Shalom Saints,
David Rogers announced that the barley is Aviv and the renewed moon was sighted in Israel; this is an occasion to celebrate! David went on to say that this day marks the beginning of the Biblical New Year and it is the start of the time table for all of the appointed times of our Elohim. The Biblical New Year celebration is about the Gospel – the Good News that the Creator has established a plan to redeem mankind. David shared with us his version of John 3:16.
For Elohim so loved the world, that He devised a way for fallen mankind to be restored into right relationship with the Almighty. So He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes (Shema) in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The appointed times of meeting with the Creator of the Universe are commanded and are a part of Elohim’s plan to redeem mankind. David explained that even the foreigner, who we are, is included in the Almighty’s Redemption Plan when we submit to His will and His way. There is no greater blessing we can have on this earth than to know that we are part of the Royal Family and that eternal life is for us.
David gave an informative and enlightening account of the appointed times. The full description of the Feasts and the requirements for each are found in the Torah, the 1st five books of the Bible. Here are some of David’s insights.
- The Biblical New Year
- This is not an appointed time or Sabbath, but it is necessary to recognize the beginning of the year in order to know the correct dates of the appointed times.
- The Biblical New Year is determined by the barley being Aviv and the renewed moon sighted in Israel.
- Aviv is defined as fresh young ears of barley and the month of ear-forming or growing green. (Listen to the video snippet below.)
- The Feast of Unleavened Bread
- By remembering the Pesach (Passover) on its anniversary year after year, the sons of Israel were proclaiming the Good News of the deliverance and redemptive power of Elohim.
- Removing the leavened bread from our homes is symbolic of removing the doctrines of man and false teachings out of our lives.
- Firstfruits During the Feast of Unleavened Bread
- This day occurs during the 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and is the day after the weekly Sabbath.
- This day determines the start of the count up to the day of Shavuot/Pentecost.
- (Sharon: There are Firstfruit offerings during each of the three pilgrimage Feasts: Unleavened Bread, Shavuot, and Tabernacles.)
- The Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost)
- This is a proclamation that YeHoVaH has a Law of Commandments that He wants His people to follow.
- Elohim blesses His people for obedience to His word.
Learn more of the Spring Feasts: Preparing for the Spring Feasts of YeHoVaH (DVD)
- Feast of Trumpets
- A set apart day commemorated by trumpet blasts.
- A remembrance of Elohim meeting with His people on Mt. Sinai.
- Day of Atonement
- A proclamation that there is a way for us to enter into a relationship with the Father through the Atonement made for us.
- An acknowledgement that we have been set free from the burdens of sins.
- Feasts of Tabernacles and the 8th Day
- This Feast commemorates that Father was dwelling among His people in the Wilderness and wants to dwell among His people.
- A picture of the Kingdom of Elohim here on Earth and Yeshua Messiah reigning and setting things right.
Learn more of the Fall Feasts: The Fall Feasts of YeHoVaH (DVD)
David discussed how Paul’s gospel was speaking of the appointed times and how we come into agreement with Messiah by walking in His footsteps and doing the things that Father has told us. David also stressed that it is not enough to believe Messiah’s sacrifice for us, but we have to attach to Messiah by doing the things that He did.
In summary, David reminded us that, “Identifying the month of the Aviv as the first month in the Hebrew calendar is critical in order that we may guard all of the annual appointed times at their correct times. Otherwise, we would miss the appointment He has established to meet with His people.
Listen to David give a great explanation of “when” the month of Aviv occurs.
Sharon’s Reflections on the Teaching
It was definitely a “last minute” notice. It was nearly 3:00 PM before we had confirmation that this was the month of the Aviv and the renew moon was sighted. The decorations were put up and the tables were set by 6:00 PM. There were 25-30 Sister and Brother Saints present for the Celebration Teaching at 7:00 PM.
The first month of the year and the seventh month of the year both have first days that we have to watch for, keep, and/or guard. Those are some of the times that I know I am definitely set-apart from the world. It even feels strange to try to explain to non-believers the signs that we look for in the earth and in the sky. They ask why we can’t just use the Jewish calendar. I have seen many expressions that seem to say, “Really! What kind of cult is that?” or “Does it take all that?” I generally just smile and move on because I know that I am being obedient to the Most High and that He considers me His special treasure.
Brother Lee said to me later in the week that it was a special service and it was such a beautiful intimate setting. I agreed!
Until next time … Blessings to You and Yours,
Sharon
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