Biblical Feasts — Our Seasons of Joy
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 ”Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.” —Leviticus 23:1-2 [ESV]
In the first century, second century, and third century, Christians celebrated holy feast days in the Bible with great joy. They celebrated Sabbath days and New Moon festivals, just as their biblical forefathers did. But in the fourth century, the worldwide Roman Empire passed laws forbidding these holy days. The Roman Emperor Constantine was dedicated to creating his own church. A Roman Church would unify and strengthen the Roman Empire. He led religious councils to outlaw the feast days in scripture, and create new holidays for all subjects of the Empire.
Believers in Jesus or Yeshua are now rediscovering the biblical festivals that were so familiar to first century, New Testament congregations. Surprising as it seems, God still enjoys celebrating with His people on His feast days. Time with God on His special days changes worshipers.
God’s festivals tell stories about God’s kingdom. They bring to life all of the symbols, prophecies, and spiritual meanings of God’s kingdom. Yeshua died on Passover as the Passover lamb. His friends buried Him on Feast of Unleavened Bread to show that His body was unleavened and free of sin. He resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits as the firstfruits from the dead. Then, the Holy Spirit touched His disciples on the Feast of Weeks, also called Pentecost.
These historical events were not random events. They were precisely scheduled junctures in world history. These world-shaking events occurred on the spring feast days in the spring time of year, and they fulfilled prophecies in the Bible. Only His festivals were majestic enough to portray the Messiah’s death, burial, resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s gift of power. Yeshua’s work as the Messiah of Israel is clearly seen in God’s spring festivals.
While the spring festivals portray Yeshua’s first coming, the fall festivals teach about His second coming. God will bring His kingdom to earth on fall feast days. God’s grand plans for end of this age and the beginning of the “Age to Come” will begin on fall feast days. These are more than annual celebrations in the Bible. The fall festivals have a future destiny. They will become epic events in kingdom history.
The fall feasts are pictures that describe major end time events. All fall feasts occur in the seventh month of the year. Seven is the number of spiritual perfection. It means whole, complete, and perfect. God completes world history and perfects His people, beginning on the fall feast days. In some future year, these festivals will set in motion the end time events that fulfill prophecies written centuries ago in the Bible.
On a future Feast of Trumpets, tribulation begins, the Messiah is crowned, and the dead resurrect. On a future Yom Kippur, God announces and executes final judgments on the nations. On a future Feast of Tabernacles, the Messiah will tabernacle with us as He comes to reign on earth. In Colossians 2:17, Paul explained that the feasts are shadows of the good things to come.
Why are faith-filled Bible believers discovering the feast days now? Why, in the past two decades, have hundreds of thousands of believers returned to scripture’s wonderful feast days, New Moon celebrations, and Sabbaths? Acts 3:21 explains that before the Messiah Yeshua returns, God will restore these ancient biblical roots.
For He must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through His prophets. —Acts 3:21 [NLT]
Bible believers who are turning to God’s holy days are fulfilling Acts 3:21. They may not understand why they hunger for biblical celebrations. Yet, they are part of fulfilling end time prophecy. The feast days are part of God’s encouragement and instructions for the last generation. God’s ancient feast days are the clearest example of His prophetic timing.
The Feasts of Adonai is a valuable resource for understanding and celebrating the festivals today. This book teaches readers how to celebrate with God.
9 This day is sacred to the Lord your God […] 10 Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. —Nehemiah 8:9-10 [NIV]
If you want to experience the joy Nehemiah spoke about, this book is for you. Discover the spirit of worship in God’s festivals. Valerie Moody invites you to join her on an exciting journey to learn about God’s feast days, the feasts of the people, and modern holy days in Israel. There are 22 festivals described in the book, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. These 22 feasts days include God’s seven feasts in Leviticus 23, the Sabbath and New Moon, the feasts of the people such has Hanukkah and Purim, and modern holidays celebrated in Israel. Each of these holy days portray Messiah Yeshua. The Feasts of Adonai explains:
- Hebrew Culture vs. Greek Culture
- Thirteen Merciful Attributes of God
- Jewish Lunar Calendar
- Eastern Gate in Prophecy
- Gematria, Hallel, and Megillah
- Torah Reading Schedules
- Seven Species of Israel
- Mezuzah, Mikvah, and more!
The Feasts of Adonai reveals how the festivals were celebrated at the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, how they are celebrated in Jewish synagogues and homes today, and how believers in Jesus or Yeshua can celebrate these holy days. This book is thorough, yet easy to understand. Nearly 100 charts, menus, and recipes make this the most comprehensive and best-selling feast book today.