I was always told during my childhood and teen years that I possessed the aptitude for giving instructions and helping others to comprehend difficult concepts. Consequently, during my school years I was usually assigned the position of group leader whenever there was cooperative learning. As far back as memory goes, a classroom setting was always my “playground”, whether in the open fields/ pastures in rural Jamaica (Caribbean) or within zinc fenced tenement yards in urban Kingston, Jamaica. These role-playing activities always provided a high level of satisfaction and well being. They in turn, served as precursors for entry within the teaching profession, the marriage institution and also becoming a mother of two, a son and a daughter. Being married to Victor Ebanks, now for 31 years, it seems like just yesterday. Looking back now, I can see how YHWH has used my family as a light bearer in this dark world. This especially holds true in light of the fact that divorces and dysfunctional homes are increasingly on the rise as the years succeeds. My family union has truly been a blessing. Must mention however, that presently, my children no longer acknowledge Yah as their Father but I believe that He will continue to draw them back to the fold.
Although I was raised as an SDA, I did not always relish the idea of becoming a religious/ Christian person. I felt then, that I had time to live my life how I wanted to and perhaps later to settle into that mode of life. Christianity was not attractive in my eyes; the world appeared much brighter from the vantage point as a teenager. Despite my thoughts however, YHWH has always been My Shepherd (Psalms 23) although I did not yet know Him as a personal companion. Our relationship really began when I was 16 years old (34 yrs ago), and since then He has been steadily revealing advanced truths. In other words, truth has been advancing in my life since the “New birth” experience. “But The path of the just, is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” Prov. 4:18. What a joy this has been! I get emotional whenever I speak about the relationship I have with Yahuwah and His Son, Yahushua. I love them both and I am truly grateful for their gift of redemption. To be cognizant of the fact that I am free, totally delivered from the bondage of sin and have now been translated into the Kingdom Of YHWH and His dear Son, my soul cries out constantly, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! What peace permeates my soul, when I think of the present ministration of Yahushua in the heavenly sanctuary on my behalf. I can only cry out Hallelujah!
On becoming His child, via the indwelling of His Spirit and by water baptism, He began to teach me how to trust Him as a Father and a friend. I was raised by my paternal grandmother, since my mother gave me up from early childhood. Although I received much love from my grandparents, I still yearned for the stability of a home with my siblings and both of my parents, but that was not my lot. The first major change in my life occurred a few months after my baptism when my father died tragically in an automobile accident. I was distraught and somewhat angry with YHWH. I still had to trust Him though, despite my despair. Within a few more months (the same year) my grandfather also passed away. This was too much for me as a “new born” babe. How could this be? Where was YAH in all of this? These occurrences set the stage for the beginning of my transformation as a “New creature” in Mashiah. I had to relocate to live with my paternal uncle and his family in a nearby city in Kingston. It was during this move that I was delivered from the dancehall music that I would constantly imbibe from the radio and the long hours of TV viewing. My uncle’s household upheld strong Christian values (not SDA) and the acquisition of a “good education” and so these activities were screened tremendously. I rebelled inwardly, but I knew somehow that it was for my good. I started to learn to read the Scriptures daily and to memorize His promises, which proved to be a tower of strength over the years and a light in a dark place. “Thy words are a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119: 105.
It was sometime after this move that I started to reason and question the validity of Saturday being the true seventh day Sabbath. I read Ex. 20 8-11, which states “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days thou shall labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of [Yahuwah] thy Eloah: in it thou shall not do any work, …“repeatedly and was convicted that YHWH was indeed specific in terms of which day he sanctified, the seventh. But how do I count? Some Gregorian calendars began with a Su day week, while others began with a M day. Who determines where to begin this count? I checked out the Jews’ worship day. They should know which day is correct, since they have been around since Bible days. After all, Yahushua was a Jew. I found out that the Jews kept Sa day as Sabbath and in addition, the Gregorian calendar being used by most people starts the week on Su day. This was enough data to convince me then that Sa day was the true Sabbath. I kept this day for most of my years until two years ago when YHWH revealed His truth concerning His calendar. (Will pick up on this point later).
As the years advanced, the teaching of Science in public schools was not my only calling, but was assigned the teaching of Vacation Bible School and subsequently children and adult Sabbath school in my local SDA church. On becoming an adult, I felt that I needed to portray a certain image (in terms of dress code) especially since I was a teacher professional. One of these status quo was the relaxing/chemical processing of my natural kinky hair which was looked upon by society then as being “not professional” in its natural state. This activity did not remain long with me because YHWH started to convict me about going to the hairdresser to “change” my hair texture. Was I not made in His image? (Gen 1:26). Am I not fearfully and wonderfully made? (Ps.139:14). Why then should I change my hair via chemical processing which was doing untold harm to my body, hence the image of Yah and more so, His temple? The Holy Spirit convicted me of this wrong course and was made aware that I should appreciate my naturally kinky hair since it complemented my dark skin tone.
The reform of dress and dancing to secular music was next in my transformation. Incidentally, this change came about after having a “real encounter” with YHWH in church one Sabbath (Sa day then). During the divine hour, I experienced one of many episodes of the manifestation of Yah’s Spirit. I would jump and shout “Hallelujah” perhaps 2-3 times sequentially in a rhythmic and spontaneous manner. The brethren had gotten “accustomed” to these occurrences, but I doubted many had a full understanding. Nonetheless, by the time an appeal was given (by the Pastor) for the congregants to surrender their will to YHWH, I felt as if all my strength was gone. My knees then buckled and I remember simply falling (as if being laid) to the ground between the pews. There was no pain anywhere in my body although I fell on a hard uncovered concrete surface. I was lying flat on my back with my eyes opened and unable to speak or to move. I saw a few brethren hovering over me who started administering first-aid in terms of loosening my garment and waving a hand fan to bring additional fresh air. Please note that windows and doors of churches in Jamaica are usually kept opened for the most part during services. (not sure about now). Although I could hear conversations, I was unable to interact. However, by the time I was being lifted and taken outside, my strength returned. There were shouts of “Hallelujah!” again. I remember feeling a powerful force moving me towards the front (at the altar) of the church. The church EXIT was at the side, adjacent to the altar. I saw an extremely bright light in the front. I felt then, as if my entire being was illuminated by this awe-inspiring presence. I am trying to find suitable adjectives to describe this encounter, but words fail me at this moment. I cried out in my thoughts, “Do not consume me with your presence!” I felt totally naked, both mentally and physically. By this time, my shoes had already fallen off sometime earlier. Not sure when. I was in a trance for quite some time. Not sure how long. Was subsequently taken to the home of a Church sister along with my two children (11 yrs & 8 yrs then), since I was unable to drive myself home. At this time my husband was visiting relatives in the United States. My sister in Christ offered me herbal tea and lunch, but there was no appetite for physical nourishment. I was totally satiated. All my soul hungered and thirsted for was the Living Word of Yah. As I recount this experience, I can even now feel His presence aiding me in the writing of this testimony. He is Awesome indeed and Mighty and Worthy of ALL Praise and Honor. Praise ye Yahuwah!
This experience has been life-changing. I have never been the same. I enquired of Yah as to what had happened to me since I was not satisfied with the explanation given me by my pastor. Yahuwah directed me to read the books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. I was imbibing the Word intensely for weeks. I could not be satisfied. There was a thirst that has lingered even unto this day. In the Word, I realized that the things that happened to me were not foreign to the people of Yah. The weakness, falling to the ground, being unable to speak and move were all possible occurrences based on Scriptural accounts. I was always looked upon by many brethren as being odd, more like a misfit in the SDA congregation, but these Scriptures comforted my soul and I was assured that it was indeed Yah’s Spirit working with me and not another.
As a result of this dramatic experience, I have been transformed. My wardrobe was revamped and I felt impressed to start wearing a simple hair covering in public at all times. I also relinquished the position of Dance Coordinator at the high school that I was employed at the time. The spontaneous shouts of “Hallelujah!” were now occurring more frequently, even at times during family worship. I remember waking up one morning with this thought; “Psalms 40”. I read it through and was impressed with verse 3 which states, “And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in [Yahuwah].” This was comforting to me because I was feeling somewhat awkward and very different in the local churches. One brethren even asked me if I was ever a member of the Pentecostal church. In fact, before I ever had these experiences of shouting ‘Hallelujahs”, I had a dream the very night preceding the first occurrence. In the dream I was shouting and praising Yah. When I awoke in the morning (Sa day), I felt an intense sense of peace and joy in my soul. These shoutings and occasional falling with loss of strength has become a part of my worship experience.
I could share several other spiritual happenings, but this article would be too lengthy. Notwithstanding, I must share the content of my first vision. Never knew it was, until I shared it at my local church during the “Testimonies” time. It was one night in July 16, 1996 that I was unable to fall asleep. While lying in bed, I suddenly started seeing pictures/ scenes as if watching a huge TV screen. I initially saw a dazzling building (like a beautiful castle) way out in space. This was followed by a voice saying, “The tabernacle of God is with men”. This was repeated. I then saw a throne, and at this time I felt myself rising off the bed and taken to the foot of the throne. I was afraid and said in my thoughts, “I’m afraid, don’t take me there!” When I got there, I bowed low and a voice said, “Child of man, you must tell the world” (repeat) “I am coming” (repeat). “You must let them know. Behold he cometh. Planet Earth is doomed! Get ready! Hurry!” I said in my thoughts, “Nobody will listen” the reply, “You MUST let them know, planet earth is doomed! I was then taken to the International airport in Kingston, Jamaica where I saw people running to and fro in chaos. I saw a view in the meteorology department. The meteorologists were confused and a saw a pair of eyeglasses falling on a table. The weather instruments stopped working. I then looked outside and saw emptiness/ bareness, only dirt with the skeleton of both a man and a cow and a dried up branch just blowing in the wind. The scene continued when I saw the Saints then caught up and were entering (in single file) through a door which was behind the throne. I saw the tables of stone on which the Ten Commandments were written towards the left side of the throne. (Did not actually see words). Heard a voice saying, “Guilty! Guilty! They are all guilty, sentenced to die!” I found myself standing in line at the door and was beckoned to enter, but I said in my mind, “Lord, I can’t go in there, because you have said, ‘eyes have not seen nor ears heard the things which you have in store for us” I asked, “Lord, what are they doing in there?” I then saw someone looking in a large book, using a magnifying glass (the Scriptures) and I said “ Lord, why do they need a magnifying glass?” I was told that they had to be accurate as they looked at each person’s life. I was then taken back to my bed. When I got there, I felt a “presence” in the room. A voice said, “Be not afraid, I am your guardian angel. I will protect you from all danger. The enemy cannot harm you, I will protect you. You are a chosen vessel, an instrument to be used by God, to do his will. You will be empowered from on high. (Mark 16:15-18). You will walk on scorpions and they will not hurt you, you will drink poison and it will not harm you. Only trust God and do His will. Forget about self! Empty self! Do not be afraid! I am with you always.” It was not until 2008 that I received the interpretation of this vision. Please see explanation at the end of this testimony.
I have now grown accustomed to these manifestations of Yah’s Spirit. Back then whenever I went in a trance, I would be asked by a few members if I had received any messages. I did not. However, as time went on, I started getting impressions upon my mind in the form of simple messages or a specific Bible text. To be honest, most of the messages I received did not make a lot of sense to me, but I would still share them with the appropriate individual or with my local church. There was one particular church in rural Jamaica that I repeatedly received messages of strong rebuke which I delivered. There was even one occasion when one particular elder was “commanded” not to partake of the Yahushua’s Supper. I was eventually led away from this congregation. I could no longer attend services there. My family and I then moved to a smaller SDA church which was considerably further away from our home.
It was not long from this transition that we subsequently relocated to South Carolina, United States of America in 2002. This move came as a result of a teaching contract that I received to teach High school Science. Church services here were quite different. I noticed the secular dressing of the sisters, especially in terms of jewellery, make-up and immodest apparel. I experienced a culture shock. The musicians/ piano players etc. seemed different, but I later discovered that they were members of other denominations who were paid to play for us. This bothered me. Are there no singers/ musicians in Zion? I thought. I noticed the emptiness of the pews and the late arrival to Sabbath school. Many did not come until the 11:00 o’clock hour. “What are they doing at home?” I wondered. AY programs were rarely attended by many. Despite the lethargy and weakness that I saw, I was always encouraged by a few faithful souls, that regardless of the state of things, the SDA church would be triumphant, since it was the “remnant church”. I was told to “stay on the ship because it will safely get home to Zion”. This I did for years, because I did not see the advantage of leaving and attempting to establish a “new church”. (I did not fully understand the correct meaning of the word, church at the time). I felt that this approach would merely add to the already confusion within Christendom. While in the U.S., I continued receiving messages from YHWH about the churches. As a result, I had to stop worshipping at a particular church where I had taught Adult Sabbath school for a few years. My spirit was completely repelled from this congregation. Quite similar to my experience in Jamaica. Sometimes when I reflect, it seems as if I was “church hopping”, but I believe that Yahuwah was really using me to “prove” these congregations. Jer. 6: 27-30 states, “I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way. They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron: they are all corrupters. The bellows are burned, the land is consumed of the fire: the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. Reprobate silver shall men call them, because [Yahuwah] hath rejected them.”
While attending the last SDA church (shortly before exiting the entire organization), two distinct messages came to me. One was, Hosea 4:6, which states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God. I will also forget thy children.” I shared this text with the pastor that Sabbath (Feb 12, 2011) while fellowshipping at the door at the end of service. His response was, “What are you saying? That I don’t have knowledge?” I felt disappointed but did not fully understand the text myself. The last message I received on April 7, 2012 was, “My Spirit will not always strive in this place. They have turned my house into a marketplace.” I did not share this message with the pastor, but it left an acute impression on my mind that time was running out for this congregation. While reflecting now, I believe that these churches were only samples of all the SDA organization. It is with the increased knowledge that I have recently acquired, in terms of Yahuwah’s calendar, that I can now truly appreciate the message in Hosea 4:6. What a leading!
It was only a few months before finally leaving the SDA organization, that I felt uncomfortable in my spirit. I found it difficult to attend church services for about 2-3 weeks during the Christmas season, 2012. The previous year (2011), I had told the pastor that I did not believe that Yahuwah (the Lord then) was pleased with us participating in special holiday programs at this time of the year. This time, I was led to start reasoning about the origin of Christmas. (Had already searched origin of Easter earlier that year). I also enquired of Yah as to whether or not he had any special days for His children to celebrate, since we were forbidden to participate in Christmas celebrations. He told me frankly, “Yes, I have my holy days.” It was about this time that I met a lady (Kimberly Costa) who had started attending our church who asked if the SDA church observed the feast days. She encouraged me to read Zech. 14:16-19, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, [Yahuwah] of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles…” It sounded like a future event, so why aren’t we keeping this feast? I thought. I also remember hearing a portion of the evening nightly NBC World News that mentioned that the implementation of the World Calendar in 2013 was postponed due to the fact that all the world community was not yet ready. The broadcaster went on to encouraged viewers to get additional information at theworldcalendar.com web site. This bit of news stimulated my curiosity and I felt it may have something to do with the ushering in of the long awaited “National Sunday Law”. I took the prompt and immediately went to the internet to seek information on the World Calendar. At the end of 2012, I enquired of Yah, “Is this really the end of the year?”
I continued in-depth researching on the internet. I had the time because Yahuwah would have had it that I received failing grades for two successive teaching evaluations, after teaching for 25 + years. This has somewhat blighted my opportunities to obtain full time employment as a teacher within this State and perhaps throughout the U.S. It all makes perfect sense now. My research began with “The origin of Christmas”. I deliberately tried to avoid religious websites as much as possible since I did not want to be indoctrinated. As I researched I took notes. One search led to another, until one day I came across the book, “Great Calendar Controversy” by Elaine Vornholt et al. While reading this book I became tremendously convicted that I was in error all these years in terms of believing that Sa day was Yahuwah’s true 7th day Sabbath. I was broken in spirit. I remember sitting in front of the computer at an assigned high school for teacher substitution. By then, I had started doing teacher substitution work. It was during a non contact period where no students were in the room. I broke down in bitter tears and started confessing of this great sin which I have committed in ignorance all these years. I was in deep sorrow and realized at that very moment, that I would have to make a decision; to obey the Spirit’s leading or to continue in error. I realized I would have to stand alone in this issue. My initial thought was, “Who am I going to worship with?” Immediately, my dear Sis Laura Edens came to mind. She had already stopped attending the SDA churches and was just participating in Bible studies with a few other Adventists on a F day night. I downloaded and printed this book. It took me about 2 days to complete reading. I had to reread several chapters though, because the content was so incredible.
I did not only share a copy of this book with my sister, but I also conducted a Bible study around the topic “the Creator’s Calendar” with her along with two others. They were Kimberly C. and another brethren from the last church I use to attend. It was out of this meeting that our home church began. Initial members were Sis Laura and Kim and I. We would worship at Laura’s house twice each week (Sabbath & 3rd night). I must mention here that while searching on the internet I was led to Worldslastchance.com. Was very fascinated by the name and also skeptical as to their true mission. I am aware that there are websites that try to discredit the SDA church for various reasons and so I was wary. Nonetheless, I started visiting the site every now and again. I did not feel impressed to become a member then, because I was not into social networking. Although my husband did not attend our home church, he was still instrumental in helping me to make a full decision not to return to the SDA church. I still felt obligated to the brethren there, because I was elected to be Co Director of Family Life, Literature Evangelist Leader and Sabbath School teacher. How could I leave these brethren? They were very kind to me and showed me much love. I realize though that, “ … Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams, for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry….” 1st Sam. 15:22-23. I realize that the highest service that I could ever give was to be a part of the service of Yahuwah and not to an organization, regardless of its claim as being “the remnant church”. Since I have left, I have distributed multiple materials (including Articles #1 & #2) both electronically and by hand. I have spoken directly and by phone to several members in the U.S. and Jamaica, but none has responded in the affirmative to this advanced truth concerning the Creator’s Calendar. For the most part, they have ignored this matter.
Although our home church has not grown, my husband now worships with us. Regrettably, Sis Kim has left us since the end of 6000. She has returned to Babylon because she believes that the Jews will have a significant part to play in the end of time. During our initial meetings, I calculated New Moon Day using “the day after crescent moon” method as outlined in Elaine Vornholt’s book. I remember that first month we started worshipping, the Sabbath fell on a M- day according to this method. However, whenever Sa day came, I still felt that it was the Sabbath. I prayed about it and did not share my thoughts with Laura. When I checked WLC calendar, I noticed that the Sabbath was actually falling on Sa day that month and not M day. I had to tell the others about my convictions. I had made a mistake. Laura said she too had felt that Sa day was the Sabbath in that month but could not explain it. It was obvious that Yahuwah’s Spirit was at work. I must say that when I saw the discrepancy in terms of Gregorian dates for the Sabbath, I really felt confused. I was even more confused when I researched New Moon Day on the internet and found at least four different methods in which to reckon this day. I enquired of Yah as to the proper way to calculate New Moon Day. I argued that if He was indeed giving me truth then I ought to be able to at least know when to start the count. I searched the Scriptures for the most part, and did not find a clear method, but Yah spoke to me one night. He said, “Let Science support the Scriptures.” He also showed me a view of several phases of the moon in sequence. The phases looked like the ones I had seen before on an astronomy website. He also impressed upon my mind the text, Ps. 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of [Yahuwah]; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” I subsequently checked the same astronomy website and looked at the phases of the moon from conjunction up to about 6 days and noticed that a thin crescent moon was seen the very next day after conjunction. This would not be visible to the naked eye. I also found out that it did not take the moon 24 hours to start collecting light from the sun; hence I did not see the rationale behind me waiting to see a crescent moon to declare New Moon Day. WLC’s stance on “Dawn after conjunction” was correct. I was now settled in this truth and have since used the printed calendars from WLC to reckon weekly and annual Sabbaths. Praise Yah for the WLC team.
Since learning about this great truth concerning Yahuwah’s calendar I have enjoyed untold blessings. Among these is the clarity of understanding of the Scriptures whenever I read, especially as it pertains to end time prophesies in Daniel and Revelation. It also seems that my bread basket has overflowed and the blessings have impacted every other aspect of my life. Yahuwah has since given us a beautiful piece of property out in the country (surrounded by forest) where we can grow our own produce, breathe better air and be more in tune with His Spirit. He also provided us with a mobile home (free of cost) from the owner of a Mobile Home park. We now take turns, worshipping at each other’s home. Laura is still in the city and is now looking land in the country. We use printed materials from WLC, along with the KJV Bible and Ellen G. White writings to conduct Sabbath school. Additional WLC materials are distributed whenever we do outreach in our neighborhood. We have a printer and CD Burner that we purchased. So far, we have celebrated two Feasts of Tabernacles along with the other feasts. Our Feasts of Tabernacle was held at a local campground by the lake. We stayed in tents last year and a cabin this year. We conduct this feast as a solemn camp meeting, where we take off from work the whole week. We spend time in bible study, nature walks, visit a recreational site, and distribute WLC materials. We also cook outdoors and conduct children activities for my grandsons (4yrs & 2yrs). My granddaughters (6yrs & 4yrs) live in Jamaica and I have been recently blessed with another (4mths) who also lives here in the States. The eighth day of the feast is the most solemn (Neh. 8:18) and so we participate in the “Foot washing” and Yahushua’s Supper on that day. All our Sabbath celebrations have been “times of refreshing”. I look forward to that Feast of Tabernacle when Yahushua will return. And so, from playing in the fields of Jamaica, being a wife, a mother and a teacher, I have since become a servant of a higher calling. I am now united with Yahuwah’s people through the internet via WLC and more importantly, by the Holy Spirit which unites us regardless of our location. Praise ye Yahuwah!
7/5/6001.
Explanation of Vision. (Received in 2008)
The vision was about the end of the world when Yahushua returns. “eyeglasses” represents not being able to discern the weather, i.e. weather is unpredictable. (Instruments not working).
After Yahushua returns, there is emptiness on the land. This represents a period of inactivity on Earth (death of all living things).
Looking through the books refers to the final judgment when saints will be reviewing the lives of people and justifying their final sentence, “Sentenced to die!”
Magnifying glass refers to the Scriptures. The Scriptures is the standard of measurement. It highlights our defects and transforms us into the image of Yahushua.
The Creator’s Calendar.
In light of what Ellen White stated in the following quotation, it would do well for us to take heed as to the attitude we take whenever “new light” is presented to us.
“God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to all mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time. He gave His word to men as a revelation of himself. Every new truth discerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its Author….It is the medium of communication between God and man.” (p.69, GC).
The Scripture clearly states in Ps. 119: 105 that God’s words are a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In addition, we are told in Is. 28: 9, 10 that “precept must be on precept: line upon line…here a little and there a little.” With that being said I would like to use this handout to explain the existence of God’s true calendar. According to Merriam’s Webster Collegiate dictionary, a calendar is a system for fixing the beginning, length, and divisions of the civil year and arranging days and longer divisions of time (as weeks and months) in a definite order. We are all aware that the current calendar that we use today is the Gregorian calendar. None of us have really questioned whether or not this calendar was based on God’s method of computation of a calendar, we simply assumed that it was O.K. to calculate His Seventh Day Sabbath by using this man-made system. In Ex. 20:8-11 we are told, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God … for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” The fourth commandment is the most significant out of the ten because it contains the “seal” of the Creator.
How then did God’s people calculate days, months and years during Bible times? Read Gen. 1:14-19. He made the sun, moon and stars to be “for signs… seasons, and for days, and years” God’s calendar is called a luni-solar calendar because it uses both the sun and moon to calculate time. The Gregorian calendar on the other hand is a solar calendar, in that time is determined by the amount of days the earth revolves around the sun (365days). God’s luni-solar calendar however is based on each month (lunation), beginning at dawn after the moon’s conjunction with the sun. The first day of each month is called New Moon Day. (Is. 66:22-23). Six work days would be computed after that and on the seventh day would be the Sabbath. This would be repeated for another 3 more weeks, hence the Sabbath would always fall on Days 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th on the luni-solar calendar. Please see the luni-solar calendar handout for a clearer understanding. The list of texts attached to this handout will also support this idea. It is interesting to note that the Creator’s calendar does not have weeks that are unending like the Gregorian, but instead the weekly cycle restarts for each lunar month. The Bible did state in Dan. 7:25 that the “little horn” (papacy) would “think to change times and laws” Well, the papal system has not only changed the seventh day Sabbath to the first day but they have also changed the entire method by which God’s original calendar was calculated
Does it really matter which calendar we use to calculate the Lord’s Sabbath? I believe it does, since God does not change. (Heb. 13:8). Without a close examination of the two types of calendar, it may seem as if, it is not a big deal as to which you use, but that is not the case. When the Sabbath is calculated the Bible way, it does NOT necessarily occur on a Gregorian Saturday, the day which we now observe as the Sabbath.
Bible Texts:
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Suggested reading:
White, E.G. (1939) The Great Controversy .Pacific Press Publishibg Assoc. (especially chap.26 & 35-42).
Vornholt, eLaine Vornholt-Jone, L. The Great Calendar Controversy Time through Time.
4 Angel’s Publications, post office Box 421. Colbert, WA 99005.
http://www.4angelspublications.com
Leviticus 23:4:- “These are the feasts of Yahuwah, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.”
From this text it is very clear that a feast can also be defined as a holy convocation or an assembly. Other meanings of the Hebrew root word Mo'edim, are: appointed time, congregation, assembly, days, sign, synagogue, season, and feast. (Mo'ed, #4150, The New Strong's Expanded Dictionary of Bible Words.) The term “appointed time” is the most significant meaning especially as we read Gen 1:14 and Ps. 104:19 which clearly describes the function of the moon and the other heavenly bodies.
Weekly Feasts:
1. Seventh day Sabbath: Lev 23: 1-3, Ezek 20:12, Ezek 20: 19-20.
Memorial of creation- symbolizes the creation of all creatures (Earth); sanctification / recreation / restoration via obedience. Sign of allegiance to Yahuwah. John 14:15, Rev 14:7. Ex 20:6. Please note that this sign of allegiance includes all of Yahuwah’s Sabbaths calculated by His luni-solar calendar. Gen 1:14-19.
Seasonal Feasts:
Celebrating the Spring Anniversaries. (Lev 23).
2. Passover: Lev 23: 4-5
Fourteenth day of 1st month at even. Signifies the death of Yahushua. He died at exact time of evening sacrifice. Signifies freedom from bondage (“Egypt” power of darkness /sin & death): Ex 12, Col. 1:12-20
This day is the Memorial or Anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion and deliverance from sin. (NOT Good Fr day)
Yahushua’s death / crucifixion fulfilled the slaying of the Passover Lamb and all other sacrifices.
1Cor 5:6-8, Matt 5:17-20
Yahushua’s death also fulfilled the priest/ High priest’s role as intercessor for Yahuwah’s people. Heb 8:1-2, Ezek 45: 21.
Spend this day by searching one’s house for leavening agents and getting rid of them. (symbolizes deep heart- searching). Remembering and meditating on Christ’s suffering & death. Participating in the Yahushua’s supper and the foot washing ceremony is appropriate for this day. A Passover dinner could also be a part of the celebration. John 13; 1-17 and 1Cor 11:23-30.
3. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Lev 23: 6-8. Isaiah 53
Fifteenth day of 1st month to 21st day. Demonstrates that the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:22-23. Yahushua took our sins and died in our stead. He had to die to bring about victory over death. Shows that self must die in order for Christ to live in us. Rom 6: 1-14. Seven days for reflection, self examination, soul-searching and putting away of sinful inclinations by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Fifteenth day of 1st month is a high day because the first day of Unleavened Bread feast falls on a weekly Sabbath. (John 19:31). It is the Memorial or Anniversary of Christ resting in the grave which demonstrates deliverance from the bondage of sin. The sadness and despair of the disciples shows the hopelessness of this world without Christ. It would be very appropriate to use these seven days to celebrate or conduct a camp meeting.
4. Wave Sheaf or First Fruits: Lev 23: 10-11
Sixteenth day of 1st month. The morrow after the Sabbath. Christ resurrected at dawn. Yahushua’s resurrection fulfilled the offering of the wave sheaf / first fruits by the priest. He is our first fruit. (the first human and divine person who conquered death). He presented himself to His Father with His own sacrificed body. (Heb 4 – 9). John 20:11-23 points to the first fruits of those who will resurrect in the first resurrection. 1 Cor 15: 19-23 and Ezek 20:40. Signifies victory over the grave / sin and eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This day is the Memorial or Anniversary of Christ resurrection from the grave. (NOT Easter Su day). It also represents the redeemed. Rev 14:4. A special praise and thanksgiving meeting could be held at evening if desired.
Celebrating the Summer Anniversary
5. Feast of Weeks: Lev 23: 15 -17
Seven Sabbaths from the morrow after the Sabbath of Unleavened Bread plus 50 days. Also called Pentecost. Two loaves of bread were baked with leaven and offered as a part of the burnt sacrifices on this day. They symbolize the first fruits unto Yahuwah. The baptism of the Holy Ghost during Pentecost brought about a partial fulfillment of this feast. (See Acts 2). Please note that this early rain occurred at the exact time of the morning sacrifice. Here again we see the precise timing of the fulfilled event. The complete fulfillment of this feast will occur when the latter rain falls during these last days (Joel 2: 28-32), to prepare His people for the final events of earth’s history, which includes the Loud Cry and the Time of Trouble.
The leaven here represents the kingdom of Yahuwah. (Luke 13: 20-21, Matt 6:6-12). The loaves represent the word of Yah and also the indwelling of the Spirit of truth. (John 14:15-17, John 17:17). The two loaves represent the 2 tablets of stone on which the Ten Commandments were written. This day is the Memorial or Anniversary of the giving of the Law (Ex 19 and 20) and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost (early rain) See Acts 2. It also serves as a shadow to point towards the outpouring of the latter rain.
Participating in the Yahushua’s Supper and the foot washing ceremony is appropriate for this day. A fellowship meal is also suitable. See Ex 23:14-17, Ex 34: 21-27. These texts clearly state that all Israelite males were to appear before Yahuwah three times for the year.
Gal 3: especially verse 26- 29 explains that “… ye are all children of Yahuwah by faith in Christ (Yahushua) …there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ (Yahushua)”. 1Cor 11:26 tells us that as often as we participate in Yahushua’s Supper, we show His death until he comes. Since Yahushua is the Lamb of Yahuwah, and at these feasts, lambs along with other animals were killed (symbolizing the shed Blood of Christ), it would be in harmony with these thoughts to repeat this ceremony at this time.
Celebrating the Fall Anniversaries.
6. Feast of Blowing of Trumpets: Lev 23:23
First day of the seventh month. (Num 10:10) The blowing of the trumpets was partially fulfilled during the Second Advent Movement in 1843-1844. See Joel 2: 1-2, 15-17, Num 10:1-10, Is 58:1, Rev 14:7-9, Rev 18:1-5. In general, this feast represents the preaching of “present truth” whatever that may be at the time appointed. The Three Angels Message in Rev 14 was, and is the theme of the gospel. In addition, we as “last day trumpet blowers” should be preaching ALL seven angels messages in Rev 14 and 18, especially as it relates to the coming out of Babylon (all fallen churches including SDA) and the restoration of the Creator’s Calendar which will calculate the correct seventh day Sabbath of Yahuwah along with His other feast days. It is the Memorial or Anniversary of the Advent Movement in 1844 and also serves as a timely reminder as to our current duty as ambassadors for Christ. (2 Cor 5: 17- 2 Cor 6:1-18. We should use this day to thank our heavenly Father for sending His only begotten Son, Yahushua to die as our substitute and to also begin contemplating the true meaning of the observance of the Ten Commandments in spirit as we approach the Day of Atonement.
7. Day of Atonement : Lev 23:27-32, Lev. 16
The tenth day of the seventh month. The typical Day of Atonement was fulfilled when Yahushua entered the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary in Oct 21, 1844 to carry out the antitypical cleansing. See Heb. Chapters 8 and 9. No work was to be done on this day. It is believed that we are still in the antitypical Day of Atonement and so it behooves us to live our daily lives in reference to this thought. Our daily meditation should be; “is it well with my soul?” This day is a Memorial or Anniversary of the day when Christ entered the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary in 1844. It is appropriate to spend this day in fasting and prayer from the evening of the 9th day to the evening of the 10th day. It should be a solemn day of deep soul searching.
8. Feast of tabernacles : Lev 23:33-44
The fifteenth day of the seventh month. No servile work was to be done on the first and eighth day of this feast. Holy convocations were to be held. These were high days because they each fell on the weekly Sabbath. This feast was specifically to be a time of rejoicing for the forgiveness of sins and Yahuwah’s bounties and blessings. It signifies the wandering of the children of Israel in the wilderness when they lived in booths and also our “pilgrimage” while on this earth. Ps 101:1-22. This feast will not be fulfilled until Yahushua returns to take us to the marriage supper. Matt 26:26-29. It would be very appropriate to use these seven days to celebrate or conduct a camp meeting which specifically focuses on the Life of Yahushua which highlights His birth, baptism, temptation, ministry on earth , death, the Heavenly Sanctuary, and second coming.
Participating in the Yahushua’s Supper and the foot washing ceremony is appropriate for either the 1st or 8th day of this feast. Other activities for this week could be a Vacation Bible School for the children, Youth / Children’s day program, gifts exchange (especially for the children), a special Thanksgiving meal, married couples’s seminar, wholesome recreational activities and maybe a Harvest program.
Yahushua may very well return during one of these days of the Feast of Tabernacles, in light of the fact that all other fulfillments of previous feasts were so precise. They were fulfilled actually to the very day and hour of the morning or evening sacrifices. That’s precision!
Although Christ said that no one knows the day or hour of His return (Matt 24:36-37), Amos 3:7 does say that He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophet. Sis Ellen White also said that at the end, this announcement will be made. (See Great Controversy, pg 640). Let us anticipate this great event and may we be found watching and waiting with our “lamps trimmed and burning” till he comes.
Monthly Feast:
9. New Moon day : Ezek. 46:1-6
This is the first day of each month. It initiates the count from 1-30 days depending on how many days are in that specific month. See 1 Sam 20. This worship day can seem somewhat insignificant at times but there are several texts that support the fact that this was, is, and will be a worship day in the new Earth. See Is 66:22-23. Other texts that support this idea are; 2 Kings 4:23, 2 Chron. 2:4 and Numb. 28:11 -15. The day can be spent in reflecting on victories gained and blessings received from YHWH during the past month. A prayer journal could be used for “New Month’s” resolutions. A thanksgiving meal with loved ones in the evening is also fitting. When Paul said in Colossians 2:16-17 that these celebrations “are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ” he was underscoring the fact that the observance of these celebrations do not give us a “passport” to heaven, (“for by grace are we saved through faith:” …Eph. 2:8-9) but they all clearly point toward a more amplified worship experience when we get to heaven and while living on the New Earth. Amen.
Note especially for those who do not see the relevance of the celebration of feasts days: Please note that since we no longer offer sacrifices (See Numb 28 and 29) nor require an earthly priest to advocate on our behalf that does not mean that we are excused from observing Yahuwah’s worship schedule. Remember Christ said that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. (Matt. 5:16). If we as humans can be so well organized in terms of setting up our own personal schedules, why should we believe that the Elohim and Creator of this universe, Yahuwah of Hosts, who made us in His own image, would operate in a haphazard manner? (Shame on us!). In fact, He is so organized that He gives us astronomical signals to act as beacons to signal these important times. See Gen 1: 14-19, Ps 104:19. In addition, these feasts/ appointments clearly outline the entire plan of salvation. Since Yahushua will still have the scars of the nails in His hands and feet and that of the sword in His side, then it stands to reason that these feasts would be perpetual. See John 20:26-29 and Zech 14:16-19.
What about the killing of animals? These were indeed symbols / types for Christ the antitype. But are you not aware that we are required to present ourselves as “living sacrifices” Rom 12:1-2 and to offer our praise and thanksgiving with a contrite heart unto our Elohim? See Ps 51:16-19, Ps. 69: 30-31, Heb 13:15-16. Please be reminded that when we conduct our personal morning and evening devotions or worship sessions we are actually fulfilling (an antitype) the offering of the morning and evening sacrifices. Numb 28: 1-8, Ps 142:2. Since we are not required to kill any animals today, does that mean we do not have personal worship nor observe the seventh day Sabbath? How Absurd! In fact, there were additional sacrifices for every weekly Sabbath. See Numb 28:9-10.
What about going up to Jerusalem or Shiloh to participate in these feasts? Remember what Christ said to the woman at the well, “…the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father…but the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” John 4: 5-24. This clearly reveals that Jerusalem was a type for the place of worship. Our bodies are now the antitype of the temple of Yahuwah (1Cor. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 6:14-18) and so we can worship Him anywhere. What freedom! Doesn’t it feel good to know the truth?
It seems O.K. to conduct the weekly Sabbath worship as holy convocations, whether on Saturn’s day or Sun’s day, but when it comes to Yahuwah’s annual Sabbaths, that’s when we draw the line and provide the above excuses. Shame! If we truly love Yahuwah and His Son Yahushua then, would we not be willing to obey ALL His commandments, statutes and judgments, and to follow the Lamb whethersoever He leads? John 14:15, Rev 14:4. And why should we not want to seek His face on these special days? They are all times of refreshing and prepares us for the ultimate outpouring of the “latter rain”. It is imperative that you know that the SEAL of Yahuwah constitutes not only the Seventh Day Sabbath but ALL of His Sabbaths, reckoned on His Calendar and not that of Pope Gregory XIII (Papacy), and that they serve as a SIGN between us and Him. See Ez. 20: 12-13 and Ezek. 44:23-24. Notice that the texts have Sabbaths (plural) not Sabbath.
Pay close attention to the following texts: Lev 23:3 explains that the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest while further in verse 24, it states that “… in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets…” here we see another Sabbath. Moving along to verse 27-32 in reference to the Day of Atonement, specifically verse 32, “it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even until even,…” This is obviously not the weekly Sabbath that is being referred to here for after all aren’t we told in Is 58: 13 that we should call the Sabbath (weekly) a delight. Look at verse 39 of Lev 23; “…ye shall keep a feast unto (Yahuwah) seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath.” It is obvious that we have been misled (whether intentionally or ignorantly) over the years in terms of not honoring our Elohim on His appointed times, but the time has now come for a complete reformation in this matter. Remember, we are to be “Repairers of the Breach” (Is 58:11-14). Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; ALL the feasts of Yahuwah are important, both weekly and annually. Lev 23: 37-38.
Addendum: A freewill offering can be given (see Deut. 16:9-12) along with the distribution of literature & DVD containing “present truth” in the afternoons during each feast.
Written by: Jacqueline Ebanks 3/28/6001
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