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Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 11:25:07 AM
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Little_1
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Please help. I have a growing interest in the Jews background and History and I confess I do not presently know a great deal about their rich heritage.
Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant today, i.e. can we observe any of them whether we are Jewish or not?
I refer to the Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Booths, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah and Purim.
I know that the OT is a shadow of what was to come, i.e. the NT and that none of these feasts lead to salvation but are they - or should they be dormant today other than with the Jewish people? I hope this question makes sense to what I'm trying to ask?
Help appreciated.
Little_1
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 11:31:25 AM
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colliefan
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My take is the Feasts were pointers to Christ. Under the new covenant, we no longer are required to observe them, but we must understand how they fit into the structure of God's word.
Hanukah is an extra biblical feast but one needs to understand how it fits into Jewish history.
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 11:33:33 AM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: colliefan
My take is the Feasts were pointers to Christ. Under the new covenant, we no longer are required to observe them, but we must understand how they fit into the structure of God's word.
Hanukah is an extra biblical feast but one needs to understand how it fits into Jewish history.
Thank you - this seems to fit with what little understanding I presently have.
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 11:35:54 AM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: WesP
The purpose for most of the OT feasts is no longer relevant because Jesus has come.
Thank WesP but does this mean that we don't need to know what they mean since Jesus has come or do you think that there may be some benefit to learning?
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 11:54:12 AM
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Liveloved
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Little_1,
I read a book by Marvin R. Wilson, Our Father Abraham, Jewish Roots of our Christian Faith, that was very helpful to me in understanding the Hebraic culture. Just thinking you might enjoy and appreciate it as well. Bless you!  LL
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 12:42:05 PM
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LCannon
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As others has mentioned, to the extent of being fulfilled(completed). We serve a 'completed' Redeemer rather then an anticipated Messiah.
_____________________________
"Many of our prayers are for an easy solution. God is more glorifed in Him
when souls exhibit His Grace under pressure." -Elisabeth Elliot-
"But at my stumbling they gathered in glee...[but]How long, O Lord,
wilt thou look on?" -Psalms 35:15-
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 1:48:30 PM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: WesP
quote:
ORIGINAL: Little_1
quote:
ORIGINAL: WesP
The purpose for most of the OT feasts is no longer relevant because Jesus has come.
Thank WesP but does this mean that we don't need to know what they mean since Jesus has come or do you think that there may be some benefit to learning?
The more you know about the bible, the better off you are! Each feast was indicative of things happening in the NT. Absolutely, learn what you can, but do not feel obligated to observe the feasts. It is no longer necessary.
Thanks WesP. I googled the different feast names this afternoon and have quite a few pages of info to read through when I get a mo.
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 7/22/2008 1:55:31 PM >
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 1:52:57 PM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LCannon
As others has mentioned, to the extent of being fulfilled(completed). We serve a 'completed' Redeemer rather then an anticipated Messiah.
Thanks LC. I just think it is interesting to find out what exactly the Jewish people believe.
Also, I can't help but believe that we should be watching the Jewish nation closely as what happens to them is a sign of whatever stage in the prophetic calender we are in or may be approaching......just a thought.
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 2:36:11 PM
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rcjames
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If you are a practicing Jew then yes they are relevant ot you.
If you are a practicing Christian then no they are not relevant to you.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 2:46:26 PM
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LCannon
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All redeemed souls, Jew and gentile, that have claimed for themselves Jesus' blood/sacrifice and Victory have part in His inheritance. Romans 3:19-"Under the Law, without a blood sacrifice, there’s no just accounting to satisfy God’s wrath 20 because obedience to the Law can’t be accomplished by man’s righteousness for only perfect obedience is justified in His sight and the Law merely illustrates the knowledge of our sin. 21 But with obedience, sacrifice is the other leg of the triangle; the [alien] righteousness of God been manifested as the base and witnessed by the Law and the Prophets 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe regardless of Jew or Gentile. 23 Thus all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
_____________________________
"Many of our prayers are for an easy solution. God is more glorifed in Him
when souls exhibit His Grace under pressure." -Elisabeth Elliot-
"But at my stumbling they gathered in glee...[but]How long, O Lord,
wilt thou look on?" -Psalms 35:15-
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 3:52:21 PM
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sisrev
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"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" II Tim 3:16
All scripture--that includes the Old Testament accounts of the feasts
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15
Any study and knowledge of the Word of God is relevant, whether you are a Jewish believer or a Gentile believer. Why would you NOT want to know more about the word of God, and the types and shadows that God set forth in His Word. Understanding the feasts, what they portrayed historically, as well as spiritually and prophetically, cannot do anything other than add to your understanding of Christ and who He is.
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 4:03:24 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sisrev
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" II Tim 3:16
All scripture--that includes the Old Testament accounts of the feasts
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15
Any study and knowledge of the Word of God is relevant, whether you are a Jewish believer or a Gentile believer. Why would you NOT want to know more about the word of God, and the types and shadows that God set forth in His Word. Understanding the feasts, what they portrayed historically, as well as spiritually and prophetically, cannot do anything other than add to your understanding of Christ and who He is.
So are you saying that Christians shold keep all the instructions given in the old testament?
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 5:14:30 PM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sisrev
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" II Tim 3:16
All scripture--that includes the Old Testament accounts of the feasts
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15
Any study and knowledge of the Word of God is relevant, whether you are a Jewish believer or a Gentile believer. Why would you NOT want to know more about the word of God, and the types and shadows that God set forth in His Word. Understanding the feasts, what they portrayed historically, as well as spiritually and prophetically, cannot do anything other than add to your understanding of Christ and who He is.
Thanks to everyone who has so far responded to this thread. Many posts have been helpful and served to help me enforce the conviction I have gained through my own study of the OP (which I have been doing for most of today). From what I have gleaned so far - I tend to have the same convictions as sisrev and a few others who have posted regarding the OP.
Whilst I haven't come across any reason to observe the Jewish Festivals for myself, I do believe it is beneficial to study them as OT types and shadows of Christ.
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 7/22/2008 5:20:53 PM >
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 5:16:47 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 937
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LCannon
All redeemed souls, Jew and gentile, that have claimed for themselves Jesus' blood/sacrifice and Victory have part in His inheritance. Romans 3:19-"Under the Law, without a blood sacrifice, there’s no just accounting to satisfy God’s wrath 20 because obedience to the Law can’t be accomplished by man’s righteousness for only perfect obedience is justified in His sight and the Law merely illustrates the knowledge of our sin. 21 But with obedience, sacrifice is the other leg of the triangle; the [alien] righteousness of God been manifested as the base and witnessed by the Law and the Prophets 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe regardless of Jew or Gentile. 23 Thus all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
AMEN. From today's study, I am in awe that God has included us in His plan of redemption along with the remnant of the Jews which will come to faith in Jesus.
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 5:36:38 PM
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sisrev
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
quote:
ORIGINAL: sisrev
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" II Tim 3:16
All scripture--that includes the Old Testament accounts of the feasts
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim 2:15
Any study and knowledge of the Word of God is relevant, whether you are a Jewish believer or a Gentile believer. Why would you NOT want to know more about the word of God, and the types and shadows that God set forth in His Word. Understanding the feasts, what they portrayed historically, as well as spiritually and prophetically, cannot do anything other than add to your understanding of Christ and who He is.
So are you saying that Christians should keep all the instructions given in the old testament?
Thanks
RC
No, sir, I'm not. But I do think that the study of the feasts and what they represent, both historically, spiritually, and prophetically, can open up our understanding God and His plans and purposes for all of us--and isn't that what the scriptures are for? These things (in the OT) are there for a reason, and that reason has not ended with Christ. It's fascinating to me, the more I learn about the feasts, among other things, the more I see the both the intricacies and the simplicity of God's plan for the redemption of mankind. It's all tied together is such a wonderful way, the study of the feasts cannot but point to Christ.
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/22/2008 6:01:14 PM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sisrev
quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
So are you saying that Christians should keep all the instructions given in the old testament?
No, sir, I'm not. But I do think that the study of the feasts and what they represent, both historically, spiritually, and prophetically, can open up our understanding God and His plans and purposes for all of us--and isn't that what the scriptures are for? These things (in the OT) are there for a reason, and that reason has not ended with Christ. It's fascinating to me, the more I learn about the feasts, among other things, the more I see the both the intricacies and the simplicity of God's plan for the redemption of mankind. It's all tied together is such a wonderful way, the study of the feasts cannot but point to Christ.
Ok so you are talking about studying the feast not participationg in them as part of our faith?
Sorry if I misunderstood.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/24/2008 2:55:31 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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I observe the feasts. I find them to be relevant and a blessing in my life. Many of the people where I attend observe them in their rightful times as best we can without having the Temple.
Some things that many people do not consider:
quote:
I know that the OT is a shadow of what was to come There cannot be a shadow without substance making that shadow. Have you ever seen a shadow of nothing? No. Has there ever been a shadow produced previous to the substance existing or arriving? No.
quote:
none of these feasts lead to salvation Right, but they do lead to a better understanding of G-d, of the Bible, and of the life to come; they lead to family togetherness; they lead to grounding the children in the L-rd.
quote:
should they be dormant today other than with the Jewish people? Many Jews would say so, but a growing number of Gentiles are taking the Book back into their lives, and some Jews recognize that their zeal for the L-rd is right and good.
The Scriptures were entrusted to Israel, and G-d's command was that they were to teach the nations. Unfortunately, during the times immediately following the apostles, and in fact during the latter part of some of their lives, the Gentiles tried to take the Scriptures from the Jews, yet as they did that, they treated the Scriptures with unashamed contempt. When the Jews were being murdered and over-taxed by the government in the 70s, for the destruction the government itself caused, Gentile believers ran the other way, refusing to stand up with believing Jews. It is no wonder, then, that the Jews took the Book and fled, hiding it and themselves from the betrayers with whom they had once worshiped and learned in the synagogues and on the hillsides.
It is no wonder that when Jews were persecuted, murdered, starved, kidnapped, raped, and baptized in Christian fonts by force in the third century, they went further into hiding. They may have been entrusted with the Scriptures, but why give it to the people who wanted to destroy them?
quote:
Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant today G-d calls them His feasts [Leviticus 23:2].
quote:
can we observe any of them whether we are Jewish or not We can practice them, but in order to observe them fully, most require the Temple. However, there is great blessing for all people in doing what we can to observe the feasts, even without the Temple or being in Israel or Jerusalem. They will teach the one who does this more than can be explained on paper. And it must be remembered that it was not just the Jews who observed the feasts in the Bible; it was all who fully believed in our L-rd, Jew or Gentile.
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Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
A tree's fruit is obvious; you have to look harder for the worm hole.
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/24/2008 7:35:45 AM
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SonInMe1
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quote:
Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant?
I'll go anywhere they serve food.
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You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/24/2008 10:50:06 AM
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DaveW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Little_1
I just think it is interesting to find out what exactly the Jewish people believe.
I would suggest a little book by Barney Kasdan: God's Appointed Times.
Those days are all moadim - times that God himself set up to meet with him. Yes, they pointed to a comming messiah, but there is more to them than that.quote:
ORIGINAL: rcjames
If you are a practicing Jew then yes they are relevant ot you.
If you are a practicing Christian then no they are not relevant to you. I respectivly disagree.
Are they REQUIRED? No.
But there is a big difference between not being required and being irrellevant. Paul told Timothy that ALL scripture was inspiried and useful for teaching. That includes Lev 23. In Acts 15 James says that Moses is read in all cities on every sabbath. The inference is that it is good for gentiles to go learn all about the Mosaic covenant. Jesus and Paul refered to the Law constantly. Had the OT been "not relevant" there would have been no reason to do so, and every reason NOT to refer to it.
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RE: Are the Jewish Feasts still relevant? - 7/24/2008 1:38:55 PM
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Little_1
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quote:
ORIGINAL: DaveW
quote:
ORIGINAL: Little_1
I just think it is interesting to find out what exactly the Jewish people believe.
I would suggest a little book by Barney Kasdan: God's Appointed Times.
DW - will look out for this book and see if I can read an excerpt of it online. Thank you.
Thanks to everyone else who has responded to this thread - appreciated. Some interesting thoughts from both sides of the coin and CM - good points but still not sure why we would observe the shadows and types if what they pointed to (i.e. Jesus) has already come? However, in saying this, Jesus will come again - so is there the winsiest possibility that this in mind, these types and shadows can be observed by Christians who await His second coming? I'm not totally convinced one way or the other now thinking about this.
I will have to further study the significance of each of the particular feasts at the time they were first being observed so I get a better grasp of what they each pointed towards.
It's strange that most Christians celebrate pagan festivals like 'Christmas' and 'Easter' and yet we say "No" to God's feasts (Lev 23:2). Christmas and Easter (which are man made festivals) were surely a fulfilment of what the OT types and shadows pointed towards after all (and they are not even God appointed festivals or feasts) so why celebrate such and not God's Feasts? Could this be double-standards? 
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 7/24/2008 2:17:56 PM >
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
ROMANS 12:12
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