Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Feasts of the Lord - A Little Help In Understanding Them

The Feasts of The Lord - Biblical Holidays

Do you know and understand why the biblical Feasts of the Lord, which are found in the Bible (Torah, Tanak, New Testament) are for believers today? After all, these are our Jewish roots. They were first given to His Chosen Ones the Jews, to bring His light to the world, and then for all believers in Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ. It is one way God the Father has revealed His Son Yeshua (salvation in Hebrew) to the nations.

And how does He do this revealing? By instructing the Jews to keep His annual feasts, which then demonstrates His plan of salvation for the entire world, both for Jew and Gentile. 

Again, salvation ("Yeshua" in Hebrew) for all who would believe and receive.

Here are a few pieces of artwork to help further explain what He has done, and continues to do, for us.

Happy feasting! Chag Semach Pesach (Happy Passover!),

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People



Feasts of the Lord 
- to bring us to Yeshua (Jesus)

Known commonly as the Jewish feasts, 
they have been given as a
demonstration of His love for all of us.

Passover (Pesach) - Yeshua's (Jesus') death, burial 
and resurrection
on Resurrection Sunday

His sacrificial death on the cross 
- as a sheep led to slaughter (Isaiah 53)

Shavuot - Pentecost
- the first fruits, when the Holy Spirit came 50 days
after His resurrection


Announcing His soon coming triumphal return

Day of Atonement - 
reflecting on sin and His atoning Blood for us

Feast of Tabernacles - Sukkot
Spending time with Him in His eternal rest
of salvation


Sharing Love From Sweden - "Yeshua - the Passover Lamb" by Eva Haglund

Shalom Steve!

I liked the  poem you wrote on the blog! Thank you very much! I wish you a Happy Passover! 

Blessings, 
Eva
The Passover Lamb
Isaiah 53

I think about Yeshua - the Passover Lamb. He gave everything for us like a lamb led to the slaughter. I think about our heavenly Daddy's deep love. His Son was like a precious Lamb for Him I think - a lamb without
faults and He laid down, as our loving Daddy, His precious Lamb at the altar for us. Our heavenly Daddy's heart was crushed for us and He wanted to do everything for us. The biggest love was to be willing to give His Son.

He know there is NO other Way to Open thé Way to heaven. Abraham did not have to sacrifice his son but God gave everything for us. He gave the biggest present.

I think He had pain in His heart seeing Yeshua suffer so much but he did it for us. Yeshua loved His father and wanted to do His will. He loved us also so much and was ready to do everything for us. He had the good shepherds heart giving everything for the sheep.

I think in Gethsemane Yeshua had so much agony until blood because He knew that He would have to suffer so much because it was a terrible pain, but He chose to carry all sufferings- all pain because of His love to us.


Yeshua's heart was also crushed for us as our heavenly Daddy's was. God is really Love!

My favorite chapter is Isaiah 53 because it tells how wonderful Yeshua is. It shows how the Father- Daddy is also.

God is love.

Eva


Yeshua's blood was shed for us. His back was whipped full of stripes.


We can celebrate His death 
and resurrection now 
because He reigns in heaven. 
And Yeshua (Jesus) is coming back again as 
King of kings and 
Lord of lords.

HAPPY PASSOVER!





Why Jesus is Our Passover Lamb

CHRISTIANITY'S JEWISH ROOTS

Why Jesus is Our Passover Lamb


Why Jesus is Our Passover Lamb
Rich Robinson
Jews for Jesus

CBN.com

In the day to come when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' you shall say to him…"Exodus 13:14.

The number four plays a significant role in Judaism. There are the four species of vegetables for Sukkot; four kingdoms in the book of Daniel; four Torah portions in the tefillin; four Matriarchs. At Passover, we find this number in abundance. In the course of the Seder we have four sons, four cups of wine, four expressions of redemption (Exodus 6:6-7) and perhaps the most famous "four" of all: the Four Questions.

As the Seder developed over the centuries, the Four Questions underwent many changes and were altered as different situations arose.1 For example, originally one question dealt with why we ate roasted meat.2 After the destruction of the Temple, that question was deleted and one about reclining was substituted. Today, the Four Questions (phrased as observations) are asked by the youngest child in the family:

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On all other nights, we may eat either chometz or matzoh; on this night, only matzoh.
On all other nights, we eat all kinds of vegetables; on this night, we must eat maror.
On all other nights, we do not dip even once; on this night we dip twice.
On all other nights, we may eat either sitting or reclining; on this night, we all recline.

The father then explains the Passover story.

There are other questions that the rabbis could have chosen as well. In the spirit of rabbinical adaptation, here are some additional questions that both children and adults might ponder.

Why do we place three matzos together in one napkin?

There are any number of traditions about this. One tradition holds that they represent the three classes of people in ancient Israel: the Priests, the Levites, and the Israelites. Another tradition teaches that they symbolize the three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yet another explanation is that it is a depiction of the "Three Crowns": the crown of learning, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship.3 And a fourth option is that two of the matzos stand for the two weekly loaves of Exodus 16:22, and the third matzoh represents the special Passover bread called the "bread of affliction."4 And if those are not enough to keep one's imagination running, here's another.

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Sperling suggested that the three matzos stand for the three "measures of the fine meal" which Sarah prepared for Abraham's angelic guests (Genesis 18). The reason for this interpretation lies in the rabbinic tradition that this event occurred on the night of Passover!5 Out of all these explanations, how can we decide which is the right one, or is there yet another?

Why is the middle matzoh, the afikoman, broken in the course of the Seder?

Are we breaking the Levites, or Isaac, or the crown of learning, or one of the guests' cakes, or the bread of affliction? Or are we symbolizing the parting of the Red Sea (another explanation)?6 If any of these explanations are correct, why is the matzoh hidden away, buried under a cushion, and then taken out and eaten by all, as the Sephardic ritual puts it, "in memory of the Passover lamb?"

Where is our pesach, our Passover sacrifice, today?

The Torah prescribes that a lamb is to be sacrificed and eaten every Passover as a memorial of the first Passover lambs which were killed (Deuteronomy 16:1 -8). In reply, it is said that without a Temple we can have no sacrifices—yet some have advocated that the sacrifice still be made in Jerusalem even without a Temple.7 Since the Passover sacrifice, like others, involved the forgiveness of sins, it is important that we do the right thing. 

Some feel that the pesach had nothing to do with forgiveness. But in Exodus Rabbah 15:12 we read, "I will have pity on you, through the blood of the Passover and the blood of circumcision, and I will forgive you." Again, Numbers Rabbah 13:20 cites Numbers 7:46, which deals with the sin offering, and then adds, "This was in allusion to the Paschal sacrifice." Clearly the rabbis of this time period regarded the pesach as effecting atonement, and Leviticus 17:11 confirms that "it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."8 

Today, however, we have only a shankbone, the zeroah, as a reminder of the Passover sacrifice, and roasted egg, the chaggigah, in memory of the festival offerings. But nowhere did God say that we could dispense with sacrifice. So, where is our pesach today?

The answers to these questions can be found by examining how and why the Seder observance changed dramatically in the first century.

The Seder Celebrated by Jesus and His Disciples

The "Last Supper" was a Passover meal and seems to have followed much the same order as we find in the Mishnah.

In the New Testament accounts, we find reference to the First Cup, also known as the Cup of Blessing (Luke 22:17); to the breaking of the matzoh (Luke 22:19); to the Third Cup, the Cup of Redemption (Luke 22:20); to reclining (Luke 22:14); to the charoseth or the maror (Matthew 26:23), and to the Hallel (Matthew 26:30).

In particular, the matzoh and the Third Cup are given special significance by Jesus:

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19-20)

The Passover Lamb

The early Jewish believers in Jesus considered him the fulfillment of the Passover lambs that were yearly sacrificed. Thus Paul, a Jewish Christian who had studied under Rabbi Gamaliel, wrote, "Messiah, our pesach, has been sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). John in his gospel noted that Jesus died at the same time that the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple (see John 19:14) and that like the Passover lambs, none of his bones were broken (the others being crucified had their leg bones broken by the Romans—John 19:32, 33, 36). The idea behind all this was that just as the Israelites were redeemed from Egyptian slavery by an unblemished lamb, now men could be freed from slavery to sin by the Messiah, the Lamb of God.

The Cessation of the Temple Sacrifices

The first Christians were considered a part of the Jewish community until the end of the first century when they were expelled by the synagogue. Until the temple was destroyed, these Messianic Jews worshipped regularly with those Jews who didn't believe in the Messiah. In fact, there were entire congregations that worshipped Y'shua and they continued in their observance of the regular Jewish festivals. In such a setting, much interchange of ideas was possible. Jesus declared over the matzoh, "This is my body." Since the Jewish believers of that time saw Jesus as the Passover lamb, it followed that they would see the matzoh as symbolic of Jesus, the Passover lamb. In turn, with the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of sacrifices, the larger Jewish community might well have adopted the idea that the matzoh commemorated the lamb, even if they discounted the messianic symbolism.

The Afikoman Ceremony

As mentioned earlier, the significance of the middle matzoh and the ceremony connected with it is shrouded in mystery. The derivation of the word afikoman itself sheds some light. The word is usually traced to the Greek epikomion ("dessert") or epikomion("revelry")9. But Dr. David Daube, professor of civil law at Oxford University, derives it from aphikomenos, "the one who has arrived."10 This mystery clears further when one considers the striking parallels between what is done to the middle matzoh (afikoman) and what happened to Jesus. The afikoman is broken, wrapped in linen cloth, hidden and later brought back. Similarly, after his death, Jesus was wrapped in linen, buried, and resurrected three days later. Is it possible that the current Ashkenazic practice of having children steal the afikoman is a rabbinical refutation of the resurrection, implying that grave-snatchers emptied the tomb?

These factors strongly suggest that the afikoman ceremony was adopted from the Jewish Christians by the larger Jewish community which also adopted the use of the three matzos. Jewish Christians contend that these three matzos represent the tri-une nature of God, and that the afikoman which is broken, buried and brought back dramatically represents Jesus the Messiah.

The question then remains: What will it take to convince you?

Do you want to know Y'shua as your Messiah?

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God. You can also send us your prayer requests

More from Christianity's Jewish Roots

Endnotes
1. Daube, David, The New Testament and Rabbinic Judaism (University of London, 1956), p.187.
2. Klein, Mordell, ed., Passover (Leon Amiel, 1973), p.69.
3. Rosen, Ceil and Moishe, Christ in the Passover (Moody Press, 19788), p.70.
4. Klein, p.53.
5. Sperling, Rabbi Abraham Isaac, Reasons for Jewish Customs and Traditions, (Bloch Publishing Co., 1968), p.m 189.
6. Ibid.
7. Klein, p.28.
8. Morris, Leon, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Eerdmans, Third ed., 1965), pp. 131 132.
9. Gaster, Theodor Herzel, Passover: Its History and Traditions (Abelard-Schuman, 1958), p.64.
10. Daube, "He That Cometh", (London Diocesan Council for Christian-Jewish Understanding, no date).

Learn more about Christianity's Jewish roots at the Jews for Jesus Web site

© Jews for Jesus. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

"Come Dance With Me" - Messianic worship song with Joel Chernoff (LAMB) - (video and photos)

Yeshua HaMashiach
- The (Pesach) Passover Lamb


Uploaded on Nov 11, 2008
Messianic Worship by Joel Chernoff
  • Category

  • License

    Standard YouTube License



Joel Chernoff - 2011 
in Charlotte, NC area 
(photos by Steve Martin,
Love For His People)




Joel Chernoff, formerly of LAMB 
-Messianic singing group



Sacrifice Lamb - Joel Chernoff (LAMB Messianic) - live music video


Joel Chernoff - formerly of LAMB
sings "The Sacrifice Lamb"


Joel Chernoff, co-artist of LAMB. April 16, 2011 at Beit Shofarot in China Grove, NC (Rabbi Yossi Wentz). Dance led by Curtis Loftin of Beith Yeshua in Lincolnton, NC, (Video by Steve Martin, of Love For His People in Charlotte, NC)







Death, Burial, Resurrection and Return of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ)

Yeshua HaMashiach
Jesus Christ

He came the first time... 
...as the Suffering Servant 
in Isaiah 53.



He rose from the dead 
after three days in the tomb.
The sacrificial Lamb of Passover 
(Pesach).


He will return as the Messiah of Israel, 
for all to see.

King of kings
and
Lord of lords.




  



Monday, April 14, 2014

Valuable Treasures in Earthen Vessels by Elaine Tavolacci

Valuable Treasures in Earthen Vessels 

by Elaine Tavolacci

Identity Network

People will go out of their way to protect the things that they treasure. They have security systems with cameras installed on their houses and stores for protection against thieves stealing their valuables. They have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to protect their families against gas leaks and fires. 

The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said; people guard earthly possessions which are precious and valuable to them, but they don't recognize and protect the treasure that I have placed inside of them.
The Lord says, I have placed valuable treasures inside of you that many of you have not yet identified or discovered. There are wells on the inside of you that you have not yet tapped in to. Do not allow these wells to be stagnant any longer. There are precious treasures and gifts that have been cultivated as you refreshed yourself in My presence. They have been imparted to you as you studied My word and sought out the mysteries of My kingdom. 

They have been conceived as you spent quality time in the secret place with Me. They have been released to you as you have continued steadfast in prayer, stood fervently in intercession and prayed in the Spirit with perseverance and determination without wavering. Stir up that which is lying dormant on the inside of you. 

Resurrect those gifts that are available and accessible. These are not natural treasures of silver and gold but they are treasures of revelatory gifts and mysteries. Multitudes have gone to their graves without ever discovering these priceless treasures that I have given to them. Now is the time to discover the treasure that I have placed within you.
I Came to Fulfill
I have not come to destroy your dreams, your plans, your purposes or your destinies but to fulfill them. Understand that your gift will make room for you. Seek Me for understanding to be able to discern what I have made available to you. Listen for My voice in the daytime and in the night seasons. I will speak to you in dreams and visions and reveal My plans and purposes to you. I am calling you to step out. This is the season for My gifts to be released. 

These gifts are spiritual gifts that many of you have longed for. They are priceless gifts of revelation and hidden mysteries. They are secrets and as you discern them, you will use them for My glory. Desire these gifts and discover the treasures that I have placed deep down on the inside of you, and you will see marvelous things in your life and ministry that you have not yet experienced. Do not think for a moment that you have been disqualified. 

My gifts and calling's are irrevocable and My purpose will come to pass as you put aside your man made agenda's and allow Me to show you the hidden treasures that I have placed in you says the Lord.
Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.
Elaine Tavolacci

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Jewish Center Shooting Suspect Linked to KKK - CBN News

CBN News

Jewish Center Shooting Suspect 

Linked to KKK


A man tied to the white supremacist movement is being accused of this weekend's deadly shootings at Jewish facilities in Kansas City, Kan. The killings took place just before the Jewish Passover holiday begins on Monday evening.

The suspect, a 73-year-old Missouri man named Frazier Glenn Miller, reportedly has a history of racist and anti-Semitic activity.

He was heard shouting "Heil Hitler" moments after being handcuffed and put in the back of the police car.

"The initial call came into our dispatch center at 1:03 p.m," Overland Park Chief of Police John Douglas said.

The chaos began Sunday afternoon in a suburb of Kansas City when Miller opened fire in the parking lot of the Jewish Community Center.

"It was really scary," recalled Jenessa Watkins, who was inside the JCC when the shootings took place. "People were calling their loved ones."

About 75 people, many of whom were youngsters, were in the community center at the time of the shooting.

The victims include Dr. William Lewis Corporon, who had accompanied his grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood, 14, to a high school singing competition being held at the community center.

"Several shots were fired at that location and witnesses stated that the suspect left the location soon after," Douglas said.

The name of the third victim, a resident of Village Shalom, a nearby assisted-living center, has not been released.

"Today's' tragic shooting of three people marks a sad day in Overland Park," Mayor Carl Gerlach said.

Sunday's attack comes as anti-Semitic incidents have been on the decline in the United States, although they've been rising in other parts of the world, especially in Europe.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, said Miller is the former grand dragon of the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

Miller reportedly posted more than 12,000 times on the Vanguard News Network, whose slogan is "No Jews, Just Right."

Still, authorities say it is too early to say whether the shootings were hate crimes.

"Obviously two Jewish facilities, one might make that assumption, but we're going to have to know more about it before we label it," Douglas said.

President Barack Obama called Sunday's fatal shooting "heartbreaking" as prayer services were held in local churches to mourn the victims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also extended condolences to families of victims.

"We understand that the murders were -- according to indications -- were perpetrated out of hatred of Jews," Netanyahu said. "The State of Israel is at the forefront, along with all civilized peoples who are committed to the struggle against this scourge."