| second_passover.doc |
Who Should Observe the Second Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread of the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator?
Note: We refer to the Creator as LORD or Yahweh his divine name in Hebrew and we refer to Jesus as Yeshua his divine name in Hebrew.
Did you observe Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread last month? Do you believe that these are “Jewish holidays”? Do you know that if you DID NOT observe it last month that you can observe it this month?
For centuries, there has been considerable debate about Jesus/Yeshua. Now 2,000 years later there are various religious denominations. According to Wikipedia, List of Religious Populations (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_religious_populations), it states, “The CIA’s World Factbook gives the world population as 7,021,836,029 (July 2012 est.) world’s population.” They listed the 22 Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents and we included the 8 Major Religions:
· Christianity has the largest followers with 2.1 billion followers (2010 religion percent 31.5%)
· Islam has 1.1. billion followers (2010 religion percent 23.2%)
· Secular/Nonreligous/Agnostic/Atheist has 1.1 billion followers (2010 religion percent 16.3%)
· Hinduism has 900 million followers (2010 religion percent 15%)
· Chinese traditional religion 394 million followers
· Buddhism has 376 million followers (2010 religion percent 7.1%)
· Primal-indigenous religions have 300 million followers
· African Traditional & Diasporic religions have 100 million followers
Judaism is ranked 13 in the list of major world religions with 14 million followers. Of the major world religions, Judaism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions.
For centuries, there have been wars because of religious differences, which have resulted in many deaths. Religions are still causing division and confusion between people.
A distinction is even made between the Catholics, Jews, and Christians. Catholics has the largest followers with 1.2 billion members of the Christian religious denominations. There are 41,000 Christian religious denominations worldwide.
Was this the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator’s plan or has this become man’s plan?
We will examine the current observances by followers of Jesus/Yeshua, Jesus/Yeshua, the Word of God and the Spring Feasts of the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator, in order to answer the question:
Who should observe the Second Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread of the LORD/Yahweh/Our Creator?
Introduction:
The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator states in Leviticus 23:2, “These are the feasts of the LORD; which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” The Spring Feasts (or Festivals) that are ordained by Him are Sabbath (this is a weekly convocation for all seasons), Passover, The Festival of Unleavened Bread, The Festival of First Fruits, and the Festival of Weeks/Pentecost/Harvest/Shavout, which includes Counting of the Omer as stated in Leviticus 23:1-25. It will take a paradigm shift for many. It has been placed in my heart that it is time for ALL of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people to wake up NOW, before it is too late.
We do not claim to be all-knowing nor that our teachings are carved in stone. We bring you these teachings with the understanding that it will ALWAYS be your decision whether you want to receive it or not.
What a better time to do it this than during the Spring Season, which is the loveliest time of the year. It is a season of life, rebirth, growth, purity, positive change, and awakening of the human soul/spirit for all of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people: unbelievers & believers. We should remember the sacrifice that Yahweh/the Creator did by giving up His only begotten son so that we can have pardon, deliverance, freedom, redemption, grace through faith, and eternal life. This was done for the salvation of mankind. This is for ALL PEOPLE who trust and believe the Jesus/Yeshua is their Lord and Savior and that Jesus/Yeshua is the son of Yahweh/the Creator and that He was raised from the dead. This will be the season for others to experience a new life, delivery from slavery, freedom from sin, as well as, the abundant life that Jesus/Yeshua stated that He would give them.
Being a follower of Jesus/Yeshua or believer as He called us is not about ANY RELIGION. Paul called followers of Jesus/Yeshua: Christians. Christianity is not in the Bible or the Tanakh and we do not associate ourselves with that negative connotation and neither should you. It is mind-blowing to believe that there are 41,000 different Christian religious denominations worldwide.
ARE YOU READY?
If Jesus/Yeshua returned today, are you going to heaven or hell? Many of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people are NOT READY. Are you? Here are 7 reasons:
· Believers have not or are not confessing and repenting of their sin. They are not turning away from wickedness and turning to Jesus/Yeshua by faith. This is repentance. It is a renewal of your mind and heart. Believers have been told that they are under the NEW CONVENANT and do not have to, which is not the truth, because we are humans and we still commit sin.
· Believers do not realize that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. They are giving credit to Satan
There is a fight for your most precious possession: YOUR SOUL.
As a result, many of the LORDS’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people have join other religions denominations as listed above, or even the followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers are not obeying the Word of God because of traditions or man’s opinions that exist in the 41,000 Christian religious denominations.
This is the plan of the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator:
It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15).
Will you be part of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s plan or man’s plan?
“We are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 4:1).”
It is all about love and having a personal relationship. Can you love the Lord thy God/Yahweh with all my heart, mind, & soul, which is the first and greatest commandment? Can you love your neighbor as you love yourself?
The Holy Bible and the Tanakh are our instruction manuals, which should be applied to every aspect of our lives & especially through every trial & persecution. The Word of God is “living and active” and “all scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)”
The Second Passover is not listed in Leviticus 23. Passover represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel, as well as, the primary observance is related to the Exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. Their story is told in Exodus Chapters 1-15.
The name "Passover" is derived from the tenth plague when the Angel of Death visited Egypt, it “passed over” the Hebrew homes, which had been marked with lamb blood on the doorposts. Every firstborn child of the Hebrews was spared because the blood of the lamb was placed on their doorposts, while every firstborn child of the Egyptians died. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesach (that "ch" is pronounced as in the Scottish "loch"), which is based on the Hebrew root meaning “pass over”.
God’s Law had a provision that under certain circumstances the Passover could be celebrated one month later. This is an example of how merciful God we have by giving believers a second chance to honor the Passover.
A second Passover can occur for those who did not celebrate the first Passover. It is a one day celebration, on the 14th of Iylar, which occurs sunset on April 24, 2013. Moses told the children of Israel in Numbers 9:1-13 every person unable to offer the Passover sacrifice on the 14th of Nisan because of ritual defilement or because of unavoidable absence from Jerusalem was bound to observe the Passover ritual for one day, one month later, on the 14th of Iyar shall keep His appointed season. The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator made an exception for the men to celebrate Passover at a later date. The observance of the Second Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 Days occurs in 2 Chronicles 30:1–27. 2 Chronicles 30:2 states, “ For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem to keep the Passover in the second month. 2 Chronicles 30:13 states, “and there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.”
These are the only Feasts (or Festivals), which are celebrated twice.
Observance for the second Passover: Iylar 14 is April 24, 2013
Believers are celebrating the Second Passover either:
· On the sunset of April 23 and conclude on the nightfall on April 24, 2013 or
· On the sunset of April 24 and conclude on the nightfall on April 25, 2013.
Feast of Unleavened Bread should be celebrated by eating unleavened bread for 7 days.
Observance for the second Feast of Unleavened Bread: Iylar 15 to Iylar 21, which is April 25, 2013 to May 1, 2013
Believers should celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
· On the sunset of April 24, 2013 and conclude on the nightfall on April 30, 2013.
Based on other calendars it will be celebrated:
· On the sunset of April 25, 2013 and conclude on the nightfall on May 1, 2013.
There have been NO MENTIONED of a Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month being celebrated as well until King Hezekiah established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel.
How should the Second Passover and the Second Feast of Unleavened Bread be celebrated?
Second Passover: The LORD’s Passover is one day event starting on the fourteenth day.
Second Feast of Unleavened Bread: The LORD’s Festival of Unleavened Bread is 7 days; starting on the fifteenth day. Here are supporting facts about this 7 day feast:
The Passover story should be told and how the Hebrew slaves exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery.
The story of how Jesus/Yeshua was the final, unblemish sacrifice for mankind should be told. He was crucified to free mankind (not only Jews) from sin so that our sins can be forgiven once and for all. He saved us from suffering and separation from Our Father/Yahweh. (References: Exodus (Chapters 1-15) and explain why Jesus/Yeshua had to die (John 12:20-36).
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
Scripturally, we should eat unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs (horseradish, romaine lettuce or anything, which is bitter) (Numbers 9:11). Wine or grape juice is served during the meal. Lamb, chicken, deer, salmon can be served. There should be no leftovers. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it (Numbers 9:12).
During Passover, Jews take part in a meal known as the Seder, which incorporates the retelling of the story of Exodus and God's deliverance from bondage in Egypt.
The Passover meal consists of the lamb, wine, bitter herbs, matzo, vegetable, and unleavened bread. Passover has certain dietary restrictions associated with it. They must eat unleavened bread or matzah. Jews avoid any leavened bread. They also avoid eating any food products containing wheat, barley, rye, spelt, or oats if they contain leaven. They use only products that are specifically labeled “Kosher for Passover”. There should be no fried foods, no seafood (except salmon), or no pork should be eaten.
Unleavened Bread is eaten. While eating the unleavened bread and drinking of the wine/grape juice, remember what Jesus/Yeshua did for all people. You can repeat His words while breaking of the Break and the Drinking of the Wine/Grape Juice as stated in Matthew 26:26-28.
Feast of Unleavened Bread: Scripturally, unleavened bread should be eaten for 7 days, as well as, an offering for 7 days. While eating the unleavened bread and drinking of the wine/grape juice, remember what Jesus/Yeshua did for all people. You can repeat His words while breaking of the Break and the Drinking of the Wine/Grape Juice as stated in Matthew 26:26-28.
Part I: How Jesus/Yeshua became “Our Passover”?
When the Hebrew slaves were preparing for their Exodus from slavery, they did not have time to wait for leavened bread to rise so they were commanded to bake bread, without any yeast, which is called “unleavened bread”. Yeast is a symbol of sin and evil, as well as, the Leavened bread. The Hebrew slaves were commanded to clean all of the yeast out of their houses. Jesus/Yeshua was the “perfect” sacrifice for our sin because He delivered us, the sinners free from the slavery of sin, which is referred to as redemption. Redemption means “to buy back” or to “save from captivity by paying a ransom. There is one way, which this debt is paid is to offer an equivalent or superior slave in exchange. The LORD/Yahweh offered “His only begotten son” in exchange for us. Jesus/Yeshua purchased our freedom with his life. His sinless life was substituted for our sinful lives. He redeemed us from the slavery of sin. Therefore animal sacrifices were no longer necessary, which were part of the ceremonial laws.
When Jesus/Yeshua was crucified on the cross, he became the “sacrificial Lamb” and therefore all of the ceremonial laws (i.e. burnt offerings, meat (grain) offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and trespass (guilt) offerings) were no longer required, because He fulfilled them. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers under the New Covenant, we are required to read and obey the Old Testament. This is confirmed by Jesus/Yeshua when He gave His Sermon on the Mount. Jesus/Yeshua said,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-20) NIV.”
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
This New Covenant allows us to experience grace through faith and eternal life through Jesus/Yeshua as summed up in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD. By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Passover is no longer just a “Jewish” holiday for Jews. Jesus/Yeshua is our “Passover.” Passover (Pesach) is a Feast for all of His people. According to Apostle Paul, he states in 1 Corinthians 5:7, "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us."
When we rid our houses and our bodies of yeast for eight days (14th day to the 21st day of the month of Nisan and Iylar), we are stating that we do not want anything to do with the sins of our past, the old leavened bread.
Jesus/Yeshua is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15). Passover should no longer be declared as a “Jewish” holiday, but the LORD’s holiday His people.
Part II: How Jesus/Yeshua is “Our Bread of Life”?
During the Feast of Passover, Jesus/Yeshua is crucified and He is “Our Passover”. Since the Festival of Unleavened Bread is an adjoining Festival, there are Passover themes, which will be discussed. During the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus/Yeshua is buried in the sepulchre (tomb) for three nights and three days.
When the Hebrew slaves were preparing for their Exodus from slavery, they did not have time to wait for leavened bread to rise so they were commanded to bake bread, without any yeast, which is called “unleavened bread”. Yeast is a symbol of sin, as well as, leavened bread. The Hebrew slaves were commanded to clean all of the yeast out of their houses. Jesus/Yeshua was the “perfect” sacrifice for our sin because He delivered us, the sinners free from the slavery to sin, which is referred to as redemption. Jesus/Yeshua purchased our freedom with his life.
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
This New Covenant does not give us a “free pass to go”. It does not give us the right to harm, hurt, or persecute others or that we do not ever have to confess and repent of our sin. SIN IS STILL SERIOUS. SIN SEPARATES US FROM JESUS/YESHUA.
We asked ourselves another question: What roles are the church leaders playing? We came across this recent article, which addressed some of our concerns. In the November 24, 2012 Michael Carl’s article, Ugandan President Repents of Personal, National Sins 'We Confess Idolatry, Witchcraft, Political Hypocrisy, Dishonesty, Intrigue' states,
“While Museveni is being held as a model for Christian leaders, Dave Daubenmire, PT Salt Ministries’ president and founder and social commentator, said the problem for Western nations goes deeper than the political leaders.
The problem in the United States, he said, is the pastors.
“Sadly, I think our lack of repentance is the fault of the pulpit. Individual Christians are so awash in sin that they think politicians are merely better at sin than they are,” Daubenmire said.
“There is no fear of the LORD and we are getting essentially a two-kingdom message. We hear that the devil is the god of this world and that Jesus will even the score later,” Daubenmire said. “The problem is that most Christians are convinced that this world is in control of Satan and therefore are not interested in applying the kingdom principles for which Christ died.”
Daubenmire quoted Matthew 28:18, in which Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Christians, Daubenmire said, are exhorted later in the same chapter to go and make disciples of all nations.
“We are to teach them and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “All power in heaven and in earth belongs to Jesus. Unfortunately, most Christians don’t have the foggiest idea that He rules and reigns here and now, and that the kingdom principles that He taught us bring victory over evil wherever they are applied.”
He added that Christians too often play with sin.
“Since we do not hate sin anymore, we don’t demand repentance,” Daubenmire said.
He quoted British 17th century statesman Edmund Burke, who said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Daubenmire said that in America, “good men have yielded power to evil men.”
“Evil rules when evil men make the rules,” he said.
The entire article is at http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/ugandan-president-repents-of-personal-national-sins/#j6RZ7TuYFdLTW3jq.99
We applaud Ugandan President for repenting of his personal and national sins. Will other nation’s leaders follow him? This article clearly demonstrates that many church leaders are responsible for failing to lead the people in God’s ways and teachings. Apostasy is running rampant in America and in many nations. The sins of immorality, unforgiveness, hatred, and idolatry to name a few are eroding our nations, especially in America whose foundation is based on Judea-Christian values. The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator said, “My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you, that you may be no priest to me (Hosea 4:6-7).” We are responsible for our own sinful action.
Church leaders have a heavy responsibility. The roles of the church leaders are to lead the people out of sin and to lead people to God. Many of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people are perishing due from a lack of knowledge. The church leaders are also referred to as the shepherds and they are responsible for their sheep and will be held accountable for their actions, as well as, for their lack of actions. Sadly, we would hate to think that the church leaders are profiting off of the sins of God’s people. Should we take heed and beware of the leaven of the church leaders, like Jesus/Yeshua said about the Pharisees and the Sadducees?
Apparently, we are obeying man and not God.
This New Covenant allows us to experience grace through faith and eternal life through Jesus/Yeshua as summed up in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD. By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
All people are sinners by nature. Even though, all of our sins are forgiven- past, present, and future, we still sin and must confess and repent of our sin quickly. Many of us want to admit that we are strong, but it takes humility and honesty to recognize your weaknesses. We all have them. Sin can hinder our fellowship with Him. We should confess and repent of our sin to remove the barrier that has been placed between us and Jesus/Yeshua so that we can enjoy the full fellowship with Him. As sinners, we should confess and repent of our sin so that the blood of Jesus/Yeshua cleanses us from all sin. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us to defeat the temptation of our sin and to help us to have victory over the sin (1 John 1:5-10). He is a merciful God that He does not remember your sin any more (Hebrew 8:12).
King David is an example of a man that confessed of his sins quickly. King David genuinely repented of his sin and he was a man after God’s heart. He sinned many times, but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart. He never took God’s forgiveness lightly or his blessing for granted. In return, God never held back from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. King David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins. (Source: Life Applications Study Bible King James Version)
There will be consequences for all intentional and unintentional sins. We tend to think of sin as doing wrong, but sin is also not doing right as stated in James 4:17.
Here are 5 scriptures pertaining to sin:
a) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17).
b) But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
c) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, & such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-22).
d) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, not extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
e) According to Jesus not believing in Him is sin as stated in John 16:9.
As we are physically removing the yeast out of our homes, it will reminds us of the sin that we need to move out of us own lives; in every area of our lives.
When we rid our houses and our bodies of yeast for eight days (14th day to the 21st day of the month of Nisan and Iylar), we are stating that we do not want anything to do with the sins of our past, the old leavened bread and how we want more of the new unleavened bread, Jesus/Yeshua into every area of our lives.
Jesus/Yeshua is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15). Passover should no longer be declared as a “Jewish” holiday, but the LORD’s holiday for all His people.
In today’s society, people need to be reminded that “SIN IS SERIOUS.” There will be consequences for sin, if they do not remove it out of their lives quickly. We should confess and repent of our sins quickly like King David, who was a man after God’s heart.
What a better time to do it then during the Spring Season, which is the loveliest time of the year. It is a season of life, rebirth, growth, purity, positive change, and awakening of the human soul/spirit. We should remember the sacrifice that Yahweh/the Creator did by giving up His only begotten son so that we can have pardon, deliverance, freedom, redemption, grace through faith, and eternal life.
This is why we support that this appointed LORD’s festival, ” The Festival of Unleavened Bread” is restored so that it can be observed as a SEPARATE, STAND-ALONE FESTIVAL in America, Israel and worldwide so that “we can remember” like Yahweh/Our Creator wanted us to do originally.
It appears that our answer pertaining to the “ancient calendar” is answered in the following question by Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser.
Question: Why do Jews in America have two Passover Seders?
Why in Israel do families celebrate one Passover Seder and in North America Jews celebrate two seders?
Answer: In the Torah, only the first and seventh days of Passover are full holidays and the commandments associated with the seder are to be observed only on the first night. The first night of Passover always falls on the fifteenth day of the month of Nisan.
In ancient times, the beginning of a new lunar month had to be determined by direct observation of the new moon. Among Jews, the only observation that was "official" was the one certified by the authorities in Jerusalem. This was necessary to make sure that all Jews observed the same calendar dates.
However, many Jewish communities, including the large Jewish community in Babylon, could not reliably get word from Jerusalem about the day of the new moon before the holiday began on the fifteenth day of the month. For this reason, Jewish communities outside the land of Israel adopted the practice of observing an extra day of the pilgrimage holidays (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot and Sh'mini Atzeret), just in case they had gotten the date of the new moon wrong.
This practice for Jews outside the land of Israel continued even after mathematical models made it possible to calculate the date of the new moon. It is still the practice of Orthodox and Conservative Jews living outside of Israel. The practice has nothing to do with providing an extra seder to allow couples to spend one night with each set of in-laws!
In the 19th century, the Reform movement abolished this practice of "Yom Tov Sheni," "The Second Day of the Holiday," because the reason for its creation no longer existed. For this reason, Reform Jews -- inside and outside the land of Israel -- usually observe only one seder.
There are many "midrashic" explanations for the second seder. They make great sermons, but the historical explanation follows the outline I've given you here.”
Sincerely,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
http://judaism.about.com/od/holidayssabbath/f/seders_two.htm
Based on Rabbi Goldwasser’s response, since the issue of the new moon has been resolved a long time ago, it appears that celebrating 2 seders has become a tradition for the Orthodox and Conservative Jews living outside of Israel. This tradition should have ended in the 19th century, but it has continued.
Passover should have been held on the evening of the 14th day of the first month, Nisan only: March 25, 2013 followed by the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This would be in alignment with the Second Passover, which occurs exactly one month later on the evening of the 14th day of the second month, Iylar: April 24, 2013.
There are NO scriptures in the Old or New Testaments, which confirms that the Passover should be observed for seven days or eight days. It overlaps another important feast: The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which has its own distinct purpose with its 2 “High Days” or “Sabbaths”.
Believers are not observing the Festival of Unleavened Bread or even know about it, which is the second appointed LORD’s Feast (or Festival). Many believers are missing their blessings because they are not following the commandment to not come before the LORD empty handed during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is discussed, but isn’t it great that we have a second chance.
In conclusion, traditions have prevented the followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers from obeying the Word of God in the area of the Feasts of the LORD and how Jesus/Yeshua fulfills the Feasts of the LORD. Traditions have continued to allow people to say: “These are Jewish holidays” or “ Jesus/Yeshua is a Jewish God”. The second Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread should be observed by all members of the 41, 000 Christian denominations worldwide, as well as, unbelievers.
It is written, “there is one ordinance for all people (Israelites and non-Israelites). As stated in Numbers 9:14, Yahweh does not have a separate set of standards for unbelievers. He singled out Israel for a special purpose to be an example of how one nation could and should follow him. His aim is to have all people obey and worship Him. (Source: Life Applications Study Bible KJV)
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,” Galatians 3:10.
It is written in Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Will we as the body of Christ continue to follow the opinions and traditions of man, which are SCRIPTURALLY INCORRECT or will we obey the statutes and commandments of the WORD of GOD? We should come together because of one main common denominator: Jesus/Yeshua is our LORD and Savior. What will you do as a member of the body of Christ? In essence, “we are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 4:1).”
Feel free to duplicate, display or distribute this publication to anyone, so long as there are no changes made to the original article. This publication can be distributed only in its original form, unedited, and without cost. This information was compiled and researched by Letitia Peters of International Spiritual Awakening Ministries. Your opinion is always welcome.
International Spiritual Awakening Ministries
(347) 568-3537
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Email: healournations50@hotmail.com
Released Date: April 23, 2013
Next article: Who should observe the Spring Feasts (Festivals) of the Lord/Yahweh/the Creator?
Note: We refer to the Creator as LORD or Yahweh his divine name in Hebrew and we refer to Jesus as Yeshua his divine name in Hebrew.
Did you observe Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread last month? Do you believe that these are “Jewish holidays”? Do you know that if you DID NOT observe it last month that you can observe it this month?
For centuries, there has been considerable debate about Jesus/Yeshua. Now 2,000 years later there are various religious denominations. According to Wikipedia, List of Religious Populations (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_religious_populations), it states, “The CIA’s World Factbook gives the world population as 7,021,836,029 (July 2012 est.) world’s population.” They listed the 22 Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents and we included the 8 Major Religions:
· Christianity has the largest followers with 2.1 billion followers (2010 religion percent 31.5%)
· Islam has 1.1. billion followers (2010 religion percent 23.2%)
· Secular/Nonreligous/Agnostic/Atheist has 1.1 billion followers (2010 religion percent 16.3%)
· Hinduism has 900 million followers (2010 religion percent 15%)
· Chinese traditional religion 394 million followers
· Buddhism has 376 million followers (2010 religion percent 7.1%)
· Primal-indigenous religions have 300 million followers
· African Traditional & Diasporic religions have 100 million followers
Judaism is ranked 13 in the list of major world religions with 14 million followers. Of the major world religions, Judaism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions.
For centuries, there have been wars because of religious differences, which have resulted in many deaths. Religions are still causing division and confusion between people.
A distinction is even made between the Catholics, Jews, and Christians. Catholics has the largest followers with 1.2 billion members of the Christian religious denominations. There are 41,000 Christian religious denominations worldwide.
Was this the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator’s plan or has this become man’s plan?
We will examine the current observances by followers of Jesus/Yeshua, Jesus/Yeshua, the Word of God and the Spring Feasts of the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator, in order to answer the question:
Who should observe the Second Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread of the LORD/Yahweh/Our Creator?
Introduction:
The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator states in Leviticus 23:2, “These are the feasts of the LORD; which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” The Spring Feasts (or Festivals) that are ordained by Him are Sabbath (this is a weekly convocation for all seasons), Passover, The Festival of Unleavened Bread, The Festival of First Fruits, and the Festival of Weeks/Pentecost/Harvest/Shavout, which includes Counting of the Omer as stated in Leviticus 23:1-25. It will take a paradigm shift for many. It has been placed in my heart that it is time for ALL of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people to wake up NOW, before it is too late.
We do not claim to be all-knowing nor that our teachings are carved in stone. We bring you these teachings with the understanding that it will ALWAYS be your decision whether you want to receive it or not.
What a better time to do it this than during the Spring Season, which is the loveliest time of the year. It is a season of life, rebirth, growth, purity, positive change, and awakening of the human soul/spirit for all of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people: unbelievers & believers. We should remember the sacrifice that Yahweh/the Creator did by giving up His only begotten son so that we can have pardon, deliverance, freedom, redemption, grace through faith, and eternal life. This was done for the salvation of mankind. This is for ALL PEOPLE who trust and believe the Jesus/Yeshua is their Lord and Savior and that Jesus/Yeshua is the son of Yahweh/the Creator and that He was raised from the dead. This will be the season for others to experience a new life, delivery from slavery, freedom from sin, as well as, the abundant life that Jesus/Yeshua stated that He would give them.
Being a follower of Jesus/Yeshua or believer as He called us is not about ANY RELIGION. Paul called followers of Jesus/Yeshua: Christians. Christianity is not in the Bible or the Tanakh and we do not associate ourselves with that negative connotation and neither should you. It is mind-blowing to believe that there are 41,000 different Christian religious denominations worldwide.
ARE YOU READY?
If Jesus/Yeshua returned today, are you going to heaven or hell? Many of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people are NOT READY. Are you? Here are 7 reasons:
- Unbelievers do not believe in Jesus/Yeshua, which is a SIN (John 16:9). Revelations 21:8 states, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
- Unbelievers and Believers believe in false doctrines, false teachings, or false religions.
- Believers do not possess a personal relationship with the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator through Jesus/Yeshua. Believers are not praying (praying time should include worship and praise), fasting, and meditating on the Word of God daily, which are the “secrets” to develop a personal relationship with the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator through Jesus/Yeshua.
- Believers are not obeying the Word of God. As the body of Christ we are commanded to follow the statutes and commandments in the Holy Bible or the Tanakh. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,” Galatians 3:10.
- Believers do not trust and believe in Jesus/Yeshua. They believe that Satan is in control of the world. There is a spiritual war. Are you fighting to enforce Satan’s defeat or are you giving Satan & his demons a “free pass to go” whenever an atrocity happens by making statements, like why would God send that tornado, why did God kill that child? According to Pastor Gregory A. Boyd, God at War explains these two different world views among Christians. The people with this worldview are baffled by evil. The answer to those questions is some form of “in order to teach us something.”
- Believers do not believe that there is a spiritual war. Before Jesus/Yeshua ascended to heaven, He made sure that the disciples understood that they were in a war. He delegated His authority to them and through them to us, the Church. He (Jesus) replied,
- Believers are worshiping their church/synagogue leaders and their “religious denominations” instead of worshiping Jesus/Yeshua and following tradition instead of God’s Laws.
- In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” We play a role in this war, but He does leave some things for us.
· Believers have not or are not confessing and repenting of their sin. They are not turning away from wickedness and turning to Jesus/Yeshua by faith. This is repentance. It is a renewal of your mind and heart. Believers have been told that they are under the NEW CONVENANT and do not have to, which is not the truth, because we are humans and we still commit sin.
· Believers do not realize that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. They are giving credit to Satan
There is a fight for your most precious possession: YOUR SOUL.
As a result, many of the LORDS’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people have join other religions denominations as listed above, or even the followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers are not obeying the Word of God because of traditions or man’s opinions that exist in the 41,000 Christian religious denominations.
This is the plan of the LORD/Yahweh/the Creator:
It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15).
Will you be part of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s plan or man’s plan?
“We are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 4:1).”
It is all about love and having a personal relationship. Can you love the Lord thy God/Yahweh with all my heart, mind, & soul, which is the first and greatest commandment? Can you love your neighbor as you love yourself?
The Holy Bible and the Tanakh are our instruction manuals, which should be applied to every aspect of our lives & especially through every trial & persecution. The Word of God is “living and active” and “all scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)”
The Second Passover is not listed in Leviticus 23. Passover represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel, as well as, the primary observance is related to the Exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. Their story is told in Exodus Chapters 1-15.
The name "Passover" is derived from the tenth plague when the Angel of Death visited Egypt, it “passed over” the Hebrew homes, which had been marked with lamb blood on the doorposts. Every firstborn child of the Hebrews was spared because the blood of the lamb was placed on their doorposts, while every firstborn child of the Egyptians died. In Hebrew, it is known as Pesach (that "ch" is pronounced as in the Scottish "loch"), which is based on the Hebrew root meaning “pass over”.
God’s Law had a provision that under certain circumstances the Passover could be celebrated one month later. This is an example of how merciful God we have by giving believers a second chance to honor the Passover.
A second Passover can occur for those who did not celebrate the first Passover. It is a one day celebration, on the 14th of Iylar, which occurs sunset on April 24, 2013. Moses told the children of Israel in Numbers 9:1-13 every person unable to offer the Passover sacrifice on the 14th of Nisan because of ritual defilement or because of unavoidable absence from Jerusalem was bound to observe the Passover ritual for one day, one month later, on the 14th of Iyar shall keep His appointed season. The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator made an exception for the men to celebrate Passover at a later date. The observance of the Second Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 Days occurs in 2 Chronicles 30:1–27. 2 Chronicles 30:2 states, “ For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem to keep the Passover in the second month. 2 Chronicles 30:13 states, “and there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.”
These are the only Feasts (or Festivals), which are celebrated twice.
Observance for the second Passover: Iylar 14 is April 24, 2013
Believers are celebrating the Second Passover either:
· On the sunset of April 23 and conclude on the nightfall on April 24, 2013 or
· On the sunset of April 24 and conclude on the nightfall on April 25, 2013.
Feast of Unleavened Bread should be celebrated by eating unleavened bread for 7 days.
Observance for the second Feast of Unleavened Bread: Iylar 15 to Iylar 21, which is April 25, 2013 to May 1, 2013
Believers should celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread:
· On the sunset of April 24, 2013 and conclude on the nightfall on April 30, 2013.
Based on other calendars it will be celebrated:
· On the sunset of April 25, 2013 and conclude on the nightfall on May 1, 2013.
There have been NO MENTIONED of a Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month being celebrated as well until King Hezekiah established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel.
How should the Second Passover and the Second Feast of Unleavened Bread be celebrated?
Second Passover: The LORD’s Passover is one day event starting on the fourteenth day.
Second Feast of Unleavened Bread: The LORD’s Festival of Unleavened Bread is 7 days; starting on the fifteenth day. Here are supporting facts about this 7 day feast:
- “And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread…therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever” (Exodus 12:17).
- “The first day and the seventh days are a holy convocation and no servile work shall be done. No manner of work shall be done” (Exodus 12:15-16 & Leviticus 23:7).
- “In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.”(Exodus 12: 18)
- “Seven days ye must eat unleavened bread” (Leviticus 23:6).
- “No leavened bread shall be in the house;” (Exodus 12:15).
- “Whosoever eat leaven from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel (congregation of Israel), whether he be a stranger, or born in the land” (Exodus 12:15, 12:29).
- “An offering should be made unto the LORD for 7 days” (Leviticus 23:7).
The Passover story should be told and how the Hebrew slaves exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery.
The story of how Jesus/Yeshua was the final, unblemish sacrifice for mankind should be told. He was crucified to free mankind (not only Jews) from sin so that our sins can be forgiven once and for all. He saved us from suffering and separation from Our Father/Yahweh. (References: Exodus (Chapters 1-15) and explain why Jesus/Yeshua had to die (John 12:20-36).
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
Scripturally, we should eat unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs (horseradish, romaine lettuce or anything, which is bitter) (Numbers 9:11). Wine or grape juice is served during the meal. Lamb, chicken, deer, salmon can be served. There should be no leftovers. They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it (Numbers 9:12).
During Passover, Jews take part in a meal known as the Seder, which incorporates the retelling of the story of Exodus and God's deliverance from bondage in Egypt.
The Passover meal consists of the lamb, wine, bitter herbs, matzo, vegetable, and unleavened bread. Passover has certain dietary restrictions associated with it. They must eat unleavened bread or matzah. Jews avoid any leavened bread. They also avoid eating any food products containing wheat, barley, rye, spelt, or oats if they contain leaven. They use only products that are specifically labeled “Kosher for Passover”. There should be no fried foods, no seafood (except salmon), or no pork should be eaten.
Unleavened Bread is eaten. While eating the unleavened bread and drinking of the wine/grape juice, remember what Jesus/Yeshua did for all people. You can repeat His words while breaking of the Break and the Drinking of the Wine/Grape Juice as stated in Matthew 26:26-28.
Feast of Unleavened Bread: Scripturally, unleavened bread should be eaten for 7 days, as well as, an offering for 7 days. While eating the unleavened bread and drinking of the wine/grape juice, remember what Jesus/Yeshua did for all people. You can repeat His words while breaking of the Break and the Drinking of the Wine/Grape Juice as stated in Matthew 26:26-28.
Part I: How Jesus/Yeshua became “Our Passover”?
When the Hebrew slaves were preparing for their Exodus from slavery, they did not have time to wait for leavened bread to rise so they were commanded to bake bread, without any yeast, which is called “unleavened bread”. Yeast is a symbol of sin and evil, as well as, the Leavened bread. The Hebrew slaves were commanded to clean all of the yeast out of their houses. Jesus/Yeshua was the “perfect” sacrifice for our sin because He delivered us, the sinners free from the slavery of sin, which is referred to as redemption. Redemption means “to buy back” or to “save from captivity by paying a ransom. There is one way, which this debt is paid is to offer an equivalent or superior slave in exchange. The LORD/Yahweh offered “His only begotten son” in exchange for us. Jesus/Yeshua purchased our freedom with his life. His sinless life was substituted for our sinful lives. He redeemed us from the slavery of sin. Therefore animal sacrifices were no longer necessary, which were part of the ceremonial laws.
When Jesus/Yeshua was crucified on the cross, he became the “sacrificial Lamb” and therefore all of the ceremonial laws (i.e. burnt offerings, meat (grain) offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and trespass (guilt) offerings) were no longer required, because He fulfilled them. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers under the New Covenant, we are required to read and obey the Old Testament. This is confirmed by Jesus/Yeshua when He gave His Sermon on the Mount. Jesus/Yeshua said,
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-20) NIV.”
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
This New Covenant allows us to experience grace through faith and eternal life through Jesus/Yeshua as summed up in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD. By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Passover is no longer just a “Jewish” holiday for Jews. Jesus/Yeshua is our “Passover.” Passover (Pesach) is a Feast for all of His people. According to Apostle Paul, he states in 1 Corinthians 5:7, "For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us."
When we rid our houses and our bodies of yeast for eight days (14th day to the 21st day of the month of Nisan and Iylar), we are stating that we do not want anything to do with the sins of our past, the old leavened bread.
Jesus/Yeshua is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15). Passover should no longer be declared as a “Jewish” holiday, but the LORD’s holiday His people.
Part II: How Jesus/Yeshua is “Our Bread of Life”?
During the Feast of Passover, Jesus/Yeshua is crucified and He is “Our Passover”. Since the Festival of Unleavened Bread is an adjoining Festival, there are Passover themes, which will be discussed. During the Festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus/Yeshua is buried in the sepulchre (tomb) for three nights and three days.
When the Hebrew slaves were preparing for their Exodus from slavery, they did not have time to wait for leavened bread to rise so they were commanded to bake bread, without any yeast, which is called “unleavened bread”. Yeast is a symbol of sin, as well as, leavened bread. The Hebrew slaves were commanded to clean all of the yeast out of their houses. Jesus/Yeshua was the “perfect” sacrifice for our sin because He delivered us, the sinners free from the slavery to sin, which is referred to as redemption. Jesus/Yeshua purchased our freedom with his life.
Under the Old Covenant, people could approach God only through a priest and an animal sacrifice. Under the New Covenant, Jesus/Yeshua became the “high priest”. People can go directly to Him to confess and repent of all sin. People can approach God the Father through Jesus/Yeshua who is the mediator. He is head of the body, the Church.
This New Covenant does not give us a “free pass to go”. It does not give us the right to harm, hurt, or persecute others or that we do not ever have to confess and repent of our sin. SIN IS STILL SERIOUS. SIN SEPARATES US FROM JESUS/YESHUA.
We asked ourselves another question: What roles are the church leaders playing? We came across this recent article, which addressed some of our concerns. In the November 24, 2012 Michael Carl’s article, Ugandan President Repents of Personal, National Sins 'We Confess Idolatry, Witchcraft, Political Hypocrisy, Dishonesty, Intrigue' states,
“While Museveni is being held as a model for Christian leaders, Dave Daubenmire, PT Salt Ministries’ president and founder and social commentator, said the problem for Western nations goes deeper than the political leaders.
The problem in the United States, he said, is the pastors.
“Sadly, I think our lack of repentance is the fault of the pulpit. Individual Christians are so awash in sin that they think politicians are merely better at sin than they are,” Daubenmire said.
“There is no fear of the LORD and we are getting essentially a two-kingdom message. We hear that the devil is the god of this world and that Jesus will even the score later,” Daubenmire said. “The problem is that most Christians are convinced that this world is in control of Satan and therefore are not interested in applying the kingdom principles for which Christ died.”
Daubenmire quoted Matthew 28:18, in which Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Christians, Daubenmire said, are exhorted later in the same chapter to go and make disciples of all nations.
“We are to teach them and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “All power in heaven and in earth belongs to Jesus. Unfortunately, most Christians don’t have the foggiest idea that He rules and reigns here and now, and that the kingdom principles that He taught us bring victory over evil wherever they are applied.”
He added that Christians too often play with sin.
“Since we do not hate sin anymore, we don’t demand repentance,” Daubenmire said.
He quoted British 17th century statesman Edmund Burke, who said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Daubenmire said that in America, “good men have yielded power to evil men.”
“Evil rules when evil men make the rules,” he said.
The entire article is at http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/ugandan-president-repents-of-personal-national-sins/#j6RZ7TuYFdLTW3jq.99
We applaud Ugandan President for repenting of his personal and national sins. Will other nation’s leaders follow him? This article clearly demonstrates that many church leaders are responsible for failing to lead the people in God’s ways and teachings. Apostasy is running rampant in America and in many nations. The sins of immorality, unforgiveness, hatred, and idolatry to name a few are eroding our nations, especially in America whose foundation is based on Judea-Christian values. The LORD/Yahweh/the Creator said, “My people are destroyed from a lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you, that you may be no priest to me (Hosea 4:6-7).” We are responsible for our own sinful action.
Church leaders have a heavy responsibility. The roles of the church leaders are to lead the people out of sin and to lead people to God. Many of the LORD’s/Yahweh’s/the Creator’s people are perishing due from a lack of knowledge. The church leaders are also referred to as the shepherds and they are responsible for their sheep and will be held accountable for their actions, as well as, for their lack of actions. Sadly, we would hate to think that the church leaders are profiting off of the sins of God’s people. Should we take heed and beware of the leaven of the church leaders, like Jesus/Yeshua said about the Pharisees and the Sadducees?
Apparently, we are obeying man and not God.
This New Covenant allows us to experience grace through faith and eternal life through Jesus/Yeshua as summed up in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD. By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
All people are sinners by nature. Even though, all of our sins are forgiven- past, present, and future, we still sin and must confess and repent of our sin quickly. Many of us want to admit that we are strong, but it takes humility and honesty to recognize your weaknesses. We all have them. Sin can hinder our fellowship with Him. We should confess and repent of our sin to remove the barrier that has been placed between us and Jesus/Yeshua so that we can enjoy the full fellowship with Him. As sinners, we should confess and repent of our sin so that the blood of Jesus/Yeshua cleanses us from all sin. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us to defeat the temptation of our sin and to help us to have victory over the sin (1 John 1:5-10). He is a merciful God that He does not remember your sin any more (Hebrew 8:12).
King David is an example of a man that confessed of his sins quickly. King David genuinely repented of his sin and he was a man after God’s heart. He sinned many times, but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart. He never took God’s forgiveness lightly or his blessing for granted. In return, God never held back from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. King David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins. (Source: Life Applications Study Bible King James Version)
There will be consequences for all intentional and unintentional sins. We tend to think of sin as doing wrong, but sin is also not doing right as stated in James 4:17.
Here are 5 scriptures pertaining to sin:
a) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17).
b) But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
c) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, & such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-22).
d) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, not extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
e) According to Jesus not believing in Him is sin as stated in John 16:9.
As we are physically removing the yeast out of our homes, it will reminds us of the sin that we need to move out of us own lives; in every area of our lives.
When we rid our houses and our bodies of yeast for eight days (14th day to the 21st day of the month of Nisan and Iylar), we are stating that we do not want anything to do with the sins of our past, the old leavened bread and how we want more of the new unleavened bread, Jesus/Yeshua into every area of our lives.
Jesus/Yeshua is the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. It is written, “That the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23).” Jesus/Yeshua broke down the “wall of partition” and created one new man (Ephesians 2:14-15). Passover should no longer be declared as a “Jewish” holiday, but the LORD’s holiday for all His people.
In today’s society, people need to be reminded that “SIN IS SERIOUS.” There will be consequences for sin, if they do not remove it out of their lives quickly. We should confess and repent of our sins quickly like King David, who was a man after God’s heart.
What a better time to do it then during the Spring Season, which is the loveliest time of the year. It is a season of life, rebirth, growth, purity, positive change, and awakening of the human soul/spirit. We should remember the sacrifice that Yahweh/the Creator did by giving up His only begotten son so that we can have pardon, deliverance, freedom, redemption, grace through faith, and eternal life.
This is why we support that this appointed LORD’s festival, ” The Festival of Unleavened Bread” is restored so that it can be observed as a SEPARATE, STAND-ALONE FESTIVAL in America, Israel and worldwide so that “we can remember” like Yahweh/Our Creator wanted us to do originally.
It appears that our answer pertaining to the “ancient calendar” is answered in the following question by Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser.
Question: Why do Jews in America have two Passover Seders?
Why in Israel do families celebrate one Passover Seder and in North America Jews celebrate two seders?
Answer: In the Torah, only the first and seventh days of Passover are full holidays and the commandments associated with the seder are to be observed only on the first night. The first night of Passover always falls on the fifteenth day of the month of Nisan.
In ancient times, the beginning of a new lunar month had to be determined by direct observation of the new moon. Among Jews, the only observation that was "official" was the one certified by the authorities in Jerusalem. This was necessary to make sure that all Jews observed the same calendar dates.
However, many Jewish communities, including the large Jewish community in Babylon, could not reliably get word from Jerusalem about the day of the new moon before the holiday began on the fifteenth day of the month. For this reason, Jewish communities outside the land of Israel adopted the practice of observing an extra day of the pilgrimage holidays (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot and Sh'mini Atzeret), just in case they had gotten the date of the new moon wrong.
This practice for Jews outside the land of Israel continued even after mathematical models made it possible to calculate the date of the new moon. It is still the practice of Orthodox and Conservative Jews living outside of Israel. The practice has nothing to do with providing an extra seder to allow couples to spend one night with each set of in-laws!
In the 19th century, the Reform movement abolished this practice of "Yom Tov Sheni," "The Second Day of the Holiday," because the reason for its creation no longer existed. For this reason, Reform Jews -- inside and outside the land of Israel -- usually observe only one seder.
There are many "midrashic" explanations for the second seder. They make great sermons, but the historical explanation follows the outline I've given you here.”
Sincerely,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
http://judaism.about.com/od/holidayssabbath/f/seders_two.htm
Based on Rabbi Goldwasser’s response, since the issue of the new moon has been resolved a long time ago, it appears that celebrating 2 seders has become a tradition for the Orthodox and Conservative Jews living outside of Israel. This tradition should have ended in the 19th century, but it has continued.
Passover should have been held on the evening of the 14th day of the first month, Nisan only: March 25, 2013 followed by the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This would be in alignment with the Second Passover, which occurs exactly one month later on the evening of the 14th day of the second month, Iylar: April 24, 2013.
There are NO scriptures in the Old or New Testaments, which confirms that the Passover should be observed for seven days or eight days. It overlaps another important feast: The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which has its own distinct purpose with its 2 “High Days” or “Sabbaths”.
Believers are not observing the Festival of Unleavened Bread or even know about it, which is the second appointed LORD’s Feast (or Festival). Many believers are missing their blessings because they are not following the commandment to not come before the LORD empty handed during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is discussed, but isn’t it great that we have a second chance.
In conclusion, traditions have prevented the followers of Jesus/Yeshua or believers from obeying the Word of God in the area of the Feasts of the LORD and how Jesus/Yeshua fulfills the Feasts of the LORD. Traditions have continued to allow people to say: “These are Jewish holidays” or “ Jesus/Yeshua is a Jewish God”. The second Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread should be observed by all members of the 41, 000 Christian denominations worldwide, as well as, unbelievers.
It is written, “there is one ordinance for all people (Israelites and non-Israelites). As stated in Numbers 9:14, Yahweh does not have a separate set of standards for unbelievers. He singled out Israel for a special purpose to be an example of how one nation could and should follow him. His aim is to have all people obey and worship Him. (Source: Life Applications Study Bible KJV)
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,” Galatians 3:10.
It is written in Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Will we as the body of Christ continue to follow the opinions and traditions of man, which are SCRIPTURALLY INCORRECT or will we obey the statutes and commandments of the WORD of GOD? We should come together because of one main common denominator: Jesus/Yeshua is our LORD and Savior. What will you do as a member of the body of Christ? In essence, “we are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 4:1).”
Feel free to duplicate, display or distribute this publication to anyone, so long as there are no changes made to the original article. This publication can be distributed only in its original form, unedited, and without cost. This information was compiled and researched by Letitia Peters of International Spiritual Awakening Ministries. Your opinion is always welcome.
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Released Date: April 23, 2013
Next article: Who should observe the Spring Feasts (Festivals) of the Lord/Yahweh/the Creator?