If we know the biblical accounts, then we know this is a time when our spiritual ancestors would have been leading unleavened lives. For they had physically removed the yeast of leavened bread from their homes. But, the Christian world is divided when it comes to how to celebrate or remember the events that the bible recounts at this time of year. Most conventional Christians embrace the Good Friday – Easter Sunday tradition. If they think about it at all, they may consider Passover, and the idea of eating ‘unleavened bread,’ matzah, as quaint Jewish customs. But in favouring tradition over ‘sola scriptura’ believers are missing important lessons that we are told to remember. So how did our spiritual ancestors worship and what insight did this give them?
Nisan 15 – Holy Day
Leading Unleavened Lives
Paul knew, that like leaven, a little spiritual corruption could become pervasive. And in time that leaven of sin could destroy the whole congregation. Paul’s advice was to remove the leaven of malice and vice, by leading unleavened lives in sincerity and untainted truth. Consider this profound message during the Passover season.
Nisan 16
Searching for Freedom? You Need a Redeemer
There is a universal longing for freedom. And yet, in our time, we see an increasingly oppressive society that strips people of their individual liberty and tries to squelch freedom of conscience. Many worldwide desire the freedom to worship without harassment and fear. And in the final analysis, everyone needs freedom from death. You need a redeemer who will pay the ransom for your sins and release your debts, so you can be free.
Nisan 17
Christ the Wave Sheaf
When we celebrate Passover and the spring festival season and delve into their roots in scripture we gain a great deal of understanding that most Christians miss concerning Christ, the wave sheaf. Jeff Patton relates this special ceremony to the events surrounding Christ’s resurrection and it’s meaning for all Christian’s who go to the mercy seat of God for help in time of need.
Nisan 18
People of God? Christian Nations
Today atheists, and others among the elite of society are loudly denouncing any connection to Christianity and the historic reality. What makes a nation “Christian” and what do the scriptures have to say about nations that would identify themselves as Christian? Let’s takes a close look at the apostle Paul’s defence before the Roman authorities to help us understand what it means to be a Christian, or Christian nation.
Nisan 19
People of God? Christian Nations 2
When God draws people to Himself, as he , did at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, and calls them His own, because of His mercy, what does God expect? How do people become God’s nation? How do they remain God’s people? Are we truly Christian nations, nations that do not lie to God or betray Him?
Nisan 20
In the Lord’s Service? Freedom and Duty
We are free to choose who we will serve, but we will serve someone or something. We have many examples of compelled service in scripture, as often the people of God lived under oppressive governments with laws that included forced labour. God on the other hand, gives us freedom to choose. He asks those who serve him to do so willingly, even joyfully.
Nisan 21 Last Holy Day of the Spring Feast
Christ Leads — Follow Faithfully
The people of God, the Israelites, walked through the sea on dry ground on the last day of unleavened bread. Our ancestors in the faith were led by Christ, the Rock, in a pillar of cloud and fire, as they left Egypt. The Lord sheltered and protected them in their desert wanderings. But did they follow? Christ will lead us today, if we are willing to follow faithfully?