The Ancient Way

Summary

In this episode, Jon and Jim discuss the difference between the Feast of First Fruits and Easter. They explore the pagan origins of Easter and how the Roman Catholic Church adapted pagan practices to create Easter as it is celebrated today. Jim shares his personal convictions and why he chooses to celebrate First Fruits instead of Easter. They discuss the importance of living in the middle ground and respecting the convictions of others. They also touch on the challenges of navigating family celebrations and how to approach these conversations with love and kindness. Finally, they preview the upcoming discussion on the Feast of Shavuot.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Review

00:52 — The Difference Between Feast of First Fruits and Easter

03:18 — The Influence of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church

04:14 — The Pagan Origins of Easter

05:40 — The Goddess Esther and the Spring Festival

07:26 — The Roman Catholic Church's Adaptation of Pagan Practices

08:12 — Personal Convictions and Celebrating Easter

09:38 — Celebrating First Fruits

11:12 — Living in the Middle Ground

14:22 — Navigating Celebrations with Family and Friends

16:22 — The Importance of Personal Convictions

21:05 — The Dissatisfaction with Easter Celebrations

22:55 — The Challenge of Communicating Convictions with Family

23:23 — Reconciling Convictions with God's Commands

25:21 — Living in a Kosher Way

27:09 — Inviting Others to Discover the Beauty of God's Ways

28:31 — Looking Ahead to the Feast of Shavuot

33:08 — Conclusion

Takeaways

The Feast of First Fruits and Easter have different origins and meanings.

Understanding the pagan origins of Easter can influence personal convictions and choices in celebrating.

Living in the middle ground allows for respect and understanding of different perspectives.

Inviting others to discover the beauty of God's ways can be done with love and kindness.

Summary

In this conversation, Jon and Jim discuss the Feast of First Fruits and its significance. They explore the connection between the feast and the resurrection of Jesus as the firstfruits among the dead. They emphasize that the feast is not just for the Jewish people but is a celebration of God's appointed time for all believers. They discuss different perspectives on how to celebrate the feast and highlight the importance of focusing on the heart of worship and sacrifice. They also mention the connection between Easter and First Fruits and invite listeners to explore the deeper meaning of these feasts.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to the Feast of First Fruits

03:18 — The Significance of the Feast of First Fruits

10:57 — The Resurrection of Jesus as the firstfruit among the dead

18:35 — How to celebrate the Feast of First Fruits

29:28 — A Heart of Worship and Sacrifice

37:42 — Looking Ahead to Easter and First Fruits

Takeaways

The Feast of First Fruits is intimately connected to the resurrection of Jesus as the firstfruits among the dead.

The feast is a celebration of God's appointed time for all believers, not just the Jewish people.

Different perspectives exist on how to celebrate the feast, but the focus should be on the heart of worship and sacrifice.

The feast can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate celebration in heaven, the wedding supper of the Lamb.

Summary

In this conversation, Jon and James discuss the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is the second of the seven feasts of Adonai. They explore the significance of the Hebrew word 'moed' (feast) and how these feasts are important to God. They also discuss the parallel between the Jewish and Gentile perspectives on the feasts, and how they relate to the life and teachings of Yeshua (Jesus). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is seen as a time of sanctification and a reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering His people. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of the posture of our hearts in approaching these feasts.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Background

03:05 — The Significance of the Feasts

10:54 — The Feast of Unleavened Bread

13:58 — The Importance of Matzah

16:27 — The Rest of Shabbat

20:06 — Remembering God's Faithfulness

26:20 — Yeshua's Sacrifice and Sanctification

31:03 — The Posture of Our Hearts

37:09 — Closing Remarks

Takeaways

The feasts of Adonai are significant appointments with God that reflect His character and reveal His plan for redemption.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a time of sanctification and a reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering His people.

The removal of leaven (hametz) during this feast symbolizes the removal of sin from our lives and the process of sanctification.

Approaching the feasts with a posture of humility and openness allows us to experience the presence of God and His transformative work in our lives.

Summary

In this episode, Jon and James continue their conversation on the feast of Passover. They discuss the significance of the bitter herbs, such as parsley and horseradish, which represent the bitterness of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt. They also explore the meaning of matzah, the unleavened bread, and its connection to sin and redemption. The hidden afikomen, a piece of matzah, symbolizes the hidden nature of the Messiah. The lamb shank on the Seder plate represents the sacrificial lamb and the blood that protected the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn. Throughout the discussion, Jon and James emphasize the joy and celebration that should accompany the Passover Seder.

Chapters

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to the Feast of Passover

00:29 — Significance of the Bitter Herbs

02:48 — Significance of Matzah

08:01 — The Hidden Afikomen

23:02 — The Lamb Shank and Redemption

27:51 — The Joy of the Seder Meal

Takeaways

The bitter herbs in the Passover Seder represent the bitterness of slavery and the tears shed during difficult times in life.

Matzah, the unleavened bread, symbolizes the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the removal of sin from our lives.

The hidden afikomen represents the hidden nature of the Messiah and the joy of seeking and finding Him.

The lamb shank on the Seder plate symbolizes the sacrificial lamb and the blood that brings redemption and protection.

Summary

In this episode, Jon and James continue their conversation on Passover and the significance of the Passover Seder. They discuss the four cups of the Seder meal, which represent different promises of God to the Israelite people. The first cup is the cup of sanctification, symbolizing being set apart from bondage. The second cup is the cup of deliverance, representing freedom from slavery. The third cup is the cup of redemption, connecting to Yeshua's sacrifice and the new covenant. The fourth cup is the cup of praise, celebrating God's faithfulness. They also touch on the fifth cup, which represents the assurance that God will be their God.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Passover and the Passover Seder

08:12 — The Cup of Sanctification

14:21 — The Cup of Deliverance

19:07 — The Cup of Redemption

24:16 — The Cup of Praise

27:14 — The Fifth Cup: Embracing the Promise

Takeaways

The Passover Seder meal includes four cups, each representing a different promise of God to the Israelite people: sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and praise.

The cups of the Seder meal have a deep significance for Gentile believers in Yeshua, connecting to his sacrifice and the new covenant.

Participating in the Passover Seder allows for a personal and meaningful reflection on God's deliverance and redemption in one's own life.

The fifth cup, which is not drunk during the Seder, represents the assurance that God will be their God.

Summary

In this conversation, Jon and James discuss the significance of the Feast of Passover for Gentile believers. They explore the context of Passover, including the story of Moses and the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. They emphasize the importance of embracing God's feasts and recognizing that Passover is not just a Jewish holiday, but a celebration of God's faithfulness. The connection between Passover and Yeshua (Jesus) is highlighted, as well as the meaning of 'Do this in remembrance of me.' They also discuss the future celebration of Passover in the Kingdom of God and the relevance of Passover for modern believers. The conversation concludes with a reflection on God's faithfulness and the significance of the blood of Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to the Feast of Passover

02:48 — Context of Passover: The Story of Moses

07:20 — The Significance of Passover for Gentile Believers

11:21 — The Importance of Embracing God's Feasts

16:09 — The Connection between Passover and Yeshua (Jesus)

19:24 — The Meaning of 'Do This in Remembrance of Me'

23:03 — The Future Celebration of Passover in the Kingdom of God

26:06 — The Relevance of Passover for Modern Believers

28:10 — Reflecting on God's Faithfulness and Deliverance

29:35 — The Blood of Jesus and the Doorposts of Our Hearts

31:04 — Up Next: A Passover Seder, The meaning of the four cups, and more!

Takeaways

Passover is not just a Jewish holiday, but a Feast of Adonai that is significant to all believers.

Observing Passover can deepen our understanding of the connection between Yeshua (Jesus) and the Passover lamb.

Passover is a time to reflect on God's faithfulness and deliverance in our lives.

The blood of Jesus protects and redeems us, just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites.

Summary

In this conversation, Jon and Jim discuss the practice of Kiddush and the blessings and prayers that accompany the ushering in of the Sabbath. They explore different approaches to Sabbath observance and the significance of rest. They also delve into the meaning of Kiddush and its connection to the Exodus from Egypt. The conversation highlights the personal and communal aspects of Sabbath observance and the importance of intentionality in setting apart the day. They conclude with prayers for shalom and rest for all who observe the Sabbath.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Background

02:17 — Discovering Kiddush

03:48 — Intentionality in Ushering in the Sabbath

06:12 — Different Approaches to Sabbath Observance

07:03 — Meaning of Kiddush

08:03 — Lighting the Sabbath Candles

09:02 — Blessing Over the Wine

09:30 — Covering the Eyes During the Lighting of the Candles

10:01 — Personal Interpretation of Sabbath Observance

11:17 — Finding a Balance in Sabbath Observance

12:47 — The Significance of Resting on the Sabbath

13:57 — Reading Genesis 1:1-2:3

14:24 — The Blessing Over the Wine

15:20 — The Blessing Over the Bread

17:12 — The Sabbath as a Depiction of the World to Come

19:17 — Additional Verses and Prayers

32:05 — Praying for Shalom and Rest

Takeaways

Kiddush is a way of sanctifying the Sabbath and setting it apart as a holy day.

Sabbath observance can vary among individuals and families, but the intentionality and heart behind it are key.

The Sabbath is a time to remember and reflect on God's creation and His rest, as well as His deliverance and redemption.

The blessings and prayers during Kiddush serve as reminders of God's provision and His presence in our lives.

Sabbath observance is an opportunity to experience a foretaste of the world to come and to find rest and restoration in God.

Summary

In this episode, Jon and James discuss the the importance of creating rituals and rhythms for children to love God. They also explore the concept of Sabbath and its clash with Western culture, as well as the Jewish lifestyle and the biblical feasts. The conversation highlights the need for awareness of God in everyday life and the significance of teaching children the meaning behind songs and prayers. The episode concludes with a discussion on Kiddush and its significance in Jewish tradition.

Chapters

00:00 — Living as a Gentile following a Jewish Messiah

03:20 — The challenge of Sabbath in Western culture

05:36 — Creating rituals and rhythms for children

09:21 — The desire for rest and a better rhythm

11:44 — Cultivating a love for God in children

19:20 — Jewish lifestyle and the biblical feasts

21:12 — Awareness of God in everyday life

23:20 — Teaching children the meaning behind songs and prayers

29:32 — Approaching prayer and worship with intentionality

32:58 — Exploring Kiddush and its significance

Summary

In this episode, Jon and James continue their discussion on the Sabbath. They explore the challenges of determining the start and end times of the Sabbath, especially in different locations and seasons. They discuss the importance of finding a practical and meaningful Sabbath start time that aligns with the spirit of the law.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction

01:03 — The Sabbath and its Challenges

03:14 — Observing the Sabbath in Different Locations

05:14 — Flexibility in Sabbath Observance

06:36 — The End of Shabbat

07:24 — Different Perspectives on Shabbat Start Time

08:18 — Finding a Practical Sabbath Start Time

09:16 — The Importance of Setting Boundaries

10:07 — The Spirit vs. the Letter of the Law

11:36 — Personal Journey and Experimentation

14:11 — Honoring the Sabbath Commitment

15:12 — The Sabbath as a Gift

16:04 — The Posture of the Heart on the Sabbath

17:00 — The Sabbath as a Journey

18:22 — Practical Considerations for Sabbath Observance

19:46 — Finding Freedom within Sabbath Observance

21:08 — Embracing Hebrew Roots as a Gentile

22:12 — The Sabbath and Work

23:09 — The Sabbath and Lighting Fires

24:07 — Balancing the Spirit and the Letter of the Law

25:13 — The Sabbath as a Gift for All

26:40 — The Sabbath and the Church in Acts

27:37 — Freedom from Judgment in Sabbath Observance

29:05 — Grafted into Israel

30:31 — The Sabbath as a Family Practice

33:15 — Experimenting and Growing in Sabbath Observance

37:12 — Preparing for a Meaningful Sabbath

39:52 — The Importance of Preparation and Intentionality

42:15 — The Fruit of Consistent Sabbath Observance

43:37 — Engaging Yahweh in Family

44:31 — Teaching Children the Shema

45:09 — Celebrating Shabbat

Takeaways

Finding a practical and meaningful Sabbath start time is important, considering factors such as location, season, and personal circumstances.

Honoring the Sabbath commitment and not compromising on its observance is essential for a meaningful Sabbath experience.

Balancing the letter and the spirit of the law is a personal journey, and it is important to find a Sabbath observance that aligns with one's own heart and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Experimentation and trial and error are part of the process of embracing Hebrew roots and finding a Sabbath observance that works for each individual and family.

Preparation and intentionality are key in creating a restful and meaningful Sabbath experience, and it is important to involve the whole family in the process. Engaging children in religious practices can instill a sense of honor and clout.

Teaching children the Shema can be a rewarding experience.

Choosing the timing for celebrating Shabbat requires careful consideration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:19 Exploring the Sabbath

07:19 What to Do or Not Do on the Sabbath

13:01 The Importance of Family and Community

19:05 Preparing for the Sabbath

22:07 Home Church and Sabbath

27:33 Inviting Questions

29:03 Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday

36:10 Respecting Different Perspectives

43:00 Conclusion

Takeaways

The Sabbath is a day of rest and should be approached in a way that provides rest and nourishment for the soul.

Family and community play a significant role in Sabbath observance, creating a sense of joy, intimacy, and togetherness.

Preparing for the Sabbath can involve simplifying tasks, being intentional about rest, and creating an atmosphere of peace and joy.

While there may be different perspectives on whether to observe the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday, it is important to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and respect the choices of others.