowship (or Peace) offering … Voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship (usually included with a communal meal). This is the only offering where all members are to share in the eating of the sacrifice. It was brought to celebrate the covenant out of a grateful heart. (As opposed to the sin offering which is done to mend a broken relationship of the covenant)

- Sin offering. This is a MANDATORY atonement for specific unintentional sin; confession of sin; forgiveness of sin; cleansing from defilement. (Sin against God!)

- Guilt offering … This is a MANDATORY atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution; cleansing from defilement; make restitution; pay 20% fine. (Sin against your neighbor … which, in turn, was against God!)

- Drink (or wine) offering … This was the blood of the animal that was being sacrificed, or anointing oil, or in another case it is a “hin of wine”.

- Other offerings and sacrifices (or names we may hear of others) … Memorial offering, Fragrant offering, and many more.

I will not dwell on the sacrifices too long. But, my friends, they are still to be obeyed. Look at the meaning and what they stand for (we just needed to know their purposes).

- “Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a MEMORIAL OFFERING before God.” (Acts 21:26)
- “For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a SIN OFFERING.” (Romans 8:3) Remember, this offering and the Guilt offering were the mandatory ones for unintentional sin. THESE two are the offerings that Yeshua (Jesus) was and STILL is!)
- “But even if I am being poured out like a DRINK OFFERING on the SACRIFICE and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” (Philippians 2:17)
- “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a FRAGRANT OFFERING, and acceptable SACRIFICE, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)
- “For I am already being poured out like a DRINK OFFERING, and the time has come for my departure.” (2 Timothy 4:6) (Wow! Our sweat, our spirit , sometimes even blood, are exhausted doing the work of Christ … a drink offering … pleasing to God.)

So … are we to continue offering sacrifices today?

- 1 Peter 2:4-5 (states CLEARLY that they are still to be obeyed spiritually by a child of God …) “As you come to Him, the Living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a SPIRITUAL house to be a holy priesthood, OFFERING SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES acceptable to God through Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ).”
- “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as LIVING SACRIFICES, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
- “Through Yeshua (Jesus), therefore, let us CONTINUALLY offer to God a SACRIFICE OF PRAISE – the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

Regarding God’s time

(This is not an appointment, but how can we be on time for God’s appointments when we don’t know how to keep God’s time?)

Many Scriptures have been misunderstood because we simply don’t know God’s timetable. Our Savior and His followers knew that a day was from “evening to evening”. Do not misunderstand me … living according to our watches each day is NOT a sin. We must keep an eye open, though, to know when man’s timetable conflicts with God’s. Just like the Sabbath, it is okay to worship God ANY day, but there remains a Sabbath day for the people of God. Genesis 1:5 explains: “God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness He called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.”

The following verse is an example of how our misunderstanding of time can affect our interpretation of Scripture. Acts 20:7 … “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” Knowing that each day starts at sundown, let us walk through this verse with open eyes:

- They came together on the first day of the week which would be Saturday night, for it was a common practice to meet together to end the Sabbath at Sundown.
- Paul spoke until midnight which would be Saturday at midnight.
- Paul intended to leave the next day which would be Sunday.

So, when we prepare for the Sabbath, Feasts, or even New Moon, it is an evening to evening day that we must keep in mind.

Regarding God’s biblical diet

First let me ask you:

- Does God give us Laws/commands about how we are to treat our spouses?
- Does God give us Laws/commands about how we are to raise our children?
- Does God give us Laws/commands about how we are to speak to each other?

The answer to ALL of the above questions is: Yes. God desires us to live a certain way and to be holy. So He gives us an instruction manual (His Word). In the same light as the above questions, let me present to you God’s menu for His children. In this way, we will eat as our Master and His followers did: God clearly tells us what we can and cannot eat!

ANIMALS that were created for consumption: “You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud.” (Leviticus 11:3)

FISH that were created for consumption: “… you may eat any that have fins and scales” (Leviticus 11:9)

BIRDS that were created for consumption: Well, actually God lists the birds that are NOT edible. Basically, birds that prey on dead matter (scavenger birds) were NOT created for consumption. (Leviticus 11:13-19)

INSECTS (Yes … insects! “Well, Father, you don’t have to worry about me disobeying this one!”): Leviticus 11:20-23. In short, any insects that walk on four legs are to be detestable … UNLESS … they have jointed legs for hopping (such as locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. (I’ll just go with the animals, fish, and birds for now!)

We Gentiles are so far removed that we don’t realize that the word “meat” as defined by God and used throughout His Word is only CLEAN meat per the above criteria! Let me give you an example. Let’s say that my family invited your family over for dinner and we asked if you could bring a salad. We then said that we would supply the meat and dessert. You come over and find out that we killed one of our dogs for the main course. Is that what you were thinking of when I said the word “meat”? Well, in China, dog IS part of their definition of meat. In the Bible, the word “meat” refers to clean meat – not pork or shellfish or anything else unclean. Just as you were not thinking about dog meat, the Bible does not refer to pig or any unclean animal as “food” or “meat”. Either God has “lifted the ban” on unclean food for a short time, only to reinstitute it later, or we have definitely misinterpreted His Word. Even scientists are realizing that many of the foods we eat are causing the diseases that we are experiencing. A pig is still a pig … no matter what we feed it! Read about the end times and what the wicked will be doing: “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations – a people who continually provoke me to my very face … who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of unclean meat.” (Isaiah 65:2-4) Again, speaking of the end times: “For with fire and with His sword the Lord will execute judgment upon all men, and many will be those slain by YHVH. Those who consecrate and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following the one in the midst of those who eat the flesh of pigs and rats and other abominable things – they will meet their end together,” declares YHVH.” (Isaiah 66:16-17) It sounds pretty clear to me that God’s dietary Laws still stands for His children. It just makes sense. These Laws were obeyed in the past … they are required in the future … so they must still apply to us today. Our God does not change for a generation.