Shalom Saints,
Arthur passionately warned us about the conflicting and authoritative voices that have exalted themselves to be more than the Voice of the Almighty. Listening to these voices leads to being distracted from the responsibilities that Father has given us. Our primary responsibility is that we listen to His voice and direct others to Him. Arthur was fervent in his delivery of this word to us, “Father is going to hold us accountable for our responsibilities!” Hand in hand with that is Arthur’s statement: “The Blessings are contained in the Commandments. When you throw away the Commandments, you throw away the Blessings.”
Learn more about the 28 Blessings of Deuteronomy 28 (4 DVDS)
After the prologue, Arthur went into the Teaching on the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles, as described in Scripture, consists of:
- Keeping the Feast seven days. We began the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles on the fifteenth day of the seventh Biblical month. On this first day, we participated in a Holy Convocation. The Convocation contained all four elements of the four pillars of a healthy congregation. First, the Apostles’ Doctrine; this is a teaching aligned with the Word of Elohim. Second, we had Fellowship which is communing with one another while all are in communion with Elohim. The baptisms were a part of our fellowshipping with YeHoVaH. Our Fellowshipping continued throughout the day. Third was Prayers; we prayed for the Offerings, the needs of the Saints, and other concerns as the Holy Spirit directed. And lastly, the Breaking of Bread. There was an abundance of Biblically clean entrées, veggies, meats, desserts, and beverages.
- Celebrating with branches and fruit. There were several types of goodly branches that the congregants waved. We had choice fruits: lemons, mandarin oranges, and pomegranates. We will be waving these and rejoicing in the goodness of YeHoVaH for each of the seven days.
- Dwelling in booths. House of Israel erected a small 8 x 4 feet Sukkah in the Sanctuary and a large 40 x 40 feet tent outside on the grounds. Individuals in the congregation have their own booths at their homes. My family has a 13 x 13 feet canvas umbrella type sukkah on our deck.
- Bringing offerings to YeHoVaH. Before the collection of the offerings, Arthur prayed. I am always touched when he pleads to the Father that none would lack as a result of their giving. Then Arthur invited the Saints present and online to give of their Tithes, Offerings, and Firstfruits.
Learn more about the Feast of Firstfruits (Book)
Throughout the message, Arthur continued to emphasize that there was One Law for the Israelite and the stranger. The pentacle of the Teaching was the reading from Zechariah’s Prophecy that Tabernacles would continue to be celebrated year after year and that ALL people would have to come up to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast.
Zechariah 14:16
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Keeping the Feasts is one of the ways that the Father has placed his mark on us!
Father Has Marked Us!
Sharon’s Reflections on the Teaching
The immenseness of the Almighty is truly hard to grasp. He is so powerful that He spoke the universe into being and yet cares about the sufferings of His people. Arthur mentioned that some people don’t want to bother the Father with their small problems because they think the Father is too busy with more important concerns. Because my mind is finite, it really is impossible for me to fully understand the infinite mind of the Father who is omnipresence (present everywhere at the same time), omnipotent (all powerful), and omniscient (all knowing). I have received answers to small issues, so I can testify that this is true.
As a young adult in college, I used to believe that God existed but wasn’t interested in the daily lives of mere mortals. Even though I wasn’t religious, I would have thought it was sacrilegious to pray for small things like a good parking spot in front of Wal-Mart, what to wear, or which route to drive home. Praying was reserved for serious illnesses, not a regular cold; or for asking for a large sum of money, not bus fare.
I remember some years ago, someone told me that they prayed for Parking Angels to help them find a good parking spot and it worked. We are to pray without ceasing which means being in constant communication with the Father. As Arthur so lovingly said to us, “The most important thing Father has to deal with is what you are dealing with at that moment.”
That was comforting to me! Just imagine, the Elohim that put the planets into orbit, is concerned about us and our daily life! Trust and believe that this is true. HalleluYAH!
Buzz from the Fellowship
Tabernacles finally arrived! The Saints began to arrive in Charlotte several days ago. It was delightful to see the Saints that were making return visits. It was joyous to meet Saints that had come to House of Israel for the first time, and precious to meet some celebrating Tabernacles for the first time. We have Saints here from Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, The Bahamas, and Montreal, Ontario. Next week we have a family from Nebraska coming to fellowship with us. The conversations were filled with the testimonies of the Saints, how they found the ministry, their lives at home, the trip to Charlotte, and the happiness of being here with a portion of the Body of Messiah at House of Israel Charlotte.
The Immersions (Baptisms) took place after the service. One of the things that Arthur dealt with before the Saints immersed themselves, was being clean and unclean according to Torah, especially Leviticus 15. I have been baptized and been a witness to many baptisms in church baptismal pools and never once was this issue even mentioned. Concerns about whether a woman was on her cycle or a man having a discharge should have been an issue of cleanliness, set-apart or not!
There were 3 Brothers and 5 Sisters baptized. Each time that a person arose from the immersion tub, “HalleluYahs”, “Ameins” and clapping went up to commemorate the event and to Praise the Most High that another Saint was dedicating or re-dedicating themselves to HIM.
Until next time… Blessings to You and Yours,
Sharon