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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions The Eighth Day

Dwelling with God: Hold firm to your faith

Dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem on the Day of the LORD demands unshakable faith, not just temporary obedience. This study explores one of the lessons from the biblical festival of Shemini Atzeret, the Convocation of the Eighth Day after the start of Sukkot, the feast of Tabernacles. The Messiah’s supreme authority (Hebrews 3-4) grants forgiveness to the repentant, while the unbelieving remain excluded (Revelation 21). Eternal life in God’s presence requires a lifetime of trusting His unseen purposes, not just outward compliance.

The choice is ours — to believe and enter His rest, or harden our hearts like those of our spiritual ancestors in Israel who refused to enter God’s “rest, the Promised Land (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3-4).

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Atonement Discussions Torah

Leviticus 14: Cleansing the ‘leprous’ houses of our souls

Apostle Peter wrote that we are “living stones” in the house of God (1Peter 2:5). As we study Leviticus 14, think of yourself as you read about how a “leprous” house is cleaned.

Much of the imagery in this chapter matches the Day of Atonement. The theme of clean and unclean is repeated from Leviticus 13. Only the priest can decide what is clean or unclean, not a king, a governor or a individual person.

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Appointments With God Tabernacles Torah

Offerings of Sukkot foreshadow God’s change of our hearts

Symbolism of the various offerings for God’s appointed time of סֻכֹּת Sukkot (Tabernacles) reveals the changes of heart each person and ultimately all nations will bring to God on the Day of the LORD.

We are supposed to bring God offerings — everything that we are — in joy, without grumbling or complaining and not expecting anything in return.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Trumpets

1st Kings 6:1-14: Design of Solomon’s temple mirrors foundation for believers

The temple of King Shlomo (Solomon) is the prototype of the temple in Ezekiel and the temple apostle Yokhanan (John) sees in Revelation as well. These components were not put in by Shlomo’s own choice. They were designed and selected by God ahead of time because they mean something to God. In a sense, the Temple is us. Each physical component has a spiritual component.