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Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Sabbath / Rest, Seeking God, Traditions / Holidays

The Deep Roots and Rich Significance of Pentecost

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Pentecost is not just a date on the Christian calendar—it’s a celebration of the moment the Holy Spirit made a transformative entry into the lives of the early believers.

Beyond its historical significance, Pentecost connects deeply with the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, a time celebrated by our Jewish forebears to mark the wheat harvest and traditionally, the giving of the Torah at Sinai. This dual significance enriches our understanding and invites us to explore how ancient traditions illuminate our modern faith experiences.

Body: Pentecost and Its Biblical Roots:
Acts 2 captures the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit, a pivotal moment that transformed ordinary followers of Christ into powerful witnesses of His gospel. This event is not just a miraculous narrative; it’s a fulfillment of a promise and a continuation of a legacy that began with the observance of the Feast of Weeks.

Connecting Old and New Testaments:
The Feast of Weeks, celebrated seven weeks after Passover, was originally a harvest festival but also came to be associated with the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Similarly, Pentecost, falling 50 days post-Resurrection, marks not only the indwelling of the Holy Spirit but also a new kind of harvest—a harvest of souls and the spread of God’s word across nations.

The Cultural and Scriptural Significance:
As recorded in Leviticus Leviticus 23:15-21, Leviticus 34:22-24, and Numbers 28:26-31, the Feast of Weeks was a time of offering and holiness, a theme that transcends into the celebration of Pentecost with the offerings of the early church’s first fruits in faith and community. The scriptural mandate for a holy convocation and cessation from labor mirrors our call to reflect, celebrate, and revere this holy day.

Contemporary Observance and Application:
Today, as we embrace Pentecost, it’s crucial to reflect not only on the historical and spiritual implications but also on the personal call to each believer. The Holy Spirit’s descent is a reminder of our empowerment to live out the gospel, to be active participants in the ministry of reconciliation, and to foster a community bound by love and driven by divine purpose.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect and Pray: Spend time in Acts 2 and the related Old Testament scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and connection to this historic and spiritual event.
  2. Celebrate Thoughtfully: Observe Pentecost as a day of spiritual renewal and commitment. Consider how you can incorporate elements of both the Feast of Weeks and Pentecost in your personal and communal worship.
  3. Study and Share: Dive deeper into the significance of the Feast of Weeks and its New Testament fulfillment. Share these insights with your community to enrich your collective appreciation and celebration of Pentecost.
  4. Live Empowered: Let the reality of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within you inspire you to live boldly and lovingly as a witness of Christ’s love and power.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we remember Pentecost, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and transforms us. Help us to hold sacred the deep roots of this day, drawing from the rich history of Your workings among Your people. May we live out the truths of Your Word with passion and integrity, continually seeking Your wisdom and spreading Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn More: You can study more about the creators calendar using sites like Hebrew4Christians.com, MessianicLight.com, or Psalm119Ministries (select Time: Our Creators Calendar to see collection of videos available). You can learn about what the scripture says about these holy days, when they occur, why God told us to celebrate Shavuot, and traditions.

There is some debate amongst different sources as to the date of the Passover and thus Shavuot/Pentecost each year. Don’t let this discourage you from getting started celebrating and studying God’s holy days.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Learning To Pray Effectively, Psalms, Seeking God, Tribulation

Casting Your Burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55)

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What do you do when the weight of fear, anxiety, and betrayal feels too heavy to carry?

Key Verse:
“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” —Psalm 55:22 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 55 is a deeply personal psalm of David. It reflects a time of intense distress, fear, and betrayal—especially betrayal from someone close to him rather than from a distant enemy.

Following Psalm 54, which emphasized trusting God when opposed by others, Psalm 55 moves deeper into the emotional weight that betrayal and anxiety can bring and shows how David responds in the middle of overwhelming pressure.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 55

Prayer for the Destruction of the Treacherous.

     1Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

      2Give heed to me and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,

      3Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the pressure of the wicked;
For they bring down trouble upon me
And in anger they bear a grudge against me.

      4My heart is in anguish within me,
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.

      5Fear and trembling come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me.

      6I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.

      7“Behold, I would wander far away,
I would lodge in the wilderness.

Selah.

      8“I would hasten to my place of refuge
From the stormy wind and tempest.”

      9Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues,
For I have seen violence and strife in the city.

      10Day and night they go around her upon her walls,
And iniquity and mischief are in her midst.

      11Destruction is in her midst;
Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets.

      12For it is not an enemy who reproaches me,
Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me,
Then I could hide myself from him.

      13But it is you, a man my equal,
My companion and my familiar friend;

      14We who had sweet fellowship together
Walked in the house of God in the throng.

      15Let death come deceitfully upon them;
Let them go down alive to Sheol,
For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.

      16As for me, I shall call upon God,
And the LORD will save me.

      17Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,
And He will hear my voice.

      18He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,
For they are many who strive with me.

      19God will hear and answer them—
Even the one who sits enthroned from of old—

Selah.

With whom there is no change,
And who do not fear God.

      20He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
He has violated his covenant.

      21His speech was smoother than butter,
But his heart was war;
His words were softer than oil,
Yet they were drawn swords.

      22Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

      23But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction;
Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days.
But I will trust in You.

Reflection on Psalm 55:
David begins with urgency.

He cries out for God to hear him because his thoughts are restless and his emotions are overwhelming. Fear, trembling, and dread have taken hold of him.

This is important because Scripture does not hide the reality of human struggle.

David is not emotionless.
He is not pretending to be unaffected.

He is honest before God about what he is feeling.

At one point, he says:

“Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”

David wants escape.

He wants distance from the conflict, the betrayal, and the pressure surrounding him. This is a deeply human response. When situations become painful enough, we often want to run from them.

But David does not stop there.

As the psalm continues, we learn that the deepest pain is not coming from an enemy—it is coming from someone close to him.

“It is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend…”

This betrayal cuts deeply because it comes from shared trust and relationship. David describes worshiping together and walking among God’s people together.

Betrayal from enemies is painful.
Betrayal from trusted people wounds differently.

Yet even in this, David brings his pain to God rather than allowing bitterness to consume him.

He acknowledges the wickedness around him, but he also declares:

“As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.”

This becomes the turning point of the psalm.

David moves from fear to trust.

Not because circumstances immediately change, but because he remembers who God is.

He says he will pray:

  • evening
  • morning
  • and at noon

This reflects continual dependence on God, not occasional desperation.

Then comes one of the most powerful invitations in the psalm:

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you…”

David does not say we will never carry burdens.

He says we are not meant to carry them alone.

God does not always remove the pressure immediately, but He sustains us beneath it. He gives strength, stability, and endurance when we bring our burdens to Him.

The psalm ends with a contrast.

David describes the instability of wickedness and deceit, but then declares:

“But I will trust in You.”

That is the final response.

Trust.

Psalm 55 reminds us that God invites us to bring Him:

  • our anxiety
  • our fear
  • our betrayal
  • our exhaustion

Not hiding it.
Not pretending.
Not carrying it alone.

And when we do, He sustains us.

Application:

  • Bring your fears and burdens honestly before God.
  • Resist the temptation to run from God when life becomes painful.
  • Continue seeking God consistently, not only in moments of crisis.
  • Trust God to sustain you even when circumstances remain difficult.
  • Choose trust over bitterness when others hurt or betray you.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that I can bring every burden and fear to You. Help me not to carry anxiety, pain, or betrayal alone. Strengthen me to trust You in difficult seasons and to seek You continually. Sustain me when I feel overwhelmed, and keep my heart from bitterness or despair. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Help / Serve Others, Peace / Rest, Seeking God, Wise

Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4)

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Have you ever felt like you were carrying life alone?

Key Verse:
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” —Ecclesiastes 4:9 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon reflects on injustice and reminds us that God will ultimately judge both the righteous and the wicked.

Now in Ecclesiastes 4:1–16, he continues observing life “under the sun,” focusing on oppression, loneliness, and the pursuit of success—revealing both the pain of isolation and the value of companionship.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 4

The Evils of Oppression

     1Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. 2So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living. 3But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.

      4I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. 6One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

      7Then I looked again at vanity under the sun. 8There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.

      9Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

      13A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 14For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 15I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. 16There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 4:
Solomon begins by returning to a heavy theme—injustice and oppression.

He observes the tears of the oppressed and notes that they have no comforter. Power is in the hands of those who oppress, and those suffering have no one to stand with them.

This is deeply sobering.

It highlights not only the presence of injustice, but the absence of support. The pain is not just what people endure—it is that they endure it alone.

Solomon’s reflection becomes so heavy that he makes a striking statement: that those who have already died are better off than the living, and even better is the one who has never existed.

This is not a theological conclusion—it is an expression of how broken life can appear when viewed only “under the sun,” without fully considering God’s eternal perspective.

He then shifts to another observation.

Much of human effort and achievement is driven by rivalry—people striving not out of purpose, but out of comparison and competition with others.

This too is “striving after wind.”

It leads to exhaustion, not fulfillment.

Solomon contrasts two extremes.

On one side is the person who refuses to work and falls into ruin. On the other is the person who works endlessly, never satisfied, yet has no one to share life with.

Both are empty.

This leads to one of the most well-known and practical truths in this chapter:

“Two are better than one…”

Solomon explains why:

  • They have a better return for their labor
  • They can help each other when one falls
  • They provide warmth and support
  • They are stronger together

This is not just about productivity—it is about relationship.

We were not created to live in isolation.

God designed us for connection, support, and community. Life is not meant to be carried alone.

The image of a “cord of three strands” is especially powerful. While two are stronger than one, adding a third strand makes the bond even more secure.

This points beyond human relationship—it points to God being part of that connection. When God is at the center, relationships are strengthened and sustained.

Solomon ends with a reflection on leadership and popularity.

A poor but wise youth can rise above an old and foolish king, yet even this success is temporary. People will follow for a time, but eventually, they move on.

This reinforces the broader message:

Status, success, and recognition are temporary.
Relationships and God-centered living have lasting value.

Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that life without God can feel heavy and empty—but within that, we also see the importance of walking through life with others.

We are not meant to strive alone.

We are meant to walk together—with one another, and with God.

Application:

  • Do not try to carry life on your own—seek meaningful relationships.
  • Be intentional about supporting others who are struggling.
  • Avoid striving out of comparison or competition.
  • Recognize the limits of success and status—they do not satisfy.
  • Invite God into your relationships, making Him the center.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me for relationship and not for isolation. Help me to build strong, meaningful connections with others and to walk alongside them in support and love. Keep me from striving out of comparison or selfish ambition. Teach me to place You at the center of my life and my relationships. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Seeking God

Help Comes from the Lord (Psalm 54)

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When others turn against you, where do you turn for help?

Key Verse:
“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” —Psalm 54:4 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 54 was written by David when the Ziphites betrayed him by revealing his location to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19; 26:1). Instead of being protected by his own people, David was handed over to his enemy.

Following Psalm 53, which describes the corruption of those who reject God, Psalm 54 shows how the righteous respond when surrounded by such people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 54

Prayer for Defense against Enemies.

For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?”

     1Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.

      2Hear my prayer, O God;
Give ear to the words of my mouth.

      3For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them.

Selah.

      4Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

      5He will recompense the evil to my foes;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.

      6Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good.

      7For He has delivered me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.

Reflection on Psalm 54:
David begins with a direct and urgent cry:

“Save me… vindicate me…”

He does not hesitate. He goes straight to God.

This is important.

When facing betrayal or opposition, our first instinct may be to defend ourselves, to seek revenge, or to look for human solutions. But David shows us a different response—he turns to God immediately.

He describes his situation clearly.

“Strangers have risen against me… violent men have sought my life…”

These are not distant enemies—these are people close enough to know him, people who have chosen to act against him. This kind of betrayal cuts deeper.

Yet David identifies the root issue:

“They have not set God before them.”

This connects directly to Psalm 53.

Those who reject God act without regard for truth, justice, or righteousness. Their actions are driven by self-interest, not by reverence for God.

But David does not stay focused on his enemies.

He shifts his focus to God.

“Behold, God is my helper…”

This is a declaration of confidence.

David does not say that God might help him—he says that God is his helper. His trust is not based on circumstances, but on God’s character.

He continues:

“The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

This goes deeper than physical deliverance.

David recognizes that even in the midst of danger, God is sustaining him internally—giving him strength, stability, and endurance.

He then entrusts justice to God.

“He will recompense the evil to my foes…”

David does not take matters into his own hands. He trusts that God will deal with injustice rightly and in His time.

This is a key lesson.

When we try to take control, we often make things worse. But when we trust God, we allow Him to work in ways that are just and complete.

David ends with a commitment to worship:

“Willingly I will sacrifice to You… I will give thanks…”

Even before deliverance is fully realized, David chooses gratitude.

This is faith.

He trusts that God will deliver him, and he responds with worship in advance.

Psalm 54 shows us what it looks like to trust God in the face of betrayal:

  • Turn to God immediately
  • Trust Him as your helper
  • Rely on Him for strength
  • Leave justice in His hands
  • Respond with gratitude and worship

This is not a passive response—it is a deeply active trust in God.

Application:

  • Turn to God first when facing opposition or betrayal.
  • Trust God as your helper rather than relying solely on yourself.
  • Allow God to sustain you internally, not just change your circumstances.
  • Resist the urge to take revenge—trust God with justice.
  • Choose gratitude and worship, even before you see the outcome.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my helper and the sustainer of my soul. When I face opposition or betrayal, help me to turn to You first and trust in Your strength. Keep me from taking matters into my own hands, and help me to rely on Your justice. Fill my heart with gratitude and faith, even before I see the outcome. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Miracles, Miracles, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

Responding to God’s Warning (Exodus 9:8-21)

When God gives a warning, do you take it seriously—or ignore it?

Key Verse:
“The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses.” —Exodus 9:20 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 9:1–7, God sends a plague upon the livestock of Egypt while protecting Israel, clearly distinguishing His people from the Egyptians. Pharaoh sees the evidence but still hardens his heart.

Now in Exodus 9:8–21, God sends another plague—boils upon man and beast—followed by a warning of a coming hailstorm. For the first time, we see a division not just between Egypt and Israel, but among the Egyptians themselves based on how they respond to God’s word.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 9:8-21

The Plague of Boils

      8Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9“It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and will become boils breaking out with sores on man and beast through all the land of Egypt.” 10So they took soot from a kiln, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses threw it toward the sky, and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast. 11The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians as well as on all the Egyptians. 12And the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

      13Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14“For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15“For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. 16“But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. 17“Still you exalt yourself against My people by not letting them go.

The Plague of Hail

      18“Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. 19“Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”’” 20The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; 21but he who paid no regard to the word of the LORD left his servants and his livestock in the field.

Reflection on Exodus 9:8–21:
The plague of boils comes without warning. Moses and Aaron throw soot into the air, and it becomes fine dust that causes painful boils on people and animals throughout Egypt.

Even the magicians—who once stood in opposition—are now unable to stand before Moses because of the severity of the boils.

This is another escalation.

Those who once tried to imitate God’s power are now overwhelmed by it. The resistance that once appeared strong is steadily being broken down.

Yet Pharaoh still does not respond.

At this point in the account, we also begin to see a shift in how Scripture describes Pharaoh’s heart. Earlier, Pharaoh hardened his own heart and repeatedly chose to resist God. Now we see that the LORD hardens Pharaoh’s heart.

This does not mean God is forcing Pharaoh in a new direction. Rather, Pharaoh has already chosen to resist again and again, and his heart has become fixed in that decision. God now strengthens and confirms him in that path, allowing his resistance to continue.

In doing so, God ensures that the confrontation unfolds fully, so that His power and authority would be revealed more clearly to Egypt, to Israel, and to all who would hear of it.

God did not create Pharaoh’s rebellion—He sustained and used it to accomplish His greater purpose.

Then God does something different.

Before the next plague, He gives a clear warning.

He tells Pharaoh that a severe hailstorm is coming—unlike anything Egypt has ever seen. This storm will bring destruction to people, animals, and crops left in the field.

But along with the warning, God provides an opportunity.

He tells them to bring their servants and livestock into shelter to avoid the coming judgment.

This reveals something important about God’s character.

Even in judgment, He provides a way to respond.

Now, for the first time, we see a division among the Egyptians themselves.

Some of Pharaoh’s servants fear the word of the LORD and act on it. They bring their people and livestock into safety.

Others ignore the warning and leave everything in the field.

The difference is not nationality.
The difference is not position.
The difference is response.

Some hear God’s word and act.
Others hear and ignore it.

And that response determines the outcome.

This is a powerful moment.

Even while Pharaoh remains hardened, individuals within Egypt begin to respond rightly to God.

This shows that no one is without opportunity.

God speaks clearly.
God provides warning.
God offers a way to respond.

But each person must choose how they will respond.

For us, the question is the same.

When God speaks—through His Word, through conviction, through circumstances—do we take Him seriously enough to act?

Or do we delay, ignore, or assume the warning does not apply to us?

God is not silent.

And the difference is not whether we hear—but whether we respond.

Application:

  • Take God’s warnings seriously and respond with action.
  • Recognize that God provides opportunities to respond, even in difficult circumstances.
  • Examine whether you are listening to God or ignoring His word.
  • Understand that God is sovereign and can use even resistance to accomplish His purposes.
  • Choose to act in obedience rather than delay.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to take Your word seriously and respond when You speak. Give me a heart that fears You rightly—honoring You and acting in obedience. Keep me from ignoring Your warnings or delaying my response. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and to follow You fully. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant

Do You Belong to God? (Exodus 9:1-7)

Do you see clearly the difference between those who belong to God and those who do not?

Key Verse:
“But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.” —Exodus 9:4 NASB

Background Context:
In Exodus 8, God brings plagues upon Egypt and begins to clearly distinguish between His people and the Egyptians, while Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart and refuses to fully obey.

Now in Exodus 9:1–7, the plagues continue, and God further reveals His authority—not only through judgment, but through intentional protection of His people.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Exodus 9

Egyptian Cattle Die

      1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and speak to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2“For if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them, 3behold, the hand of the LORD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks. 4“But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing will die of all that belongs to the sons of Israel.”’” 5The LORD set a definite time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land.” 6So the LORD did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died. 7Pharaoh sent, and behold, there was not even one of the livestock of Israel dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

Reflection on Exodus 9:1–7:
God again sends Moses to Pharaoh with the same command:

“Let My people go, that they may serve Me.”

This has not changed.

God’s purpose is not simply to remove Israel from Egypt—it is to bring them into a relationship of worship and obedience.

When Pharaoh refuses, God sends a severe plague upon the livestock of Egypt. Horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks are struck.

This is a major blow.

Livestock represented wealth, strength, transportation, food supply, and economic stability. This plague strikes directly at the resources Egypt depended on.

But once again, God does something very intentional.

He makes a distinction.

Not one of the livestock belonging to Israel dies.

This is not coincidence. It is not partial impact. It is complete separation.

God is making it unmistakably clear:

  •  He knows who belongs to Him
  • He protects what is His

This reinforces a truth that has been building through the plagues—God’s judgment is not random. It is precise, controlled, and purposeful.

Pharaoh even investigates.

He sends and confirms that Israel’s livestock are untouched.

The evidence is undeniable.

Yet his heart remains hardened.

This is sobering.

Pharaoh is not lacking information. He is not confused. He sees the difference clearly—and still refuses to submit.

This reveals something important about the human heart.

The issue is not always understanding—it is willingness.

God is making a clear distinction between His people and Egypt, but Pharaoh refuses to align himself with God, even when the path is obvious.

For us, this passage calls for reflection.

God still makes a distinction.

Those who belong to Him are set apart—not because they are better, but because they are His.

This does not mean they avoid all hardship, but it does mean they are under His care, His authority, and His purpose.

The question is not whether God is making the difference clear.

The question is whether we are willing to respond to it.

Pharaoh saw the evidence—and chose to resist.

We are given the same opportunity to see, understand, and respond.

Application:

  • Recognize that God clearly distinguishes those who belong to Him.
  • Do not ignore the evidence of God’s work in your life and in the world.
  • Understand that the issue is often not knowledge, but willingness to obey.
  • Choose to align yourself fully with God rather than resist Him.
  • Trust in God’s care and authority over your life.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You know those who belong to You and that You are faithful in all You do. Help me to respond to You with a willing heart and not resist when You make truth clear. Give me the courage to fully align my life with You and trust in Your authority. Thank You for Your protection, Your guidance, and Your faithfulness. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Repenting from Sin, Revelation, Seeking God

God Sends the Alarm Before Judgment (Revelation 8:6–13)

Are you paying attention to the warnings God gives—or ignoring them?

Key Verse:
“Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth…’” —Revelation 8:13 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 8:1–5, the seventh seal is opened, and there is silence in heaven as the prayers of the saints rise before God. That moment reveals that God hears and responds to His people.

Now in Revelation 8:6–13, the seven angels prepare to sound their trumpets, and the first four judgments are released. These events mark an escalation—but not a final end—revealing both God’s power and His continued warning to the world.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 8:6-13

      6And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

      7The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

      8The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, 9and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

      10The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. 11The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

      12The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

      13Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

Reflection on Revelation 8:6–13:
As the angels prepare to sound the trumpets, the tone shifts from silence to action. The first four trumpets bring devastating effects upon the earth—hail and fire, a burning mountain thrown into the sea, a star falling from heaven, and darkness striking the sun, moon, and stars.

Each trumpet impacts a different part of creation:

  • the land
  • the sea
  • fresh water
  • the heavens

This is not random destruction.

It is systematic, intentional, and controlled.

One detail stands out clearly—each judgment affects only a third.

This is important.

God is demonstrating restraint. The destruction is significant, but it is not total. This reveals that even in judgment, there is mercy. God is not yet bringing final destruction—He is warning.

These are not just acts of judgment—they are calls to repentance.

God is showing the world that:

  • He has authority over creation
  • He can disrupt what people depend on
  • He is actively intervening

Yet even with these signs, the pattern we have seen continues—people do not turn.

The imagery also echoes earlier Scripture. The plagues resemble those in Egypt, where God confronted Pharaoh and the false gods of the land. Just as in Exodus, God is revealing that what people trust in cannot stand against Him.

At the end of the passage, an eagle flies overhead declaring:

“Woe, woe, woe…”

This is a warning that what has happened so far is only the beginning. Greater judgments are still to come.

This moment should cause us to pause.

God does not bring judgment without warning.

He gives opportunity after opportunity for people to respond.

But warnings only matter if they are heeded.

For us, this passage is not just about future events—it is about how we respond to God now.

Are we paying attention when God reveals Himself?

Are we responding with humility and repentance?

Or are we ignoring the warnings, assuming there will always be more time?

God’s actions in Revelation show both His justice and His mercy. He does not act impulsively. He reveals, warns, and gives opportunity before final judgment comes.

The question is not whether God is speaking.

The question is whether we are listening.

Application:

  • Recognize that God gives warnings before final judgment.
  • Do not ignore signs that call you to repentance and obedience.
  • Trust that God is in control, even when events seem chaotic.
  • Respond to God’s truth now, rather than delaying.
  • Live with awareness that God’s patience has a purpose.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to recognize Your voice and respond when You reveal truth. Keep me from ignoring the warnings You provide, and give me a heart that is quick to repent and obey. Teach me to trust in Your control and to live with awareness of Your purpose. Thank You for Your patience and mercy. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Revelation, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant

The Lamb Opens the Seals (Revelation 6:1-8)

When the world feels out of control, do you believe God is still in control?

Key Verse:
“I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” —Revelation 6:2 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 4–5, John is shown a vision of heaven where God sits on the throne and Yeshua, the Lamb, is found worthy to open the scroll. This establishes that all authority belongs to God and that Yeshua alone is worthy to carry out His plan.

Now in Revelation 6, the Lamb begins to open the seals. What follows is not random chaos, but the unfolding of God’s judgment on the earth.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 6:1-8

The First Seal—Rider on White Horse

      1Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

The Second Seal—War

      3When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” 4And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

The Third Seal—Famine

      5When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

The Fourth Seal—Death

      7When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” 8I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

Reflection on Revelation 6:1–8:
As the Lamb opens the first four seals, four riders appear—often referred to as the Four Horsemen. Each represents a different aspect of judgment: conquest, war, famine, and death.

The first rider goes out conquering. The second brings war and removes peace from the earth. The third brings scarcity and economic hardship. The fourth brings widespread death through multiple means.

At first glance, this may seem like uncontrolled destruction. But the passage makes something very important clear—none of this happens apart from God’s authority.

Each rider is released only when the Lamb opens a seal.

Each is given permission to act.

This is not chaos without purpose. It is judgment under control.

This challenges how we often view the hardships of the world. When we see war, suffering, and instability, it can feel like everything is spiraling beyond control. But this passage reminds us that even in the midst of judgment, God remains sovereign.

Nothing happens outside of His authority.

At the same time, this passage is sobering. The judgments are real, and they are severe. They reveal the consequences of a world that has rejected God’s authority and chosen its own way.

This connects back to a pattern seen throughout Scripture. God is patient, but there comes a time when judgment follows continued rebellion.

Yet even here, there is an opportunity to reflect.

These events are not only about the future—they point to a deeper truth about the present. The brokenness we see in the world today—conflict, scarcity, suffering—is a reminder of what life apart from God leads to.

The question for us is not simply how we interpret these events, but how we respond.

Do we recognize God’s authority?

Do we turn toward Him in humility and obedience?

Or do we continue living as though we are in control?

Revelation 6 reminds us that history is not random. God is at work, and His purposes will be fulfilled.

The same Lamb who brings judgment is also the One who provided salvation.

The call is clear: respond to Him while there is still time.

Application:

  • Trust that God remains in control, even when the world feels unstable.
  • Recognize that judgment is part of God’s justice, not a loss of control.
  • Reflect on areas of your life where you may be resisting God’s authority.
  • Turn to God in humility rather than relying on your own understanding.
  • Remember that Yeshua is both Savior and Judge.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust in Your authority even when I do not understand what is happening in the world around me. Remind me that You are in control and that Your purposes are being fulfilled. Lead me to live in humility and obedience, recognizing both Your justice and Your mercy. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Hope, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Seeking God, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

A Call to Gratitude and Action (Resurrection and First Fruits)

When we devote time to prayer and study of YHWH’s word and ask him to show us the full depth of his word, the Spirit often does just that. We must be willing to let go of traditions of men that we have learned and seek out the traditions of YHWH. I have previously written about my transition away from celebrating Easter in the tradition of the church and culture of today, which includes a number of pagan influences, towards celebrating Passover, which aligns with reinforcing our relationship with YHWH as he previously instructed his people to celebrate. To state the obvious, Yeshua celebrated Passover and I will follow Him.

Without getting into full study here, I do not take this to mean that we perform animal sacrifices (Hebrews 10), but rather seek to celebrate or memorialize Passover by remembering how YHWH led his people out of slavery in Egypt by his might and power. Now, we also have more reason to celebrate Passover as Yeshua was sacrificed during Passover as our Passover lamb, setting us free from slavery to sin and death. We have much reason to celebrate indeed!

As we look to his resurrection, study indicates that it actually took place during the Biblical celebration of first fruits. Once again, YHWH shows that he will use his holy appointed days to reinforce and amplify the meaning of his relationship with his people.

I have included a brief article from Ligonier Ministries about First Fruits and resurrection below.

“You shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statue forever throughout your generations” (v. 14). – Leviticus 23:9–22

Passover was not the only spring festival celebrated under the covenant, for the Israelites also commemorated the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. The Feast of Firstfruits actually took place during the week-long Passover celebration (Lev. 23:4–8), on the first day after the Sabbath that occurred in the midst of the week (vv. 9–11). Pentecost occurred fifty days after that Sabbath (vv. 15–16) and marked the culmination of what started at the Feast of Firstfruits.

As its name indicates, the Feast of Firstfruits marked thanksgiving to God for the firstfruits of the harvest — in this case, the grain and cereal harvested in the spring in ancient Palestine. At this festival, the Israelites offered the very first sheaf of the harvest and were not allowed to eat anything from the crop until they gave its initial portion to the Lord (vv. 9–14). This required a great deal of faith on the part of the Israelites, as they would be giving the offering of firstfruits at a time when not much was ready to be harvested. They had to trust God that He would indeed provide the fullness of grain that had yet to come forth, something that from a human perspective was far from certain given the people’s utter dependence on the right amount of rainfall and so forth to give the best crop.

Somewhere around AD 30, the firstfruits of an even greater harvest issued forth, for it was on the first day after the Sabbath that occurred in the midst of the Passover celebration that Jesus rose from the dead (Matt. 28:1–10). Lest there be any doubt that His resurrection fulfilled the Feast of Firstfruits, Paul tells us explicitly that Christ is the firstfruits of those who will be raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15:20–23). Just as the firstfruits offered to God under the old covenant anticipated the fuller harvest to come, the resurrection of Jesus anticipates the bodily resurrection of His people first promised under the old covenant (Job 19:25–27).

Fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits was the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (from the Greek term pentekostos, or fiftieth), which was the grand celebration at the end of the grain harvest. On this occasion, the offerings of food and animals to the Lord were more lavish (Lev. 23:15–22), an appropriate way to thank Him for the tremendous bounty He had provided. Tomorrow we will look at Pentecost in more detail.

Coram Deo

Paul says Jesus was raised for our justification (Rom. 4:25), and so we often celebrate Jesus’ resurrection as proof that our sins have been fully atoned for and that we are now declared righteous in God’s sight. This is entirely appropriate, but we should also remember that our Lord’s resurrection is proof positive that we who trust in Him will be raised in like manner at the last day and dwell with Him bodily in a new heaven and earth.

Passages for Further Study

Numbers 28:26–31
Proverbs 3:9–10
Acts 2:1–4
2 Thessalonians 2:13

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please open my eyes to the wonderful ways of Your law and instruction. Help me to fully experience Your ways in celebrating and honoring You. Thank You that You provide for Your people. Thank You for raising up Christ as first fruits of the promised resurrection. Thank You for the hope this brings to those of us who believe, even when times may be difficult. There are none like You. You are truly worthy of praise and honor.

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Seeking God, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays

Rediscover God’s Celebrations: Embrace His Appointed Times

Imagine a calendar not marked by commercial holidays or secular traditions, but by divine appointments set by the Creator Himself.

In a world cluttered with celebrations of every conceivable kind, there exists a path less traveled—a journey back to the sacred festivals ordained by YHWH. These are not mere dates on a calendar but gateways to experiencing the profound depths of our faith and the heartbeat of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

As we stand at the crossroads between man-made festivities and God’s holy days, the question beckons: Will we choose the familiar road, or will we embark on an extraordinary journey to rediscover the divine celebrations that truly honor our Creator?

This quest invites us to move beyond the surface of cultural customs and delve into the rich, scriptural traditions that God has laid out for His people.

Amongst the myriad days declared for celebration in our society—from national holidays to whimsical observances—lies a profound invitation from YHWH to return to the celebrations He specifically ordained.

These holy days, detailed in Leviticus 23, offer more than just a pause from the daily grind; they open a door to deep communion with our Creator, reflection on His providence, and remembrance of His salvation plan.

Unlike the holidays molded by human history and often entwined with pagan roots, the feasts commanded by God carry with them an inherent significance and a direct tie to the ongoing story of redemption that spans the entirety of Scripture.

The first in Leviticus 23 is familiar… the Sabbath day of rest. Many of us are familiar with it, but most do not actually recognize it anymore. It has become just another busy day for most. They may have a day off their normal job (though many do not), but the day then becomes a busy day for chores and responsibilities at home.  I can tell you though, as one who was there and has now embraced Sabbath with my family, God has some really good ideas! A day of rest to focus on God and family rather than just another day to work is fabulous and has opened up time for me with God and with my family and just to pause and reflect from a busy week.

Celebrating Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are great ways of ensuring we take time to reflect on and give thanks for our Passover lamb, Jesus, and to better understand how the Old Testament (Passover in Egypt) foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus we are familiar with in the New Testament. Once again we see God’s focus for additional Sabbath rest days. It is an important concept for Him. We are called to rest at times, rather than run busily here and there during holidays as many do…often getting distracted in busyness from the intent of the holiday.

Counting 50 days… Pentecost.  We can again see the foreshadowing of the New Testament in the Old. We can give thanks to God for His provision as with harvest and again for providing us the Helper in the Holy Spirit, who came on Pentecost to the gathered believers in a powerful way as documented in Acts, after Christ returned to heaven. Our Father also reminds us that His provision is bountiful enough to share with others… hence the reminder not to harvest everything in verse 22.

We are called again to a Sabbath day of rest for Feast of Trumpets, and as we continue further in Leviticus we will come next to the Feast of Atonement as the subject of an article another day.

(Continued after the scripture)

Leviticus 23:1-25

     1The LORD spoke again to Moses, saying, 2“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’S appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

      3‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings.

      4‘These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. 5‘In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the LORD’S Passover. 6‘Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7‘On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. 8‘But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’”

      9Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 10“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. 11‘He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12‘Now on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb one year old without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD. 13‘Its grain offering shall then be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire to the LORD for a soothing aroma, with its drink offering, a fourth of a hin of wine. 14‘Until this same day, until you have brought in the offering of your God, you shall eat neither bread nor roasted grain nor new growth. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

      15‘You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering; there shall be seven complete sabbaths. 16‘You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the LORD. 17‘You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as first fruits to the LORD. 18‘Along with the bread you shall present seven one year old male lambs without defect, and a bull of the herd and two rams; they are to be a burnt offering to the LORD, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD. 19‘You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20‘The priest shall then wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering with two lambs before the LORD; they are to be holy to the LORD for the priest. 21‘On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.

      22‘When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the LORD your God.’”

      23Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25‘You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD.’”

As we journey through Scripture and the calendar of God’s appointed times, we uncover a treasure trove of wisdom, joy, and spiritual renewal. Celebrating these holy days isn’t just an act of obedience; it’s an invitation to experience the rhythms of grace that God has embedded in the fabric of time itself. By aligning our celebrations with God’s calendar, we not only honor our heritage as believers but also connect with the heart of our Creator in a way that transcends the superficiality of many modern holidays. Let us then embrace these divine appointments with enthusiasm and reverence, allowing them to shape our lives and faith in profound ways.

Heavenly Father, guide us as we seek to rediscover and celebrate Your holy days. Grant us the wisdom to discern and the courage to step away from the traditions of men, turning our hearts and minds towards Your divine appointments. Help us to find the true joy and peace that comes from walking in Your ways, and may our celebrations reflect the depth of our gratitude and love for You. As we study and observe these festivals, draw us closer to You and to each other, building a community that glorifies Your name in all we do. In the precious name of Yeshua, our Passover Lamb and coming King, Amen.

To study more on this topic, please review our category of posts relating to Holidays/Traditions (scroll down to move from one post to another) and consider the following.

Here are a few resources where you can learn more about the Moedim, the Creator’s calendar (often called the “Jewish” calendar).

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.