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The Genesis account is often read as an origins story. And that it is. As an origins story, it retells the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian myths couched in the god stories of the ancients. It corrects those accounts and reveals the One God who has always been the primal cause but whose priority has been let to drift in the memory of His creation. His creation had written its own counterfeit stories. Even yet, these myth stories had echoes of truth that God would now re-reveal to His Israelite prodigies on their way to inherit a promise He had set for them from the beginning.
In the annual progression of the Feasts, we observe a dramatic pause between the first three feasts and Pentecost. This interlude heightens the significance of the first four Feasts, which collectively commemorate Israel's miraculous redemption from Egyptian bondage by God's unmerited grace. They also foretell of a time when this same redemption would be offered to all the nations of the earth when the Lamb of God will reveal the meaning of the first Passover's lamb.
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In this insightful article, we embark on a profound exploration of the biblical feasts and their intrinsic connection to God's ultimate plan for humanity. Tracing the historical divergence between the Passover and Easter celebrations, we uncover the unfortunate disconnect that occurred when the early church, influenced by prevailing anti-Jewish sentiments, intentionally separated Easter from its Jewish roots at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. As we delve into the Summer Feast of Pentecost, we unravel its deep symbolism and continuity with God's promised plan, set in motion at creation itself. Through this illuminating journey, we are invited to rediscover the sacred calendar instituted by God, transcending cultural boundaries, and gain a renewed appreciation for these divinely appointed times that foreshadow the climactic events of the Apocalypse and the glorious return of Christ.
"The apocalyptic nature of time is that all mankind, indeed, all creation, has a final appointment with our creator."
Time is more than minutes and hours. Explore the sacred nature of time revealed in the Bible and how God uses celestial markers to reveal his plan. Learn about the first "tick" and God's appointments for humanity.
Where am I going, and what am I trying to do?
Make the case for exploring and establishing scripture's horizon in order to reflect heaven's will into the earth by viewing it through the first four words of its first sentence, "In the beginning God..." This is a First-Sentence Perspective.
Have you ever longed to see yourself as God sees you? To shed the cursed thinking that calls "evil" what He declared "good"? We just wrapped an epic 4-part journey following redemption threads from Genesis 1 into the ancient poetry that still sings over us today. From void to purpose spoken over all things, see how the God who creates and aligns is the God conforming us to Christ's image now. Listen as His grace untangles our striving and releases identity, freedom, and confidence to walk boldly in good works that reveal Jesus to the world. If you've struggled to stand firm in who you are or own the calling on your life, this glimpse behind the first words of Scripture may shift everything. Let it spark a revolution in how you embrace your God-crafted identity.
In this second installment, we delve into God's divine 'judgment' as a manifestation of His deep love for creation. The act of 'seeing' and declaring 'good'-ness in Genesis 1 sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the compassionate judge, mirroring the divine pattern. Explore how 'good' in God's eyes doesn't mean perfection but purpose, aligning with His original intent. Join us on this journey of divine alignment, human potential for 'good'-ness, and the redemptive grace found in Jesus.
Read more to uncover the profound implications of God's judgments and humanity's enduring potential for goodness, despite the impact of sin.
Teshuvah: A 40-day journey of self-examination and repentance, preparing hearts for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.