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Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In addressing the calendar, particularly the aspect of postponements, it is clear that the Bible does not provide precise rules for every detail of calendar construction. Postponements, often termed as calendrical reconciliations or adjustments, are essential to align the calendar on the wall with the movements in the heavens. These adjustments are necessary to maintain consistency and predictability, especially for a worldwide institution like the church, ensuring unity in tracking and using time. The Calculated Hebrew Calendar incorporates such postponements, particularly around the first of Tishri, for astronomical reasons related to the moon's irregular orbit and the delayed appearance of the first faint crescent in the fall. Additionally, these adjustments ensure a preparation day before a holy day or weekly Sabbath, reflecting a merciful intent rather than mere convenience, allowing all to enjoy the feasts without privation. Historically, postponements were also made for practical reasons not detailed in the Bible, such as delays due to unripe barley, impassable roads from heavy rains, or other local conditions affecting feast attendance. These decisions were made to fit the needs of the time, demonstrating that the calendar's caretakers, under God's oversight, had the authority to make such adjustments. The placement of postponements, often criticized as being for ease, actually stems from a desire to ensure appropriateness and proper preparation, aligning with the broader biblical principle of mercy over sacrifice. The absence of explicit biblical rules on postponements or other calendar specifics underscores that God has already provided a framework through the Calculated Hebrew Calendar, overseen by the Jews as caretakers. To challenge or alter these adjustments without clear biblical mandate questions God's faithfulness in providing a consistent means for His children to worship Him at the appointed times. The fruit of adhering to this calendar has been unity within the church and among the Jews, while deviations have led to disunity. Thus, the issue remains one of faith in God's providence to supply and preserve a calendar suitable for His purposes.

The Cancerous Calendar Controversy

Article by John W. Ritenbaugh

The controversy over which calendar should be used to set God's holy days remains a persistent issue within the church of God, sparking strong opinions and division. A key point of contention involves the postponements, which are calendar adjustments made to harmonize the calendar with the irregular movements of heavenly bodies, as the fixed Hebrew calendar is calculated using their average speeds. Critics of the Hebrew calendar often attack these postponements, claiming they are not mentioned in the Bible and arguing for a return to observation-based methods rather than calculation. However, the postponements are not devised for human comfort but for suitability in maintaining harmony among the festivals, the moon, the sun, and the seasons over extended periods. They also reflect a desire to protect the sanctity of the Sabbaths by ensuring preparation days fall appropriately, allowing respect for each holy day without interference. Despite imperfections, the Hebrew calendar functions consistently, enabling planning and preparation, and unifying widely diverse peoples in the observance of God's holy days on a worldwide basis.

A Calendar Summary

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

There is a serious issue within the church of God regarding the calendar, as some individuals are pushing for changes based on misguided notions. Darryl Henson, for instance, uses the calendar as a focal point to draw attention to himself, claiming a conscience issue and promoting a different calendar model. However, his approach is flawed, as there are multiple calendar models circulating within the church, none of which align with the established pattern. Many are deceived by superficial research, believing claims that the Jews did not use postponements during the time of Christ, based on limited sources like the Talmud or encyclopedias. Such information is often misleading, as the Talmud is a commentary with conflicting opinions, not an authoritative source. Historical evidence shows that authority over the calendar resided with the Jerusalem rabbis, specifically the bet din, who maintained the calculated Hebrew calendar, including postponements, to ensure unity and organization among the people. These postponements were designed to prevent holy days from immediately preceding or following a weekly Sabbath, facilitating preparation days. The notion that the calendar must be simple for common understanding is unfounded. God's creations, including His Word and the calendar, are complex, requiring divine revelation to comprehend fully. The calculated Hebrew calendar, used by Israel since its inception, is the one God provided to His people, as evidenced in Exodus 12, where the first month was established even before leaving Egypt. Throughout history, the church of God has adhered to this calendar, with no authoritative change ever made, despite various challenges and reviews from 1940 onward by different church groups. Those advocating for calendar change often argue that a simple calendar is necessary for times like the Tribulation, when access to a calendar might be limited. However, this perspective overlooks God's faithfulness in supplying all needs of His people, including the correct calendar. The idea that God has allowed an incorrect calendar to persist for over 1600 years, only to correct it now through these individuals, is a grave accusation against His faithfulness. The church must trust that God has provided the right calendar from the beginning, as seen in the consistent pattern of adherence by major church groups to the Hebrew calendar. Furthermore, the spirit behind changing festival times aligns with the actions of the Beast, who will attempt to alter times and laws, driven by a deceptive spirit. This push for calendar change within the church mirrors such deception, subtly undermining the fourth commandment, akin to changing the Sabbath to Sunday. The church must hold fast to the established calendar, recognizing it as part of the doctrinal foundation given by God, and resist the temptation to follow personal interpretations or the allure of individual personalities promoting change.

Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.

Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Using assumptions, some have concocted some nine conflicting calendars. The preservation of the oracles has not been entrusted to the church but to the Jews.

John 7:37 Examined (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

All of the events in John 8-10 occurred on the Eighth Day. Christ was crucified in 31 AD, and the postponement rules of the Hebrew calendar are accurate.

John 7:37 Examined (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Eighth Day (or Last Great Day) is a separate festival from the Feast of Tabernacles, which can only derive its significance in the New Testament.

Two Contrary Visions

Sermon by John O. Reid

God has a vision for us, a vision He has been planning from the foundation of creation, an awesome plan to bring us into His very family, giving us His mind.