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The New Moons
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFrom time to time, the question arises whether a Christian should keep, observe, celebrate, or mark the new moons. In the Old Testament, their importance to the Old Covenant ritual is clearly stated, and their connection to the marking of time and the proper observance of the holy days is evident. Feasting on the new moons was not looked upon as something unusual but expected as a matter of social custom. It was not evil, nor did God disapprove, but as He had not commanded it, feasting on a new moon was a social custom. God nowhere commands Israel to hold such feasts. The Israelites chose the new moons for these affairs since they were not encumbered by the restrictions of God's law as the weekly and annual Sabbaths were. Whatever good God had in mind in requiring them to mark the days with sacrifices, the Israelites let slip because He later told them He hated their new moons. Though definitely not on the level of a festival, the new moons are associated with them much like the preparation day is associated with the weekly Sabbath. The lesser one points to and helps prepare us for the arrival of the greater, more important one. Thus, the new moons are more like tools than commanded observances, but very important tools that should not be neglected. At the very least, carefully mark their passing. If you establish a custom for keeping them, remember it is your custom, not God's.
The Biblical New Year
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod gave Israel a calendar, including a starting point for the year. He tells Moses simply, "This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you."
The Cancerous Calendar Controversy
Article by John W. RitenbaughWhich calendar should be used to set God's holy days? No subject, unless it is church government, has divided more people for as long a period of time.
The Lunar Sabbath or the Seventh-Day Sabbath: Which?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe recent Lunar Sabbath phenomenon is unbiblical and unworkable. The weekly Sabbath, observed every seventh day, is correct and in line with God's Word.
Appointments
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaGod established the weekly Sabbath on the seventh day of Creation; He established His Holy Days (moedim) on the fourth day. These are His appointments.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assigned the tribe of Judah to be the caretakers of the oracles. The real issue in this controversy is faith in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUsing assumptions, some have concocted some nine conflicting calendars. The preservation of the oracles has not been entrusted to the church but to the Jews.
Are the Sabbath and Holy Days Done Away?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennIn order to justify not keeping the Sabbath, many use Colossians 2:16-17 as proof that Paul did not command it. Here is what they are overlooking.
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIf we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.
Faith and the Calendar (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue is not mathematical or astronomical, but instead a matter of trust in God's faithfulness, authority, sovereignty, oversight, or ability to govern.