dcahavat

The Enigma of Christmas

Tis the season for a bit of clarity from Pastor Ralph Finley on this controversial subject, to celebrate or not to celebrate. How should we respond when we are asked, "Are you ready for christmas?" or "How was your christmas?" Does christmas really have its roots in paganism? How about the christmas tree and Santa Claus? Do we actually see the prophet Jeremiah talking about the christmas tree? What about symbolism and how has it changed through the years? How is a symbol interpreted throughout the world?

This recording is not as clear as usual due to unforseen circumstances, but you will take away from this message understanding and wisdom that is desperately needed in our time.

Sabbath: What to Do and Not Do

Continuing the series of teachings regarding the seventh day Sabbath, Pastor Ralph Finley begins to move us into understanding the ‘How To’ of observing this holy day. How does Orthodox Judaism do it? What does Karaite Judaism teach? Most important, what did our Rabbi Yeshua Messiah teach regarding the observance of the weekly Sabbath? Is the weekly Sabbath a day of no activity whatsoever? What is the definition of ‘work’? What does it mean to“not kindle a fire”? These are just a few of the questions asked and answered in this message.

Sabbath: Arguments

Ralph Finley continues the Sabbath series with teaching about some of the differing views regarding the Sabbath that we in the body of Messiah have and hold to be true. Can these arguments withstand being held up to scripture? Has the Sabbath been fulfilled and done away with through the work of Yeshua? Is the Sabbath (seventh day) the only day of worship? Has it been changed to Sunday? These and more questions are discussed in Ralph Finley's thought-provoking message.

The Heart of Thanksgiving

Taking a break from the Sabbath series, Ralph Finley gives us insight to the Heart of Thanksgiving. He begins with a grievence of what this time of year has become in our current culture and then moves into a brief history of the holiday. We then learn what the true meaning of the holiday as it was intended to be - how we should be deeply grateful and thankful for all that we have blessed with by the Father.

Sabbath: How Did We Get There?

How did we get from a people who in times past observed the weekly Sabbath to a people who believe that the Sabbath is no longer relevant, or in some extreme cases, it is wrong to observe the Sabbath. Of course, we are talking about the seventh day that was set apart from creation to be a sign. In this message Pastor Ralph Finley moves into the reasons why the seventh day Sabbath is viewed in such ways. He reviews from the last message the fact that in the first century there were Gentiles present in the synagogues every Sabbath to learn about the Elohim of Creation. Pastor Ralph helps us to understand that Constantine was not the sole reason for the change but that starting at the end of the first century through the next few hundred years that there were many contributing factors to the changing of the observance of the seventh day. Do you have those in your life that would give you a hard time about keeping Sabbath? Pastor Ralph shares some personal stories of how you can take someone through the writings of the Apostles to prove the validity of Sabbath observance. He also exhorts us to not berate others who may hold their services on another day than the seventh day, that there is not just one day of worship but that a person is free to worship every day if he/she so chooses. Don't miss this teaching!

Sabbath: Signs, Patterns and Customs

Continuing his teaching on the subject of the Sabbath, Pastor Ralph further expands the meaning of 'signs' and their ordained importance in our lives. These signs point to something and usually for the glory of Elohim.

Then we learn about how Yeshua continued the pattern and custom of keeping, observing and guarding the Shabbat; even reproving and re-teaching the religious system of his day as to what the Sabbath was all about.

Then after Yeshua's resurrection we see the apostles continuing the pattern and custom of going to where the congregation met, the synagogue, on Shabbat. Not only do we find the Jewish people attending synagogue but, we find in the book of Acts that there were also 'Gentiles' or those of other nations attending synagogue, even before hearing about Messiah Yeshua. This message is crucial to the foundation of what we believe and why we believe it.

For more information about Ahavat Yeshua, please visit www.ahavat.org and our official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AhavatYeshuaDC/.

Sabbath: A Sign Revealed

Pastor Ralph Finley continues his message on the Sabbath by teaching us that the Sabbath is a part of the Creator's character. It is His desire to have a relationship with Him which includes joining Him in taking a break from our busy lives for a day and fellowship with Him and each other. He calls it a ‘sign’ of the covenant between Him and those who enter into that covenant with Him. In this message we will learn about the ‘Sabbath Goy’ found in orthodox Judaism, comparison with the sign of the rainbow, why do we keep the Sabbath, and much more.

Sabbath: Taking a Break from It All - A Celebration of God's Creation

Pastor Ralph Finley teaches a 'take 2' on the subject of the Sabbath starting with the beginning of creation.