Category Archives: Traditions / Holidays

Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Don’t Be an April Fool: Embrace Godly Wisdom Over Worldly Folly

As April Fool’s Day approaches, many anticipate a day filled with jests and pranks, reveling in the joy of fooling others and perhaps being fooled themselves.

While this tradition is taken in good humor by many, it presents us with a profound opportunity to reflect—a moment to ponder the distinction between worldly folly and the wisdom found in God’s Word.

Let us delve into the scriptures, drawing upon the rich well of biblical wisdom to navigate our path through not just April, but every month of the year with divine guidance.

Understanding Foolishness Through Scripture

The Bible speaks extensively on the nature of foolishness, contrasting it sharply with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding:

  • The Denial of God: Psalm 14:1 starkly declares that folly begins with the denial of God’s existence, a path that leads to corruption and moral decay.
  • The Value of Godly Fear: Proverbs 1:7 teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the starting point of knowledge, a principle fools choose to ignore.
  • Wisdom Versus Foolishness: Through various proverbs, we’re shown that wisdom is something to be spoken, cherished, and stored up, whereas foolishness leads to ruin, strife, and quick tempers (Proverbs 10:13-14; Proverbs 14:1-3; Proverbs 14:15-18; Proverbs 18:2; Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 29:11).
  • The Consequences of Foolishness: Ecclesiastes 4:5 and Ecclesiastes 7:9 caution against laziness and quick anger, highlighting these as markers of folly.
  • A New Life in Christ: Titus 3:3-11 reminds us of our past foolishness and disobedience, contrasting it with the new life and wisdom we’re called to in Christ, emphasizing the importance of good deeds and avoiding futile disputes.

From Foolishness to Wisdom: A Biblical Journey

April Fool’s Day can serve as a timely reminder for us to assess our walk with God, ensuring that we are not fools in His eyes. The Bible offers a clear directive: to eschew folly and embrace wisdom, understanding, and fear of the Lord. It’s an invitation to live a life marked by discernment, patience, and a commitment to follow God’s ways.

A Call to Action: Seeking God’s Wisdom

In light of this, let us commit to a daily pursuit of wisdom, choosing to seek guidance and understanding from Scripture rather than following the fleeting and often misguided traditions of men. Let April be a month where we deepen our understanding of what it means to truly walk in wisdom, setting an example for others to follow.

Prayer for Wisdom

Father in Heaven, as we navigate the complexities of this world, we ask for Your divine wisdom to guide us. Help us to recognize the folly that surrounds us and to seek the profound wisdom found in Your Word. May our hearts be open to Your teachings, and our lives reflect the wisdom that leads to life eternal. In Jesus’ 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.

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Loving / Kind, Protector / Deliverer, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

Passover and Our Path to Salvation Through Yeshua

As we draw near to the season of Passover and Unleavened Bread, we’re reminded of the profound significance these celebrations hold in our journey of faith. They’re not merely historical observances but pivotal events that invite us to reflect on the sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus) for our sins and the remarkable gift of salvation available to us through Him. This season provides a unique lens through which to view the message of the cross—a message that is both beautifully simple for a child to grasp and infinitely rich for scholars to explore.

The Gospel according to John and the teachings of Paul provide foundational insights into the nature of belief and the essence of the gospel message. John 3:16-21 eloquently expresses God’s immense love for humanity, a love so great that it led to the ultimate sacrifice—sending His only Son to save us, not to condemn us but to offer eternal life through belief in Him.

However, understanding “belief” in its biblical context requires more than acknowledging Yeshua’s existence or His role in history. True belief necessitates a submission to Yeshua as Lord, evidenced by a life increasingly reflective of His character and teachings. It’s a belief that transforms, impacting not just our thoughts but our actions and priorities (James 2:14-20).

Sin, our inherent separation from God, demands a price we’re unable to pay. Yet, through God’s grace and mercy, Yeshua paid that price on our behalf. He lived a sinless life, took on our sins, and overcame death, offering us a path to reconciliation with God. Acknowledging this gift involves repentance—a genuine turning away from sin—and embracing Yeshua as the Lord of our lives (Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:21-48).

The call to salvation is a call to transformation. It’s not merely about attending church or identifying as a Christian but about a deep, personal submission to God. This journey begins with accepting Yeshua’s lordship, continues with living out our faith through our actions, and requires us to share this truth with the world (Matthew 5:21-48).

For those ready to take this step, to move from acknowledging Yeshua academically to surrendering to Him heart and soul, consider this prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the name of Yeshua, I confess my sins and seek Your forgiveness. I believe Yeshua died for me and rose again, and I accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Guide me to turn from my sinful ways and to live in a manner that honors You. Help me to boldly declare my faith and to find fellowship with those who genuinely seek You. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Amen.

This decision marks the beginning of a lifelong journey—a journey of growing closer to God, understanding His Word, and living out His teachings. It’s a path marked by learning, love, and an unwavering commitment to follow Yeshua.

As we observe Passover, let’s embrace the full depth of its connection to the message of the cross. Let’s allow it to deepen our understanding of God’s love, Yeshua’s sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing salvation through faith in Him.

For those seeking to explore this path further, we invite you to take the next step by exploring our teachings on Celebrating God’s Holy Days (Moedim). Let this Passover be a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing in the salvation Yeshua offers.

May this season inspire us all to reflect deeply on our response to Yeshua’s call and to live out the true meaning of belief in every aspect of our lives.

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, Grace / Forgiveness, Merciful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Revelation, Salvation, Thankfulness, Traditions / Holidays

Worthy Is the Lamb (Revelation 5)

Key Verse:
“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” —Revelation 5:9 NASB

Background Context:
In Revelation 4, John is shown the throne of God—establishing that God reigns over all. In chapter 5, the focus shifts to a scroll in God’s hand, sealed with seven seals. This scroll represents God’s plan for judgment, redemption, and the unfolding of history.

But there is a problem: no one is found worthy to open it.

This moment connects deeply to the story of deliverance in Exodus, where God redeems His people through the blood of the Passover lamb. What was foreshadowed there is now fully revealed.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Revelation 5

The Book with Seven Seals

1I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

6And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
10“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Angels Exalt the Lamb

      11Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
13And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”

14And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Reflection on Revelation 5:
John sees a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. A strong angel proclaims, “Who is worthy to open the book?” Yet no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy.

John begins to weep.

This is a powerful moment. Without someone worthy to open the scroll, God’s plan for justice, redemption, and restoration cannot move forward. Humanity cannot save itself. No angel, no leader, no created being is sufficient.

Then one of the elders speaks: “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has overcome.”

John turns, expecting to see a conquering Lion.

Instead, he sees a Lamb—standing as if slain.

This is the heart of the gospel. The victory of Yeshua did not come through worldly power, but through sacrifice. He is both Lion and Lamb—King and sacrifice, ruler and redeemer.

This imagery directly connects to Passover. In Exodus, the blood of the lamb marked the homes of God’s people so that judgment would pass over them. That lamb was a shadow of something greater.

Yeshua is the fulfillment.

He is the true Lamb whose blood does not merely protect from physical death, but redeems people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Just as God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt, Yeshua delivers us from slavery to sin.

Because He was slain, He alone is worthy.

He alone can open the scroll.
He alone can carry out God’s plan.
He alone can redeem what is broken.

The response in heaven is immediate and overwhelming. Worship erupts. The living creatures and elders fall before Him, singing a new song. Then countless angels join in, declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.”

Finally, all creation joins in worship.

Revelation 5 reminds us that history is not driven by human power or chance. It is centered on the Lamb who was slain and now reigns.

Before judgment is revealed, we are shown the One who makes redemption possible.

Application:

  • Recognize that no human effort can accomplish God’s plan of redemption.

  • Place your full trust in Yeshua, the Lamb who was slain.

  • Reflect on the depth of His sacrifice and what it means for your life.

  • Worship Christ not only as Savior, but as King who is worthy of all honor.

  • Live in gratitude for the deliverance God has provided through Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Yeshua, the Lamb who was slain, to redeem us. Help me understand the depth of His sacrifice and respond with worship and obedience. Strengthen my faith to trust fully in Him as the only One who is worthy. May my life reflect gratitude, reverence, and devotion to the King of kings. 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.

Arrogance, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Murder, Submitted / Servant, Thankfulness, Traditions / Holidays

Choosing Your Path in the Shadow of the Cross: A Reflection on True Discipleship

As we approach the season of Passover and Unleavened Bread, we’re reminded of their significance not only to our faith’s heritage but directly to Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) and His early followers. These celebrations, deeply rooted in the liberation of God’s people, were observed by Jesus Himself, marking crucial moments in the narrative that led to His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. The Gospel of Mark, detailing events leading up to this pivotal climax, doesn’t just recount a historical timeline; it invites us to reflect deeply on our personal journey of faith.

Mark 14 presents us with two distinct responses to Christ’s presence on Earth. On one hand, we see the religious leaders, outwardly paragons of piety, secretly plotting to kill Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love and salvation walking among them. Contrastingly, a woman, known as a sinner, approaches Jesus with a heart of worship, anointing Him with costly perfume in a profound act of devotion and humility.

This juxtaposition challenges us to discern between mere outward religiosity and genuine, heartfelt devotion to God. It urges us first to look inward, examining our own approach to our faith and relationship with God. Are we merely wearing a cloak of holiness to gain the approval of others, or are we pursuing a genuine, transforming relationship with Jesus?

Mark 14:1-11 starkly illustrates the choices laid before us. The religious leaders’ intent on murder versus the woman’s act of love sets a clear distinction between using religion for one’s ends and living out a true discipleship characterized by humility and sacrifice.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Mark 14:1-11

Death Plot and Anointing

1Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; 2for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.”

3While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. 4But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5“For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. 7“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8“She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9“Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. 11They were glad when they heard this and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

Being a disciple of Jesus means more than just holding a title; it’s about being a learner and follower, continuously seeking to mold our lives after His example. It’s about recognizing that true holiness doesn’t come from external appearances or positions within the church but from a heart fully surrendered to God.

As we ponder the path of discipleship, we face critical questions. Will we distance ourselves from Jesus, allowing pride, selfishness, or deceit to rule our hearts? Or will we choose to serve Him genuinely, embracing humility and faithfulness, even when faced with misunderstanding or scorn from the world?

The way we respond to Jesus’s invitation to follow Him shapes our journey with the Father, influencing our experience of His love and the depth of our personal relationship with Him.

Let us pray together for the grace to choose wisely and faithfully:

Father, illuminate our understanding with the truth of Your Word. Guard our hearts against the deceit of mere religious performance. Guide us to a sincere and humble walk with You, free from self-deception and pride. Grant us the courage to live as true disciples, fully surrendered to Your will, radiating Your love and grace in every aspect of our lives. May our journey reflect a deep, joyful submission to You, drawing others to Your light. Amen.

This reflection invites us to consider deeply our response to Christ’s call to discipleship. As we observe Passover and Unleavened Bread this year, let’s embrace these holy days as opportunities to draw closer to Jesus, to celebrate our liberation from sin, and to commit anew to walking in His ways.

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, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Traditions / Holidays

Embrace Passover: Rediscover Our Roots and Remember Christ’s Sacrifice

In a world where traditions often overshadow biblical instructions, it’s crucial to remember the significance of Passover, a festival that not only commemorates God’s deliverance of His people from bondage in Egypt but also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. While modern Christianity has drifted towards celebrating Easter, with its blend of pagan traditions, it’s essential to revisit the roots of our faith and the holy days God explicitly commands us to observe.

God’s Persistent Instruction

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are highlighted repeatedly in Scripture (Exodus 12:42-51, Exodus 13:1-16, Exodus 23; Leviticus 23) as essential commemorations of God’s mighty hand freeing His people. This repetition isn’t merely for emphasis but a call to remember and celebrate God’s acts of salvation throughout generations. The directive to share these stories with our children (Exodus 13:8, 14-16) ensures that the knowledge of God’s power and love is passed down, keeping the faith alive through every generation.

The Christian Connection

For Christians, Passover holds additional meaning. Jesus, our Messiah, fulfilled the role of the Passover lamb, sacrificing Himself to free us from the bondage of sin. The elements of the Passover meal—especially the unleavened bread—take on profound significance in light of Christ’s death and resurrection. By celebrating Passover, we acknowledge the continuity of God’s salvation plan from the Exodus to the Cross and beyond.

The Challenge of Tradition

Choosing to celebrate Passover in a Christian context may seem daunting, especially when faced with longstanding traditions and the potential for misunderstanding or conflict. Yet, Jesus Himself warned that following Him might set us at odds with familiar customs and even our own families (Matthew 10:32-39). The decision to embrace Passover is a choice to prioritize God’s instructions over man-made traditions, seeking closer alignment with His desires for our lives.

A New Way to Celebrate

Celebrating Passover as believers in Christ doesn’t require adherence to all the ancient rituals but an open heart to remember and rejoice in God’s deliverance and Christ’s sacrifice. It offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the biblical narrative and experience a richer, more meaningful connection to the story of our faith.

An Invitation to Rediscovery

If the idea of celebrating Passover feels new or unfamiliar, you’re not alone. Many Christians are rediscovering the richness of God’s holy days and finding joy in aligning their celebrations with Scripture. It’s a journey of faith, exploration, and deepening love for our Creator and Redeemer.

Prayer for Guidance and Joy in Celebration

Father, lead us back to the roots of our faith, to the holy days You have set apart for us. Help us to see the beauty and depth of celebrating Passover, recognizing Jesus as our Passover Lamb. Give us the courage to step away from traditions that do not honor You and embrace those that do. May our celebrations bring us closer to You, filled with joy, understanding, and gratitude for all You have done. In Jesus’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, Traditions / Holidays

Fond Memories of Holiday Traditions – Easter

I have many fond memories of holiday traditions growing up. As a child, my family participated in many common traditions such as hunting for Easter eggs. My family has celebrated this way for generations. It was quite difficult even to consider changing these ingrained generational traditions.

Is that reason enough for me to continue these traditions? What does God have to say about common holiday traditions? If we are honest with ourselves, most of us never even think about it. We just continue with what is “normal” and “traditional” based on how we have been raised and based on the culture around us.

The truth is that if we have really decided to model our lives after Yeshua, then we should take time to explore and study what He celebrated and also the origins of what we may be celebrating. Don’t assume traditions are pleasing to God just because “everyone else is doing it” or even because “everyone else at the church is doing it”. Test everything against the truth of God’s word. Challenge yourself to truly seek to honor Him without bias toward rationalizing and accepting certain traditions because they are associated with fond memories or because it would upset your family to change. After all,  what is more important… pleasing people or pleasing God?

I encourage each of you to take some time and really study the origins of the common traditions and celebrations you take part in. Many are based on pagan worship which have been adapted with “new meaning” whereby people basically have accepted copying and participating in what was once a pagan worship rituals, only now they just call it something else. If you put lipstick on a pig… it is still a pig.

Ask God for help and then challenge yourself to really seek the truth. You can start with any number of sources like online encyclopedias or web search. If there is conflicting information… seek out the truth objectively. Do not just seize upon the rationalization that supports your current practice. Consider the following teaching from Psalm119 Ministries as a start.

Sunburned – Part 1

Sunburned – Part 2

God does not want us to worship Him in the way that the pagans worshiped their gods. He has provided specific information on how He wishes to be worshiped… we must study the Bible and pray to learn and understand.

Deuteronomy 12:1-8

1“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2“You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3“You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. 4“You shall not act like this toward the LORD your God. 5“But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. 6“There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. 7“There also you and your households shall eat before the LORD your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you.

8“You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes

Deuteronomy 12:28-32

28“Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God.

29“When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, 30beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ 31“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

32“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.

We are to be set apart and holy, different from those that do not worship YHWH. We are not to follow after Him and worship Him in the way that others worship their gods. We are not to simply do what everyone else is doing or what our parents did… but rather what our Lord instructs us to do.

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Don’t ignore what scripture teaches because it is unfamiliar or uncomfortable at first. Explore it and seek to understand it. You can get more information to understand these holy days of YHWH fairly easily, but you need to test everything against scripture. Some aspects are not completely clear and people have varying opinions on them. I suggest starting with Leviticus 23, but I have also included some additional websites I have found helpful below.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please open my eyes to Your wonderful ways. Give me discernment and courage to transform my life to follow Your instructions over the traditions of men or even more specifically my family. Lead Your people in the restoration of Your ways. Help us find joy and peace as we live more and more according to Your instruction. Amen. 

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

I encourage you to invest time studying this topic and do not dismiss it. I have found it to be powerful in transforming the focus of our celebrations off of ourselves and rightly focused toward our Creator and Savior!

Shalom

Devotion by John, in service to Christ

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? 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.

Hebrew Roots / Commands / Law, Holy / Set Apart, Traditions / Holidays, Worldliness

Reconsidering St. Patrick’s Day: A Call to Focus on God’s Appointed Times

In today’s world, where cultural and religious traditions intermingle, St. Patrick’s Day stands as a testament to this blend of Christian roots and pagan practices.

However, it’s essential to peel back the layers of this celebration to understand its true significance and how it aligns with our faith.

The Legacy of St. Patrick

St. Patrick, by all accounts, was a remarkable missionary to Ireland whose life story is one of faith, perseverance, and dedication to spreading the word of Christ. Despite facing immense adversity, he chose to turn toward the Lord, shaping the spiritual landscape of Ireland indelibly. While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in his honor, it’s crucial to remember the man behind the legend—a missionary who embodied Christ’s teachings.

Modern Celebrations: A Critical Reflection

When we think of St. Patrick’s Day today, images of green rivers, parades, and shamrocks dominate our perception. Yet, none of these symbols or activities bear any relation to Patrick’s mission or Christian teachings. This dissonance prompts us to question how a day meant to honor a saint’s devotion to God has drifted so far from its spiritual moorings.

The Influence of Pagan Traditions

History shows us that the inclusion of pagan customs in Christian celebrations was not uncommon, with holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Easter showcasing this blend. This strategy aimed to assimilate non-believers, yet it often diluted the Christian essence of these celebrations. It’s a poignant reminder that our celebrations should not stray from the core of our faith to accommodate cultural populism.

A Call for Pure Worship

In light of this, how should we, as followers of Christ, approach St. Patrick’s Day? The answer lies in focusing on the aspects of the holiday that truly honor God’s work through Patrick’s missionary efforts. By consciously shifting our attention away from secular traditions, we can celebrate in a manner that genuinely reflects our faith.

Embracing Biblical Holy Days

The Bible delineates God’s appointed times, the Moedim, which offer us a blueprint for holy celebration. Unlike holidays marred by pagan influences, these days are divinely ordained, offering us a clear path to honor God. Observing these holy days not only aligns us with biblical teachings but also connects us more deeply with the heritage of our faith.

I would encourage you to consider learning more about Yahweh’s appointed times, or holy days. Consider our short teaching on Celebrating God’s Holy Days, which also contains links to ministries that can help you with further study in this area.

Spiritual Encouragement and Reflection

As we navigate our celebrations and daily lives, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit, seeking to honor Christ in all we do. Reflecting on “What did Jesus do?” rather than “What would Jesus do?” can provide us with a clearer model for our actions, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus’ example and observing the traditions He and His disciples upheld.

A Final Invitation

Before you partake in any celebration, ask yourself: Does this honor Christ, or does it distract from His message? We invite you to delve deeper into understanding and celebrating God’s holy days. Through our teachings and resources, you can explore the richness of these celebrations and their significance in our faith.

As we reconsider our approach to St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays, let’s strive to align our celebrations with the teachings of Christ, embracing the holy days appointed by God. In doing so, we not only honor our faith but also draw closer to the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

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.

Seeking God, Study the Word, Traditions / Holidays

Test Everything Faithfully: A Call to Discernment

Ever caught in the flow of fervent teachings or ingrained traditions, but not sure whether or not they are truly based on God’s word? Maybe you even feel spirit led… but is it truly the Spirit or something else?

Dive into Apostle Paul’s timeless guidance on embracing the Spirit while critically evaluating every teaching against Scripture’s unchanging standards.

Let’s explore these insights more deeply:

  • Embrace and Evaluate: In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, Paul warns us not to stifle the Spirit or scorn prophecies but to test everything and cling to what is good. This balance is essential for maintaining the integrity of our faith journey.
  • The Power of Discernment: The challenge of discerning truth from deception is both a gift and a critical responsibility. Discernment ensures that our beliefs are rooted in truth rather than tradition.
  • Tradition vs. Truth: Paul’s exhortation to test everything shines a light on the necessity of scrutinizing widely accepted norms, such as the observance of Sabbath on Sunday. The cultural shift towards Sunday Sabbath lacks a clear biblical foundation. A careful examination of the disciples’ practices, pre and post Yeshua’s resurrection, reveals their adherence to the seventh-day Sabbath.
  • Unmasking Cultural Holidays: Explore the pagan roots intertwined with “Christian holidays” like Christmas and Easter. The historical roots often intertwine with pagan practices, challenging believers to scrutinize traditions inherited from generations past. The absence of biblical endorsement for these celebrations invites us to reevaluate their place in our faith.
  • Testing Cultural Assumptions: Investigate common yet inaccurate cultural representations of biblical events, such as the number of wise men visiting Jesus or the nativity scene’s setting. These explorations reveal how deeply cultural assumptions can distort biblical truths.

If I were to ask most people “How many wise men visited Jesus?”, most would say “three”. Fact is that we don’t know. The Bible does not say. It only says they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and we assume and teach three. It could be two or it could be five. One person can bring a gift of two items or two people can both bring the same item.

Similarly, nativity scenes almost always show the wise men at the stable where Yeshua was born. If you read the text, you will see this is not at all accurate. The star appeared when Yeshua was born. That is what triggered the wise men to plan and begin their journey. By the time they arrived, Yeshua was in a house, not a stable. We will also read later that Herod, understanding that Yeshua was born well ahead of the arrival of the Magi, ordered children up to two years old to be killed, not only newborns. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Conclusion: As we navigate the complex tapestry of faith and tradition, let Paul’s wisdom guide us. Embrace discernment to anchor our beliefs in the unchanging Word of God.

Call to Action: Commit to studying Scripture independently, challenging commonly accepted practices by comparing them with biblical teachings. Encourage others to embark on this journey of discernment and truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us discerning hearts and minds. Guide us to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil. Illuminate the path of truth amid the complexities of cultural assumptions. May we, as Your children, stand firm on the foundation of Your Word. In Yeshua’s name, we pray, 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.

Drunkenness, Holy / Set Apart, Idols / False Gods, Traditions / Holidays, Worldliness

What is Mardi Gras and Should Christians Celebrate It?

What is Mardi Gras and why do so many Christians celebrate it? I grew up in a Catholic church and never could quite figure out how people could say that Mardi Gras was a “Christian holiday”. People broadly seemed to have accepted the concept that Christ wants us to embrace wild parties, drunkenness, public nudity, gluttony and other sinful behavior as a precursor to a period of repentance which follows.

Some may say that they only celebrate the parades, or they don’t participate or support the more offensive parts of Mardi Gras. However, it is all linked together as different levels of engagement in a clearly pagan festival. Does God like it if we only participate a little in some fun activities focused around a false god? What if we don’t do the “child sacrifice” but only dance before the idol or have a party on the day others sacrifice to the false god?

If it is not obvious enough that celebrating Mardi Gras is not a way to edify, honor, or lift up Christ then try a more academic exercise. Where in scripture did Jesus demonstrate or teach that we should sin greatly before a period of repentance? It’s not there. In fact, the opposite.

The call to repentance is real, but not the call to sin before it.

This does not even begin to touch on the focus that Mardi Gras puts on pagan gods associated with parades and other events.

Matthew 4:17

      17From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Romans 6

      1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7for he who has died is freed from sin.

      8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

      12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

      15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

      20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are called to righteousness and not to sin. How then can those in the church widely accept and embrace sin as a “Christian holiday”? The answer is that we have not followed the Lord’s instructions. He commands us not to learn the ways of the pagans and not to celebrate as they do. But all too often our common cultural holidays have been greatly influenced by pagan celebrations. The church has chosen to accept and blend pagan practices alongside or in place of how the Lord wants us to worship Him.

What Is Mardi Gras?

When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England.

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

Deuteronomy 12:1-5

   1“These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2“You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3“You shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and obliterate their name from that place. 4“You shall not act like this toward the LORD your God. 5“But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come.

In order to choose to follow the Lord His way, which is the only true way to follow Him, then we must turn away from and reject pagan celebrations which have been blended with or replaced God’s instructions for how we are to worship Him and how we are to live. Let us not make excuses, accepting the lifestyle of the pagans as our own, no matter how long the family traditions have been established. When we start making exceptions, we often end up with things like Mardi Gras… many who claim to be Christian accept it and would defend it… but none can justify it based on scripture or God’s word. It has become part of the culture based on a historical choices and family traditions. Let us seek the Lord and the Lord’s way alone to live submitted to Him. Let us not blend with the ways of the pagans but rather turn back to our Lord wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.