Summary of "How To Celebrate The Feast Of Trumpets For Christians - Jim Staley"
Summary of "How To Celebrate The Feast of Trumpets For Christians" by Jim Staley
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) Overview:
- The Feast of Trumpets, known in Hebrew as Rosh Hashanah, is deeply connected to Christ and His second coming.
- It marks the beginning of the end times and is associated with the rapture of the church.
- The feast is part of God’s prophetic calendar, consisting of seven feast days: four in spring (related to Jesus’ first coming) and three in fall (related to His second coming).
- Biblical and Theological Foundations:
- These feast days are not exclusively Jewish but are God’s appointed times for all His people (Leviticus 23).
- Understanding the feast requires a Hebraic perspective, as the Bible was written by Jewish authors in a Jewish cultural context.
- The Feast of Trumpets is a “high Sabbath” — a day of rest and holy convocation intended for communal gathering and worship.
- Themes of the Feast of Trumpets:
- Kingship: The day when every knee bows and Jesus is crowned King of the earth, fulfilling ancient Israelite traditions of kingly inauguration.
- Remembrance: Reflecting on God’s covenant faithfulness.
- Repentance: Part of the 60-day period of repentance leading up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), with intensified focus during the “Ten Days of Awe.”
- Awakening: The blowing of the ram’s horn (Shofar) serves as a wake-up call to repentance and recognition of God’s kingship.
- Hope and Resurrection: The trumpet blast signals the resurrection of the dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:52).
Practical Instructions and Suggestions for Celebration
General Observance
- Treat the day as a Sabbath and a holy convocation.
- Gather with others if possible; if not, celebrate with family or alone.
- Read key scriptures about the feast (Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6).
Worship and Rituals
- Shofar (Ram’s Horn) Blowing:
- Scripture Reading:
- Passages related to kingship, remembrance, and trumpet blasts (Psalm 47, Psalm 93, Genesis 8:1, Leviticus 26:42, Jeremiah 31, Exodus 19, Isaiah 27:13, Joel 2, Matthew 24:30-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Revelation 11:15).
- Candle Lighting:
- Light two candles symbolizing Yeshua (Jesus) as the light and believers reflecting His light.
- Songs and Worship:
- Sing kingship-themed songs and worship videos.
Traditional Foods and Symbolism
- Round Challah Bread: Symbolizes the eternal cycle and the beginning of eternity for believers.
- Apples Dipped in Honey: Symbolizes sweetness and blessings for the new year.
- Pomegranates: Represent the 613 commandments; associated with the high priest’s garment.
- Honey Cake and Other Fruits: Symbolize blessings and sweetness for the year.
- Fish Head (optional): Symbolizes the prayer “may we be the head and not the tail.”
Blessings and Family Traditions
- Lay hands on family members and bless them for the coming year.
- Write personalized blessings for children or spouse.
- Use the feast as a time to renew covenantal relationship with God.
Symbolic Acts of Repentance and Renewal
- Tashlikh Ceremony (Casting Off):
- Write sins or struggles on a piece of paper.
- Cast them into flowing water (river, creek) or dissolve in water as a symbolic release and cleansing.
- Acts of Charity and Service:
- Volunteer at shelters, food pantries, or help neighbors.
- Perform acts of kindness to embody the spirit of repentance and renewal.
Dress and Symbolism
- Wear white clothing to symbolize purity, renewal, and readiness for the Messiah’s return.
- Connect the white garments to biblical imagery of salvation and righteousness (Isaiah 61:10, Revelation 3:4-5).
Suggested Order of Service
- Call to Worship: Singing and welcoming the Holy Spirit.
- Candle Lighting: Symbolizing light coming into the world.
- Scripture Reading: Passages relevant to the feast.
- Shofar Blowing: Explanation and blowing by participants.
- Teaching: Brief
Category
Educational