Christians living Torah

[manichunter]

Question- Why do some Christians now observe certain elements of the First Covenant Torah? This question is addressed to people who called themselves Christians in the fashion that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Why do you now observe certain elements of the First Covenant such as the Holy Festivals and Sabbaths? I am speaking to saints who formerly observed mainstream protestant or catholic doctrines and traditions which excluded First Covenant traditions. What motivated and influenced your change of observances and traditions? What revelation did you receive that encouraged you to see these things as relevant and sacred? This post is not addressed to Christians who do not observe these traditions, but feel free to join in the discussion. I am trying to see how others came to this same point in their walk with Jesus as I did.I personally see the Torah in a differently light now. I see it through the spiritual eyes now, for it is no longer of the flesh. I observe the Holy Feast Days and Sabbath in the newness of spirit, not in the letter of the old physical Torah. I now see and respect my circumcision of the heart and Torah that was spiritually written on my heart. Hence it has changed location from physical scrolls to the human spirit. Now it is to be observed as a memorial and celebration of Jesus; and, it is the means to love both God and neighbor. I started this path in 1995 when I started to reading the history of Christianity and matching it with today’s culture. I started to see some of the reasons for all the divisions and schisms in the Body of Christ. It was caused by what Paul said was carnality. Carnality by means of human traditions, thoughts, and biases had infiltrated Christianity and became a part of various believers’ traditions. I went into active rebellion because no one could provide me with good answers as to how and why things where the way they were. Christianity had wide holes in its theology and traditions, but most leaders seem comfortable leaving things at rest. I was looking for a way out of carnality for myself. However, all I did was fine myself in trouble in the churches I attended, became more carnal myself, and became discouraged. I wanted to know the truth at all cost so I thought. Hence God led me to a church unknown to me that was heading in the same direction. It began 1998 with the pastor teaching on paganism within Christian traditions. Then He taught on various subjects to include the need to be a community, identity, purpose, and aspects of the ancient Hebrew culture. Then in 2002 he begins to teach and observe the Jewish Festivals. This was not forced upon the members however. So, I begin to look into this matter myself through independent sources. Now, by witness and inspiration of the Holy Spirit I have come to observe and worship in the manner of the Holy Days and Sabbaths. We observe Sabbath on Friday after sundown as a community and still worship on Sunday as a community as well. I have learned elements and truths about Christ that I could have never understood independent of this transition.Now I observe Spiritual Torah not in the old letter of the law that my carnal man was subjected to but could never accomplish, but in spirit and truth as I am now spiritual. I can in no fashion earn my own justification for salvation, righteousness, and reward; but I can emulate my Lord who is Torah in spirit as led by the Holy Spirit. I observe the Holy Days and Sabbaths as memorials with the same motivations of other Christians worship and observing Easter.

 

[tim_from_pa]

I don't keep the feasts legalisitically, but I observe them in the sense that I know when they occur, I teach about them, and thank God for what they represent.The reason why I basically think Christmas and Easter is worthless while the Jewish feasts are beneficial is because those Jewish feasts demonstrated God's plan of salvation for mankind and the work of Christ. The other so-called Christian holidays are traditions of men with a history in pagan holidays.Before I knew better, I celebrated the pagan days. But in the last quarter century or so when I read the bible, it simply makes sense to pay attention to the days God deemed important and the original pagan days are just an excuse for me to have a day off and spend the winter solstice with the family and partying.Like you, I look at them through spiritual eyes now. One can keep them legalistically and not be any better off than a pagan.

 

[manichunter]

One of my cities (Houston, Tx) largest churches have just begin to observe the Holy Days (Windsor Village Methodist Church). It has about 12,000 members. I totally floored and shocked as my neighbor who is member told me that their church was doing something new this year. What was funny about that to me was that a few years ago several of its members that I was crazy and behaving cultic when I said I was observing the Festivals. Now their Paster Kirby John Caldwell has went crazy as well....... I here on TBN all the time certain churches teaching on the Festivals and wanting to institute them...... I believe the boat is coming for some to jump on board or stay a on the shore. LOL