Is Observing the Sacred Festivals Correct for us Today?
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, set an example for us (1 John 2:6)in observing the sacred festivals commanded in the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 26:17; Mark 1:21; Luke 4:16,31; John 7:8-10,14,37). His apostles and their converts, walking in His footsteps and following His example, continued observing the same festivals (Acts 2:1; 12:2-4; 16:13; 18:4,19,21; 20:6; 27:9; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8). We believe that it is abundantly clear that Christ and His disciples observed the appointed Jewish feasts. It is important for the congregation of CCHM to participate in these observations.
Sabbath
1. Understand that while most Christian's observe this on Sunday in honor of the resurrection, many still observe the Sabbath on Saturday in commemoration of Creation and as specified in the Ten Commandments. Either day is acceptable at CCHM, as long as one day is set aside to honor God as our Sabbath.
2. Set the day aside for a special time of communion with the Lord. This can be in church, in nature, in Bible Study or meditation.
* A general rule of thumb would be to do things that bring you closer in your personal relationship with Christ.
* Specific Biblical references to Sabbath Observance include: Genesis 2:2, Exodus 20:8-11, Psalm 92, Isaiah 58:13, Luke 4:16, Acts 13:14, Acts 18:4
3. Observance of the Sabbath varies from strict Jews who don't even drive a car on the Sabbath to some Christians who attend church on Sunday, but carry on normal business the rest of the day. Each individual who wishes to observe the Sabbath needs to study the Bible to determine what they believe.
Passover
1.Understand that the Passover is a feast observed by the Jews to remember their deliverance from Egypt after 400 years of slavery. During the last plague just before their release, the Angel of Death "passed over" the homes with the blood on the doorposts and spared the first born in each home. The week long festival starts with Seder, a special meal containing unleavened bread, and other foods symbolizing their preparation to leave Egypt.
* Often all or part of the passover meal will be eaten standing up, in preparation to leave.
* The head of the household will read the story of the Passover from a Holy book such as the Torah or Bible and will question any children as to the meaning of the story. We should observe this time at CCHM.
Feast of the Unleavened Bread
1. Understand that Yeast, or leavening, is a symbol for sin to the Jews. In the Passover, not only did they eat unleavened bread because of a hasty departure but also as a symbol that they were leaving their old life behind. To the Christian, Jesus is the bread of heaven or "unleavened" bread.
* The Feast of the Unleavened Bread immediately follows passover. It symbolizes the liberation of sin through the Savior of mankind.
* The feast often begins with the sprinkling of leavened bread though out the house and then the careful sweeping of all the crumbs.
* At CCHM recognizes and honors this time with Holy Communion, every six weeks throughout the year.
Pentecost or First Fruits
1. Understand that Pentecost is one of the prominent feasts in the Christian liturgical year, celebrated the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday (the tenth day after Ascension Thursday). Historically and symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2.
* Pentecost is observed in several ways:
* Church Decor - Greenery (from Jewish Shauvot), Rose Petals sprinkled in the sanctuary to commemorate the "tongues of fire", Brass choir Recitals (symbolizing the "rushing mighty wind" of the Holy Spirit, and many others. This is open for our choice at CCHM.
Feast of Trumpets
1. Understand that the Feast of Trumpets is derived from Rosh Hashanah and is observed by some Christians. It is a day of atonement or Day of Reckoning in which the observant believers conscientiously make right any wrongdoing that they may have committed in the previous year. This is a time of soul searching and long over due apologies.
Feast of Tabernacles
1.Understand that the feast of tabernacles was the original "Camp Meeting". It is still observed by camping out with groups of believers, commemorating God's providence in giving food and lodging, and in religious meetings of various types. This can be done at a local retreat site or something similar which is acceptable to the Church Body.
