What’s New…

First of all, thanks to everyone who signed up for the new mailing list.  I lost some people in the changeover who didn’t renew, so thank you to all who took the time to do so.  If you haven’t done so already, be sure to add me to your whitelist or safe sender list so you don’t miss any of these emails.  Thanks.

If you visit www.hadavar.net you’ll notice some changes in the design that I hope you’ll enjoy.  I’m always looking for ways to improve on communications.

If you are local, you are welcome to join us during our weekly Bible study.  Please contact me for meeting times and locations.

In the coming weeks I’ll be posting some thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer, which is something I’ve been studying lately.  Look for those postings in your inbox in the coming weeks.

As always, we invite you to share your prayer requests with us.  Let us know how we can be of service to you.

As this is a new format for emailing, please note that you can always view present and previous posts on my blogsite at www.rubenbarrett.blogspot.com. 

Blessings and Grace…

Muslim Hamas member embraces Christ

On this Easter Day, here’s a great testimony of one who experienced his own resurrection and rebirth.  Not many can relate to the difficulties this man has been facing.

The following is an interview with Mosab Hassan Yousef:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,402483,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a4:g4:r1:c0.000000:b0:z5

Good Friday

While much of the world recounts the story of the trial and passion of Christ today, many others go about their day as if nothing has happened.

Sad, but true.  The greatest event in human history is being remembered, yet so many still don’t see its relevance to their lives.  What a shame.

For our family, we observe the Passover for several reasons: Remembering Christ’s suffering, solidarity with the Jewish people, passing on our faith to our children, and more.

However and whenever you choose to remember Messiah’s atoning work on the cross, may you be blessed and strengthened during this season.

Maundy Thursday

Today is traditionally (at least in countries where the Roman Catholic calendar is followed) as Maundy Thursday.  Supposedly, tonight was the night that Jesus and his disciples enjoyed their Last Supper.

I say supposedly, not because I question whether or not the story is true (I believe it is!), but because how you measure time will determine whether or not today is the same date.

Let’s say I was born on Thursday, March 25, 1971 (which is true), and that it was the 4th Thursday of that month (which it was).  When should I celebrate my birthday?  On the 25th, or the 4th Thursday in March?  If I observe the 25th, then my birthday falls on a different day each year.  Observing the other way would be an attempt to celebrate that exact moment in time that I was born.

Though it might be silly, this is exactly what has happened with the Christian calendar.  The Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Orthodox Church, have tried to memorialize the exact time of the passion story, as opposed to the conventional date of the Hebrew calendar.  Then most of us Protestants just follow suit. 

Is there anything wrong with celebrating your birthday or the passion of Christ in this way?  I don’t believe so (that it is inherently wrong).  But why divorce this very meaningful event from its established Jewish roots?

Understanding that (a) Christ’s passion is connected to the Jewish passover story, that (b) Sabbath rest is at the center of his redemptive work, and that (c) his resurrection is connected with the Jewish Firstfruits offering is essential in understanding the significance of the gospel. 

Sound like a crazy claim?  Stay tuned for the rest of the story…