The choice of life

In the Old Testament dispensation, the Lord gave the children of Israel a choice between life and death and said to them; “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you, life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30: 19).

Similarly, today, in our New Testament dispensation we have the choice to either live and walk in accordance to the flesh or to live and walk in accordance to the Spirit for we have been duly instructed saying; “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:16-17).

This way of life is so literal and practical that we have been further instructed saying[LJ1] ; “And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25).

As one can clearly see, these two ways of life are in conflict and contrary with each other and this battle takes place in the mind of every individual and what is also very important to note is that, the members of our body namely, the eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, ears, hands, feet are the instruments which both the Spirit and the flesh use to accomplish their purpose.

So let us try to understand the difference between the way of life which is in accordance to the Spirit and the one which is in accordance to the flesh.

1.         THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT

The way of life in the Spirit is the way to the abundant life which Jesus came to give us as He clearly stated saying; “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11).

 This way of life which Jesus Christ brought is called the way of the Spirit, meaning that, it is not by our might, nor by our power, but by the Spirit of God. It is described as the narrow and difficult way; which leads to life, and only a few will find it. It is the good tree which bears good fruit, and cannot bear bad fruit. It is the way in which one invests his/her time, energy, and resources by sowing in the Spirit, and reaps Everlasting [abundant] life.

Hence the reason why Jesus Christ admonished His disciples saying, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other: or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other, you cannot serve God and riches [mammon]”. Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; neither about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

He also asked us to consider the birds of the air, and the lilies of the field respectively (Matthew 6:24-30).

So why do we suppose that Christ gave us this admonition? It is to remind us that He, as the good shepherd provides for His people. To this end, He encourages us by saying, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?

And see how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these: now, ‘If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

So, do not worry saying; “What shall we eat? Or, “What shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For the pagans (Gentiles, those who do not know God) run after all these things. And your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31-34).

It is for this reason we are admonished to, “Do all things without murmuring and disputing, that we may become blameless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we shine as lights in the world” ‘For it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13-15).

Our objective is to meditate on doing what is good as we have been duly admonished saying; “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Although it is Christ in us who does the work nevertheless, we are not robots, we are creatures of choice we are to decide whether we want to surrender everything to Jesus Christ and say like the apostle Paul; “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me,” And, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:13).

What we need to understand and take into consideration is the fact that the way of life in the Spirit is as literal and practical as the way of life which is in accordance to the flesh and that they are contrary to one another and we are to make the choice.

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

---

 [LJ1]

 

The day of Jesus' death points to the day of His birth

THE DAY OF JESUS’ DEATH POINTS TO THE DAY OF HIS BIRTH

It is generally accepted according to the book of Luke that, “Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age.” And His ministry lasted for three and a half years .He died on the fourteenth day of the first month of the year according to the Jewish sacred Calendar, which theoretically points to His birth date as the fifteenth day of the seventh month, exactly six months after the date of His death.

Jesus’ ministry began at the Feast of Tabernacles. It is written, “Now the Jews feast of Tabernacles was at hand. So, His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea that Your disciples may see the works you are doing. For no man works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show Yourself to the world. For even His brothers did not believe Him” (John 7:2-5)

About the middle of the Feast Jesus went up to the temple and taught. The Jews marveled at it, saying, “How is it that this Man has learning, when He has never studied? (John 7:14-15).

Three and a half years of ministry beginning with the Feast of Tabernacles, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and culminating with His death on the 14th day of the first month at the Passover.

The birth of John Baptist also points to the birth of Jesus Christ to the seventh month of the Jewish sacred calendar.

It was the official duty of Aaron and four of his sons, namely; Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar to offer sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded (1Chro.nicles 6:49; .23:27-32).

Two of the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu died before Aaron their father, and had no children; therefore; Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests. David divided the services of the temple between the sons of Eleazar who numbered sixteen, and the sons of Ithamar who numbered eight, giving a total of twenty-four divisions (1Chronicles 24:1-4).

Dividing twenty-four divisions to serve during a period of twelve months means that, each division would have to serve for a period of two (2) weeks: or more precisely two weeks, one day, and four hours, by dividing fifty-two weeks in the year into twenty-four divisions.

The scriptures state that Abijah from whom Zacharias the father of John Baptist descended was of the eighth division. Implying that the time Zacharias was on his tour of duty in the temple and was visited by the angel was during the fifteenth, and sixteenth week of the Jewish sacred calendar, or the last two weeks of the fourth month of the year.

Now according to Luke’s gospel, “As soon as the days of his [Zacharias’] service were completed, that he departed to his own house’. Now after those days (meaning, after those days of service in the temple) his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months saying, thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.”

Zacharias left the temple at the end of the fourth month mute, and unable to speak because he did not believe what the angel told him, went home to his wife at the beginning of the fifth month, therefore we can conclude that Elizabeth was conceived during the fifth month of the year.

Nine months of normal pregnancy will lead us to the birth of John Baptist, to be during the first month of the following year. It is well documented in the scriptures that John Baptist was six months older than Jesus Christ (see Luke 1:26, 36).

Therefore, if John Baptist was born during the first month of the year, it is therefore conclusive that Jesus Christ was born during the seventh month of the year according to the Jewish sacred calendar, which begins its first month with the first new moon in spring, between the months of March – April, and the seventh month begins with the new moon between late September and early October.

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With brotherly Love

Lucius Joseph.

The Eighth Day

EIGHTH DAY

There is an Eight day that is associated with the Feast of Tabernacles which commemorates two very important memorials and foreshadows one very important aspect of life.

a.      The circumcision of Jesus Christ

With regards to the significance of circumcision this is what the Lord said to Abraham; “And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.’

“He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant" (Genesis 17:9-14).

So, the circumcision of Jesus Christ on the eighth day of His birth fulfilled the everlasting covenant which the Lord made with Abraham, for in Him we were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.’

“And we, being dead in our trespasses and the uncircumcision of our flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2: 11-14).

So, we have been bought near to God by the blood of Jesus Christ not only through His death but also through His circumcision and so, we have been duly instructed saying; “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh --- who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands ---that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-13).

b.      b. The Name of Jesus

The name of Jesus Christ is the other event that commemorates the Eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles as it is written: “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

So, the Eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles the day the Jesus received the name which is above all other name as we have been duly instructed saying; “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

c.      c. It foreshadows Eternity

The Eighth Day of the Feast of Tabernacles foreshadows eternity when Jesus Christ will hand over everything back to the Father as it is written; “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (1Corinthians 15:24-28).

So, again I asked the question, how could such a day which was ordained and designated for the joy of all peoples be unknown, hidden or forgotten? Unless it is a plan, or plot to concealed it. And how can one truly worship the Father in spirit not knowing the rationale and objective for observing such an important festival.

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With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

Jesus was inaugurated as King of kings from birth

JESUS WAS INAUGURATED AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD, ON THE DAY OF HIS BIRTH.

The prophet Isaiah prophesying about the birth and reign of the Prince of peace wrote, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” ‘Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over His kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

When the wise men from the east came to Jerusalem seeking for Jesus, they did not say “Where is He who is born to be the king of the Jews?” but rather, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” For we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” And when they came to the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold [honoring Him as a king], frankincense [honoring Him as God], and myrrh [honoring Him as man] Therefore, Jesus Christ became king from birth.

During His earthly trial before Pilate, Pilate called Him and asked Him, “Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom was of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.” Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are you a King then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a King. For this cause (reason) I was born: and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:33-37).

FEAST OF TABERNACLES IS THE FEAST OF THE LORD

In the book of Leviticus we read the following; “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall keep the feast of the Lord seven days; on the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest” (The feast of Tabernacles is not merely a feast to the Lord, but it is the Feast of the Lord) (Leviticus 23:39).

This festival of the Lord is so vitally important that, in the millennium when God’s kingdom will be established on earth, “Every one that survives of all nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of Tabernacles. And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain upon them. And if the family of Egypt do not go up and present themselves, then upon them shall come the plague with which the Lord afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16-19).

So, let us ask ourselves this simple question, Since the Feast of tabernacles was such an important time for the Israelites when the Lord instituted it and it will be of such great importance in the future, why has it been neglected and even be unknown today by so many professing believers? Is not Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever?

To the Israelites and their succeeding generations, this festival is a reminder to remind them That; “God made the people of Israel dwell in booths when He brought them out of the land of Egypt:’ and that the Lord is their God” (Leviticus 23:43).

Today, this festival commemorates the day on which the Word became flesh and tabernacle among us, and we all received our permanent dwelling in Him, for in Him we live, and move and have our being. He is the vine and we are the branches. He is the one and only foundation on which we can all build our everlasting house.

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With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

Is the date of Jesus' birth a secret or unknown?

THE DATE OF JESUS CHRIST’S BIRTH

 According to the World Book encyclopedia, “No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, but most Christians observe Christmas on December 25^th. On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services.” The encyclopedia also states that, “The first mention of the celebration of Christmas occurred in AD 336 in an early Roman calendar which indicates December 25^th as the day of observance. This celebration was probably influenced by pagan [unchristian] festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god, and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid December to celebrate the end of the harvest season”

Is the notion that no one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth true?

And should those who called themselves Christians, use this as an excuse to honor pagan gods, in the name of Jesus Christ?

One of the instructions the Lord gave the children of Israel when they left Egypt was this; “I am the Lord your God. According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. You shall observe my judgments and keep my ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord” (Lev. 18:2-5).

We are reminded in the New Testament that, “God is Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and truth.” Therefore, is there any veracity in celebrating December 25^th as the date of Christ’s birth?

If the saying that, “No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth” is true, then this must be a conspiracy to conceal His true identity as the King of kings and Lord of lords, and to deny Him of His honor, glory and reverence.

 The gospel of John chapter seven verses twenty five to twenty seven tends to suggest something of this nature. Because on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, when Jesus spoke openly in the temple, knowing that they were plotting to kill Him: some of the people who heard Him spoke said, “Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? Yet we know where this man comes from; and when the Christ appears, no one will know where He comes from.”

 This seems to suggest that the notion, “When the Christ appears, no one will know where He [Christ] comes from” has gain acceptance and credibility through out the world. As one can see they knew everything about Him, but denied Him of His reverence, honor and glory.

 According to the scriptures, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word of God who was made flesh, and dwelt amongst us was well known by the authorities, they affirmed this by saying, “Yet we know where this man comes from” and so the whole details of His date of birth was not a secret.

 On the exact day and time of Christ’s birth we are told that, “In the region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all people; for to you is born this day [today] in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke.2:8-12).

 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”

 Now as soon as the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ‘And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they [widely]made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child, and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them”(Luke.2:13-18).

 Was the birth of Christ a secret?

 So, the question is, how could such a remarkable day and event which is destined for the joy of all people, and widely made known by those who witnessed it not be recorded in history, except it is was a conspiracy to conceal it?

 Jesus Christ like any Jewish boy was circumcised on the eight day and was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. (Luke.2:21).

 When the days of Mary’s purification was completed, which according to the law; thirty three [33] days for a male child, Jesus was brought to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord [as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord].

 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just, and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32). 

So how could such a remarkable day, in the life of such a remarkable individual, for the joy of all people be not recorded in history!

Some people make excuses by saying that, the date of Christ’s birth is not that important, it is His death, hence the reason why His date of birth is not known.

The irony of truth is; if Jesus Christ was not born on the day on which He was born, we would not have had a Savior, and we would still be in our sins. And what further proof and pronouncement does one need other than that of the angel who said to the shepherds, “For to you is born this day (today) in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord,” and that of the multitude of the heavenly host who praised God and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

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With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The designated day for the joy of all people

Since the Almighty God with whom there is no respecter of persons and with whom all things are possible and nothing is impossible with Him designated a day for the joy of all people, why is that day unknown to some people and others have gone as far as substituting another day to replace it. This day that I am referring to is the date of Jesus’ birth.

Is there any biblical proof as to the exact date of Jesus’ birth? There are some people I know that are ceremoniously observing that day and still claimed that, no one knows the date of Jesus’ birth, they go as far as saying that, if God wanted us to know the date of Jesus’ birth He would have instructed us in the same way He gave us a definite date of His death.

But let us be honest with ourselves, you think that the Almighty God would designate a day for the joy of all peoples and hide it away from them or keep it a secret? So let us with an open mind delve into this matter for it is said that, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established" (2 Corinthians 13:1).

1.     The angels visit to the shepherds

It is clearly written in the scriptures saying; “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" (Luke 2: 8-12).

Please, note carefully that the shepherds did not keep what they were told by the angel and what they saw a secret because we are told that; “Now when they (the shepherds) had seen Him (Jesus), they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17-18).

So, what exactly did the shepherds made widely known? They made widely known what they were told by the angel which was, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

So again, I pose the question, why should this day which is designated as a day of good tidings of great joy for all people either be unknown, forgotten and even be substituted by a pagan festival called Christmas?

2.     The prophesy of the Prophet Isaiah

The prophet Isaiah prophesied concerning the birth of Jesus Christ saying; “For unto us a Child is born: Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Here one can see clearly that, the emphasis of the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy is that of the Kingship of this Child which began from the time of His birth and from that time forward, even forever. And what makes it more profound is that the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it.

3.     The wise men’s visit to Jerusalem

In the book of Matthew, we are told that; “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:1-2).

Please note carefully again that, the Kingship of Jesus Christ began from the day of His birth for it is clearly written; “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

4.     Jesus’ presence before Pilate

It is clearly stated, “Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?"

Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice" (John 18:22-27).

Here again, one can clearly see that, the Kingship of Jesus Christ began from His birth, So the question is, is there any biblical festival that commemorates the Kingship of Jesus Christ?

5.     The nations worship the King

In the book of Zachariah, we have been duly instructed saying; “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.’

“And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zachariah 14:16-19).

So, what is so difficult to understand and perceive about this passage of scripture which shows that, the worship of the King, the Lord of hosts and the keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles are intertwined?

Meaning that, when one observes the Feast of Tabernacles, they are automatically celebrating the birth date of Jesus Christ and worshiping the King of kings and Lord of lords.

I was one of those who observed the Feast of Tabernacles for over 25 years with a worldwide religion and did not associate it with the birth of Jesus Christ at that time. The rationale for observing it at that time was that it fore-shadows the Millennium reign of Christ on the earth and the Eighth Day of the Feast, foreshadows Eternity.

Whereas, the Feast of Tabernacles which falls on the 15^Th day of the seventh month according to the Jewish calendar and this year 2026 will be on Saturday 26^th of September 2026, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and the Eighth Day of this festival commemorates the day of His circumcision.

What a travesty! “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,” The question is will you?

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 With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph

The visual sign of the true church

1.     Appearing before God at His appointed times

The first outward visible sign of the true church is that of appearing before the Lord at His appointed times. For this is what the Lord spoke to Moses saying; “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: 'Surely My Sabbaths (plural) you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. You shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among His people.’

“Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Therefore, the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:13-16).

Let us also look at what the Lord spoke to the prophet Ezekiel saying; “Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, (again plural) to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them” Also, “I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them; hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God” (Ezekiel 20:19-20).

Please, note carefully that, this covenant to observe the Sabbaths is perpetual, it is from one generation to another. It is a time which is holy both to the Lord and His people. Some people may be inclined to persuade others in believing that this perpetual covenant is meant only to the Jews, but what is the reality and truth? Well, this is what the Lord says; “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people" (Deuteronomy 32:43).

Again, it is written; “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: " For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name."

And again, He says: " Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!" And again: " Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!" And again, Isaiah says: " There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope" (Romans 15:7-12).

 Therefore, despite the fact that the perpetual covenant regarding the Sabbaths was between God and the children of Israel this however, does not exclude Gentiles because they are to glorify God together with the Jews. As a matter of fact at the death of Jesus Christ, He broke the barrier which existed between Jews and Gentiles.

And so, we have been duly admonished saying; “Therefore, remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh --- who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.’

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near: For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:11-18).

Therefore, the same rule, guidelines or protocol that are applicable to the Jews when it comes to worship applies also to the Gentiles. For we have been duly admonished saying; “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29). 

The Sabbath/s therefore was made for man (mankind) and not only for the Jews. It is also the outward sign that ascribes to the Lord the glory due to His name as we have been duly instructed saying; “You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:30; 26:2).

Please note carefully that, we are not only to observe the seventh day weekly Sabbath but also the Lord’s annual Sabbaths because, each Sabbath ascribes to the Lord the glory due to His name, they are memorials and by observing them we commemorate and perpetuate the particular event that transpired on that day. For example; on the seventh day weekly Sabbath we commemorate and express our gratitude to the Lord as the Creator.

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To be continued

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph