Showing posts with label Feast of Trumpets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Feast of Trumpets. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Keeping the LORD's Feasts*
The feasts of our discussion today are not identified in scripture as "Jewish" feasts, or as church feasts. They are repeatedly called the LORD's feasts. The LORD called them "My feasts" (Lev. 23:2). The prophet Zechariah wrote that in what we understand to be the Millennial Reign of Messiah (Jesus) from Jerusalem, it will be required of all the nations on earth to come to Jerusalem yearly for the Feast of Tabernacles. If a nation refuses to come, there will be no rain given upon that nation (Zech. 14:16-21). Jesus already fulfilled, in their type, the spring feasts of the LORD, Passover, Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Weeks (Pentacost). We also believe, therefore, that He will fulfill the fall feasts of the LORD in their type. The three fall feasts of the LORD are Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur, also called the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. All of the feasts are described in Leviticus 23, which we will see. The times of the feasts are appointed specifically by God, and God gave the means by which time is appointed in Gen. 1:14: "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years." The Hebrew word used for "seasons" in this verse is moed, which means "congregation, feast, season, appointed meeting, appointed time, assembly, appointed place". The Hebrew root word for "seasons" in this verse is yaad, which means "appoint, assign, especially of acquiring or designating as wife, to espouse". This should be especially important to believers in Christ who understand that we are called "The Bride of Christ", and we are called to prepare and participate in the marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-8). Unfortunately, some have taken this verse from Genesis and created a counterfeit of the truth called horoscopes. The month of Elul, leading up to the beginning of the fall feasts, is dedicated to repentance, reconciliation with those whom we have offended, and the care of the needy. The shofar (trumpet) is sounded on each day of that month of preparation. Leviticus described the fall feasts of the LORD, which will begin in just a few days from now, this way: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." (Lev. 23:23-25). On Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets, the shofars are sounded. It is the only feast that begins on the new moon, the first day of the month. No man knows the exact day or hour when the new moon will appear, so there are those who are appointed to watch for it. Paul wrote to the Church regarding the importance of the trumpet blast: "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep...For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord..." (1 Thess. 4:13-18). As Jesus described the day of His coming, He said that no man knows the day or the hour (Mt. 24:36). The same applies, as noted above, to beginning of the Feast of Trumpets. Paul continued in Ch. 5 of 1 Thessalonians that this day is not to overtake us, the children of light, although that day of His coming, "like a thief in the night", will be a surprise to others. There is to be a difference between the children of light and those in darkness in this regard. Again Paul referred to the sounding of "the last trump: "...for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed...then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory...The sting of death is sin...But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor. 15:51-58). It was with the sound of a trumpet that John was also told "Come up hither...", and was brought up alive into heaven to receive the revelation of the Lord (Rev. 4:1-2). The Feast of Trumpets reminds us and prophesies to us of the moment, called The Rapture, when we will meet the Lord in the air. We are to be diligent and prepared for this event that will come suddenly. The second of the LORD's fall feasts is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement: "Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement for you before the LORD your God. And whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people...it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings...ye shall afflict your souls...in the ninth day...at even, from even unto even, ye shall celebrate your sabbath." (Lev. 23:27-32). The Day of Atonement is a day of repentance in the face of the atonement for sin provided by God for His people, even as we know this Atonement was fulfilled not by the blood of animals, but the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah. Those who refuse to participate in the Atonement, as stated in the Leviticus verses, will die. We know that the wages or consequences of sin is death unless we partake of the Atonement. The third fall feast of the LORD is the Feast of Tabernacles: "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD." (Lev. 23:34). The desciption of this feast includes a sabbath rest for the first and eighth days of this feast. No servile work is to be done on those days. On each day of the feast, an offering by fire is to be made unto the LORD. A booth made of tree branches is built for use by the family during the seven days of Tabernacles. Being in the booth, or sukkah, not only meant to bring to remembrance the booths the Israelites dwelt in while in the wilderness, but it is also compared to the shutting in of a bride and groom, particularly the Messiah, Jesus, and His Bride. Isaiah also wrote of a period of shutting in: "Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." (Isa. 26:19-21). In these verses, being shut in the chamber or tabernacle provides covering during God's judgment. All of the feasts of the LORD work in our lives as they depict the sacrifice of Jesus, and His prophetic plans for His Body, His Bride: "...That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Eph. 5:25-26). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 8/29/21 message to the church. To contact, for prayer requests, to support the ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. Look for us also on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
What's Next?*
We are looking at the soon fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets in front of us. At the sound of the great and Last Trump of God (Tekiah Gedolah) the moment of the catching away of the Bride of Christ will arrive:
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:15-17
During theses fall feasts, especially considering the signs of the End Times around us, we need to be preparing for what happens next in God's prophetic timetable. The Bride of Christ is to prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb:
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife hath made herself ready." Rev. 19:7
The Bride is not ready to enter the Marriage Supper without her bridal garments of clean, fine, white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. Our righteousness becomes our wedding raiment. With our obedience, Jesus establishes us in this His righteousness:
"To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." 1 Thess. 3:13
We do not share a part of this Marriage Supper of the Lamb in just any spiritual condition, but rather as pure as a heavenly bride. We shall be shut into the bridal chamber, until the wrath of God has passed over those left on the earth:
"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isa. 26:19-20
The word "chamber" used in the above verses of Isaiah, is the same word used to indicate a bridal chamber. The Lord Jesus has made the way for us to be protected from the coming wrath of God. Believers in Christ are not appointed to experience His wrath, however, those who do evil will see it (Jn. 3:36 1 Thes. 5:9). These feasts attest to the need for God's people to repent of evil, and come under the righteousness of Christ, wearing that clean white linen, prepared for the Marriage Supper.
This is a God-appointed time for Dr. Stevenson's book, "NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", to be available not only to the Church, but to the Jewish people who are observing these feasts, and would like to find their Messiah, Jesus: Yeshuah haMeshiach. This new book, Dr. Stevenson feels, is the most important work of his life. "NAZAH" is the culmination of having spent over forty years studying the Shroud of Turin. This white linen cloth is undoubtedly the burial cloth of a man crucified according to the descriptions in the Gospels, and forensic medical analysis. The use of such a burial cloth lines up perfectly with the Jewish burial customs of Christ's time. As testified by numerous scriptures, there is no doubt that this is the burial cloth of Jesus. Find out for yourself.
We would like to present this trailer about the book, "NAZAH". Please watch the trailer, order the book, and help get this book and its message to as many as possible. Now is the time, now is the season.
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8 http://endtimeschool.com/
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
B-I-B-L-E, An Acronym*
The letters of the word "B-I-B-L-E" can also be an acronym for the following:
"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth".
Our "Leaving Earth" is very much connected to the upcoming Lord's feast of Yom Teruah, or the Feast of Trumpets, as we will see. This feast can also be referred to by the secular term, "Rosh Hashanah", which means "head of the year". Because of this, some call it "the Jewish New Year", but it is much more important to both Jews and Christians than this secular term would suggest. In fact, the secular serves the purpose of hiding the spiritual meaning, but we will search it out. Regarding this feast day, and all other things we need to know "before leaving earth", the Bible is our source of truth and instruction, as always. The Feast of Yom Teruah, or Day of Trumpets, is commanded to Israel:
"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." Lev. 23:23-25
While the feast day is commanded in Leviticus, its meaning is not clearly revealed. However, we can see the spiritual depths of the day as we discuss the scriptural reasons for the blowing of trumpets**:
1. Moses was called to the Mountain, and the Law was given
2. Prepare for war
3. the beginning of the year of Jubilee (all debts forgiven)
4. the crowning of a king
5. danger warning
6. the breakup of camp, and departure
7. the coming of Messiah
8. the call to repentance, obedience and worship
9. to gather the people
10. Israel's return (the physical return, which has already occurred - the spiritual return to Messiah is yet to take place)
11. means of communication (God has something to communicate to us in this feast)
My addition to this list:
12. the rapture of the Church
These are the scriptures that justify why "the rapture of the Church" has been added here as a fulfillment of this feast:
"After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was (as it were) of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be here-after." Rev. 4:1
The voice of a trumpet commanded John to heaven where he saw the 24 elders wearing gold crowns and clothed in white raiment, gathered around the throne. They cast their crowns down before the One seated upon the throne (Rev. 4:4-11). White raiment, the wearing of white linen, is associated with the Feat of Trumpets. The elders threw their own crowns down before the Lord (the crowning of a king). Similarly, the Bride who has made herself ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, is also given white linen to wear, which represents righteousness (Rev. 19:6-9).
God does not want any to perish. This season of these fall feasts is a call to repentance, atonement, and the Marriage of the Lamb. The trumpet blast, wakes up the sleeping bride (Mt. 25:1-5), and alerts her that the Bridegroom is coming! Isaiah prophesies about this awakening, and entering into the (bridal) chambers with Him:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isa. 26:19-21
Both the resurrection of the dead, and the rapture of the living in Christ are signaled by the blowing of the trumpet in what Paul describes as a "mystery":
"In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump***: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. 15:52 and
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:16-17
Paul described his revelation here as "by the word of the Lord" (v. 15). This was spoken to Paul by the Lord, Himself. The ***"last trump" refers to the last long blast of the shofar made after a series of shorter blasts on the Feast of Trumpets. As John was commanded to "Come up" to heaven by the voice of a trumpet in Revelation, we are also "caught up" into the air at the sound of the trumpet.
It is not known precisely the day nor the hour when the new moon will appear each year at the month of Tishri ("Beginning") to indicate the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets. Watchers are posted to look for the first appearing of the sliver of new moon, and they then sound their shofars announcing the commencement of the feast. In the same way of the Feast of Trumpets, though we may know that the season and time approaches, we do not know the day nor the hour when the Son of man is to return. Jesus therefore sets us as "watchers", commanding us to take heed, watch and pray because we do not know the hour of His return (Mk. 13:32-33, 36-37). In another place, He warns us to watch and pray that we may be accounted worthy to escape, and stand before Him (Lk. 21:36).
The secular name Rosh Hashanah may conceal its true meaning, but we have been called to know the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" regarding the Feast of Trumpets, and to prepare ourselves accordingly.
*The above is based upon the 9/15/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
** "Wake Up!", Lamm, Vanbeckevoort
For more information on "white linen" see "NAZAH" information below.
Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
While the feast day is commanded in Leviticus, its meaning is not clearly revealed. However, we can see the spiritual depths of the day as we discuss the scriptural reasons for the blowing of trumpets**:
1. Moses was called to the Mountain, and the Law was given
2. Prepare for war
3. the beginning of the year of Jubilee (all debts forgiven)
4. the crowning of a king
5. danger warning
6. the breakup of camp, and departure
7. the coming of Messiah
8. the call to repentance, obedience and worship
9. to gather the people
10. Israel's return (the physical return, which has already occurred - the spiritual return to Messiah is yet to take place)
11. means of communication (God has something to communicate to us in this feast)
My addition to this list:
12. the rapture of the Church
These are the scriptures that justify why "the rapture of the Church" has been added here as a fulfillment of this feast:
"After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was (as it were) of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be here-after." Rev. 4:1
The voice of a trumpet commanded John to heaven where he saw the 24 elders wearing gold crowns and clothed in white raiment, gathered around the throne. They cast their crowns down before the One seated upon the throne (Rev. 4:4-11). White raiment, the wearing of white linen, is associated with the Feat of Trumpets. The elders threw their own crowns down before the Lord (the crowning of a king). Similarly, the Bride who has made herself ready for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, is also given white linen to wear, which represents righteousness (Rev. 19:6-9).
God does not want any to perish. This season of these fall feasts is a call to repentance, atonement, and the Marriage of the Lamb. The trumpet blast, wakes up the sleeping bride (Mt. 25:1-5), and alerts her that the Bridegroom is coming! Isaiah prophesies about this awakening, and entering into the (bridal) chambers with Him:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." Isa. 26:19-21
Both the resurrection of the dead, and the rapture of the living in Christ are signaled by the blowing of the trumpet in what Paul describes as a "mystery":
"In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump***: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. 15:52 and
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:16-17
Paul described his revelation here as "by the word of the Lord" (v. 15). This was spoken to Paul by the Lord, Himself. The ***"last trump" refers to the last long blast of the shofar made after a series of shorter blasts on the Feast of Trumpets. As John was commanded to "Come up" to heaven by the voice of a trumpet in Revelation, we are also "caught up" into the air at the sound of the trumpet.
It is not known precisely the day nor the hour when the new moon will appear each year at the month of Tishri ("Beginning") to indicate the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets. Watchers are posted to look for the first appearing of the sliver of new moon, and they then sound their shofars announcing the commencement of the feast. In the same way of the Feast of Trumpets, though we may know that the season and time approaches, we do not know the day nor the hour when the Son of man is to return. Jesus therefore sets us as "watchers", commanding us to take heed, watch and pray because we do not know the hour of His return (Mk. 13:32-33, 36-37). In another place, He warns us to watch and pray that we may be accounted worthy to escape, and stand before Him (Lk. 21:36).
The secular name Rosh Hashanah may conceal its true meaning, but we have been called to know the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" regarding the Feast of Trumpets, and to prepare ourselves accordingly.
*The above is based upon the 9/15/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.
** "Wake Up!", Lamm, Vanbeckevoort
For more information on "white linen" see "NAZAH" information below.
To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX 76705
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8 http://endtimeschool.com/
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Trumpets: Yom Teruah
The season of the Fall Feasts of the LORD has begun. Today is the Feast of Trumpets, or Yom Teruah. Many of the Jewish faith mix the secular and the holy significance of this feast, referring to this day by its civil calendar name of Rosh Hashanah, but wishing each other the blessing, "May you be inscribed (in the Book) for a good year." The Book mentioned here is the Book of Life, and that Book belongs to the Lamb of God, the Messiah, Jesus, which we shall see later. Many who go to the synagogue to observe this feast, dress in white linen clothing. We will see how this practice has special meaning to the Church as well.
The Feast of Trumpets cannot begin until the new moon is physically sighted by at least two people. This is called "the hidden day", because no one can predict exactly when the new moon will be sighted. That new moon is the first glimmer of light that reappears after a phase of lunar darkness. As with the return of Christ, we may know the times and the seasons, but we cannot know the exact moment, or day of His return. When the new moon is sighted, the signal is given and the shofars, or trumpets, begin sounding (click above under the photo to listen), signaling the beginning of the feast. The trumpets made of rams' horns make an awesome, majestic sound, the last trumpet blast in the series is a long, drawn-out note called the teruah gadol: the last trump, the great trump. All Israel is filled with the sound of the shofars made from the ram's horn. To what are these trumpet blasts calling God's people?
Some of the themes of Yom Teruah are: repentance, reconciliation, helping the needy, and preparation. The Feast of Trumpets begins the "ten days of awe" - the days of spiritual preparation for the Feast of Atonement, Yom Kippur. These are the days when the judgment of God hangs in the balance.
This feast is also associated with the crowning of kings, the wedding of the Messiah, and the resurrection of the dead. Everyone in the Church should understand the significance of these events. Yom Teruah is also known as "The Day of the Wake-Up Trumpet", because of its association with the resurrection of the dead. The Apostle Paul wrote of this connection:
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:16-18
The "Wake-Up Trumpet" is also meant to awaken God's people from a spiritual indifference, or slumber. No one could sleep through the sounding of these trumpets! Jesus warned against that spiritual slumber and lack of preparation in His parable of the ten virgins. Five were prepared for the coming bridegroom, but five had not properly prepared. All ten, however, were slumbering and sleeping on that fateful night of His coming. At the rousing sound of His coming, all awoke, but those who were unprepared were not able to go into the marriage supper (Mt. 25:1-9). They are called "foolish" in scripture. We know that "fools" are those who do not believe God (Ps. 14:1, Ps. 53:1). Much of the Church right now is like those five foolish virgins: unprepared and asleep. Will they also be "foolish" like those who don't believe God? After the Bridegroom comes, He enters His chamber with His Bride, and the door is shut. There is no allowance for a late arrival (v. 10-12). Jesus gave the warning of the Feast of Trumpets, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." The day of His coming is surely like "the hidden day" of this feast. We must be prepared, even as this feast is about preparation. Paul also warned about the suddenness of the day of Christ's return:
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night...But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch (give strict attention to) and be sober."
1 Thess. 5:1-6
Jesus warned the Church at Sardis. "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee....He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." Rev. 3:3-5
The white raiment mentioned here is also written of in Rev. 7. Those who wore the white raiment came out of great tribulation, and having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, now stood before the throne of God, and the Lamb.
Sardis means "red ones". It was once a luxurious capital city of Lydia, but became an obscure village of ruins. Did the Church of Sardis heed that warning of Jesus before the judgment of God came upon that city, or were they unprepared?
The new moon appears, the trumpets sound, and as Jesus did with the Church at Sardis, the warning to repent and prepare goes forth, the warning to watch goes forth, to wake from slumber, for the judgment of God approaches. The King has been crowned, and the time for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white... (Rev. 19:7-8)
The Feast of Trumpets is not about setting a date for Christ's return. It is about being aware of the signs, the times, and the seasons. It is about preparing, repenting, washing our garments in the blood of the Lamb, and watching so that day does not find us asleep, unprepared, unaware, or in unbelief.
To Contact/Support the Ministry/Submit Prayer requests/To Order the new book, "NAZAH":
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http://endtimeschool.com/
To Watch Dr. Stevenson's Complete Message:
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Some of the themes of Yom Teruah are: repentance, reconciliation, helping the needy, and preparation. The Feast of Trumpets begins the "ten days of awe" - the days of spiritual preparation for the Feast of Atonement, Yom Kippur. These are the days when the judgment of God hangs in the balance.
This feast is also associated with the crowning of kings, the wedding of the Messiah, and the resurrection of the dead. Everyone in the Church should understand the significance of these events. Yom Teruah is also known as "The Day of the Wake-Up Trumpet", because of its association with the resurrection of the dead. The Apostle Paul wrote of this connection:
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess. 4:16-18
The "Wake-Up Trumpet" is also meant to awaken God's people from a spiritual indifference, or slumber. No one could sleep through the sounding of these trumpets! Jesus warned against that spiritual slumber and lack of preparation in His parable of the ten virgins. Five were prepared for the coming bridegroom, but five had not properly prepared. All ten, however, were slumbering and sleeping on that fateful night of His coming. At the rousing sound of His coming, all awoke, but those who were unprepared were not able to go into the marriage supper (Mt. 25:1-9). They are called "foolish" in scripture. We know that "fools" are those who do not believe God (Ps. 14:1, Ps. 53:1). Much of the Church right now is like those five foolish virgins: unprepared and asleep. Will they also be "foolish" like those who don't believe God? After the Bridegroom comes, He enters His chamber with His Bride, and the door is shut. There is no allowance for a late arrival (v. 10-12). Jesus gave the warning of the Feast of Trumpets, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." The day of His coming is surely like "the hidden day" of this feast. We must be prepared, even as this feast is about preparation. Paul also warned about the suddenness of the day of Christ's return:
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night...But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch (give strict attention to) and be sober."
1 Thess. 5:1-6
Jesus warned the Church at Sardis. "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee....He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." Rev. 3:3-5
The white raiment mentioned here is also written of in Rev. 7. Those who wore the white raiment came out of great tribulation, and having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, now stood before the throne of God, and the Lamb.
Sardis means "red ones". It was once a luxurious capital city of Lydia, but became an obscure village of ruins. Did the Church of Sardis heed that warning of Jesus before the judgment of God came upon that city, or were they unprepared?
The new moon appears, the trumpets sound, and as Jesus did with the Church at Sardis, the warning to repent and prepare goes forth, the warning to watch goes forth, to wake from slumber, for the judgment of God approaches. The King has been crowned, and the time for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white... (Rev. 19:7-8)
The Feast of Trumpets is not about setting a date for Christ's return. It is about being aware of the signs, the times, and the seasons. It is about preparing, repenting, washing our garments in the blood of the Lamb, and watching so that day does not find us asleep, unprepared, unaware, or in unbelief.
To Contact/Support the Ministry/Submit Prayer requests/To Order the new book, "NAZAH":
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To Watch Dr. Stevenson's Complete Message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
The Feast of Trumpets and the Return of the Bridegroom
The first coming of Jesus fulfilled the spring Feasts of the LORD which are Passover, First Fruits, and Pentecost. These feasts were ordained by the LORD to be a prophetic picture of the Messiah, so Israel would be able to recognize Him when He came. With His second coming, or return, Jesus will fulfil the fall feasts, as well. As there is a spacing of months between the series of spring feasts and fall feasts, there is a spacing of time between His first appearing, and His return. The first fall feast is the Feast of Trumpets. Scripture connects this feast with the resurrection of the dead in Christ, with an event called "The Rapture of the Church", and with Christ's return. First let us see the connection of this feast to these events in scripture:
"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed...this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality...then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory...the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:51-57 (excerpt)
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord..." 1 Thess. 4:15-17
At the end of the Feast of Trumpets, there is a last blast of the trumpet, or shofar, called
Teki'ah Gedolah (the Great Blowing), a long blast signaling victory, or good news. This is the last trump, the trump of God, referred to in the above scriptures.
Last week, we spoke about the bridal garment the Jewish bride would prepare for her wedding in order to make herself ready. Similarly, the fine linen, clean and white that the bride of Christ is given to wear for her marriage supper spoken of in Rev. 19:7-9, represents the righteousness of the saints. After the wedding covenant (Ketubah) was signed, the Jewish bride would also prepare woven and embroidered tapestries to beautify her new home with her bridegroom. For the Bride of Christ, the bridal garment, and the beautifully woven tapestries represent the works of righteousness, the fruits of our faith, as led by the Holy Spirit. Our faith is expected to produce divinely inspired, eternal fruit, or righteous works. These righteous works of faith are described in scripture. They are works that come from holiness, prepared for the holy temple of God, which we are, and to which we are purposed. Our works are built upon the holy foundation which has been built by Christ, and is Christ. Carnality in believers, which produces strife and divisions, creates carnal works that will not survive:
"...every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor...Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Cor. 3:8, 13-1
As we see and understand the times and the seasons in which we live, and understand that the Lord is soon to return, that the last trump is soon to sound, we are not to be caught unawares and unprepared (1 Thess. 5:1-6).
Jesus used the parable about the seed and the sower to illustrate the effects of carnality upon the Word that we have received, and the subsequent fruit, or works, that we produce. When we receive the Word, but don't bother to understand its value and therefore treat it carelessly, it is easily taken from us. When we receive the Word but fail to incorporate it into our character, "Yet hath he no root in himself", when tested by tribulation and persecution for the Word's sake, this person becomes offended at the Word that was sown into his life. When we hear the Word, but allow the Word to become choked by the cares of this world, and the "deceitfulness of riches" that we have given the greater importance, we become unfruitful. However, the Word that has been planted into good ground, is so considered because the hearer has made an effort to understand (to set or join together in the mind, to be wise) and join the Word into his life. This hearer of the Word with understanding also bears fruit. The fruit is abundant: "some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty". We bring forth fruit that spiritually feeds others, and impacts their lives with salvation (Mt. 13:19-23).
This parable above about the sower is very similar in meaning to the parable Jesus taught about the "talents" given by the master to "every man according to his several ability", who expected a multiplication and return (Mt. 25:14-30). Along with the Word, works have been ordained to us. These works have divine multiplication built into them.
In the telling of this parable, Jesus acknowledged that not all would "understand". That was the purpose of the parable form (Mt. 13:11). We need to be those who hear the word, and understand these mysteries of the kingdom of heaven that are being revealed to us.
Daniel, who wrote of the resurrection that was to come (Dan. 12:2), also spoke of those who are wise and have understanding. He wrote that "they shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" with those "that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (v. 3). Daniel also referred to the Bride of Christ as he wrote:
"Many shall be purified and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." v. 10
Daniel was told by the LORD that what he was writing was to be sealed "till the end". We who have received Christ understand what Daniel was writing about, because it has become "unsealed" for us in this time of the end of the age.
We understand that now is the time to prepare ourselves for our Bridegroom's soon return, including the preparation of those works of righteousness, those fruits of the Word of salvation in our lives, works that will last through the fire of testing and purifying, built upon the holy foundation of Christ:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Cor. 15:58
To Contact/Submit Prayer request/To Support the Ministry/To order "NAZAH""
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To Watch the Complete Message from Dr. Stevenson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Uv3uzpyyQ&feature=youtu.be
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:
Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. I want to know You as my Lord, and as my Savior, who covers my sins, and cleanses my heart. Come into my heart, and also fill me with the Holy Spirit, who will lead me into all truth, and will teach me how to follow You. I believe that You are the Son of God, the Messiah, that You were crucified for me, and rose from the dead to give me everlasting life. I believe that You are coming again. Lord Jesus, in Your name I believe, pray, and receive all of these things. Amen.
"...every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor...Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Cor. 3:8, 13-1
As we see and understand the times and the seasons in which we live, and understand that the Lord is soon to return, that the last trump is soon to sound, we are not to be caught unawares and unprepared (1 Thess. 5:1-6).
Jesus used the parable about the seed and the sower to illustrate the effects of carnality upon the Word that we have received, and the subsequent fruit, or works, that we produce. When we receive the Word, but don't bother to understand its value and therefore treat it carelessly, it is easily taken from us. When we receive the Word but fail to incorporate it into our character, "Yet hath he no root in himself", when tested by tribulation and persecution for the Word's sake, this person becomes offended at the Word that was sown into his life. When we hear the Word, but allow the Word to become choked by the cares of this world, and the "deceitfulness of riches" that we have given the greater importance, we become unfruitful. However, the Word that has been planted into good ground, is so considered because the hearer has made an effort to understand (to set or join together in the mind, to be wise) and join the Word into his life. This hearer of the Word with understanding also bears fruit. The fruit is abundant: "some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty". We bring forth fruit that spiritually feeds others, and impacts their lives with salvation (Mt. 13:19-23).
This parable above about the sower is very similar in meaning to the parable Jesus taught about the "talents" given by the master to "every man according to his several ability", who expected a multiplication and return (Mt. 25:14-30). Along with the Word, works have been ordained to us. These works have divine multiplication built into them.
In the telling of this parable, Jesus acknowledged that not all would "understand". That was the purpose of the parable form (Mt. 13:11). We need to be those who hear the word, and understand these mysteries of the kingdom of heaven that are being revealed to us.
Daniel, who wrote of the resurrection that was to come (Dan. 12:2), also spoke of those who are wise and have understanding. He wrote that "they shall shine as the brightness of the firmament" with those "that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (v. 3). Daniel also referred to the Bride of Christ as he wrote:
"Many shall be purified and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." v. 10
Daniel was told by the LORD that what he was writing was to be sealed "till the end". We who have received Christ understand what Daniel was writing about, because it has become "unsealed" for us in this time of the end of the age.
We understand that now is the time to prepare ourselves for our Bridegroom's soon return, including the preparation of those works of righteousness, those fruits of the Word of salvation in our lives, works that will last through the fire of testing and purifying, built upon the holy foundation of Christ:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Cor. 15:58
To Contact/Submit Prayer request/To Support the Ministry/To order "NAZAH""
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://endtimeschool.com/
To Watch the Complete Message from Dr. Stevenson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9Uv3uzpyyQ&feature=youtu.be
Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior:
Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. I want to know You as my Lord, and as my Savior, who covers my sins, and cleanses my heart. Come into my heart, and also fill me with the Holy Spirit, who will lead me into all truth, and will teach me how to follow You. I believe that You are the Son of God, the Messiah, that You were crucified for me, and rose from the dead to give me everlasting life. I believe that You are coming again. Lord Jesus, in Your name I believe, pray, and receive all of these things. Amen.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Trumpet Blasts and Wedding Garments: Are You Ready?
During the Feast of Trumpets, which is the first of the fall feasts of the LORD, there is a series of repeated blasts of the shofar (trumpet made from a ram's horn) that are specifically associated with this feast.
The first shofar blast of the repeated series is called "Tekiah". It is one long blast. Its sound represents both joy and warning. In our last post, we discussed the joy associated with this feast (Rev. 19:7-9, Ps. 81:1-3). The warning of the Tekiah blast, according to the rabbinical teachings, serves to call attention to something, to gather together to receive God's orders. Jesus issued this Tekiah-like warning:
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (dissipation, carousing), and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Lk. 21:34-36
The Apostle Paul repeats a similar warning:
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:2-9 (excerpt)
Much of the Church is asleep, unaware, and unprepared. The Tekiah blast is to stir us up, and warn us to start paying attention. Tradition says that the Tekiah blast is shouting, "Awake you sleepers!".
The second series of blasts of the shofar is called "Shevarim". It is comprised of three short, broken notes. The word Shevarim means "breakings". Its sounding calls people to weep, repent, and seek God. The blasts are to lead God's people into examining themselves. They are reminded to turn away from the things that have been separating them from God, and to seek those things that are Godly:
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil...But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..." 1 Pet. 3:12, 15 and
"Quench not the Spirit...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:19-23
We are expected to walk in a Godly manner, sanctified, having not even the appearance of evil in our lives. The Shevarim blasts warn us that we are to repent, and change our ways, when we fall short of these things. The pure, white, clean linen of the wedding garments worn by the Bride of Christ represent righteousness (Rev. 19:7-8), for she has prepared herself for her wedding to the Lamb of God. The cares and ways of this world, the things considered valuable and important to this world, are not part of the righteousness of the saints.
The third series of blasts of the shofar is called "Teruah". They are nine, short, staccato blasts of alarm. It is an urgent warning, meant to give advance notice of an immediately impending event. The word Teruah means "shout or cry". It is to bring the hearers into deep repentance, sorrow, and sobbing. To us, it should be our last warning, "The Bridegroom cometh". At the sounding of these Teruah blasts, there is no time left to "prepare" if we have not already prepared ourselves for this event. The moment is about to come upon us. Jesus gave this serious warning to one of His churches:
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:2-3
To this same church, Jesus gave this promise if they listened to Him, and repented:
"...few...which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Rev. 3:2-5 (excerpt)
The last sounding of the shofar in this series is called "Teruah Gedolah", meaning "the last trump" or "the great trump". It is one long, continuing note to be held as long as the breath allows. It is the trumpet blast of the hope of redemption, and resurrection of the dead:
"For the Lord Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice (also includes the sound or tone of an instrument) of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.: 1 Thess. 4:16-17
The moment of resurrection is preceded with sounds. These sounds first speak to those who are "asleep", the dead in Christ, and then also to those living who belong to Him.
Isaiah is just one prophet who prophesied this moment of resurrection:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise. Awake (awaken abruptly, arise, watch. root- harvest) and sing (sing, shout, cry out, overcome), ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew (night mist. root- overshadow, covering) is as the dew of herbs (light, luminousness. root- "ore" light of Christ), and the earth shall cast out (lie prostrate, prostrate oneself, fall away from, be inferior to) the dead. Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." Isa. 26:19-20
The dead and the living in Christ are, in an abrupt moment, gathered to Him in resurrection and transformation, to enter into the bridal chamber with Him.
As the trumpets of this feast sound, they are the foreshadowing of the last call and warning for the Bride to make herself ready.
To Give/Contact:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud
http://endtimeschool.com/
PayPal available
The first shofar blast of the repeated series is called "Tekiah". It is one long blast. Its sound represents both joy and warning. In our last post, we discussed the joy associated with this feast (Rev. 19:7-9, Ps. 81:1-3). The warning of the Tekiah blast, according to the rabbinical teachings, serves to call attention to something, to gather together to receive God's orders. Jesus issued this Tekiah-like warning:
"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (dissipation, carousing), and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Lk. 21:34-36
The Apostle Paul repeats a similar warning:
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:2-9 (excerpt)
Much of the Church is asleep, unaware, and unprepared. The Tekiah blast is to stir us up, and warn us to start paying attention. Tradition says that the Tekiah blast is shouting, "Awake you sleepers!".
The second series of blasts of the shofar is called "Shevarim". It is comprised of three short, broken notes. The word Shevarim means "breakings". Its sounding calls people to weep, repent, and seek God. The blasts are to lead God's people into examining themselves. They are reminded to turn away from the things that have been separating them from God, and to seek those things that are Godly:
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil...But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear..." 1 Pet. 3:12, 15 and
"Quench not the Spirit...Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:19-23
We are expected to walk in a Godly manner, sanctified, having not even the appearance of evil in our lives. The Shevarim blasts warn us that we are to repent, and change our ways, when we fall short of these things. The pure, white, clean linen of the wedding garments worn by the Bride of Christ represent righteousness (Rev. 19:7-8), for she has prepared herself for her wedding to the Lamb of God. The cares and ways of this world, the things considered valuable and important to this world, are not part of the righteousness of the saints.
The third series of blasts of the shofar is called "Teruah". They are nine, short, staccato blasts of alarm. It is an urgent warning, meant to give advance notice of an immediately impending event. The word Teruah means "shout or cry". It is to bring the hearers into deep repentance, sorrow, and sobbing. To us, it should be our last warning, "The Bridegroom cometh". At the sounding of these Teruah blasts, there is no time left to "prepare" if we have not already prepared ourselves for this event. The moment is about to come upon us. Jesus gave this serious warning to one of His churches:
"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Rev. 3:2-3
To this same church, Jesus gave this promise if they listened to Him, and repented:
"...few...which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." Rev. 3:2-5 (excerpt)
The last sounding of the shofar in this series is called "Teruah Gedolah", meaning "the last trump" or "the great trump". It is one long, continuing note to be held as long as the breath allows. It is the trumpet blast of the hope of redemption, and resurrection of the dead:
"For the Lord Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice (also includes the sound or tone of an instrument) of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.: 1 Thess. 4:16-17
The moment of resurrection is preceded with sounds. These sounds first speak to those who are "asleep", the dead in Christ, and then also to those living who belong to Him.
Isaiah is just one prophet who prophesied this moment of resurrection:
"Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise. Awake (awaken abruptly, arise, watch. root- harvest) and sing (sing, shout, cry out, overcome), ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew (night mist. root- overshadow, covering) is as the dew of herbs (light, luminousness. root- "ore" light of Christ), and the earth shall cast out (lie prostrate, prostrate oneself, fall away from, be inferior to) the dead. Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." Isa. 26:19-20
The dead and the living in Christ are, in an abrupt moment, gathered to Him in resurrection and transformation, to enter into the bridal chamber with Him.
As the trumpets of this feast sound, they are the foreshadowing of the last call and warning for the Bride to make herself ready.
To Give/Contact:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8
http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud
http://endtimeschool.com/
PayPal available
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
The Coming Fall Feasts
The prophetic shadows and types found in the spring feasts of the LORD were fulfilled in Christ's first coming. The fall feasts are a foreshadowing of Christ's return. It is not only important for the Church to know the significance of these feasts, but it is a blessing to see how God has revealed His prophetic plan through them.
The three fall feasts of the LORD are described in Lev. 23-44. These feasts are The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, and the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot. Each feast is memorialized by a special Sabbath. There is to be no work done on these days. The Sabbath is a day in which the completed work of God, is to be remembered and held holy. These feasts as well, point us to His plan, and the completion, or fulfillment of that plan.
The first of the fall feasts is the Feast of Trumpets:
"...In the seventh month (Tishrei), in the first day of the month (a new moon), shall ye have a Sabbath, and a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." Lev. 23:24-25
This feast can only begin when the new moon is seen in the sky in the month of Tishri. Even though the date of the feast is marked on the calendar, because it can be difficult to spot the new moon, no man can know the precise day, nor hour for the beginning of the feast (see also Mt. 24:36, 50). Once the new moon is spotted in the sky, the signal is given, the shout goes up, and the trumpets, or shofars, begin to sound all throughout the land ( Listen here ).
It is a feast of shouting, sounding, and rejoicing:
"Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob...Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day." Ps. 81:1, 3
The above Psalm was written by Asaph, whose name means "to gather, to collect, receive, remove, to gather and take away, to receive into". His Psalms should remind us of the great gathering in of harvest that the LORD has planned. Could that "gathering in", that "taking away" be associated with the Feast of Trumpets? Let's read on.
The Apostle Paul talks about a similar event in 1Thess. 4:1-18, and 5:1-6, 12-18. He begins by speaking that we are to know how to possess our vessel (body) in sanctification and honor. God has not called us unto uncleanness, but to holiness. We are to love and honor God with our behavior, and to act with honor and love towards one another. This is to fulfill the commandments of Christ (Mt. 22:36-40). Paul goes on to say that we should not be ignorant.:
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (see also Jn. 14:2-3) 1 Thes. 4:16-17
We are to be aware of the times and the seasons so that this day should not overtake us unaware, like a thief, as those who do not know God. He concludes by warning:
"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks." 1 Thes. 5:6,16-18
A similar warning is given by Christ in a parable about the sudden coming of the Bridegroom in Mt. 25:1-13. Ten virgins had been sleeping when the shout comes, "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." (v. 6). Some, who are wise, are prepared to go out to the bridegroom immediately, but some who are unwise have been careless and negligent, and therefore, unprepared. By the time these unwise, careless virgins are ready, the bridegroom has already left. But "...they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." (v. 10). The Lord concludes by warning:
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh." (v. 13).
The above parable about the coming of the Bridegroom warns us to be prepared and ready for that sudden appearing. The Apostle Paul warns above about preparing ourselves in holiness and honor, adding that a shout and a trump will signal our gathering away to be with the Lord. Also, Rev. 19:7 proclaims that "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." Being ready is necessary for this event. This occasion is also accompanied by gladness and rejoicing, as the Psalmist declared.
Being ready, or prepared, is also part of the prophetic pattern of the Feast of Trumpets. Before the Feast of Trumpets begins in the month of Tishrei, the preceding month of Elul is considered a month of "teshuvah", or repentance, in order to prepare, and be ready for the coming feast. Not only do the worshippers prepare their souls, but they also spend the month before the feast preparing the garments they will wear for the Feast of Trumpets. According to the traditional observance, the garments of this feast must be clean, white linen, without spot or wrinkle. It should come as no surprise to find that the Bride who has made herself ready is further described:
"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints." Rev. 19:8
And Paul also uses similar words to describe the Church:
"That He might present it to Himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish." Eph. 5:27
The preparation month of Elul will soon be here, and then Tishrei will begin with the Feast of Trumpets. We do not know which year the prophetic shadow of the Feast of Trumpets that we have described above will be fulfilled, but we know the signs of the times tell us that it is near, at any moment. We are called to be among those who are not ignorant, and not in darkness, but aware, awake, prepared, and ready when the shout goes out, and the trumpet sounds, to be gathered in, to go into the marriage supper of the Lamb.
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Wednesday, October 5, 2016
The Fall Feasts-The Feast of Trumpets
The Feast of Trumpets, also called Rosh Hashanah (The head of the year) on the civil calendar, along with the other fall feasts of the LORD, is described in Lev. 23. It is to be observed on the first day of the seventh month. All are to come together in a holy assembly, and the day is to be treated as a Sabbath. Trumpets, or shofars (ram's horns), are to be blown in one long blast called a tekillah (listen above), as a memorial to the LORD (v. 23-25). This single long blast proclaims the Kingship of the LORD, and His crowning. When we hear this sound, it reminds us to crown the LORD as King in our own hearts and lives.
Earthly rulers come and go, and their power ultimately corrupts them. They rule to benefit themselves and the state at the expense of the people. Even King David, called a man after God's own heart, used his position as king to number the people, and to take another man's wife. To cover up his adultery, David used his kingly authority to send the husband, his loyal servant and soldier, to that man's death on the front lines of battle.
God's reign as King, on the other hand, is to benefit His people and all of creation. He rules as a Servant, as a Father, and as Justice for those who would never see justice otherwise. Those around us should be able to see this Kingship of God through His Kingship in our own lives.
Many Christians do not understand the significance of observing the feasts of Israel. Jesus, and the New Covenant in His blood, are not separated from the fall feasts, but rather, are the fulfillment of them. These feasts are a pattern on earth of the heavenly:
"...we have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the LORD pitched, and not man." Earthly priests "... serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." Heb. 8:1-5 excerpt
From His position of power and Kingly authority in that heavenly tabernacle, Jesus is the mediator of an even better covenant (v. 6). He ascended to this position at the right hand of majesty "far above all heavens, that He might fill all things." (Eph. 4:10)
We can see Christ fulfilling the other fall feasts, as well.
The three wailing shofar blasts called shevarim (listen above), blown on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, represent the sobbing of hearts in repentance, and the desire to be reconnected, or reconciled, back to God. This is a day to afflict the soul, as well as a day of fasting. It is a Sabbath. (Lev. 23:26-32).
Jesus fulfills this feast as He is our reconciliation with the Father, and calls us to a ministry of the same reconciliation (2 Chron. 29:24, Ez. 45:15, Heb. 2:17):
Jesus fulfills this feast as He is our reconciliation with the Father, and calls us to a ministry of the same reconciliation (2 Chron. 29:24, Ez. 45:15, Heb. 2:17):
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Cor. 5:18-19
Like David's repentant cry, the cry of our hearts should be:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Ps. 51:10
Like David's repentant cry, the cry of our hearts should be:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Ps. 51:10
The shofar call of the Day of Atonement is a call to examine ourselves, judging ourselves that we are not judged and condemned (1 Cor. 11, 28-31-32), to grow up into Him, our Atonement, Christ (Eph. 4:13, 15).
The nine quick shofar blasts of the third fall feast, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, are called teruah (listen above).The rabbis refer to these blasts as a "spiritual alarm clock" to awaken us from spiritual slumber.
Jesus taught the same idea as He told the parable of the ten virgins. He said that while all slumbered and slept, the awakening cry went out, "The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." (Mt. 25:5-6). We are to be prepared, and to make ourselves ready, for this awakening call of our Bridegroom as He takes us into His tabernacle, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Jesus taught the same idea as He told the parable of the ten virgins. He said that while all slumbered and slept, the awakening cry went out, "The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." (Mt. 25:5-6). We are to be prepared, and to make ourselves ready, for this awakening call of our Bridegroom as He takes us into His tabernacle, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
On this holy convocation of the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasts seven days, we are to build booths out of the greenery of goodly trees to remember how God provided tabernacles, or tents, for His presence, and for His people in the wilderness after He brought them out of Egypt (Lev. 23:33-44). He was with them every step of the journey.
The New Covenant tabernacle of God, and of our dwelling, is described:
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself, shall be with them, and be their God." Rev. 21:3 (Lev. 26:11-12)
The fall feasts, like the spring feasts, are not limited to the Old Covenant, nor only to the Law of Moses. They are a pattern and shadow of the work of the Father and His Son in heaven, and in each one of us in earth. "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.".
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