Feast of Dedication

 

The Feast of Dedication is the subject matter I want to discuss, but first a little background on how I came to know the true meaning and significance of this feast mentioned in John 10:22-23

From September 1974 to March 1979, I undertook a study of the Bible word for word, verse by verse. I purchased a Strong's Concordance to get a better understanding of the original Hebrew and Greek, the two languages of the Bible. I am still learning, but at least now I know the correct definitions of words in the Bible before they were translated into English and hundreds of other languages.

I was brought up in a Christian denomination that claims to "speak where the Bible speaks". Not knowing any better, I fully trusted my parents, Sunday school teachers, and Pastors to rightly divide the Word of Truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 

When I begin to study for myself and rely on the Spirit of truth to lead me (John 16:13), I was shocked to learn that everything I had been taught was false, a half-truth, or simply the traditions of men. ~ Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7

Denominational Christianity, or Churchanity as I call it, often does not teach the whole counsel of God. ~ Acts 20:27

Churchanity only teaches what their particular denomination believes and practices. Although, many of their doctrines are similar - by the way, the word doctrine means "what is taught" - not always what is true - they pretty much compete for members like it's some kind of contest to validate that their denomination is better because it's bigger. 

But I digress, let's get to the topic of the Feast of Dedication. The Hebrew word for dedication is Hanukkah.

We are all familiar with the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, or some call it the Festival of Lights. It is held in December prior to the Winter Solstice so it's still Autumn. The traditions of men claim that Hanukkah is the celebration of the victory of the Maccabees over the enemies of the Jews, and that may be true for the Jews. But, what has a eight day festival of the Jews have to do with Jesus observing the the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in John 10:22? Nothing, nada, zip.

The original Biblical feast of dedication started in Ezra 6:14-18. Notice carefully the highlighted words in verses 15 and 16.

¹⁵ And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
¹⁶ And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication (Hanukkah) of this house of God with joy.

The month of Adar corresponds to February 20 thru March 19 on the Gregorian calendar in use today. Adar is in winter exactly as recorded in John 10:22. The children of Israel (Jew and Israel are not the same group of people - another topic for another day) kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. If the dedication of the house of God was a Jewish tradition, why did they change it to December and extend it to eight days?

Why is the Feast of Dedication on Adar 3 (February 22) important for Christians today? First, Jesus observed it. That makes it important. Second, Christians know that our body is the Temple (house) of the Holy Spirit. Under the New Covenant, it is that house we dedicate to God.
~ Romans 12:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 

Third, the Feast of Dedication is 40 days before Passover, erroneously called Communion or Lord's Supper by Churchanity. Christians know (or should know if they are taught properly) that Passover is the annual memorial of the Lord's death, not done daily, weekly, quarterly, or whenever. ~ 1 Corinthians 11:26-28

Acts 20:7: Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. The Church met on the Sabbath as was the custom. ~ Acts 17:2. Acts 20:7 is about a common meal, "a covered dish supper," because Paul was leaving on a missionary journey the next day. In context it refers to the sharing a communal meal, a symbol of fellowship, not communion.

Another verse, 1 Corinthians 16:2, describes early Christian practices of setting aside money for charity on the first day of the week, it says nothing about holding a meeting and passing the collection plate. The primary purpose was to organize a collection for the Church in Jerusalem, which was in need, and to avoid last-minute fundraising efforts on the Sabbath when Paul would meet with the Congregation.

 

Churchanity has substituted seventh day for first day, Communion/Lord's supper for Passover,  and many other man-made traditions. Catholics and some protestant Churches observe Lent and Ash Wednesday 40 days before pagan Easter in place of the Christian Passover. The Adversary loves to play games with the people of God. Satan counterfeits everything in the word of God to try to confuse and destroy Christians. Jesus says let false teachers alone. ~ Matthew 15:14

 

The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum called a hanukkyah (means dedicated to YAH). It holds eight candles with a special ninth candle called the shamash, a servant candle that represents Jesus Christ - the Light of the World. The servant candle is used to light the other eight candles (eight is the number for new beginnings). The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) that Jesus observed was one day on Adar 3 (February 22 on the modern calendar). 

I believe the early Christians were taught the true meaning of Hanukkah and observed it until false teachers lead them to abandon the practice. The apostle Peter had some words of wisdom that are written in 2 Peter 1:1-11... "giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these things are in you and increase, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

The Servant candle (Christ) lights faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love in us. Dedicating our life to Christ is the true Hanukkah and worth observing with a candle lighting ceremony and the reading of 2 Peter 1:1-11 to our children and grandchildren every February 22nd. (Adar3 on the Biblical calendar)

 

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding moments of peace and connection with God can be difficult. For those facing life’s challenges, observing the Feast of Dedication for prayer and reflection becomes even more important.

I did not learn about the Feast of Dedication in Church. I was led by the Holy Spirit to search it out. In fact, every Pastor I presented it to rejected it... and cling to their denomination's traditions.

You are cordially invited to join Renew Your Strength Bible Study Group

 

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.  

 

Criminal Control - Not Gun Control

The NRA and Congress needs to push through a Bill that mandates ALL guns MUST have a chip. No gun can be sold without a chip. All guns without a chip must be confiscated.

https://www.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/clearwater-company-developing-device-to-track-stolen-guns-20160304

The cost would be less than $20. The Chip would be available at retail stores and self- installed, just like a SIM card for cell phones. All cell phones are tracked now, but it's hard to hold up a liquor store with a cell phone. 

And maybe the cops will stop shooting unarmed people if they know they cannot cover it up. The Chip will tell the true story.

Manufacturers must be required to install a tracking device in All weapons. Gun owners who have guns that do not have a chip must be required by Law to install chips within 90 days or be fined $500 or 1 year in jail. After the Law goes in effect, anyone in possession of a gun without a chip, or tampering with the chip - $10,000 fine or 5 years jail time.

The chip is one way to track down criminals who steal guns and use them for illegal purposes. Citizens and hunters should not mind complying with the Chip Law because it will be to their benefit.

Please pass this message along to your Congressional Representative, your local Police Chief, and County Sheriff.

A Chip in every gun will protect law officers when they approach a car or building. They will know how many guns are present and if any have been reported stolen. A smart chip will allow prosecutors to know if the gun was fired, when it was fired, and the location where the gun was fired.

America needs criminal control - NOT gun control.

The Sin of Witchcraft

Christians and Witchcraft

Question: "What does the Bible say about witchcraft/witches?

Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about witchcraft. Witchcraft and its many cousins, such as fortune-telling and necromancy (communication with the deceased), are Satan’s counterfeits to holy spirituality. The Bible expressly condemns all forms of witchcraft.

Since early times, people have sought supernatural experiences God did not endorse. The nations that surrounded the Promised Land were saturated with such practices, and God had stern words for His people concerning any involvement with them. Deuteronomy 18:9–12 says, “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

God takes witchcraft very seriously. The penalty for practicing witchcraft under the Mosaic Law was death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). First Chronicles 10:13 tells us that “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.” In the New Testament, “sorcery” is translated from the Greek word pharmakeia, from which we get our word pharmacy (Galatians 5:20; Revelation 18:23). Witchcraft and spiritism often involve the ritualistic use of magic potions and mind-controlling drugs. Using illegal, and legal, drugs can open ourselves up to the invasion of demonic spirits. Engaging in a practice or taking a substance to achieve an altered state of consciousness is a form of witchcraft. Some medications are necessary to stabilize a patient. Doctors are very good in emergency situations, but no one should be on prescription drugs for life.

Drugs NEVER Cure Disease

As of 2020, more than 131 million people — 66 percent of all adults in the United States — use prescription drugs. Utilization is particularly high for older people and those with chronic conditions. – “for by thy sorceries (pharmakeia) were all nations deceived.” (Revelation 18:23)  

No drug created by man has ever cured any disease. At best, drugs treat symptoms. At worse, they alter the mind and damage the body. According to the CDC, “100 people die from [prescription] drug overdoses every day in the United States.” In addition, they have found that: “The misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers was responsible for more than 475,000 emergency department visits in 2009 . . . [and] more than 12 million people reported using prescription painkillers non-medically in 2010.”

In 2010, 16,651 people died from prescription painkiller overdoses in the U.S., an amount slightly higher than those who fatally overdosed on non-prescription drugs (16,195). Interestingly, no (zero) deaths were attributable to marijuana use.

 

At least 250,000 Americans die each year due to some sort of medical error. But, depending on what is considered a medical mistake, that number could be as high as 440,000.
 
There are only two sources of spiritual power: God and Satan. Satan is a dog on a leash and only has power that God allows him to have, but it is considerable (Job 1:12; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:2). To seek spirituality, knowledge, or power apart from God is idolatry, closely related to witchcraft. First Samuel 15:23 says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” Witchcraft is Satan’s realm, and he excels in counterfeiting what God does. When Moses performed miracles before Pharaoh, the magicians did the same things through demonic power (Exodus 8:7). At the heart of witchcraft is the desire to know the future and control events that are not ours to control. Those abilities belong only to the Lord. This desire has its roots in Satan’s first temptation to Eve: “You can be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

Since the Garden of Eden, Satan’s major focus has been to divert human hearts away from worship of the true God (Genesis 3:1). He entices humans with the suggestions of power, self-realization, and spiritual enlightenment apart from submission to the Lord God. Witchcraft is merely another branch of that enticement. To become involved in witchcraft in any way is to enter Satan’s realm. Seemingly “harmless” modern entanglements with witchcraft can include the celebration of Halloween, horoscopes, Ouija boards, Eastern meditation rituals, and some video and role-playing games. Any practice that dabbles in a power source other than the Lord Jesus Christ is witchcraft. Revelation 22:15 includes witches in a list of those who will not inherit eternal life: “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”

We don’t need to fear Satan’s power, but we should respect it and stay away from it. First John 4:4 says, “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” Satan can create much havoc, harm, and destruction, even in the lives of believers (1 Thessalonians 2:18; Job 1:12–18; 1 Corinthians 5:5). However, if we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, there is no power that can ultimately defeat us (Isaiah 54:17). We are overcomers (1 John 5:4) as we “put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). When we give our lives to Christ, we must repent (turn in the right direction). This repentance should include renouncing any involvement with witchcraft, following the example of the early believers in Acts 19:19.

Isaiah 8:19 says, “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” When we follow those words to their logical conclusion, we could also ask, “Why seek any power apart from the source of all real power? Why seek spirits who are not the Holy Spirit?” Witchcraft and its many counterparts promise spirituality but lead only to emptiness and death (Micah 5:12; Galatians 5:19–21). Only Jesus has the words of life (John 6:68).

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My Testimony: In 1976 I made the decision to only eat healthy foods listed in the Bible as "clean-healthy" and avoid the "unclean-unhealthy" foods. I turned 85 in 2024. I take no prescription drugs, no over the counter drugs, no vaccines. I had a complete physical exam in January 2025. My doctor said I was healthier than him. I have none of the health problems of men half my age. I have not had any illness in over 50 years. God is our Healer. When we take prescription drugs we get well in spite of, not because of, the drugs I'm a firm believer in God's health Laws. ~ James 5:14-15

What Does The Bible Say About Doctors?

 

The purpose of this post is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

 

Tribute To A Great American

In Honor of Black History Month - A Tribute to Dr. Mildred Jefferson, A Great American.

Everything we thought we knew about Martin Luther King Jr is a lie. Even his birth name... 

Martin Luther King Jr's

birth name was Michael King Jr.; his father, Michael King Sr., changed both their names to Martin Luther King after a trip to Germany where he was inspired by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. The name change was made official in 1934 when King was five years old, though he was still known as "Mike" to many. 

• Born: Michael King Jr..
• Name Change: His father, Michael King Sr., changed their names to Martin Luther King and Martin Luther King Jr. to honor the reformer.
• Official Record: The name change was officially revised on his birth certificate in 1957. 

Instead of honoring MLK, I prefer to honor people like Dr. Mildred Jefferson.

Americans can be divided on politics and religion, but there is no place for hatred. We can disagree without being disagreeable. ALL Americans are entitled to RESPECT.

All citizens of the United States, whether natural born or naturalized by Law, are Americans - not hyphenated Americans.

People who enter America illegally are not entitled to any benefits until they obey the emigration laws. Then they will have earned respect and are welcomed to America.

Disrespect for the Law, especially by Federal, State, and City officials, encourages more criminal activity. Law breakers are criminals, and America has enough criminals without importing more.

Learn more About Dr. Jefferson

About Renew Your Strength

 

 

Welcome to Renew Your Strength. It's no mere coincidence that you found this Group. I begin everyday with a prayer that God will lead more people to study the Bible and apply its principles. You are living proof that God answers prayer. 

 

If you desire God’s truth more than your own life, and are willing to challenge all that you know, then take up your sword and fly into SonPlacing - A Handbook For Warriors... http://sonplace.com/xulon/sonplacing/sonplacing.htm

 

This group is not here to debate who's right and who's wrong. "For we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". ~ Romans 3:23

Organized religion does not have a franchise on God or a monopoly on the truth. The Church that Jesus built is not an earthly organization, it's a Body of Believers who are seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven. As it is written: The general assembly of God and church of the first-born are registered in heaven (not a corporation registered on earth)  ~ Hebrews 12:23. 

 

True followers of Jesus Christ are not righteous (or saved) people telling other people they need to "get saved," rather they are one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. As it is written: “Whom will HE (God) teach knowledge?  And whom will HE make to understand the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just drawn from the breasts? For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line. Here a little, there a little.” ~Isaiah 28:9-10

We encourage people of all religious persuasions to search the Scriptures to see if these things are true... not to debate or condemn. Churchianity is a cheap imitation of the Good News of the Kingdom that Jesus taught His followers.

True Christianity is not a religion, it's The Way of Life and a secret passage to immortality. Jesus has no competition, only opposition. ~ Matthew 28:18

 

Is The God of The Bible Real?

A Book of Remembrance

^"Then those who revered Yahweh spoke often to one another, and Yahweh listened attentively and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear  Yahweh and esteem His name." ~ Malachi 3:16

 

Group Rules
You are invited to contribute anything that meets the following guidelines.

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things". ~ Philippians 4:8

The 4 "R's"... Redemption, Reconciliation, Revival, and Restoration.

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. ~2 Corinthians 5:18

 

We do not ask for, nor accept, donations. Our ministry is self funded through SeYah Humanitarian Outreach. As it is written:  "Freely you have received, freely give."~ Matthew 10:8  

The purpose of Renew Your Strength is to get people to think about what they believe and why they believe it, not debate who's right or wrong. To learn the revealed truth of God we must know and understand the true meaning of the words God inspired to be written. Use Strong's Concordance to check the original word before it was translated. Do your own research, make up your own mind, rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Total Recall

 

  * IMPORTANT NOTICE *

The Maker of the Entire Human Race (GOD) is Recalling All Manufactured Units, Regardless of Make, Model, or Year Due to a Serious Defect in the Primary Central Component of the Heart. 

The Original Units, Code name Adam and Eve, were created perfect and without any defect. However, Due to a Major Malfunction Caused by the Coded Prototypes Disregarding Specific Instructions, the Manufacturer's Warranty Was Voided, and Resulted in the Reproduction of the Same Defect in All Subsequent Units. This Defect Has Been Identified as Subsequent Internal Non-Morality. More Commonly Known as S.I.N.

Some of The Symptoms Include:

Loss of Direction, Foul Vocal Emissions, Amnesia of Origin, Lack of Peace and Joy, Selfish and Violent Behavior, Depression and Confusion, Fearfulness, Idolatry, and Rebellion.

The Manufacturer, Who is Neither Liable Nor at Fault For This Defect, is Providing Factory Authorized Repair and Service FREE of Charge to Correct This Defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, Has Generously Offered to Bear The Entire Burden of The Staggering Cost of These Repairs. There is No Additional Fee Required.

The Number to Call in All Areas is:1-800-P-R-A-Y-E-R, or send a text to that number over the original wireless network. Once Connected, Please Upload Your Burden of SIN Through the REPENTANCE Procedure. Next, Download ATONEMENT From The Repair Technician, JESUS, Into the Very Heart Component of The Defective Unit. No Matter how Big or Small The SIN Defect is, JESUS Will Graciously Replace it With: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

For Further Explanation on The Uses and Performances of These Outstanding and Remarkable Fixes, Please Read, Study, and Apply The Instructions in The Operating Manuel... The B.I.B.L.E. - Best Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

WARNING: Failure To Make These Repairs, or Installing Unauthorized Components VOIDS All Warranties, And Exposes The Human Unit to Dangers and Problems Too Numerous to List Which Will Result in Permanent Impounding of the Defective Unit.

Please Assist by Notifying Others of This Important Recall. You Can Contact The Manufacturer Anytime by Knee-Mail, the Original World Wide Web. 

The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus Who Seek The Kingdom of God Have Benefits Far Above and Beyond Anything The Competition Has to Offer, And Provides Outstanding Perks, Dividends, and a Retirement Plan That is Out of This World.

"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  ~ Matthew 7:8-11

 

A Letter From The Manufacturer 

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