THANKSGIVING ~ Holy Feast Day or Pagan Idolatry ~

“Offer to God Thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High,” (Ps. 50:14)

Many Americans have happy memories of their Thanksgiving Holidays that occur annually on the last Thursday in November. I can remember throwing a football with my brother outside in the crisp fall air, and then being called by my mother to come inside to a warm house filled with the smells of roasted turkey and other traditional foods - including mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. After sitting down to a feast and talking and laughing with family and friends - we would gather together in the living room to watch football, while sipping our favorite beverages. Thanksgiving in our family was not only a time for family and food, but it was also a time for prayer - to give thanks to our creator “God” for providing for all of our needs, just as He cared for the original American settlers.

As a child, I always felt that “Thanksgiving” was a sacred or holy day - just like Christmas, because all the stores were closed on that day. Over the years the emphasis has shifted to a gluttonous feast of food, partying and football games. Social Media continues to refer to this holiday more and more as “turkey day” instead of Thanksgiving Day. This secularization in our commercial culture leaves the object of our gratitude (God) out of the picture. Now, the emphasis is Not on “Holy” Thursday, but on “Black Friday.” Now, all stores are open on Thanksgiving evening to feed the consumerist passion in the frantic pursuit of Christmas gifts. What was once a Holy Day for many, has become just another day for American Idolatry. So, is there a dark history to the origin of Thanksgiving that involves pagan idolatry, racism, and religious wars?

ANCIENT ORIGINS OF THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS (Holy Days)

Most Americans are unaware of the ancient history of Holidays. The word “holiday” historically means a “holy day.” This word is derived from the “Old English hālig (holy) d?g (day).” It literally always referred to a specific holy day, such as Christmas that continues to be one of the most Holy days of the year on the Churches’ calendar. Over time the original “Holy Day” meaning was secularized and associated with time off from work and vacations and called a Holiday. We must understand that the concept of celebrating a day of thanks to God (or the gods) did not originate in America. I was always taught that the very “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Plymouth Pilgrims in New England with native Indians, after their first harvest in the New World (America) in October 1621. However, historians inform us that “Thanksgiving Holidays” fall under a category of festivals that have spanned multiple continents, cultures, and religions for thousands of years prior to the development of Christianity in America. But, do the roots even go much, much deeper?

In ancient times, the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans all celebrated, feasted and worshipped their gods after the annual fall harvest. The Egyptians worshipped their god of fertility and vegetation (Min), with a harvest festival. In early October, the Romans celebrated Cerelia and focused on thanking the Goddess of the Harvest Ceres. Ancient Greeks worshipped their goddess of agriculture (Demeter). Angelo Saxon’s and Celtic Pagans had huge celebrations (Mabon and Lughnasadh) which were harvest festivals of the ancient world. Lughnasadh is named for the Celtic Sun God “Lugh.” In England, the autumn feast was derived from the ancient druidical harvest feast, and it was called Harvest Home. To this day, similarly named festival holidays occur in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Grenada, Japan, Liberia, Netherlands, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, and the United Kingdom.

THANKSGIVING AND PAGAN IDOLATRY SYMBOLISM

In Aztec and Mayan mythology, the “turkey bird” that ended up on our Thanksgiving Day tables was afforded a place of honor in their religions. It was worshipped as a god of disease and plague, and a symbol of powerful sorcery. The “Turkey-god” was deified as the “jeweled bird,” or Chalchiuhtotolin. When Tezcatlipoca took his turkey form he could cleanse humans of contamination, absolve them of guilt, and overcome their fate. It is interesting that Benjamin Franklin could have known this when he proposed the “turkey” (instead of the bald eagle) as the official national bird of the United States - to adorn the presidential seal. It has become traditional for the U.S. President to pardon a lucky turkey from gracing anyone’s dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. Aztecs, Maya, and other Indians also worshiped “Corn gods” also known as maize. Corn Goddesses were mostly female and associated with fertility. But some Aztec male corn gods appear in some legends to whom they offered their blood each year called Centeotl.

Most of us have seen the large horn-shaped basket overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables displayed as part of the annual feast for Thanksgiving Day. This horned container is called a “Cornucopia.” This word comes from the Latin cornu (horn) and copia (abundance). It dates back to ancient Greece. In Greek Mythology, Amalthea was a goddess who traditionally provided plenty as part of her nature before the cult of Zeus existed. Amalthea’s horn was regarded as the symbol of inexhaustible riches or cornucopia. It became adopted as a pagan symbolic accessory carried by various demigods (gods and goddesses) like Hercules, Fortuna, Gaia, Cybele, Demeter and Hades (thegypsythread.org/thanksgiving-pagan-roots-secret-symbols).

THE FIRST “AMERICAN” THANKSGIVING FEAST

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Eph. 5:20)

Many Americans believe that the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Plymouth Pilgrims with native Indians (Wampanoag Americans) after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. We now know that the American concept of Thanksgiving did not originate with the Puritans in the colonies of New England. Its roots can be traced back to Europe where the Pilgrims and the Puritans were devout Christians that intensely studied their Bibles. They brought with them the tradition of Jewish Holy Days of feasting and celebration to thank God for victories in War and in times of plenty. In addition, the jury is still out for some scholars on whether the feast at Plymouth really constituted the first Thanksgiving in the United States.

Historians have also recorded other celebrations of thanksgiving among European settlers in North America that predate the Pilgrims’ feast. For example in 1541, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and the Teya Indians hold a feast in Palo Duro Canyon (Texas). In 1565, the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilé invited members of the local Timucua tribe to a dinner in St. Augustine, Florida, after holding a mass to thank God for his crew’s safe arrival. On December 4, 1619, when 38 British settlers reached a site known as Berkeley Hundred on the banks of Virginia’s James River, they read a proclamation designating the date as “a Day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.” Finally, historians have noted that Native Americans had a rich tradition of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting and fellowship long before Europeans set foot on their shores (history.com).

WASHINGTON’S THANKSGIVINGS ~ For Revolutionary War Victories

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thes. 5:16-18)

Contrary to popular belief, it was our first president, George Washington who was initially responsible for our Thanksgiving holiday (not the Pilgrims). On October 3, 1789, he issued his Thanksgiving proclamation, designating for “the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving” to be held on “Thursday the 26th day of November, 1789.” This marked the first national celebration of a holiday that has become commonplace in today’s households. During the Revolutionary War, President Washington would order special thanksgiving services for his troops after successful battles being won in the war. He also publicly endorsed efforts by the Continental Congress to proclaim days of thanks, usually in recognition of military victories and alliances (mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first- president/thanksgiving).

It is interesting to note that the Revolutionary war was a deeply “Religious War” for church members in America. It represented a conflict between loyalty to an emerging United States and an oath to the Anglican King of England sworn before the eyes of God. During the war over half the Anglican priests in America gave up their ministries rather than go against their promise to serve the king, while some even supported the British forces. For others the Revolution became something of a religious crusade. It gave moral sanction to the war by preaching that opposition to a tyrant, in this case the British occupiers, was a “glorious” Christian duty (pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/ feature/the-church-and-the-revolutionary-war). Following is a brief timeline of the historical events that led up to Thanksgiving becoming a National Holiday in America.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TIMELINE:

1541: Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and the Teya Indians hold a feast in Palo Duro Canyon (Texas).

1565: Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilé invited members of the local Timucua tribe to a dinner in St. Augustine, Florida.

1619: British settlers on the banks of Virginia’s James River read a proclamation designating the date as “a Day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

1621: The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians hold a feast at Plymouth Colony (Mass.).

1777: All 13 Colonies hold thanksgiving celebrations.

1789: President George Washington declares November 26th, a national day of thanksgiving.

1815: President James Madison declares a national day of prayer and thanksgiving.

1827: Sarah Josepha Hale calls for an annual national celebration of thanksgiving.

1846: Mrs. Hale conducts a letter-writing campaign to make the last Thursday of November a national day of thanksgiving.

1863: President Abraham Lincoln issues a proclamation calling for the last Thursday of November to be set aside as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.”

1885: An act by Congress made Thanksgiving, and other federal holidays, a paid holiday for all federal workers throughout the United States. 1939 - 1941: Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the date was moved to one week earlier.

1942 onwards: Thanksgiving, by an act of Congress, signed into law by President Roosevelt, received a permanent observation date, the fourth Thursday in November, no longer at the discretion of the President. Reference: (nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/lincoln-and-thanksgiving)

LINCOLN’S THANKSGIVING ~ For the Victory at Gettysburg (THE CIVIL WAR)

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and Giving of Thanks be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1)

Most historians credit President Abraham Lincoln for declaring Thanksgiving a federal holiday on Oct. 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. He called it a National day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwells in the Heavens.” Lincoln expressed his gratitude to God for a pivotal Union Army “bloody” victory over the Catholic Jesuit supported Confederate army. He then announced the national celebration of the official Thanksgiving Holiday on the last Thursday in November. For the first time, Thanksgiving became an annual, national holiday with a specific date (See: One Holy Nation, The Black Pope and the Jesuit Delusion, J. Slobodzien, 2018).

Charles Chiniquy, in the book, “Fifty Years in the Church of Rome,” writes that the U.S. Civil War was actually instigated by the Roman Catholic Church. According to Chiniquy (a close personal friend and confidant of Lincoln), the President was well aware of the role Rome played in starting that conflict. He quoted Lincoln as saying: “This war would never have been possible without the sinister influence of the (Roman Catholic) Jesuits. We owe it to Popery (Roman Catholicism) that we now see our land reddened with the blood of her noblest sons. “Though there were great differences between the North and the South on the question of slavery, neither Jeff Davis nor any one of the leading men of the Confederacy would have dared to attack the North, had they not relied on the promises of the Jesuits. Under the mask of Democracy, the money and the arms of the Roman Catholics, even the arms of France, were at their disposal, if they were to attack us. What does this have to do with racism?

THE CATHOLIC JESUITS ROLE IN THE CIVIL WAR (Slavery)

“It is not against the Americans of the South, alone, I am fighting. It is more against the Pope of Rome, his perfidious Jesuits and their blind and blood-thirsty slaves that we have to defend ourselves,” ~ Abraham Lincoln (Chiniquy, C. Fifty Years in the Church of Rome. 1886, London).

Rome’s involvement and instigation of the American Civil War, is the best-kept secret in American history. It is a sad fact that most Americans are utterly unaware of the major role that the Catholic Jesuits of Rome played in the most costly war that caused more than a half-million (500,000) of the most heroic sons of America to fall on the fields of carnage. According to historians, the Catholic Church was the backbone of the slave trade. The major countries that dominated the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the New World were either Catholic, or retained strong Catholic influences including: Spain, Portugal, France, England, and the Netherlands.

The Catholic Jesuits believed in the curse of Ham (Black Slavery) which was the single most important cause of the Civil War. We know that Pope Pius IX supported Jefferson Davis - the pro-slavery President of the Confederate States of America (2014/10/The-American-Civil- War-the-Jesuits-and-Abraham-Lincoln). Racial mis-interpretations of the “Curse on Ham” in the past have been perpetuated by Catholics and other organized religions of Christianity to justify racial profiling and slavery, and further the Lie that Black and colored people are inferior. Nowhere in the Bible is it taught that the Black Race, and their historical slavery is the result of their skin color or Noah’s curse on his son Ham.

THE CURSE OF HAM AND RACISM

“Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves ...” (Gen. 9:25)

Some early Catholic theologians used the Curse of Ham false reasoning in an attempt to explain why some people were routinely enslaved. Racism (Gal. 3:28; Rev. 7:9), and man-stealing (Ex. 21:16) are both forbidden in the Bible. In summary, the claim that black or dark- skinned people are “cursed” by God comes from an anti-biblical, worldly, attempt to justify racism. There was and is no such thing as a “curse of Ham,” and there is no justification for race-based slavery. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are all one in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Gal. 3:28). For more info see: “The Warrior Priesthood Revolution,” Chp. 5, The War on Racism). Why is this a false argument?

First, Canaan was cursed by Noah - Not Ham. Second, Canaan was cursed because of the moral depravity of his future Canaanite (Nephilim) descendants (Num. 13:33). Historical evidence confirms that this Curse was because of the human sacrifices, temple prostitution, and debauchery with which Canaanites worshipped the Nephilim. Third, Noah’s objective of this “Curse on Canaan” was to justify the enslavement and destruction of the Nephilim Nations (Deut. 7:1-6). God did not want the Israelites interbreeding with white Nephilim genes that would genetically alter the human race, making Jesus unable to be the Savior of the world.

IS THIS JUST A CATHOLIC JESUIT CONSPIRACY THEORY-?

Many are unaware of the dark history of the Roman Catholic Institution. I was raised in a Catholic family, and I believe that most Catholics are trying to follow Jesus with the knowledge that they are given. Unfortunately, the Catholic Institution has not historically followed Jesus. For example, in 2016, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. offered a public apology after acknowledging that 188 years prior, Jesuit priests sold 272 slaves to save the school from financial ruin. Rev. Timothy Kesicki, S.J., president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, during a Liturgy of Remembrance, Contrition, and Hope - said the following: “The Jesuits (Society of Jesus), who helped to establish Georgetown University and whose leaders enslaved and mercilessly sold your ancestors, stands before you to say that we have greatly sinned.” This is how The New York Times first reported the story:

“The human cargo was loaded on ships at a bustling wharf in the nation’s capital, destined for the plantations of the Deep South. Some slaves pleaded for rosaries as they were rounded up, praying for deliverance. But on that day, in the fall of 1838, no one was spared: not the 2-month-old baby and her mother, not the field hands, not the shoemaker and not Cornelius Hawkins, who was about 13 years old when he was forced onboard. Their panic and desperation would be mostly forgotten for more than a century. But this was no ordinary slave sale. The enslaved African-Americans had belonged to the nation’s most prominent Jesuit priests. And they were sold, along with scores of others, to help secure the future of the premier Catholic institution of higher learning at the time, known today as Georgetown University,” (amsterdamnews.com/news/2018/09/18/major-role- catholic-church-played-slavery).

THE 1ST THANKSGIVING IN THE BIBLE (Breaking Bread with Melchizedek)

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out Bread and Wine. He was priest of God Most High,” (Gen. 14:18)

In the book of Genesis, we read about the first Royal High Priest of the Most High God named Melchizedek. For the first special thanksgiving feast recorded in the Bible, God’s Holy Priest and King of Peace - Melchizedek brought plenty of food and wine to Abraham, to his army of warriors and to the people he rescued. He did this to express thanksgiving for their extraordinary victory of War over Kedorlaomer that saved his nephew Lot. This King of Peace brought out “Bread and Wine” (Communion) and blessed Abram (Abraham) the father of all monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.). In response, Abraham gratefully gave to Melchizedek (a priest representing the Most High God), a thanksgiving offering of 10% of the War plunder (property taken in times of war) from the amazing victory that God gave him.

We then see that Jesus (who is our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek) following this same sacrificial offering of bread and wine at the Passover or Last Supper. Many Biblical theologians believe that Jesus came to earth as Melchizedek in Old Testament times and returned as Jesus - just as Jesus said that Elijah returned as John the Baptist (Mal. 4:5,6; Mat. 17:10-13). In essence, they believe that Melchizedek reincarnated as the Christ (Messiah), and returned to earth after 2000 years in the bodily form of Jesus Christ to restore God’s people back to an Ancient Royal Priesthood of Believers and a Holy Nation to worship the One True God (Monotheism). But, why would they believe this? This Jesus-Melchizedek Royal Holy Priesthood is documented seven (7) times in the Bible: (Ps. 110:4, Heb. 5:6, Heb. 5:10, Heb. 6:20, Heb. 7:1, Heb. 7:11, and Heb. 7:17):

1. Both have the title of “Priest of God Most High” (Hebrews 5:6, Genesis 14:18, Psalm 110:4).

2. Both have the title of “King of Righteousness” (Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 7:2).

3. Both have the title of “King of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, Hebrews 7:2).

4. Both have “Indestructible lives and Eternal Priesthoods” (Isaiah 5:6, Hebrews 7:3)

5. Both were Preexistent before they were born on earth (Mi. 5:2, Pro. 8:22-31, Heb. 7:3).

6. Both have the titles like the “Son of God” (Mark 1:1, Heb. 7:3).

7. Both are Appointed by God, and did not depend upon genealogy as the Aaronic Priesthood (Heb. 7:14, Heb. 7: 3). Melchizedek is believed to be a pre-incarnate “Christophany” of Jesus.

THE 2ND DIVINE THANKSGIVING FEAST (70 Elders Eat and Drink with GOD)

“Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the 70 elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli (Sapphire Stone) as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank,” (Ex. 24:9-11)

This unusual event is unparalleled in scripture as it was universally accepted in Israel that to see God meant death. But these men with Moses were spared. Renowned Bible scholar - William Barclay comments: “One gains the impression that there is today, in certain circles, such an overemphasis on the nature of the elements of bread and wine that the essential nature of the fellowship feast is overlooked. For the Christian, this covenant dinner was a prefiguring of the Lord’s Supper in which we are privileged to partake of the symbols of the New Covenant.”

THE SEVEN (7) JEWISH THANKSGIVING FEASTS (God’s Prophetic Clock)

“These are my appointed Festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred (Holy) assemblies,” (Lev. 23:2)

In the Old Testament, there are many celebrations of Thanksgiving offered to the God of the Bible called “feasts or festivals.” Jewish holidays also known as Yamim Tom are Holy Days observed by Jews in Judaism throughout the Hebrew calendar. They are festivals and thanksgiving feasts that include religious, national and cultural elements, derived from the history of Judaism. The Hebrew word for “Feasts” (mo’edim) translates into “Appointed Times” with God-at His Feasts (Lev. 23). So, these seven festivals are “appointments” that God has set on His calendar to meet with His people. Many Bible scholars believe that Jesus fulfilled the meaning of each of these Jewish

Thanksgiving Holidays. All through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, God provides a vision of His entire plan for mankind. One of the most amazing prophetic pictures is outlined for us in these seven Jewish feasts: “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets,” (Amos 3:7).

The first four (4) of the seven feasts occur during the springtime, and they have already been fulfilled by Christ in the New Testament. Some believe that the End Time events of the last three (3) feasts will be based on the prophetic nature of these Jewish holidays found in the bible. Considering this time clock, we are presently in the Fifth (5th) Feast of Trumpets (time period) awaiting the Day of Judgment. Following are the brief prophetic significance of each of the seven Levitical feasts of Israel:

1. The Feast of Passover - represents Jesus’ Crucifixion in 32 A.D.

2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread - represents Jesus’ Burial in 32 A.D.

3. The Feast of First Fruits - represents Jesus’ Resurrection in 32 A.D.

4. The Feast of Pentecost - represents the beginning of the Church Age in 32 A.D.

5. The Feast of Trumpets - represents the present age for gentiles (non-Jews) to be evangelized.

6. The Feast of Atonement - represents the Day of Judgment.

7. The Feast of Tabernacles - represents the New Heavens &

New Earth, begins the Year of Jubilee.

So, are Christians required to celebrate these Jewish Holidays?

The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival (Jewish Holiday) or a new moon or a Sabbath day,” (Col. 2:16). “One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God,” (Rom. 14:5-6). If the Jewish Holidays (like worshipping on Saturday instead of Sunday) were a requirement, then the choice would not be man’s, but God’s. Paul’s instructions in the above verses are that individuals must be convinced in their own minds about which day they observe for the Lord. However, Jesus did transform the Passover feast into the “Last Supper” or Communion (Eucharist) with His disciples.

THE PASSOVER FEAST (Jesus the Lamb of God - the Last Dead Sacrifice offered to God)

“For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed,” (1 Cor. 5:7)

This Passover “Thanksgiving” feast that Jesus mentions (Lk. 22:14), is an annual Jewish Holiday in which the Israelites celebrated by feasting on a meal of roast lamb, bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Passover commemorated Israel’s escape from Egypt when the blood of a sacrificed lamb painted on their door-frames saved the firstborn sons from death. This event foreshadowed Jesus’ work on the cross. As the spotless Lamb of God, his blood would be spilled to save his people from the penalty of death brought by sin. So at the Last Supper we see that a dominant part of celebrating Christ’s sacrifice is the basis for forgiveness of sins. All of this revolved around a thanksgiving feast. In addition, thanksgiving dinners and the Eucharist continued to be the normal setting in which Christians met together for fellowship and worship in their homes. This all started after the birth of the Church on Pentecost when the Apostles, Disciples, and the 3000 believers were baptized by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Eucharist (Communion) literally means “Thanksgiving” in the Greek language.

THE LAST SUPPER (The Pattern Jesus set for Home Church Gatherings)

“When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this PASSOVER with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Jesus was still in his physical body when he said this. He was obviously not attempting a magic trick by changing his body into a piece of bread ~ Transubstantiation (This is a Catholic teaching that during Mass, the bread and wine used for Communion become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. The substance (though not the appearance) of the bread and wine in the Eucharist becomes Christ’s real presence—that is, his body and blood. In the same way, after the supper Jesus took the cup, saying, “This cup IS the New Covenant in my (DNA) Blood” (Lk. 22:14-20).

Do you have a Catholic, Protestant, or Early Church interpretation of Communion? Was Jesus speaking about the Catholic ritual of the Eucharist called “transubstantiation,” wherein ONLY an Order of Catholic Priests can magically transform regular Wine into the actual blood of Jesus and their wafers into his actual flesh by repeating some magical words. Parishioners are then mandated to eat the flesh of Jesus (like cannibals) and drink his blood (like vampires) weekly for spiritual nourishment. Or does this mean that Christians should just continue to ritualistically drink wine or grape juice and eat bread or thin crackers as a symbolic remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross as in our Protestant Communion services. I don’t believe that either one of these interpretations from Catholics or Protestants really captures the true meaning of ‘Jesus’ words.

Jesus didn’t say, “this is a symbol of my flesh and blood.” He said, “My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” If communion was just a symbolic gesture to remember Jesus’ death - why were a number of believer’s getting sick and dropping dead from doing it in an unworthy manner? We may not fully understand it, but the Early Church believed in the Holy Sacraments that caused the Holy Spirit’s Regeneration Operation. This was assisted by the Royal Priesthood of ALL believers in the Home Churches. To understand and receive Jesus’ DNA revelation is the ultimate salvation. By being filled and “Sealed” with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), our spiritual genes (Eccle. 3:11) are awakened by God’s “immortal seed” - the DNA of Jesus (1 Pet.1:23). Our genetic code is altered; our corrupted DNA is restored back to the image of God; and the regeneration process starts our journey toward Eternal Life. The Holy Sacraments of Bread (Oil & Incense) and Wine make this possible. Jesus taught us to use the Holy Sacraments of the Bread and Wine as “entheogens” or psychoactive substances in religious settings for spiritual purposes to worship GOD. It is this redemptive operation that heals our contaminated blood with the DNA of Jesus to make us New Creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

LOVE FEASTS IN THE EARLY CHURCH ~ “Breaking Bread”

“Continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from HOUSE to HOUSE, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,” (Acts 2:46)

From the above verse and many others, we can see that the New Testament believers in Jesus gathered together at least once a week - to celebrate the Lord’s Supper-commonly referred to as the “Love- Feast.” The phrase Love feast appears in the Bible in the book of Jude. Jude is talking about false teachers who come into the believers’ homes for a communal meal (also called the “Agape Feast”). Jude describes these false teachers as wolves in sheep’s clothing and “blemishes at your love feasts” (Jude 1:12). The Lord’s Supper is not a meaningless ritual, as the New Covenant cost Jesus his blood and his life. We should therefore prepare ourselves before receiving his Blood (DNA) through through prayer and even at times fasting. By healthy introspection, confession of sin, and resolution of differences with others, we can prepare to receive Communion. The Apostle Paul reports, “Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk,” (1 Cor. 11:20- 34). Paul here is obviously describing a common meal, and he was rebuking some of the believers who were coming to the dinner drunk and taking Communion in an unworthy manner. Paul goes on to say:

“That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep,” (1 Cor. 11:30). Fallen asleep is another way of describing death. These christians were dying, because they were receiving the Sacraments in an unworthy manner by abusing alcohol and getting drunk. To avoid addiction and death, the Early Christians combined and used the Holy Sacraments in micro-dozes to worship the true God alone.

As Jesus commanded them at the last supper to do, the Apostles continued to share bread and wine as part of a full potluck meal with their church family. The Love-feast was the main reason for the church gathering and all would contribute and bring as an offering to the Lord the best food that they could afford. They ate together to joyfully acknowledge the Spirit of Christ that continued to empower them for their service to him for the coming week. So the Apostles continued this tradition of meeting together and eating together and this was the setting for their fellowship and worship. It was the central part of every Family-Home Church gathering - commanded by Jesus and handed down and practiced by His apostles in the Early Church for over 300 years. This Agape Love Feast was a common family-church potluck meal that consummated in a very special celebration of thanksgiving, communion and union with God the Holy Spirit.

GRACE BEFORE MEALS (Praying before Eating every Meal)

“In every thing Give Thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” (1 Thes. 5:18)

This may be how the tradition of “Grace before Meals,”(or asking Jesus and the Holy Spirit to bless our food and drink) was started. To the Early Church Christians every meal was having communion or celebrating Thanksgiving with Jesus. Because Jesus was always present with his disciples, he was always remembered at mealtime. The sacrament of Holy Communion derives from the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his “family” his disciples. We can be thankful for the companionship of the Holy Spirit that unites us with Jesus through his blood DNA. As Christians our bodies have become members of the body and blood of Jesus, united with Him in the temple of the Holy Spirit (His Church). Therefore, we need to pray with a heart of thanksgiving for everything that we put into our bodies, and ask God to supernaturally bless it.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE BE THANKFUL FOR-?

All through the Bible, we can see that God’s people had an attitude of gratitude that they offered unto God for his provision and grace. They celebrated with feasts by remembering the covenants that God made with them. So if we also thanked God for His covenants, could God’s Holy-Day Feast have a much broader positive significance to unite God’s people, his family, and His Church for Universal Peace?

NOAH’S RAINBOW COVENANT ~ The Unity of God’s People

“Never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth,” (Gen. 9:11)

A covenant is a promise, and after the Flood, God made a covenant with Noah and the seventy (70) nations of the human race (each with their own language, Gen. 10:5). He did this to establish justice, law and order on the earth. This RAINBOW Covenant involved a belief in God, and a respect for God, human life, the family, property, animal welfare and the rule of law. God is the God of all humans and therefore has a universal relationship with all humans because of this Rainbow Covenant. His love is accessible to all humanity, because we have all been made in his likeness - in his image. This covenant was established before any monotheistic religions existed (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). God’s universal laws apply to all humans, because we are ALL in the same way - made in the image of God. However, the fundamental problem with the human race is that we are not all the same. God has created each one of us as unique human beings with different nationalities, languages, ethnicities, cultures, and faiths that form the basis of our identities (Sacks, J. Not in God’s Name. Great Britain, 2015).

The point being made is that in God’s eyes, our common humanity precedes our differences. If humans do not first honor God’s universal Rainbow Covenant to respect all humans made in his image (no matter what their language or tribal identity may be), then God cannot honor any “special relationships” with his people such as the Abrahamic Covenant which is the biblical seed of Jesus’ New Covenant. Any group of people that dehumanizes others merely because of their faith has misunderstood the God of the Bible. The true meaning of Holy War or Jihad is one’s personal, spiritual, inner struggle with good and evil. Our worst enemy is our own EGO or sinful nature with its attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference to the Way of God. God cannot recognize your personal relationship with him, if you violate his universal relationship with others by not walking in this LIGHT or truth. Do you first honor God’s Rainbow Covenant, before you pursue a personal relationship with God? As the Apostle John said: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen,” (1 Jn. 4:20).

ABRAHAM’S COVENANT ~ The Unity of God’s Family-!

“I will Bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will Curse; and all peoples on earth will be Blessed through you,” (Gen. 12:3)

After the Flood - Nimrod’s imperialistic practices evolved into the politically powerful hierarchy religions of Babylon and Egypt. This is where Emperors and Pharaohs who were worshipped as gods turned whole populations into slaves from their monumental ziggurats or pyramids. From this background, God the supreme power of the universe intervened in human history to free the powerless by calling Abraham out and promising to make his descendants into a great nation. These promises formed the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to worship the ONE God (Monotheism). As children of Abraham we are called to have respect for all religions and those with none, because we know that Abraham was blessed by the King of Righteousness (Gen. 14:18) - Melchizedek (Jesus). Although God called Abraham and the Israelites his chosen people (Deut. 7:6), he did not choose them to be a Master Race to conquer the world. They were called out to humbly worship God, care for the poor, and to be a servant community. This diversity is what makes all of us human. History however, informs us that our differences have consistently divided us into a pathological dualism of us versus them that ultimately leads us to War with each other.

We must keep in mind that regardless of our religion, Jews, Christians, and Moslems are all children of father Abraham. We are ALL called to have respect for ALL RELIGIONS and those with none. In the light of todays religious “holy” wars, we must continue to pray for an international campaign against the preaching of religious hatred that leads to - dehumanization, demonization, violence, and genocide. The Bible never explicitly states that Abraham’s monotheism “ways” are the only paths to God. God is also active in the history of other nations (Amos 9:7; Is. 19:19-25), and he therefore may have other ways. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Is. 55:8). So in review, we can see that God’s Covenant with Noah establishes our universal oneness with humanity, as we are all created in God’s likeness. Additionally, God’s Covenant with Abraham offers us specific ways to know and show our love for God. However, we cannot love God in any specific way (Jewish, Christian, or Moslem, etc.) without first honoring the divine dignity of all humanity who is made in the image of God (The Rainbow Covenant).

JESUS’ NEW COVENANT ~ The Unity of God’s Church-!

“By calling this covenant ‘NEW,’ Jesus has made the first one (Old Covenant) obsolete (No longer used by anyone), and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear,” (Heb. 8:13)

With the coming of King Jesus (In the Order of Melchizedek), God again extended his plan to all believers to be restored back into the Royal Priesthood and a Holy Nation to worship the One True God. This was accomplished by putting aside the Old Covenant Law (with its MOSES’ Levitical Priesthood and its temple worship and animal sacrifice rituals). It was done to establish the New Covenant with Christ as our High Priest and mediator. Jesus, “did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us eternally in God’s presence” (Heb. 9:24). “Christ is the end of the law,” (Rom.10:4). Jesus is now our eternal SIN OFFERING to God “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29). Jesus said, “I pray that they will all be ONE,” (Jn. 17:21).

The Apostle Paul also said, “There is (1) one BODY and (2) one SPIRIT, just as you were called to (3) one HOPE when you were called; (4) one LORD, (5) one FAITH, (6) one BAPTISM; and (7) one GOD and FATHER of all, who is over all and through all and in all,” (Eph. 4:4-6). The Bible states that there is only ONE CHURCH (consisting of the above seven “7” essential characteristics to attain true unity). All family members shared their spiritual gifts. Paul put it this way: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully,” (Rom. 12:6-8).

Paul describes a typical Home-family Church meeting as a gathering in the home of Elders where family members were able to naturally fellowship together over a meal. After dinner, they would offer thanksgiving, praise and worship to the Lord with music and songs. They would pray for one another, and build each other up spiritually by encouraging one another, and by sharing teachings from Jesus and the Apostles. It’s obvious that this Blueprint tradition for the New Testament Church was very deliberately and carefully implemented as a design or PATTERN intended precisely to produce personal family relationships and mutual interactions, the very thing that the Home-family Church is all about.

THINK ABOUT IT

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

Due to the Pandemic, many this year have lost loved ones, jobs, and dreams. We have also lost the direct human contact of family and friends in social “gatherings.” Funerals and weddings have been postponed, anniversary and birthday parties skipped, and graduations were virtually done online. In spite of all this, there is still much to be thankful for. Every good gift comes from God, because God is Good! (Jam. 1:17). We, like the early Native Americans, pilgrims, the slaves, and all the soldiers in all the wars who had lost many loved ones, will have to make a choice. We can choose to focus on what we have lost or we can choose to be grateful for what God has given us. Of everything to be thankful for, the greatest gift that God has given us is his Son - Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the debt for our sins on the cross of Calvary, so that we could be forgiven of all past, present, and future sins. This free gift also grants us eternal life as a free gift. This gift is available to all who will call on Christ to save them from their sin in simple but sincere faith (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 3:19-26; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 10:13; Eph. 2:8-10). This gift of God’s Son meets our greatest need. May God grant you the courage to ask him for his supernatural Holy Spirit, to find you grateful every day for all of His gifts - spiritual and material.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6)