Each of these four requirements are found in Torah and are grounded in pagan worship. Each requirement instructed a gentile to turn away from pagan worship practices in order to faithfully turn to Adonai. Embracing these four requirements was not considered legalism nor were they the end-all of living for Adonai; these requirements set forth by the Council in Jerusalem would help a gentile began a sanctified, holy life as they joined the Messianic community.
Is Celebrating Christmas a Sin?
Would the early gentile disciples (God-Fearers) have continued to participate in pagan celebrations with their families after placing their faith in the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob? Why would we WANT to celebrate holidays that are not in Scripture? If we have been granted a seat at Our Father’s table why would we want…
One, Unique – Hebrew: Echad
When Yeshua was at the Temple during Hanukkah, (the Feast of Dedication), he told the people that he and his Father are an ‘undivided oneness.’ They cannot be separated into two gods or persons. They are ‘uniquely one.’
Convocation – Hebrew: Mikra
Yeshua says, “many are called, but few are chosen” when talking about guests invited to the wedding feast (Matthew 22:14). The Greek word for ‘called’ means ‘invited.’ He is saying that many are invited, but few actually make the choice to come. He says that many ‘were not interested’ in coming to the banquet. The Greek word says that they were ‘careless and paid no attention to the invite.’ The Greek word goes deeper to say that they found the invite to the wedding feast ‘rehearsal’ to have no value (Matthew 22:5).