God's word and His prophecies have withstood the element of time, surviving throughout generations to reach us. They are still powerful and applicable. All of the prophets' sacrifices, all of their questioning and investigating and all of their careful inquiry were endured for the purpose of bringing us truth. It's overwhelming, really. God's word was meant for Jews and Gentiles alike! What can we glean from the prophets and traditions of old? What customs and culture will we pass on to future generations from our understanding and practice of God's word that will affect the eternal souls of many? Listen for the shofar of your soul at the Feast of Trumpets, and feel the untamed wind of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Amidst the chaos of your life, experience rest during Shabbat. Draw near to God's word and enjoy Feasts of Faith!
Today's Christians know very little about the Jewish roots of their faith. Feasts of Faith introduces the reader to Jewish traditions and customs, both past and present, as they relate to the historical feasts of Israel. Carl and Dallas Paetzold, one a medical doctor and the other an educator/speaker, team up to bring a well-researched, concisely written book for valuable learning concerning the Jewish feasts in this new release. Readers will develop a new and deeper understanding of how the feasts have influenced the basic foundation of our Christian beliefs, thus strengthening their faith.
Feasts of Faith allows for self-discovery and independent thinking as the reader answers questions and studies scripture in a systematic manner, correlates relevant information of historical value with New Testament and modern issues, and reveals the extraordinary customs and traditions behind many common scriptures.
So, what are the feasts of Israel? The Israelites were given seven annual feasts as well as a weekly Sabbath. God commanded them to go to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate these feasts. The first trip to Jerusalem was to celebrate the feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits. These three feasts happen in fairly rapid succession, and, grouped together, they are sometimes collectively called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The second trip, 50 days later, celebrated the feast of Weeks (what most Gentile Christians know as Pentecost) and the last trip to Jerusalem was to observe the feasts of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles (or Booths). These three feasts again occur relatively quickly, within the time span of about three weeks, and are sometimes collectively called the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths.
The history and traditions and culture of the Jewish people are rich with abundant opportunity to find Jesus in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. This book is not intended to be an exhaustive account of all symbolisms and traditions for each of these feasts. But, the hope is that God's word becomes wonderfully real and relevant in the reader's life and that it influences actions and thoughts as it has in the authors' lives.
Feasts of Faith is ten chapters covering each of the Jewish feasts described in Leviticus 23, as well as two other major feasts, Hanukkah and Purim. All chapters include suggested Bible readings, questions related to those readings with answer spaces provided, and interspersed commentary and teaching containing pertinent cultural and historical information associated with that specific feast. The information is given along with practical application for the reader.
About the Author: Carl Paetzold, M.D., has contributed to various professional journals, while Dallas Paetzold is a conference speaker and former college teacher.