God's Appointed Times & Customs ~ Barney Kasdan

God's Appointed Times

Shabbat - The Sabbath
Pesach - The Passover
Sfirat Haomer - The Early First Fruits
Shavuot - The Latter First Fruits
Rosh HaShanah - The New Year
Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement
Sukkot - The Feast of Tabernacles
Hanukkah - The Feast of Dedication
Purim - The Feast of Lots


God's Appointed Customs 

B'rit Milah - Circumcision
Pidyon Ha'ben - Redemption of the Firstborn
Bar/Bat Mitzvah - Son/Daughter of the Commandment
The Jewish Wedding
Death and Mourning

M'zuzah - The Door Post
Kashrut - Dietary Laws
Mikveh - Ritual Water Immersion
Tzitziyot - The Fringes
Kippah - The Headcovering
T'fillin - The Phylacteries


The following excerpt is directly from the Customs book by Barney Kasdan:

"Why is it that many people are so ignorant of the customs of the Bible? Undoubtedly, many fear that an emphasis on tradition might lead some people away from the pure teaching of the Word of God.  It is true that a spirit of legalism has all too often afflicted the church AND synagogue.  Isaiah the prophet rebuked his people for making the customs of Israel an empty expression (Isaiah 1).  Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides), the great rabbi of the Middle Ages, similarly wrote:

     "Man should try to understand why he is asked to observe precepts and customs; but even when he fails to fathom their reason he should not hastily pronounce them as trivial (Birnbaum, Mishneh Torah, Me'ilah 8:8)".

Such ideals reflect the words of Yeshua.  He denounced the emptiness and hypocrisy of those with a skewed view of the ancient traditions (Matthew 23: 12-32). "


Jesus admonished the Jews about their adherence to "tradition" that was not based on scripture.  

Mark 7:8 "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

Matthew 15:3 "Jesus replied, "And way do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"

Yeshua fought in the synagogue with the elders about their "traditions".  Why did he do that?  

The elders and the priests had evolved the religion of Israel to a point that it was empty, they were going through the motions, without understanding why.  They had developed many traditions and customs that were not God appointed.  As Christians, I feel that we have done this same thing.  And I think this is fine to some extent.  However, when the customs and traditions contradict the scripture, THEN we have a problem.  In Matthew 15:3 Jesus was clear, "why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?"

I think it's okay to incorporate customs and traditions into your worship, developing them into something glorious to honor God, but we MUST adhere to the scripture first.  First and foremost is the God Appointed Times and Customs.  These are laid out in the Torah.  The first 5 books of the Old Testament.  Which most Christian branches today do not reflect upon, that is why most people are ignorant of the customs.  In the New Testament, Peter says that from the Abrahamic Covenant, between God and the Jews there, are only 4 things we have to obey from the Law: Acts 15:29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.   The question on the table at the time was circumcision.  When the council agreed not to enforce the circumcision requirement of the Gentiles, by saying it only had to not do these four things, in no way, shape, form nor fashion said that the Old Testament was obsolete.  In fact, Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 5, that nothing would be "lost" from the Old Testament, until it had all come to pass.  And that still hasn't happened.  

It's imperative that we do what is commanded by God, and then, we can do other things too.  I have heard from some "that's not in the Torah, I won't partake of it".  WELL..... Okay by me.  That's between you, and God.  But the way I look at it, doing what's in the Torah is required... it's the MINIMUM that God requires.  He does not say that you can't do more!!!  and I intend to do as much as I feel is right, including, but not limited to, those items that God requires. 

These two books, were a surprising find.  They are written simplistically, in a highly organized fashion.  Each chapter, as listed above, is dedicated to one festival, or one custom.  There is great detail in each chapter about what it is, when it's observed, how and why, how the Jews perform it today and yesterday, and how to apply it to the New Testament.  

The quote I listed from these books, I feel is very important to everyone.  Man should try to understand why he does what he does, and not just do something out of "routine".  And even if he finds that he doesn't know why he is doing it, don't just not do it, cause you don't know why.  Keep looking until you find out.  DIG... DIG... DIG... Read, research, question, ask the Holy Spirit...  Keep LOOKING.  

These two books, are absolutely eye opening, and a great resource to have on your shelf, for each and every festival.  There are traditional recipes included.  Songs for each festival.  Just a massive amount of great information in an easy to read, find, utilize format.  


Good Reading!
JP

Yeshua - A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church ~ Dr. Ron Moseley

I've had the book on my "to read" list for quite a while.  And quite frankly, I think I should have read it a lot sooner.  

This was a very informative book with lots of good information, that opened my eyes to a lot of things, that I hadn't been privy to prior, and answered a few questions.  

Contrary to my first thought, the "rift" between Judaism and Christianity, was not some "HUGE" blow up, it was not "ONE" thing that caused the separation, or the hatred.  There were many many many instances where one side and or the other side did things to perpetuate, instigate, and make the rift wider, and more permanent.  

Another thing I wasn't aware of, prior to Christianity, there were massive multitudes of pagan gods, dieties, religions (yes there still are) but "BUT" there were also different branches, sects, and cults within Judaism.  I guess I figured this, but just didn't realize it until reading this book.  Yes I've read about the Pharisee's and the Sadduces, the Shammaites, and the Hillel's...  but it never sunk in that these were different "branches" of Judaism.  They all had their different belief''s, interpretations, and traditions.  

This book was chock full of good information, and I recommend it to everyone that is on the journey that I am on.  

I do want to share the conclusion chapter of this book with you.  It is quite short, and sums up the book nicely, HOWEVER, please get the book and read it, there is so much good stuff in this book that is not covered in the summary.  

"Conclusion

The following eight conclusions of the preceding examination are not meant to be exhaustive, but include only the most significant areas covered in the text:

1.  All of the evidence from the earliest period of Church history is both homogeneous and Jewish.

2.  The methods and techniques utilized in this analysis are very different from earlier research, which was often done without the latest archaeological finds and without taking into account the Hebraic background of the Jerusalem Church.  

3.  The extant manuscripts of the early Church point convincingly to its Jewish roots.  

4.  The original language, idioms, customs, organizational structure, religious practices, and Scriptures of the early Church were Jewish.  

5.  Records confirm that the first fifteen pastors of the original Jerusalem Church were Jewish. 

6.  The earliest song book used by Christians, known as The Odes of Solomon, accentuates the fact that Christianity was not only born alongside of, but within the matrix of Judaism.

7.  The ninefold purpose of the Law and its many references in the New Testament and among Christian writers throughout history, argues against many of the misconceptions that have hindered accurate study of the Jewish origin of the Church. 

8.  An accurate understanding of the proto-rabbis and the Pharisees, along with their background in the Second Temple period, makes their influence on the early Church undeniable."

That summed up, but does not give the book it's full credit.  The whole chapter on idioms was brilliantly enlightening.  I've always said that 2000 years from now no-one will understand that "go fly a kite" does not literally mean go fly a kite, but means "get lost" "buzz off" "leave me alone" "go do something else as unproductive as your doing", so I knew without a doubt there was stuff that we just wouldn't understand the true meaning of from back then.  And this book listed only 10, but it was 10 big ones, that was very enlightening, and helped me to feel confident in my assessment.  

I think the biggest one had to do with plucking out your eye if the eye sins, so that it doesn't cause the whole body to sin.  Without knowing the Jewish and Rabbinic parables of 2000 years ago, it is impossible to know what certain sayings meant.  And with the Jews and the Christians working so ardently to separate themselves from each other, in such ways that it's impossible to come back together, both sides miss something important in the translations.  Pluck out your eye, simply meant, nip the thought in the bud, before it festers and grows to be something horrid.  What an eye opener... no pun intended.  

I think it's on us all to learn both sides of this puzzle, and pull them together.  Jesus never meant for there to be two separate religions.  He came to fulfill the prophecies of our Old Testament, to complete them, and bring the salvation that was foretold.  What man has done with the knowledge that Jesus brought breaks my heart.  And I will forever do my part to spread the truth of The Way.  

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Christmas Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

"Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake, Amen!"

Christmas Eve 2014

Last year, was a wonderful turn out, and great fellowship.  Come help us make this year even better!!!!

Without A Friend - R. Baruch, PH.D.

Look closely at this book cover.  It holds so much potential.  "Why the World is Turning Against Israel and the Jewish People."

I ordered this book from Biblical History society.  Based on a review in that magazine and this cover.  Trust me when I say I'm learning not to do this.  

1st off the majority of the world is already against Israel and the Jewish people.  Even many Christians have anti-Jewish tendencies.  So I should have known better, but the title was so intriguing. 

2nd, had I picked this book up at the bookstore, the back clearly indicates the topic.  "An inductive study of many of the primary texts both Biblical and rabbinical which deal with a proper understanding of what will happen not to just Israel, but the entire world, in the end times" 

Karapppppp with a capital K.  Crap, crap, crap, not another end times book.   But yes.  The whole book was a dissection of Revelation primarily, and a few other versus from scripture.  Referenced was Malachi 3:22-24, but when I searched the bible I don't find these passages.  Referencing scripture that doesn't exist is so not cool. 

I have started this book 4 times.  I find it drudgery to get through.  I am at the Afterword now, and only now do I see hope of the title of this book being explained and fulfilled.  

Hope crushed, the afterword spent its time talking about Replacement theologists overlook a whole lot of prophecy.  Yea.  Ok.  I agree.  But what does that have to do with us not liking the Jews.  Absolutely nothing.  

If you want to study end times, incorporate this book into your study.  If you'd like some prophecy that is ignored today, incorporate this book.  If you want to know why the Jews are losing friends, look elsewhere for your answers.  This book is not it.  

Atheist Billboards

"Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is to.... skip church! I'm too old for fairy tales."

• Atheist group's Christmas-themed billboard on I-49 turns heads

• MILWAUKEE (WITI) — A billboard displayed in Milwaukee is getting some extra attention over its strong and some might say, controversial message.

12:16 PM CST Dec 02, 2014

A Christmas-themed billboard along I-49 in Springdale has some drivers doing a double-take.

The billboard near Wagon Wheel road slams Christmas as a religious holiday.

The billboard reads "Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is to.... skip church! I'm too old for fairy tales."

Passing motorists said they have mixed feelings about the billboard. 

One woman said, " I don't .. I don't think that's really appropriate. I think everybody should go to church as they wish. I think God's out there for everyone."

The president of American Atheists, responded to to the concerns. Dave Silverman, said  "preachers are going to get upset. That's OK, they're the ones peddling lies for a living."

The group said the billboard is up to let people in the area know about an Atheist convention that will be held in Memphis on Easter weekend. 

This is the story as it appears on 40/29 here in Fort Smith.   Click here for story and video.

I have to admit I was appalled when I read this last night.  It's one thing to not believe, that is your choice.  It's one thing for you to "not" inform your children of the truth.  BUT for you to pay money and rent a billboard and advertise something that is "MY" responsibility to teach or not teach my children absolutely without a doubt crosses the line for me.  

I did some research there are tons of atheist billboards that I found that I am absolutely appalled by, but this one... Santa of all things, crosses the line.  Here in Arkansas, in the heart of the Bible belt of all places.  I see also an article in Milwaukee the same billboard.  Totally offensive, but crosses the line into parenting here.  Booooooo!!!!!!!

Acts Chapter 2

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. "

At the Feast of Pentecost, in Jerusalem, the Church was born.  With the sound of tornadic capable winds (just the sound, not the actual winds), and tongues of fire that didn't burn, the Holy Spirit baptized the Apostles, and the Church was born.  

"The were filled with the Holy Spirit".  FILLED with the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was IN them.  Yes, IN them.  This is an amazing feeling, when you let Him in.  

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below,blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him,as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' 29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 2:34  “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.””  At this point I must question, if he did not ascend to the heavens, then where is he?  Is he in Abraham's bosom, with Abraham and Lazarus?  I've heard some say that Christ cleared this out and took those souls with him when he left Hades.  I've heard Sh'eol referred to as just in the ground waiting.   J Vernon McGee says, David will be raised with the Old Testament saints to live on this earth someday.  Why? And where are they now?  Questions I am adding to my research list.  And will come back to here when I have the answers.  

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Notice here it says "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This is awesome, and tells you, it's not what we do, but the Lord does it.  He tells us to go, share the Word, share the Way, share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, and once we do that, then HE brings them in.  He does the work.  This is fabulous, utterly and amazingly fabulous.