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Embracing Ancient Paths for Modern Renewal
Welcome to Our Community of Faith
In our journey of faith, we believe that the timeless principles found in the Old Testament provide valuable guidance for living a life dedicated to God. While we hold firmly to the truth that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, we also recognize the profound benefits of adopting the ancient laws, tithes, and offerings as a means of self-guided renewal and sanctification.
Why Adopt Old Testament Practices?
- Spiritual Discipline and Growth: Engaging in these practices fosters a disciplined spiritual life, helping us grow closer to God and develop Christ-like character.
- Historical and Cultural Connection: By observing these traditions, we honor our faith’s rich heritage and deepen our understanding of the Scriptures.
- Moral and Ethical Guidance: The laws provide a robust framework for ethical living, promoting justice, mercy, and humility in our daily lives.
- Expression of Faith: Tithes and offerings are tangible expressions of our commitment and gratitude to God, recognizing His sovereignty and provision.
- Practical Benefits: These practices support our ministry efforts and promote personal and communal well-being.
Our Approach
We approach these ancient practices not as a means to earn salvation but as a way to enrich our spiritual lives and community. Our adoption of these disciplines is rooted in a desire to live out our faith more fully, embodying the principles that God has set before us.
How to Get Involved
Explore our comprehensive list of Old Testament laws, thoughtfully categorized to help you integrate them into your life. Whether you are looking to deepen your spiritual discipline, support our ministry through tithes and offerings, or simply learn more about these ancient practices, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.
Offerings and Support
Your generous contributions help sustain our mission and outreach. We offer various ways to give, ensuring that your tithes and offerings are handled with the utmost care and reverence.
Visit Our Laws and Offerings Section
Ready to dive deeper? Visit our Laws and Offerings section to explore the specific commandments and discover how you can participate in our community’s practices. From detailed explanations of each law to convenient options for giving, you’ll find everything you need to embark on this path of renewal and sanctification.
The Old Testament prescribes various forms of preparation—physical, mental, and spiritual—that are intended to help individuals maintain their holiness, honor God, and live in accordance with His commandments. Here is a comprehensive look at these preparations:
Physical Preparation
- Dietary Laws
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21
- Description: Certain foods are deemed clean or unclean. These dietary laws are intended to keep the body pure.
- Circumcision
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 17:10-14; Leviticus 12:3
- Description: A physical sign of the covenant between God and His people, performed on the eighth day after a male child’s birth.
- Purity Laws
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 12-15; Numbers 19
- Description: Regulations regarding bodily discharges, skin diseases, and contact with dead bodies. These laws prescribe purification rituals involving washing and sacrifices.
- Sabbath Observance
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 23:3
- Description: A day of rest from physical labor, meant to be a sign of the covenant and a time to rejuvenate physically.
Mental Preparation
- Meditation on God’s Word
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2
- Description: Believers are encouraged to meditate on God’s laws and commandments, keeping them in their hearts and minds.
- Renewal of the Mind
- Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 4:23
- Description: Constant reflection on God’s commandments and keeping the mind focused on His ways. Teaching these commandments to one’s children and discussing them regularly.
- Remembering God’s Works
- Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 77:11-12
- Description: Reflecting on God’s past deeds and miracles to build faith and maintain a mental attitude of gratitude and trust.
Spiritual Preparation
- Prayer
- Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 8:28-30; Psalm 5:3
- Description: Regular communication with God, seeking His guidance, and expressing dependence on Him.
- Fasting
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 16:29-31; Isaiah 58:3-7
- Description: Abstaining from food for a period to seek God’s face, express repentance, or prepare for a significant spiritual event.
- Sacrifices and Offerings
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 1-7; Numbers 28-29
- Description: Various sacrifices and offerings, such as burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, to atone for sins and maintain a right relationship with God.
- Observance of Holy Days and Festivals
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 23; Deuteronomy 16:1-17
- Description: Participating in religious festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Day of Atonement to commemorate God’s acts and renew the covenant.
- Repentance
- Scripture Reference: Joel 2:12-13; Ezekiel 18:30-32
- Description: Turning away from sin and returning to God with a sincere heart, often accompanied by specific acts of restitution.
- Community Worship
- Scripture Reference: Psalm 95:6; Nehemiah 8:1-6
- Description: Gathering together to worship, read the Scriptures, and celebrate God’s faithfulness.
Specific Preparations for Particular Events
- Preparation for Receiving the Law
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 19:10-11
- Description: The Israelites were instructed to wash their clothes and abstain from certain activities to prepare for God’s revelation at Mount Sinai.
- Preparation for Battle
- Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 20:1-9; Joshua 3:5
- Description: Purification rituals, seeking God’s guidance, and ensuring that the soldiers were spiritually and mentally prepared.
- Preparation for the Day of Atonement
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 16:29-31
- Description: A day of fasting, prayer, and rest to atone for the sins of the people and seek God’s forgiveness.
Personal Reflection and Application
As you meditate on these various forms of preparation, consider how you can incorporate similar practices into your own life. Reflect on the following questions:
- How can I purify my body and mind to better serve God?
- What habits or practices can I adopt to keep my thoughts focused on God’s commandments?
- How can I use prayer and fasting to deepen my spiritual life and seek God’s guidance?
- What offerings can I make to express gratitude and atonement for my sins?
- How can I observe a day of rest and rejuvenation in honor of God?
May this meditation guide you toward a deeper, more disciplined, and fulfilling spiritual journey.
Meditation on Tithes and Offerings
Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and reflect without distractions. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. As you meditate, consider each tithe and offering, their purpose, and how they can inspire your spiritual practice and connection with God.
Levitical Tithe (Maaser Rishon)
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“If you want to support spiritual leaders and their work, give the Levitical tithe.”
Reflect on the dedication of those who serve in spiritual and religious capacities. Consider how your contributions can support their vital work and allow them to focus on their ministry.
“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 18:21)
Second Tithe (Maaser Sheni)
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“If you want to celebrate God’s blessings during times of festivity, give the second tithe.”
Think about the joy and gratitude that come from celebrating God’s provision with your family and community. Reflect on how participating in communal worship and feasts strengthens your faith and bonds with others.
“Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23)
Poor Tithe (Maaser Ani)
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“If you want to help those in need, give the poor tithe.”
Contemplate the needs of the less fortunate in your community. Reflect on how your generosity can make a difference in their lives, providing essential support and embodying God’s love and compassion.
“At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)
Burnt Offering (Olah)
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“If you seek atonement and wish to express devotion, give a burnt offering.”
Reflect on the need for atonement and the desire to draw closer to God. Consider how offering something precious to God symbolizes your dedication and repentance.
“The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock.'” (Leviticus 1:1-2)
Grain Offering (Minchah)
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“If you want to recognize God’s provision, give a grain offering.”
Ponder the many ways God provides for you. Reflect on how offering a portion of your sustenance back to God demonstrates gratitude and acknowledgment of His blessings.
“When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it.” (Leviticus 2:1)
Peace Offering (Zevach Shlamim)
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“If you want to express thanksgiving and fellowship, give a peace offering.”
Consider the peace and fellowship you experience through your relationship with God. Reflect on how sharing this offering with others can foster community and gratitude.
“These are the regulations for the fellowship offering anyone may present to the Lord: If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with olive oil mixed in.” (Leviticus 7:11-12)
Sin Offering (Chatat)
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“If you seek forgiveness for unintentional sins, give a sin offering.”
Reflect on your actions and attitudes that may have unintentionally distanced you from God. Consider how this offering represents your desire for purification and restoration.
“If anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, they are guilty. When they become aware of the sin they committed, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect.” (Leviticus 4:27-28)
Guilt Offering (Asham)
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“If you need to make restitution for a wrong, give a guilt offering.”
Contemplate any wrongs you may have committed that require restitution. Reflect on how this offering symbolizes your commitment to making things right and seeking God’s forgiveness.
“When anyone is unfaithful to the Lord by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the Lord’s holy things, they are to bring to the Lord as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering.” (Leviticus 5:15)
Wave Offering (Tenufah)
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“If you want to dedicate something to God, give a wave offering.”
Consider the blessings and gifts you wish to dedicate to God. Reflect on how waving these offerings before the Lord signifies your devotion and gratitude.
“From the fellowship offering you are to bring a contribution to the Lord; its fat and the entire fat tail shall be removed close to the backbone, and the internal organs, the kidneys and the covering fat on them, and the long lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys.” (Leviticus 3:9-10)
Heave Offering (Terumah)
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“If you want to support the priests, give a heave offering.”
Reflect on the role of spiritual leaders and how your support can enable them to fulfill their duties. Consider how this offering expresses your commitment to sustaining religious practices.
“From now on, the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. The Levites are to perform the duties of the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord.” (Numbers 18:22-24)
Firstfruits Offering (Bikkurim)
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“If you want to honor God with the first and best, give a firstfruits offering.”
Think about the new beginnings and blessings in your life. Reflect on how giving the first and best of what you receive honors God and acknowledges His provision.
“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 23:19)
Drink Offering (Nesek)
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“If you want to pour out your devotion, give a drink offering.”
Consider how you can pour out your life in service and devotion to God. Reflect on how this offering represents your commitment and love.
“The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the sanctuary.” (Numbers 28:7)
Freewill Offering (Nedavah)
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“If you want to give out of love and devotion, give a freewill offering.”
Think about the times you have felt moved to give spontaneously out of love and devotion to God. Reflect on how these offerings deepen your relationship with Him.
“When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the Lord to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.” (Leviticus 22:21)
Vow Offering (Neder)
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“If you have made a vow, give a vow offering.”
Reflect on any promises or vows you have made to God. Consider how fulfilling these vows through offerings demonstrates your faithfulness and commitment.
“When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.” (Deuteronomy 23:21)
Shekel Offering (Half-Shekel)
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“If you want to support the maintenance of the sanctuary, give the shekel offering.”
Consider the importance of maintaining places of worship and community gathering. Reflect on how your contributions can support these essential spaces.
“Each one must give a half shekel according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the Lord.” (Exodus 30:13)
Thanksgiving Offering (Todah)
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“If you want to express gratitude for deliverance, give a thanksgiving offering.”
Reflect on moments of deliverance and God’s intervention in your life. Consider how offering thanks can deepen your gratitude and relationship with Him.
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, and sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” (Psalm 107:21-22)
Redemption of the Firstborn (Pidyon HaBen)
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“If you want to acknowledge God’s ownership, give the redemption of the firstborn offering.”
Think about the significance of the firstborn in your family and community. Reflect on how this offering acknowledges God’s sovereignty and blessings.
National Atonement Offering (Kippur)
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If you seek to atone for collective transgressions and seek divine forgiveness, give the national atonement offering.
Reflect on the moments when your community, as a whole, has strayed from righteousness. Consider how your contribution to the national atonement offering can help in seeking forgiveness, fostering unity, and encouraging communal reflection and repentance.
“For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins.” (Leviticus 16:30)
Places of worship and community gatherings are essential for fostering a sense of unity, peace, and spiritual growth. Your contributions ensure the preservation and maintenance of these sacred spaces, enabling them to continue serving as centers of worship, learning, and community support.