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Growing up in North Carolina, I remember as a boy, when the collection plate at church was passed around, I’d better put something in it. Even if it was only a couple nickels or a quarter given to me from my parents, I was obligated to contribute. Now that I’m grown, I appreciate the instruction and encouragement to give. My parents were teaching me a Godly principle. Obviously, as a child, I didn’t understand the Biblical instructions concerning tithing. However, putting a few coins in the collection plate was a start. As I grew, I understood more about the reason God instructs us to tithe and the purpose for it. So now, let’s take a closer look into the subject of tithing.

A Gallup poll taken in 2023 shows that 47% of the American population describe themselves as religious. While the percentage of those who identify as being religious has dropped by several percentage points since 1999, almost half of all Americans claim to have religious beliefs (https://news.gallup.com/poll/511133/identify-religious-spiritual.aspx). With a US population in 2023 estimated at 335 million, roughly 157 million people acknowledge religion as part of their life. Yet, among this vast number, the fundamental doctrines across the religious spectrum vary widely. Tithing is a prime example. Take a quick search across the internet and you will see an array of beliefs about this very subject. These differing opinions tend to fall into three basic categories concerning the Biblical instruction for tithing:

1. In the book of Genesis, Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, King of Salem. Tithing continued through the physical priesthood starting with Aaron and returned back to Jesus Christ when the New Testament Church was founded. The command to tithe remains active to this day.

• Tithing was an Old Covenant command found in Leviticus and Numbers that applied only to Israel. This command ended with the New Covenant at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. However, the Old Testament example of tithing is a good principle to follow but not commanded.

• The Old Testament requirements were purely physical and commanded by a harsh and overbearing god. Jesus was born into this world as a sacrifice to release man from the burden of law, including tithing. However, giving is a Biblical principle, so one should give as his or her heart guides them.

Each of these three beliefs is linked, by one extent or another, to Scripture. The only real question concerning tithing is where we look for the answers. If you refer to yourself as a “Christian,” do you follow your own ideas and opinions, or is the Bible the ultimate and final authority? The word “Christian” is simply defined as, one who follows Christ. Therefore, our personal opinion, beliefs, and ideas must be set aside. It stands to reason to learn about a Biblical subject such as tithing, we should look to the Bible for instruction. After all, in a second letter to Timothy, Paul states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul could not be any clearer as to where our fundamental beliefs should come from and who established them. Another prominent Biblical figure records this, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

So often we turn to human reasoning and our personal feelings to determine what is permissible in God’s eye. However, the scripture reveals quite the opposite. God is the one who instructs us, His authority sets the precedence. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what the Bible says about tithing and the examples that are revealed.

The Levitical Priesthood

To start off, let’s be clear of the importance that God places on the tithe. We use money as a means to finance our necessities and also our pleasures. Basically, money is a tool for supporting our everyday life as well as investing for future goals. However, to God, money that is given in tithe has a much greater meaning, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: It is holy unto the LORD.” Leviticus 27:30

No man can hallow or set apart anything for a holy purpose, only God. Throughout scripture, from Genesis to the letters of the apostle Paul, tithes were used to support God’s work and facilitate those He chose to administer that work. We see it carried out in the book of Exodus when God told Moses to select Aaron and his sons to serve as priests to all Israel.  “Now take Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.” Ex 28:1

Both Moses and Aaron were Levites, direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Levi is the third son of Jacob and his wife Leah. Hence, the name “Levitical Priesthood,” derived from the lineage of Aaron as a descendant of Levi.

It was the responsibility of Aaron and his sons, representing the priesthood of God, to collect the tithes. This would support the physical needs of the priests in their service to God, and additionally, provide all the resources needed for their work in ministering to God’s people. “Speak thus to the Levites, and say unto them, When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then ye shall offer up a heave offering of it to the LORD, a tenth of the tithe.” Num.18:26

The people of Israel would bring their tithe to the priests. It was the responsibility of the person to actually deliver his or her portion. Each individual was expected to be faithful and honest to tithe appropriately.

It is important to note at this point; the Levitical Priesthood was established by God. All the actions of the priests, including collecting the “holy” tithe was commanded by God.

Melchizedek, King of Salem

The book of Exodus is not the first place tithing is mentioned in the Bible. Tithing predates the establishment of the Levitical Priesthood around 500 years. We read that Abraham tithed on all he possessed hundreds of years before Aaron was made High Priest.

After returning from battling the kings, who took Lot captive and looted Sodom, Abraham met and dined with Melchizedek. We’re told in Genesis that this Person was “the priest of God Most High.” (Gen. 14:18-20) Melchizedek blessed Abraham in the name of “the God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth”. God was also credited and blessed for delivering the enemies into the hands of Abraham. Lot was recovered and the goods of Sodom returned. This is where we see Abraham give a tithe of all he had directly to Melchizedek.

Abraham, as we know, is a prominent figure throughout scripture. For this reason, we can piece together a clear picture of how involved God was in the life of this man. “Just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith, are sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, in you all the nations shall be blessed.” Gal.3:6-9

God was not just working with Abraham personally. The gospel was being preached through Abraham and his lineage. Spreading this gospel message came at a cost funded directly by the tithes. We also see where Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, followed his grandfather’s example to tithe. “And Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat, and clothes to put on, So that I come back to my father’s house in peace; then the LORD shall be my God: And this stone, which I have set as a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that you give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Gen. 28:20-22

Unmeasured national blessings were promised to the seed of Abraham. He was committed to following the commands of God. Therefore, as we noted with the Levitical Priesthood, the work of God and those commissioned to carry it out must be financed. The gospel message preached through Abraham was no different. God instituted the tithing system for this very purpose.

Jesus

If tithing is instrumental in financing the work of God, we should see it mentioned by Jesus during his three-and-a-half-year ministry. Certainly, He would give clarification on this matter.  After all, the New Testament Church was built on the foundation of Jesus Himself, as stated in Matthew 16:18. If tithing was important to Jesus Christ and necessary for His ministry, surely, He would make it known. He does! Look no further than the very first gospel account, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, and mercy, and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Matt. 23:23

Here in Matthew, Jesus is quite clear concerning the obligation to tithe. Although, the scribes and Pharisees were admonished on their lack of attention to the “weightier matters of the law,” tithing was not to be neglected. The religious leadership of that day was extremely meticulous to carefully tithe an exact ten percent, yet they grossly ignored justice, mercy and faith. By no means is Jesus implying they were hypocrites over tithing. He’s calling out their hypocrisy of not applying the same standard to the other matters. Luke also records in his gospel account this same statement made by Jesus in chapter eleven and verse forty-two.

There’s no doubt God intends for His people to tithe, that confirmation is made by Jesus in the flesh. But, under whose authority is it to be collected in the Church today? Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, “priest of the God Most High.” The children of Israel were commanded to present their tithes to the Levitical Priests. What about now, where do we contribute our tithes today? Before answering this question, let’s first establish exactly who receives our “holy tithe.”

Son of God

You may be surprised, very surprised, where the clarification is actually found. Few people would think of turning to the book of Hebrews for tithing instructions, yet here it is. Laid out in clear, direct, and concise language; Paul bridges the subject of tithing from Abraham and Melchizedek, through the Levitical Priesthood, Jesus and to modern day.

Paul starts the seventh chapter of Hebrews by quoting from Genesis 14. He reiterates Melchizedek’s meeting with Abraham after recovering Lot and slaughtering the kings who took him captive. He recalls Melchizedek’s office, “King of Salem.” However, Paul also reveals that Melchizedek carries the preeminent title “King of Righteousness.”  We begin to get a strong hint of who Melchizedek really is. Concerning men, Paul states in Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Therefore, we know that Melchizedek is not a physical man. The scripture explicitly says no human being has attained that recognition. So, who is He? If it’s not clear enough yet, Paul removes all doubt in verse three of chapter seven. “Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like the Son of God; remains a priest continually.” Rom. 3:7

Before jumping to any conclusions, let’s interject Paul’s statement in the last verse of Hebrews six, “Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Abraham actually dined with, was blessed by, and tithed to Jesus, the Son of God. A fascinating revelation! Here is where we must be careful with the time frame between Abraham and Jesus. It may come as a surprise to some that Jesus, the son of Mary, begotten by the power of the Holy Spirit, existed before, long before, His physical birth.

There is only space in this article to cite one portion of scripture proving this fact, and that is John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then skip down to verse 14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word eternally existed with God; however, He didn’t become known as the “Son of God” until His virgin birth of Mary. Prior to His birth into flesh and blood, He was the Priest of God Most High. Melchizedek was Jesus before He was born physically on this earth. We will cover more about the Word in a later article. Stay in touch. Now, back to the subject of High Priest. 

High Priest Forever

As stated by Paul in the last verse of Hebrews six, Melchizedek the Son of God was made a High Priest forever. It is an office Jesus Christ will hold eternally. Before returning back to the subject of tithing, let’s make one final point concerning this matter. Did the Word, the Son of God, Jesus, ordain Himself as High Priest, or was it bestowed on Him from a greater Authority. Read Heb. 5:5, “So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest; but it was He who said to Him, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee.” He was ordained by God.

This ordination did not occur at the time the Word became flesh. Paul is simply saying the ordination to High Priest was performed by God, the same God that later called Jesus His Son. At the time Abraham presented his tithes, the one who became Jesus was already ordained by God as High Priest. With this in mind we can now return back to the book of Hebrews for a timeline of events. (Heb. 7:4-5) “Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive the tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham:”

The permanence of Melchizedek is established, He is greater than Abraham. Therefore, it was Abraham who tithed to Melchizedek. We are also told the sons of Levi (Levitical Priesthood) received their authority to collect tithes by a command. The spiritual High Priest gave the physical priests their right to manage God’s tithe. The Levitical priests were given this right, it was not theirs inherently. Paul is quick to point out this very fact. Continue reading, (Heb. 7:9-11) “Even Levi, who receives tithes, payed tithes through Abraham so to speak. For he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?”

It’s important to note where the scriptures place Levi at this time. It will be generations before he is born through the lineage of Abraham as the father of the Levitical line. A comparison is also made to the quality of the two priesthoods. The Levitical or physical priesthood was just that, physical, comprised of imperfect human beings. Israel as a whole, including the Levites, were not faithful in obeying God. For this reason, Jesus removed the imperfect priesthood and replaced it with Himself as the eternal High Priest. Remember, the Son of God is well within His right to do so. He gave the Levites their position as priests in the first place.

Due to the change in priesthoods, the means of collecting tithes changed as well. A comparison is made between the two distinctly different priesthoods. Both received tithes; however, the physical line was subject to death. While, on the other hand, the spiritual remains alive. (Heb. 7:8) “Here mortal men receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”

If the priesthood changed, who collects the tithe? After all, the Levites had the authority to collect God’s money. So, if not to them, then who? Paul provides the answer. (Heb. 7:12) “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is a change of the law.”

What law? The law concerning the collection of tithes. No longer will tithes be given to a physical line of priests. They will be given directly to God.

The Church of God

We can see through the passages in Hebrews that collecting tithes was directly impacted by the priesthood at the time. Yet, the purpose has always remained the same, to facilitate a work or commission. I would like to point out one more verse in Hebrews, (Heb.7:25) “Therefore He (speaking of Jesus) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.”

Scripture assures us that salvation, eternal life through the redemption of sin, comes through one Man, Jesus the Christ. From the beginning of creation, God has been working to “bring many sons to glory.” Heb.2:10 Through the ages we see God work with Abraham, Moses, Aaron, the Levites, and the disciples for this very purpose.

At the time of Jesus walking this earth, He was clear the method He would use to spread the wonderful opportunity of salvation. (Matt.16:18), “… on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Jesus fulfilled that promise; the New Testament Church was established. Under the leadership of Peter and the disciples, Jesus set forth the primary purpose of this newly established body. They were to teach others in the same manner Christ taught them. Teaching the same commands Jesus delivered to the disciples. Over time, the Church would grow to a global work. Effectively, creating, and baptizing disciples around the world. There would be no weakness to this body. It would not be subject to death. Above all, Jesus would lead this wonderful work from its inception to its completion. (Matt.28:19-20) “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”

Tithes are vital to spreading this tremendous message across the earth. It is the method the Son of God instituted to fund this great work. We see it fully instituted during the life of Abraham, continued through the Levitical priesthood, and remains in effect to this day. It is our responsibility to support God’s Church through tithes. Conversely, the Church is responsible to be faithful stewards of these precious funds. The ministry within this body must remain faithful to its commission.

The prophet Malachi reminds us of the consistency found in Jesus our Lord. (Mal. 3:6) “For I am the LORD, I do not change…” Therefore, it comes as no surprise, tithing has always been under the authority of the Son of God and used at His discretion.

Now, let’s underscore the responsibility and importance of tithing. The message of Malachi is a stern warning to those who refrain from tithing. Yet, a promise of blessing to those who honor the need and obligation to do so. Malachi provides a direct and simple summation when it comes to tithing. I will close with his words. (Mal. 3:8, 10) “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings….Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now in this, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour you out for you such blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Written by David Eury

Dear Friends,

Over the years I have come to certain conclusions about the topic of Healing. It is God’s will to heal the sick. We are told that by His (Christ’s) stripes we are healed. We must seize–hold fast to the word of God and BELIEVE His word. You will find below my personal notes regarding this very important subject. These are my conclusions and thoughts regarding this very special and wonderful truth. The purpose of these notes is to give you the scriptures on this subject that will encourage you and strengthen your faith in Christ as our Healer. More could be written, and will be written, on this vital topic. As you read through my notes, it is my hope that you will see a passage that will fill you with Faith.

Healing is God’s Will

Personal Notes—Steven LeBlanc
Roman 10:17
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”

1. Healing is God’s will; nowhere in the scripture do you see the Apostles, Christ, or the disciples praying for healing of a person, using the expression—if it is God’s will. Healing is God’s will. Psalm 103:3 states, it is God’s will for us to be physically healed as well as to be spiritually forgiven for our sins, “Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.” Why is it that so many people clearly believe the first half of that verse, but not the last half? Notice the passage: “Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”
2. Jehovah-rapha, translated, “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exod. 15:26) This is God’s word, “settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89,) a never changing statement concerning God. No man can change God’s word. To say that this privilege of health is not for God’s people today is to change God’s “I am Jehovah-rapha” to “I was Jehovah-rapha.” Let us confess that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8.) John 10:35…the scripture cannot be broken.
3. Christ healed sinners. “A great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him and healed them all” (Luke 6:17–19.) They were all sinners, and He healed them. You do not have to be perfect or “good enough” to be healed. Faith in Christ as the healer!—this is what is important. By His stripes I am healed—Isaiah 53:5. The scripture does not say—by my own goodness I am healed.
4. Discerning the Lord’s body is vitally important! Many are sick, not knowing the scripture.Paul didn’t say that only a few were weak and sick. He said many people were weak and sickly among them because they didn’t discern the Lord’s body properly (1 Corinthians 11:29.) This same warning is true today. A person who is sick because of their failure to discern the Lord’s body will not get well by someone else praying for them. The sick person MUST change their discernment to understand and confess by Christ’s stripes (physical scourging by Roman soldiers) they are healed.
5. His stripes heal you. Matthew 8:16–17: And [Jesus] cast out the spirits with his word and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” This is an inspired interpretation on this fourth verse of Isaiah 53, plainly declaring that the prophet refers to bodily illnesses, and consequently the word choli, “sickness,” must be read literally in Isaiah 53:4. Peter affirms that, “by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:22, 24.) Remember, Isaiah is talking about physical healing. “And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5.)
6. Hopeless situations? Faith in God’s will is our victory. By healing the person with epilepsy (Mark 9:14–29), Jesus proved it to be the Father’s will to heal even this boy (whom the disciples, divinely authorized to cast out demons, failed to bring about his deliverance and healing). We see with this passage that it would have been wrong to call into question God’s willingness to heal, because of this failure on the part of the disciples to heal him. Jesus, by healing him, showed them that the failure to heal proved nothing but unbelief. It was God’s will to heal him—thus Christ healed him.
7. Sickness is described as a work of oppression of the devil. Peter made this important statement regarding healing: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38.) Sickness is described as a work of oppression of the devil. Christ our healer does not want the works of the devil to continue in our physical bodies any more than in our spiritual lives. 1 John.3:8 tells us that, “The Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Christ declared that the woman who was bowed over, was bound by Satan and ought to be loosed! He cast out the spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:11-13,16) and she was healed. This does not mean that people who are sick are demon-possessed.
8. Faith is a condition for healing; Ask in faith, nothing wavering. “For the person who wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that person think that he or she will receive anything of the Lord” (James 1:6-7.) In some cases, the FAITH for healing was supplied by the one healed—such as the woman who had spent all she had on physicians and had grown worse. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, THY FAITH hath made thee whole” (Mark 5:34.)Unbelief and wavering are the enemies of faith in God’s word. But notice this important insight; Jesus wasn’t about to accept total responsibility for exercising FAITH. This father (of demon possessed son, Mark 9:17-24) had to believe too; “If you can believe all things are possible to him who believes”. Jesus pressed the responsibility back onto the father even though the father had imperfect faith (I believe, help my unbelief) (Mark 9:23.) We need to train our minds not to waiver. We have a responsibility to build and sustain our FAITH in God and His word.
9. God wants us to pray for the healing of others. Paul’s statement reveals that God healed Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:27): not only for his sake but also for Paul’s sake, “But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow”.  This demonstrates the influence of praying for others. We can make a difference in the way God deals with another individual we pray for. Look at Mark 2:4, “Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.” Look at the determination of these men. They were not going to let the crowd keep them from getting to Jesus! James 5:14-15; “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven…” The elders must pray the prayer of faith for the sick!
10. Faith does not give up! Be determined: The Syrophoenician mother had a desperate and stubborn faith. Her faith would not let go of Jesus (Mark 7:24-37.) She had heard of and perhaps seen His great miracles. She unwaveringly pursued the healing of her daughter! Jesus loves to see our faith in action. Don’t give up. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Much more can be written on this special topic of Healing, and I know there are many questions. It is my desire to write more on this topic soon. Let us strive to grab hold of “Christ’s garment” and be healed—(Mark 5:28; Matthew 9:21).

Written by Steven LeBlanc

The book of Revelation reveals in great detail questions that the disciples asked Christ privately before His crucifixion. The disciples asked in Matthew 24:3, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Revelation 1:10 confirms the time setting stating, “I (John) was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Zechariah 14:1 and II Peter 3:10-12 clearly shows the “Lord’s Day” or “The Day of the Lord” is the time of the end. But here lies a major question that many over the centuries have debated. Why was John told to send this end time Revelation to only seven churches of Asia Minor?

If the book of Revelation shows Christians what to look for concerning the sign of His coming and the end of the world, wouldn’t God want all the churches that existed at the time of the writing to have this revelation? Or is the book of Revelation metaphorical and not meant to be literal and only read for Christian development? There are three basis ideas concerning the seven churches of Asia Minor that need to be reviewed and discussed:

1. The book of Revelation is metaphorical and was only written for the seven churches of Asia Minor.
2. The seven churches only represent seven attitudes that all Christians should display in their lives.
3. The seven churches of Asia Minor were seven distinct time periods, or eras, of the Christian church. These eras began with the Apostolic era and lead up to the seventh and final church era culminating with the return of Jesus Christ.

Idea #1:

The first idea teaches the book is symbolic and should not be interpreted literally. The proponents of this teaching also state the inconsistency to the other books of the New Testament, especially in the temperament of Jesus. They state the other books of the New Testament show Jesus as a loving God, where the Book of Revelation shows Jesus as a vengeful God just as the Old Testament does. This idea doesn’t really accept that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16.) This teaching also omits the fact that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament (John 1:1-14) and is the “same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8.)

Idea #2:

For practical purposes for Christian growth and development, this idea concerning attitudes has merit. Christian growth, and especially overcoming, is all about attitude. Many sermons and articles are presented demonstrating the attitude of being zealous as the Christians of Ephesus were known for. Even more messages are given warning Christians not to have a lukewarm attitude like the Laodicean church. These two examples of attitudes are the most frequently discussed, and ultimately attitudes play a decisive role in our Christian conduct and development, but you would be hard pressed to find a distinct attitude for each church represented. As Christians, we are told to replace the works of the flesh with the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5) and this would apply to the seven churches in Asia Minor as well as all Christians throughout the ages.

Idea #3:

Jesus commanded John to write down the things that he saw in a vision and send the writings to these seven churches concerning end time events. Why these seven churches? Why not send the writings to all the churches? Was the book of Revelation just symbolic and only written for the admonition of the seven churches mentioned? Or do the scriptures concerning these churches provide a roadmap that continues down through the ages pointing to the events leading up to the return of Jesus?

First of all, if you believe the bible is the inspired Word of God, then you must view the book of Revelation just as relevant as any other book of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16.) The book of Revelation goes beyond correction and reproof and provides us with not just a warning about the end time, but a blessing as well. Jesus states, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3.) This blessing is given to those who take heed to His final warning and “keeps those things which are written in it.” Two entire chapters were written concerning these seven churches and key events to watch for. So, the relevance of the book of Revelation and the events that surround these seven churches must not be taken for granted!

Secondly, Jesus also stated that there is only one church (1 Corinthians 12:12.) These physical churches were just seven of many congregations that made up the entire church body. Remember the mission of the apostles was to preach the gospel to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6.) The cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea were all gentile cities in which these congregations resided. God’s church was not divided and did not include various denominations as seen today in Christianity. Why then did He specify these seven and what are we to learn from them?

These seven churches actually represent a progression of time, called era’s, beginning with the apostles, and ending with the church that will exist just before the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Each of the seven cities had certain physical characteristics which Jesus used to demonstrate particular strengths or weaknesses of each church era. In every case, the description just following the introduction to the angel of that church describes an attribute of Jesus Christ! It is within these attributes that we find key indicators pointing us in the correct direction in history to locate His true church.

As you read Revelation 2 and 3, you will notice that the message to each church has a particular theme. They all begin with a salutation which uses an attribute of Jesus. This attribute provides something about Jesus that is pivotal in the survival of the church during this time period and indicates what to look as well. The body of each message contains strengths and weaknesses each physical church had at the time of the writing that corresponds to strengths and weaknesses to help identify the time period of God’s church in history. Within the body, there are also events provided to help locate events that did take place in history as well as events that will take place in the future. The ending of each message discusses a warning to overcome as well as a reward to those that do overcome.

Although each church was located within Asia Minor and was part of the Roman Empire, the book of Revelation was especially meant for the church today. Through the attributes provided, we can see approximately when in history a particular church era ended, and another church era began. Some church eras overlap and continue together for a length of time. Understanding this progression of time reveals a roadmap that will ultimately bless those who read this prophecy and keep those things that were written in it. Why? Because the progression of each church era leads to the end time state of the church and reveals what to watch for! Christ was revealing to us “things which must shortly take place” prior to His return.

Look for future articles on each Church era in more detail.

Written by Jody Smith

Millions of people celebrate Christmas every year. Most people in America have celebrated Christmas their whole life, their parents have celebrated Christmas their whole life, their grandparents have celebrated Christmas their whole life. Our beliefs should be based upon the Bible and not man-made traditions.

Christmas facts:

• Christmas is the biggest holiday in America and more money is spent on it than any other holiday in the year.  Christmas is a national holiday. People plan their whole year around Christmas, traveling to see family and friends celebrating giving presents and taking vacation.
• More people go to church during the Christmas season than any other time during the year.
• Most people in the world think that Jesus was born on December 25th, and we should celebrate his birth on this day. Christmas was celebrated by pagans 2000 years before Christ was born.
• The Romans celebrated Christmas before the birth of Christ; they called December 25^th “Nataslis Invicti Solis” which means “the birthday of the unconquerable sun”.
• For seven days from December 17th to the 23rd the Romans took a holiday. On these days, (called the Saturnalia – in honor of Saturn, held on December 25^th, the birthday of the Sun God), the Romans gave gifts and greeting cards, while feasting and playing games. The whole pagan world indulged during Saturnalia.
• The origin of Christmas had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus.
• The word Christmas is not even in the bible. God has no instructions on observing Christmas. None of the early apostles or Christians celebrated Christmas. There is no record of this in the bible or in any history books.
• Many Christians today say, “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and “let’s put Christ back into the holiday.” However, the origin of Christmas had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus, so you can’t put Christ back into something that He never was in.

After the apostle Paul died, false teachers began to lead away many people from the truth of God. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, (II Timothy 4:3-4) Paul wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Sometime around the 4^th century the Universal Church (not God’s church) decided to adopt this day as the day of Christ’s birth. This was not a holy thing to do. One reason they did this was to bring all the people under their control. They mixed paganism and Christianity which is the Mystery Babylon religion from Revelation 17.

Jesus was not born on December 25^th. This is one of the biggest lies in Christianity today. This is another lie to lead many away from the truth of God. It is easily demonstrated in the bible that Jesus was born during the fall, late September or early October, in the season of one of God’s festivals called “the Feast of Tabernacles.”

Most people who I talk to about Christmas have never heard about the Feasts of God. These Feasts are detailed in Leviticus chapter 23, and these Feasts describe and show the plan of God for man. Christmas is not a part of these God’s Feasts.

If you are reading this article, that means you have a faith in God and you believe that Jesus is the word of God in the flesh and the bible is the word of God in print.

I was taught my whole life that the Old Testament was a road map to get to the New Testament. We didn’t need to follow what God said in the Old Testament because the Old Testament was just for the Jews and not for modern day Christians.

Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus is the God of the Old Testament.

What does God say about Christmas and other holidays that are celebrate today that are not part His plan? God warned Israel when they came into the promised land not to follow after the pagans and their customs.

In Deuteronomy 12 verses 30 – 31 it states, “take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods.”

True followers of Jesus will seek out the truth from God’s word, the bible. In the Book of James, it tells us that if any of us seek wisdom, to ask Jesus and He will give us what we need.

Finding out the truth about Christmas will lead you to God’s plan for man, the truth that is in your bible. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus tells us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

So, to answer the question, “Is Christmas Christian?” No, it is not!

Written by Willie Bremer

Since the Ten Commandments were written by God’s own finger, not on paper but on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18,) one would think that if they were meant to be temporary and nullified later by being “nailed to the cross” there would be a scripture or a prophecy foretelling this incredible event.

Some scholars have suggested that there are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament relating to the coming Messiah, yet we find not one that even hints that the Ten Commandments would be removed, erased, or nailed to anything. In fact, we can exhaustively search from Genesis to Malachi looking for that scripture or prophecy of such an event. We do not find such a scripture or prophecy because it is not there.

When we turn to the New Testament, we find four different gospel writers who recorded the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Surely there we would find something, anything, detailing the doing away of the Ten Commandments if Christ ever spoke of such a thing. We do not. We can search the gospel accounts verse by verse and we will find nothing, not even a hint that what God engraved in stone would ever be nailed to the cross.

What did Jesus Christ say?

Consider this exchange in Mathew 19:16 when a man came to Jesus Christ and asked, “…Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Notice Jesus’ answer, “…if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (v.17.) The man then asks, “which ones?” and in the following verses Jesus answers that question focusing on those commandments that have to do with how to express love to others:

• “You shall not murder” (the 6th commandment)
• “You shall not commit adultery” (the 7th commandment)
• “You shall not steal” (the 8th commandment)
• “You shall not bear false witness” (the 9th commandment)
• “Honor your father and your mother” (the 5th commandment)

Christ then ends by adding, “and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:18-19.)

God gave the Ten Commandments as foundational laws that are to govern relationships between people. Following these laws express love. Violating them causes harm to others. Our society is filled with unhappiness, grief, frustration, and loss because these simple laws are not kept.

Following up in Matthew 19:20, the young man replies by saying, “All these things I have kept from my youth, what do I still lack?” Notice that Jesus did not say, “Don’t worry about it. Very soon those commandments will be nailed to the cross.” Instead, Jesus answers, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (v. 21.)

Reading further we see, “… when the young man heard that saying he went away sorrowful for he had great possessions” (v. 22.) That young man loved his possessions more than anything. He didn’t see that by doing so he was actually violating the first and tenth commandments.

In Mathew 22:36 we find a lawyer asking Jesus a question, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” (vv. 37-38.)

But just how do we do that? How do we love God with all of our being? Both Isaiah 55: 8-9 and Proverbs 14:12 remind us that on our own we do not know how to love God in this way. However, our Creator gave us the basic keys, stated in the Ten Commandments, which reveal how we are to love God. The first four commandments specify the fundamental directions on how we are to express love to God. It is quite simple: we do what He says.

Going back to Mathew 22, Jesus says, “And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 39.) So, the next six commandments are the basic foundational keys that specify how we are to love our neighbor. Again, it is very simple: honor your father and mother, don’t take a person’s life, don’t lie or steal, do not commit adultery, and do not covet, which simply means not being consumed with desire to possess the physical things others have.

The Ten Commandments form the basic fundamental edicts that govern relationships. Simply put, the first four commandments address our relationship with God, and the last six commandments, our relationship with fellow man.

The Heart of God’s Law is Love

At the heart of God’s law is LOVE. In Romans 13:8 Paul explains it this way, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Then notice, Paul immediately goes on to list five of the last six commandments: “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 9.) The bedrock of the commandments that address how to love fellow man is beautifully stated in verse 10, “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” In I Corinthians 13:4-8 we find, in greater detail, how we are to express love to others.

We also see in the book of I John, which was most likely written in the latter half of the first century, decades after the crucifixion, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (I John 2:3-5.) If the Ten Commandments had been nailed to the cross many years prior, John could not have made these statements.

Later, the Apostle John tells us, “By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not burdensome” (I John 5:2-3.) Far from being a burden, God’s law is a way of life. It is how we show love to both God and our fellow man.

We also read in II John 6, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” – all ten of them – and “This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”

Do the Ten Commandments matter today?

The Apostle Paul states, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing but keeping the commandments of God is what matters” (I Corinthians 7:19.) For this to be true, the Ten Commandments could not have been blotted out, painted over, nullified, or nailed to the cross.
There is a significant event that will yet occur, affecting all human beings living under the rule of Jesus Christ in His soon coming Kingdom here on earth. We read of this in Hebrews 10:16, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.” We know that God does not change (Malachi 3:6.) So, far from being done away, what was long ago engraved on two tablets of stone by the very finger of God will soon be written in you!

Are we living the life God intended for man to live? After all, we were created in the very image of God. He wanted His created beings to experience the joy and self-satisfaction of generously reaping the fruits of their labor and to enjoy an environment of tranquility in the beauty and harmony of His creation. He would guide them through life and teach them to raise children who would trust God and follow His instructions. In short, God intended to expand His spiritual family through the generations of Adam and Eve. He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden where “…out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food…” (Genesis 2:9.) Additionally, two symbolic trees were planted in the garden: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God commanded them to eat freely of every tree in the garden except one. He warned them of the consequence for eating of this latter tree – DEATH (Genesis 2:17.) Even though God strictly warned Adam and Eve concerning the fruit of this tree, He allowed them free choice.

The future of man’s life on earth lay in the balance of their decision. Eating from the tree of life was a choice to follow God and His instructions on how man should live in harmony with one another, to adhere to God’s governmental structure, and to recognize God’s preeminence over man. Conversely, partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil meant Adam and Eve would decide for themselves how to co-exist with others, they would rule with their own systems of government, and they would recognize themselves as the fundamental center of knowledge and wisdom.

In short, under Satan’s influence to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam rejected the warning from God. Rather than force Adam to follow His leadership in the Garden of Eden, God allowed Adam to choose his own direction. However, God did not allow Adam to make the FINAL decision concerning the ultimate destiny of man. God’s future family was not left in the hands of Adam, as noted in the book of Isaiah “…I am God, and there is no other, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:9-10.)

The Bible reveals through prophecy after prophecy the futility of Adam’s choice. The result of his decision has been written over the course of history. God was clear in His warning, yet Adam chose to guide and rule himself. Man has paid the price ever since. The long-term future of man requires the direct intervention of God; it requires the Feast of Tabernacles.

History of the Past

Within one generation after Adam’s decision, jealousy, strife, and bloodshed became a harsh reality. After another 1600 years, man devolved to a point where God destroyed every human being on the planet by a flood, except for Noah and his immediate family.

Did man learn his lesson? It only took another 100 years for man, led by Nimrod, to erect a structure intended to protect them from the penalty of their evil nature. If God sent another flood, they thought the Tower of Babel would shield humanity from being destroyed a second time. There was absolutely no intent on the part of man in general to change his ways, to learn from the past, or to walk in a different direction going forward.

After Noah, there was a very obedient man by the name of Abraham, the father of all Israel. Abraham’s submission to God resulted in Israel being blessed above all other nations. Yet, in time, Israel too pursued the ways of the sinful world around her, neglecting the blessings God showered on her time and time again. Rather than be God’s prized nation, led and blessed by Him, Isreal chose to decide her own course in domestic and international affairs.

Over the course of time, the world has seen the buildup and fall of kingdoms and nations, the transfer of wealth from one region of the globe to the other, governments ranging from democratic to absolute authoritarianism, and monumental technological advancement. Unfortunately, man has not achieved the ability to solve his own problems – jealousy, strife, and war – which has plagued him from the very beginning. He can never seem to find the balance of law and principle to establish peace, equity, and happiness. Yet the reason for man’s failure to create a world with lasting peace is in plain sight. The prophet Jeremiah succinctly states, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23.)

God Never Abandoned Man

Yes, Adam deliberately disobeyed his Creator. He sinned by eating the forbidden fruit. His punishment for doing so was painful, but he received a just punishment, as evidenced in the book of Romans where it says, “For the wages of sin is death…” However, it is not God’s intention to watch man completely destroy himself. There is a second part to this verse: “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23.)

Jesus did not mince words in forecasting man’s fate of self-governance. Concerning future, end-time world events, He said, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22.) Make no mistake, there is only one reason God will intervene for mankind, and that is for the protection of the elect. Again, it is God’s ultimate desire to create a family of faithful sons and daughters.

There are, and have been, faithful individuals and a faithful body described throughout the Bible. In Hebrews, beginning in the 11th chapter, these individuals are referred to as “the elders [who] obtained a good testimony” (Hebrews 11:2.) Speaking of the children of Israel as they were divinely freed and led out of Egypt, we read in Acts 7:38 they are called “the church in the wilderness.” And finally, Matthew records the proclamation of Jesus Christ establishing the New Testament Church, in His own words saying, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18.)

The Bible is clear concerning the existence of faithful followers of God from the beginning of time – but are they a family with God? Absolutely! Paul states in Ephesians, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14-15.) God’s intention for the creation, purpose, and destiny of man could not be more plain. The method by which we achieve this incredible blessing is mapped out just as plainly in the Scriptures.

Feast of Tabernacles for Today

Through a series of annual festivals found in the book of Leviticus, God reveals His plan for the redemption of man. Each festival symbolizes a step in God’s overall plan for all mankind, throughout history and the future, to be part of God’s family. Understanding the meaning and purpose of the seven festivals of God is a revelation of His master plan. Again, the final direction of man’s fate here on earth was not ultimately left to Adam. God charted His course for man’s redemption through the fulfilment of the Feast of Tabernacles.

God’s great mercy for Israel is obvious through the miracles He performed leading up to and after their release from captivity in Egypt. During the seven-day festival, the Israelites were to dwell in temporary dwellings to remember the 40 years spent moving across the wilderness. While observing this week of feasting, they were told to eat well and rejoice in remembrance of God’s blessing (Deuteronomy 14:26.) In a broader sense, the Feast of Tabernacles represents man’s freedom from the death penalty incurred by Adam. The government of man, a government of slavery, corruption, and death, will be replaced by the government of God, a government of peace, justice, and life. From its inception, the Feast of Tabernacles is a permanent reminder of God’s purpose for His creation.

Those Days Will Be Shortened

Through a revelation to the Apostle John, Jesus Christ is abundantly clear He returns from heaven to the earth, and His reward to the saints (elect) accompanies Him: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12.) He will come quickly to stop man from annihilating himself as well as to save and reward the elect mentioned in Matthew. The government of God will replace the rulership of man: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15)

The Scriptures also tell us exactly where the headquarters of His government will be: “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west,” verses 8-9 “And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be – ‘The Lord is one,’ and His name one” (Zechariah 14:4, 8-9.)

The prophet Ezekiel tells us David will be king over all Israel under Christ, administering the law of God (Ezekiel 37:24.) Serving under David and governing over the 12 tribes of Israel will be the 12 apostles (Luke 22:29-30; Matthew 19:28.) Even the elect, mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24, will serve in the government of Christ here on earth at His return: “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1 Corinthians 6:2.) Within the pages of the Bible, God reveals His clear intention for creating man. Through obedience to our Creator, at Christ’s return we join into the Family of God, actually becoming brothers and sisters with Christ and are rewarded with governing positions within His government.

God’s Kingdom is not limited to the nation of Israel: “In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, ‘Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance’” (Isaiah 19:24-25.) Only God can give humanity such a monumental potential.

Time of Restitution for the Future

As we see prophesied in the Bible, man is unable to live in peace with his neighbor, both domestically and internationally. God will intervene on a global scale, rescuing man from certain destruction. Unfortunately, the earth will suffer tremendous damage and destruction before the hand of God stops the carnage. However, the mercy and kindness of God will extend further than just saving man from annihilation; He will also save the planet. We are told in Acts 3:21 Christ remains in heaven “until the times of restitution of all things.” The face of the earth will undergo a renewal, returning to its virgin state first described in Genesis in the Garden of Eden. In the 35th chapter of Isaiah, we read, “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing” (verses 1-2.) Even more clarity of His restitution is given in Isaiah 65:17-25:

“‘For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, but the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,’ says the Lord.”

The land will receive a revitalization that can only be compared to the paradise of the original Garden of Eden. No longer will humanity struggle to determine the direction for true happiness, peace, and prosperity. The law of God will permeate every aspect of life, and even the nature of animals will be changed to reflect the peaceful harmony in His Kingdom.

Annual Reminder

The Feast of Tabernacles proclaimed to Israel in Leviticus 23 is to be kept annually as a perpetual reminder of God’s love for His people and His power to intervene on their behalf. This festival portrays the unique but vital intervention God will have in creating His family on earth. Not only is Israel commanded to observe this Feast, but God also commanded it to be kept by all nations forever, continuing after His return to earth. Notice again the prophecy of Zechariah 14:16:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

Never again will God allow man the opportunity to completely destroy himself or the earth. His government and His law will have dominion over the entire world. Under His authority, there will be true peace, real prosperity, and a joy humanity has never experienced before. In addition to a physical renewal of the land, a psychological renewal will also be required. No longer will people rely on their own intellect to create rules and laws to live by. They will understand the true foundation on which life is built. Instead of relying on themselves, they will seek God for instruction and guidance. Even into God’s Kingdom, the Feast of Tabernacles is and will always be a reminder of man’s dependence on his Creator:

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3.)

The Feast of Tabernacles remains the beacon of hope proclaimed by God for the future of man. Regardless of the hardships faced in this present age, we are given an absolute promise His Kingdom will ultimately rule on this earth. That promise has been rehearsed yearly from the time Israel entered the Promised Land. It continued with Jesus Christ (John 7:14), the New Testament Church, including Paul (Acts 18:21,) and it continues to be kept today by Christ’s faithful followers. The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles will continue into the Kingdom so that we never forget God’s intention from the beginning to establish His Kingdom and build His Family.

Written by David Eury

I keep the Feast of Tabernacles every year. I believe it is a God ordained Festival of God that is Christ-centered. This article is a simple explanation of this Festival and why New Testament Christians (Jews and Gentiles), kept this important Festival. Many Christians believe the holy days in the Bible are merely “Jewish” holidays. I think you will be surprised to find how meaningful these days are to Christians.

Reason #1

The Festivals of God were created by God Himself for mankind to observe. He ordained these days, not the Jews. It is true the Jews keep these days, but remember, God created these Festivals and commanded His people to observe these days. Notice Leviticus 23:

• Leviticus 23:2 “These are MY feasts.”
• Leviticus 23:4 “These are the feasts of the Lord.”
• Leviticus 23:37 “These are the feasts of the Lord.”
• Leviticus 23:41 “You shall keep it as a feast to the Lord.”
• Leviticus 23:44 “Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.”

I keep this Festival because God created this Feast teaching us to obey and worship Christ as King and Savior.

Reason #2

At the Feast of Tabernacles, we are commanded to worship the King – Jesus Christ! “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16-10.)

You can see from this passage alone that this Festival is “Christ-centered.” The nations that do not keep this Festival will be punished with plague. The focus of our sermons and fellowship during these seven days is to worship Christ the King. This is a COMMANDED assembly. I follow God’s command to assemble with other believers during this appointed time.

Reason #3

Paul and New Testament Christians, both Gentiles and Jews, kept the Feast of Tabernacles. Paul came to Ephesus on his way back to Jerusalem: “And he came to Ephesus and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing. And he sailed from Ephesus” (Acts 18:19–21.)

Most commentators note that the feast in question was certainly the Feast of Tabernacles. Paul said he wanted to keep the feast in Jerusalem. The Feast of Tabernacles is not merely a Jewish holiday. The earliest Christians kept the feast at the same time as the Jews, though undoubtedly with a Christ-centered sense of meaning. On an annual basis the New Testament churches celebrated the future return of Jesus Christ to this earth, when He will establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, Christ being the King over all the nations. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures this wonderful future time of Christ’s rule!

Reason #4

Observing the Feast of Tabernacles is a confession that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth, and that we look for something far better – the reign of Christ on this earth. This Festival lasts for seven days and then there is an eighth day (look for a future article on the eighth day.) The implication of this, is there are 6,000 years of man’s rule, man doing his best and failing miserably at self-rule. There is more to this Festival…it represents the rule of Jesus Christ during the millennium, a time when He rules, and not only He, but we who have trusted Him, been faithful to Him, and laid down our lives for Christ. We refuse to worship the beast or his image or to receive the beast’s mark. All the saints live and reign with Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4.) Where? Well, right here on this planet we call earth. The resurrected saints do not rule in heaven; they rule on the earth!

Reason #5

In observing this Festival I learn and am reminded of amazing facts concerning the Kingdom of God. Here are some details concerning this wonderful time:

• “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, (His global realm) for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9.)
• “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid” (Micah 4:3-4.)
• “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it'” (Amos 9:13.)
• “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16.)
• Revelation 5:10 tells us, “He has made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on earth.” Christ will return and annihilate the kingdoms of man. Mankind will no longer be in charge. There will no longer be chaos and poverty in this world. Jesus Christ will establish righteous godly government. And for a thousand years, He will reign on this earth.
• The fierce nature of certain animals will change (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25.)
• Wonderful miracles of healing will occur – the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, and the mute will speak (Isaiah 35:5-6.)
• The 7th day Sabbath will be observed: Ezekiel 45 & 46 discuss Sabbath observance during the millennial reign of Christ – see also Isaiah 66:23, Ezekiel 44:24.

Reason #6

This Festival of Tabernacles reveals that in the Kingdom children will play in the streets. “The streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in them” (Zechariah 8:5.) Every day during the Feast we hear sermons about the Kingdom of God and how wonderful life will be in that Kingdom. There is much fellowship and rejoicing during this weeklong celebration. It is a family-oriented Festival. We are commanded to rejoice at the Feast (Deuteronomy 16:14.) It is a time when we meet new friends and renew our love for the brethren of the Church.

Reason #7

The Bible shows that Jesus Christ attended this important festival even when His life was threatened (John 7:2-14, 25). It says that not only did He keep the feast, but He also taught at the Feast of Tabernacles. Verse 14 says that during the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught on that great day of the feast. In verses 37 and 38 it says, “He stood up and He cried out.” He taught about the doctrines of God, which included the fact that He was the Savior, and He also explained the plan of God which included the holy days.

Conclusion:

“These are my appointed feasts” (Leviticus 23:2,4.)

For myself and other church members, this is not just a Jewish holiday, but one of the “Appointed Times of God,” given to remind us of God’s plan on an annual basis. The Feast of Tabernacles deepens our understanding of the work and ministry of Jesus Christ our great King and Savior and points toward His millennial reign in the future Kingdom of God on this earth!

Written by: Pastor Steven LeBlanc

As world events heat up and wars and rumors of wars increase, the concept of the Rapture is a very popular subject. Many believe in the Rapture without really studying into it or proving it from the scriptures of the Bible. But did you know that most biblical scholars discount the Rapture and claim it is basically an American evangelical doctrine? From the Apostolic Church down to the 1800’s, teaching of the Rapture is non-existent. Even today, most Christians do not even believe in the Rapture theology. So, where and when did this doctrine start, and what is it?

Although there are many differing theories on the Rapture, such as pre, mid, and post-Rapture, this article is going to concentrate on the pre-Rapture theory because it is the most commonly believed. The origin of the Rapture is sketchy and many claim it originated from the dream of Margret McDonald around 1830. However, John Darby, an English Theologian, claimed to have received this revelation in 1827, three years before McDonald. Regardless if McDonald was the true origin, it was John Darby who perpetuated this theory and is considered the father of the pre-tribulation Rapture.

This leads to the question, “Is the Rapture doctrinally sound?” Can you prove the Rapture based on the scriptures in the Holy Bible? Before we test this theory, let’s look at the fundamental ideas of the Rapture. They have been modified somewhat over the years since Darby, but today’s concept of the Rapture includes the following concepts:

• The Lord will secretly return for His saints who will be caught up (raptured) to meet Him in the air.
• The saints will live in heaven with Jesus for seven years.
• All who aren’t saved will be left behind.
• The Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jews for seven years so they can set up the temple.
• At the end of the first 3½ years, the Antichrist will break the covenant and bring about great persecution, also known as the Great Tribulation, lasting another 3½ years.
• Following the seven-year tribulation, Jesus will return with His saints to destroy the Antichrist and set up His millennial kingdom.

At first glance, it seems very plausible that the Bible discusses each of these concepts in one form or another. However, prior to the 1800’s, the church taught the second coming of Christ and not the Rapture of the saints. Let’s explore some of the problems concerning the Rapture theory.

Does the Lord return in secret to gather His saints?

The “Left Behind” book series made the Rapture very popular in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. It provided a visceral picture of a secret Rapture where Christians would suddenly disappear, leaving others, who are left behind, wondering what happened to those who are missing. Theologians who teach a secret Rapture, quote 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 as proof. Although 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 does talk about those who are alive and will be changed, it is not speaking about a pre-tribulation Rapture.

First and foremost, the Bible says this change will take place at the last trumpet, “For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52.) Also, Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and EVERY EYE will see Him…” The scriptures are very clear – there is no secret Rapture. In contrast, when Jesus returns to gather His elect, every eye will see this wonderful event.

Revelation chapter 11 talks about the two witnesses who preach and are killed at the end of the tribulation. Their tormentors will rejoice as the two witnesses lay dead in the streets. When they are resurrected and told to “come up here” (to meet Christ in the clouds), those who are rejoicing and witness their resurrection will feel great fear. Mark 13:26-27 states “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory and then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.” The scriptures are crystal clear that when Jesus returns, all eyes will see Him at the time He gathers His saints. This fantastic event takes place following the tribulation and will not be done in secret.

Do the saints live with Jesus in Heaven for seven years?

As we discussed with the first problem, the saints are not resurrected nor changed in the twinkling of the eye until the seventh and last trumpet. This takes place when Jesus returns on the clouds and every eye is watching. What happens next? Revelation 11:15 says, “Then the seventh angel sounded: and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, He shall rein forever and ever!” This declaration is made just before Christ descends to fight the armies of the Beast and the False Prophet (Revelation 19: 11-21.)

Scripture does not state that Christians will live in heaven during the tribulation. So where will the true saints of God be during the tribulation? The Bible does state there is a place of protection for those who are faithful, hold fast, persevere, and don’t deny His name (Revelation 3, 7-10.) Verse 10 says, “Because you kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” These saints are protected at a place on this earth that God will choose. Scripture indicates the place of protection is near Jerusalem in a place called “the wilderness” (Mark 13:14; Rev 12:6,14.) This place of protection is for 1,260 days or a time and times and a half a time. Both indicate 3½ years. The biblical lunar year is 12 months, with 30 days per month, equaling 1,260 days.

Unfortunately, when it’s time for the church to flee into the wilderness, some Christians will be left behind. Revelation 12:17 states “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 3:16-18 explains why these Christians must go through the tribulation. God says they must buy gold refined in the fire and clothe themselves with white garments because they are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. God sees them as lukewarm, and He will vomit them out of His mouth. Revelation 7:14, says, “these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This is speaking of those Christians, who are lukewarm and have one foot in the world and one foot in church. They must go through the tribulation.

Revelation 7:15 says, “They are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.” This scripture is not talking about the saints living in heaven, but rather living on the Earth during the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:6.) Once death is thrown into the lake of fire, God the Father will bring New Jerusalem down from heaven and He will live on the Earth (Revelation 21:2-3.) The scriptures are very clear that we will live with Jesus and the Father on this Earth. No where does the Bible say the saints will live with Jesus in Heaven during the tribulation.

What about the one taken and the one left behind?

Surely the scriptures Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 are proof of the Rapture. But are they? When looking at these scriptures, we must look at the timing. Again, those who teach the Rapture claim the Rapture takes place at the beginning of the tribulation, not at the end. So, what is the timing of the scriptures concerning those who are taken and those who are left behind? In Matthew 24:3, the disciples ask Jesus about the sign of His coming and the end of the age. The timing is the return of Jesus – not a secret Rapture that takes place seven years before His return.

Jesus compares His return with the time of Noah. During the time of Noah, people were eating, drinking, and getting married. In other words, people were living their normal lives, not following God, and they were caught unaware of the events of the flood. Jesus also compared the time of His return with the story of Lot. Lot and his family were living their lives and were totally caught unprepared when God was going to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorra. When Lot and his family were told by two angels to flee, they were in no hurry. The angels of God had to physically remove them (Genesis 19:16.) Lots’ wife was so entrenched in this world, she was turned to salt because she disobeyed and turned back toward the city. The cares of this world had too much of a pull on her. The return of Jesus is very much like these comparisons. There will be those who are watching and are ready, and there will be those who a living their lives unaware of the events that will soon overtake them.

Now we see that the timing of Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36 takes place after the tribulation and at the time of the return of Jesus. Those who were watching and faithful, take part in the first resurrection. Those left were unaware and not faithful, showing a separation between God’s elect and those eating and drinking, oblivious to His return. Christ’s return is described as coming as a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4,) or lightening streaking across the sky (Luke 17:24.) God’s people must always be ready and watching. Jesus reveals in Luke17:31-32, “In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife.” These scriptures demonstrate that Christians can decide to turn back; and they are warned to remember Lot’s wife. Nowhere are Christians told they will be caught up in a secret Rapture. Matthew 24 and Luke 17 demonstrate the separation of God’s elect from those who are of the world. He tells His elect to watch, be ready, and not turn back at His return. Those who are caught unaware, will be carrion for the eagles.

Does God protect Christians during the tribulation?

At first glance, the Rapture seems to provide an easy way to escape what the Bible says will be the worst time in human history. But the scriptures do not support that theory because it cannot be proven biblically. The Rapture provides a false hope. This false hope will lead many to be caught unaware and unprepared. However, God always provides a way of escape for His people. The way of escape the Bible does support is called a “place of protection.” God says it will be in the wilderness and not in heaven (Revelation 12:6;14.)

What does the Bible teach?

The Bible focuses on the second coming of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding it. The Rapture theory uses many of these scriptures but then moves them out of their time sequence. Here are just a few of the events concerning the second coming of Jesus:

• The Great Tribulation takes place before the second coming of Christ and lasts 3½ years (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 12:14.)
• God’s faithful go to a place of protection in the wilderness at the beginning of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 3:10,) while those that are lukewarm must go through the tribulation (Revelation 3:18, 7:14, 12:17.)
• On the seventh and last trumpet, Jesus Christ returns on the clouds, the resurrection of the dead in Christ takes place, those alive will be changed, and with a shout of an archangel, all the saints (resurrected or changed) will meet Jesus in the clouds (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.)
• Jesus and His saints return to Jerusalem to destroy all the armies that come to fight Him (Zechariah 14:3-5; Revelation 19:19-21.)

These events that are listed are not intended to be an extensive list of the second coming of Jesus Christ (look for a future article on this topic.) They do, however, represent the proper order of the Christians who are resurrected and meet Jesus in the clouds following the tribulation when the seventh trumpet sounds. This brief outline of the return of Jesus demonstrates how the Rapture theory distorts the timeline of end time events and proves the Rapture theory is not scripturally based.

By: Jody Smith