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Hope for a troubled world
Annual Holy Days/2009 Calendar
There are seven annual Holy days which are ordained by God: see Leviticus 23
These annual Holy days or Sabbaths of the Lord portray Gods plan of salvation for all mankind.
Jesus’ ministry was focused on the meaning of the Holy days.
Jesus and his apostles kept these Feasts.
All the Feasts/Holy Days are kept from sunset to sunset.
"These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations,
which ye shall proclaim in their seasons."
Leviticus 23:4
Passover
The Passover (Leviticus 23:5) is a reminder of how God took the lives of all the firstborn Egyptian males (Exodus 12:7, 26-29) but passed over the Israelites' homes because they had placed the blood of a sacrificed lamb on their doorposts. In conjunction with the Passover, God instituted the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8). Historically it commemorates the flight of the Israelites from Egypt in such haste they did not have time to let their bread rise (Exodus 12:33-34).
God commanded the Israelites to keep this festival by removing leaven (yeast) out of their homes for seven days. The first and last days of this week-long festival were specifically set apart as holy convocations days devoted to rest and assembly for worship.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus identified leaven as a symbol of sin (Matthew 16:6-12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1). Thereafter members of the early Church continued to observe this festival by putting leaven out of their homes for the week as a symbol of the clean minds and attitudes God desires of His people (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). After accepting Christ's sacrifice for our sins, we must follow His example in practicing righteousness.
Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Feast (festival) of Unleavened Bread commemorates the flight of Israelites from Egypt in such haste that their bread did not have time to rise. (Exodus 12:33-34, Leviticus 23:6-8) The feast was kept by removing leaven (yeast) out of their homes for seven days. The first and last days of the feast were set aside for rest and assembly for worship. Jesus identified leaven as a symbol of sin (Matt 16-6, Mark 8:15, Luke 12:1)
Jesus’ apostles and members of the early church continued to observe the feasts ordained by God. (1st.Cor.5:6-8) The Church of God International continues to follow the example set by Jesus and his followers by celebrating the Feasts ordained by God.
The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
The Feast of Pentecost corresponds with the first harvest of the season (Lev.23:16-21); the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the early church. (Acts 2). The Feast of Pentecost is a reminder that The Lord is selecting the first fruits of his Kingdom by granting them His Spirit. (Matt.9:38, Luke 10:2, Rom. 8:23, James 1:18) God’s Spirit empowers us with Love of God, motivation to obey Him, and a sound mind to discern His truth. (2nd Timothy 1:7, John 15:26, 16:13) Only those who are led by the Spirit of God are called the Sons of God. (Rom. 8:9-14)
Feast of Trumpets
In Israel, trumpets were used as a way of announcing special messages. (Lev. 23: 24-25, Num. 10:1-10). The New Testament (Greek Scriptures) reveals a great event to be announced by the sounding of a trumpet: the return of Jesus to earth (Rev.8:2, 11:15). The Feast of Trumpets also represents the day when the dead in Christ will be resurrected to life. (1st Cor. 15:52, 1st Thess. 4:16) to reign with Him for1000 years. (A millennium)(Rev. 20:4-6) The remaining Feast describes the prophesied establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth and the judgment of mankind after Christ’s return.
Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement (Lev.23-26-32) is observed by fasting; refraining from eating or drinking. (Acts 27-9. Esther 4-16) it represents mankind’s need to be reconciled to God through the forgiveness of sin. When Christ returns, Satan will be bound (Rev. 20:1-3) so the nations can be reconciled to God through Christ. Luke called The Day of Atonement “the fast” (Acts 27:9)
The Feast of Tabernacles
This seven-day Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:34) represents the next step in God’s Plan. It portrays the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4-6): the Millennium. Isaiah calls this a time of peace when God’s law will go out to all nations from Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25). The earth will be transformed to a peaceful and productive place (Isaiah 35:1), “but more importantly, the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11-9) All of humanity will learn God’s ways because Satan’s influence will be removed. All people will be given the opportunity to repent and be reconciled with God through Jesus. Jesus attended this festival. (John 7:2, 10:14)
The Last Great Day
The last step in God’s plan of salvation for all mankind is represented by the Last Great Day which falls at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. (Lev 23) It is called the eighth day, or the Last Great Day. (John 7:37) This festival portrays the Judgment of mankind described inn Rev. 20:11-13.
During this time, all people who have died without knowing God’s plan for them will be resurrected to life and given an opportunity to respond to God’s call. Our Loving Creator wants all men to be saved. (1st Timothy 2:4), and “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2nd Peter 3:9) through this wonderful plan, everyone who has ever lived or ever will live will have the opportunity to know God’s truth, to repent, and to receive salvation.
The early church in the first century followed Jesus’ example of observing these days. Peter and John urged the brethren to walk in Jesus’ steps (1st Peter 2:21) (1st John 2:6). They obeyed Jesus’ command to teach converts to “observe all things that I (Jesus) have commanded you” Matt. 28:19-20)
Passover.........March 29
Feast of Unleavened Bread........March 30-April 5
Pentecost........May 23
Feast of Trumpets.......September 9
Day of Attonement.......September 18
Feast of Tabernacles.......September 23-29
Last Great Day.......September 30
