[Steve] did you know there's a biblical  festival that Jesus Christ celebrated in the
  first century and even today, thousands of  Christians still look forward to it each year?
  > I think the greatest benefit of the Feast  of Tabernacles is spiritual energy.
  >> I love it!
  I wouldn't trade it for anything.
  > Yes!
  Yes!
  I'm going to the Feast of Tabernacles!
  [Steve] From a biblical perspective, is there  significance to the Feast of Tabernacles?
  What does this seven-day festival picture  in God's plan?
  What does it mean for us today?
  Could this festival that Jesus observed unlock  a secret for your life?
  Stay tuned to Beyond Today as we discuss why  you should: "Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
  in Today's World."
  [Announcer] Join our hostSteve Myers and his  guests, as they help you understand your future
  on Beyond Today!
  [Steve] What is the Feast of Tabernacles?
  Could there be a spiritual significance to  the Feast of Tabernacles that you may have
  overlooked?
  Why do Christians from around the world take  time away from their jobs and schools to attend
  this seven-day celebration?
  I had the opportunity to talk to Christians  who celebrate this special biblical festival
  called the Feast of Tabernacles.
  > I''m excited about the Feast because there  are so many people here of like mind, you
  know everybody's got the holy spirit and  when you're out in the world, I guess doing
  battle in a sense on a day-to-day basis, it's  just good to come somewhere and I guess, spiritually
  recharge.
  >> God's Kingdom--it's gonna be so awesome,  we can't imagine what it's like.
  [Steve] Well, let's try to imagine it from  another perspective for a moment.
  There was a life-changing event in the New  Testament that most don't realize has everything
  to do with the Feast of Tabernacles - the  transfiguration.
  Notice the details.
  Jesus said, "'I tell you, there are some  here who will not die until they have seen
  the Kingdom of God come with power.'
  Six days later Jesus took with him Peter,  James, and John, and led them up a high mountain...a
  change came over Jesus, and his clothes became  shining white...
  There the three disciples saw Elijah and Moses  talking with Jesus.
  Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, 'Teacher,  how good it is that we are here!
  We will make three tents…' he and the  others were so frightened that he did not
  know what to say" (Mark 9:1-6).
  Now what an amazing event!
  Exactly what was that all about?
  Well in a vision, the men were suddenly whisked  into the future to see Jesus Christ in His
  glory in His Kingdom!
  Now don't miss Peter's reaction.
  What did Peter associate with this vision?
  Remember he said: "We will make three tents."
  Peter connected tents with this event!
  Now in the Bible, another name for a tent  is a tabernacle.
  The disciples foresaw the return of Jesus  Christ in all his glory--in the coming Kingdom
  of God!
  And what came to mind?
  The thought of making a tent.
  Now you might think, what does that have to  do with anything?
  Well Peter related the Feast of Tabernacles  to that very event.
  So, does it matter--as a modern day Christian--does  that matter to me?
  Well let's think about that for a moment.
  We'll get a little bit of background.
  When God spoke to Moses, He said: "Speak to  the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth
  day of this seventh month shall be the Feast  of Tabernacles for seven days to the lord.
  On the first day there shall be a holy convocation...'"
  (Leviticus 23:34-35)
  Tabernacles are just that - tents - temporary  dwellings.
  This festival is also called sukkot in hebrew  and the feast of ingathering.
  What was the focus of this feast?
  It was a celebration of the large autumn harvest  in the holy land.
  God blessed them with abundant crops.
  But there's more to it than just plentiful  good crops and tents.
  It symbolizes so much more today.
  There is spiritual meaning in this physical  event.
  It foreshadows a large spiritual harvest.
  God has given us physical lessons to teach  us spiritual truth.
  It's the same with this festival, the Feast  of Tabernacles.
  > Annually we come here to recharge in a sense,  but also to get that vision renewed.
  To really look at it in greater detail and  to envision what God has for us.
  >> The largest benefit Iget out of the Feast  of Tabernacles is the rejuvenation of my spiritual
  life.
  It gives me better direction for the next  year.
  > The Feast of Tabernacles is a time to look  forward to the future, to the guiding vision
  that we need to have.
  [Steve] Now you may think, okay, that's  well and good--but are you sure it's not
  an Old Testament thing?
  It's not.
  Do you realize that your savior, Jesus, in  the New Testament, set the example for you
  and me?
  The book of John records: the Feast of Tabernacles  was at hand.
  Jesus said to his brothers 'You go up to  this feast…' but when his brothers had
  gone up, then He also went up to the feast,  not openly, but as it were in secret.
  Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and  said, 'Where is He?'
  ...Now about the middle of the feast Jesus  went up into the temple and taught" (John
  7:11; John 7:14).
  Well did you notice that people expected Jesus  to be at the Feast of Tabernacles?
  Why?
  Because it was His lifelong practice to celebrate  God's festivals.
  Even when His life was threatened, He went  to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles!
  You see, Christ knew that this was a special  yearly celebration and it wasn't intended
  just for the Jews.
  Leviticus 23:2 rightly calls them "feasts  of the Lord."
  They weren't just feasts for Israel or celebrations  just for the Jews, but Jesus set the example
  showing they were for everyone and they continue  to be God's festivals.
  When God says we should celebrate the feasts,  he uses a Hebrew word that means "appointed
  times" or "appointments."
  Do you realize that God has set up an appointment  with you?
  They are also called "holy convocations"  or "sacred assemblies."
  Jesus knew that we can learn valuable lessons  by meeting, fellowshipping and observing the
  feast together.
  > Well I guess growing up, my mother always  told me to stand up for God's ways and His
  beliefs, no matter what.
  So, with the feast we're where we're supposed  to be.
  You know, we have an appointment with God,  we're supposed to be here.
  >>I'm here because God commands it and I  take it very seriously, and I know I'm supposed
  to be here.
  I don't have an option.
  I love it.
  I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
  It's wonderful to have God's knowledge  and his truth.
  [Steve] In order to celebrate the Feast of  Tabernacles, God told the people at that time,
  to do something that may seem strange to us.
  They were to "tabernacle."
  But what are tabernacles today, what do they  symbolize, and how does it relate to your
  life?
  Well hold on to that thought for just a moment.
  As you can tell, there is a lot to take in  about this biblical Feast of Tabernacles.
  That's why I'dd like to offer you a free  copy of our Bible study aid: God's Holy Day
  Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.
  Order your free copy of this easy-to-read  booklet.
  It will introduce you to the details of the  Feast of Tabernacles and guide you through
  all God's annual festivals that are described  in scripture.
  To request your personal, free copy of God's  Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All
  Mankind simply call us toll free: 1-888-886-8632.
  That's 1-888-886-8632.
  Or, go online to beyondtoday.tv to read or  download this highly-informative study aid.
  Or, you can write us at the address on your  screen [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027, Cincinnati,
  OH 45254].
  I mentioned a moment ago that Jesus knew this  special yearly celebration wasn't just given
  to the Jews.
  Jesus set an example for all Christians by  showing they continue to be God's festivals.
  God's word tells us that we have a special  appointment with God at the Feast of Tabernacles.
  Now imagine that!
  God has given us all a unique invitation to  a personal meeting with him!
  Now all of you on social media would say:  hcit.
  Now that's an abbreviation that means "how  cool is that!"
  It's the way to say, that is amazing, it  is awesome!
  And it seems well, that the word "cool" never  goes out of style and neither do God's feasts.
  > It's fantastic!
  >> You'll definitely have an enriching experience  spiritually and you'll definitely get a
  very wonderful insight into what the future  will be after Jesus Christ comes back.
  > We compare things later on and say, wow!
  This is really great!
  [Steve] If you're a Christian, the Feast  of Tabernacles is for you.
  It's not just an Old Testament thing.
  Jesus taught that right from the start, even  the temple itself was supposed to be a "house
  of prayer for all nations."
  Now back in time, God told people that when  they celebrated the feast, they needed to
  do something that may seem a bit odd to us.
  They were told to tabernacle.
  Now, as unusual as that may sound to you,  does it have meaning for today?
  Well God told them: "dwell in booths for seven  days."
  In other words, they were to live in temporary  shelters--like tents.
  Why?
  Well he said: "...so that generations to  come may learn how I made the people of Israel
  live in booths (or tabernacles) when i brought  them out of Egypt" (Leviticus 23:42-43)
  Have you ever seen the small huts that religious  Jews build even today?
  They build booths--sometimes on their patio,  balcony, or even in their yard.
  They feel it's in keeping with the command  to stay in temporary dwellings during the
  feast.
  So, is that what we as Christians should do  today?
  At the Feast of Tabernacles, are we required  to build a tent or a hut on our deck?
  > We do things like rent a hotel room for  the week or stay in a tent or at a resort,
  you know, some place that's temporary for  us.
  >> …and so sometimes we stay in motels or  hotels.
  [Steve] So, you can see, today, we stay in  modern temporary dwellings.
  We don't have to live on our deck or balcony.
  Physically we stay in temporary dwellings  but more importantly, the spiritual significance
  looks forward to another lesson.
  It reminds us--life is fleeting.
  We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth.
  Now that's powerful symbolism.
  It points out that our temporary, physical  lives are like a temporary dwelling.
  Peter used this analogy when he thought back  to that glimpse of Jesus Christ in his spiritual
  glory in the Kingdom of God at the transfiguration:  "I consider it my duty, as long as I live
  in the temporary dwelling of this body, to  stimulate you by these reminders" (2 Peter
  1:12)
  Peter made the connection between the kingdom  of God and temporary dwellings.
  The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the  temporary nature of our physical life, and
  it helps us to focus on what's permanent--our  goal for eternal life in God's Kingdom.
  > If you realize your life on earth is temporary…  and so my life is temporary and so God realizes
  that our whole being is going to be temporary  because God is going to eventually going to
  usher in His Kingdom.
  [Steve] Another lesson that comes to mind  when thinking back to Israel wandering in
  the desert was, you know, it was an extreme  situation.
  In those harsh conditions they had to totally  depend on God.
  So what did God do?
  The book of Exodus tells us, he was faithful  to provide all of their needs: quenching their
  thirst with clean water, feeding them with  manna from heaven, even giving them quail
  to eat, and it all showed his love and concern  while they were in that barren wilderness.
  Now today, we realize there's even more.
  We have the Creator and the Sustainer of the  universe.
  We have a Provider--and not one that just  provides food and water--but he provides the
  best: a Savior for our salvation.
  So today, all of us as Christians should celebrate  and honor our faithful God, who provides everything
  that we need.
  With all the deep spiritual meaning to the  Feast of Tabernacles, it's no wonder that
  God makes it more than just a suggestion to  celebrate it.
  He tells us: "You shall observe the feast  of tabernacles seven days" (Deuteronomy
  16:13).
  And again, "Three times you shall keep a  feast to me in the year… and the feast of
  ingathering, which is in the end of the year,  when you have gathered in your labors out
  of the field" (Exodus 23:14-16).
  You see, God says we shall gather to worship  him - for our own benefit.
  After all, he says: "the feasts of the Lord,  which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations,
  these are My feasts."
  In the New Testament, Jesus knew that we can  learn valuable lessons by meeting, fellowshipping
  and observing these feasts together.
  So it's more than just a nice idea, it's  more than an option, more than just good advice--God
  actually commands us to observe his feast.
  Think of it this way: isn't it a blessing  for God to give us a wonderful spiritual celebration
  that pleases and honors him?
  There is so much more to the biblical festivals  for Christians, so I'd like to remind you
  to request your free copy of our helpful study  aid, God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of
  Hope for All Mankind.
  In this free study aid, you'll learn how  God has illustrated his plan of salvation
  through his Holy Days--so you can better understand  your ultimate destiny and how you can attain
  it!
  And when you order God's Holy Day Plan:  The Promise of Hope for All Mankind, we'll
  also send you a free subscription to our bi-monthly  magazine.
  This publication will give you solid insight  into the practical teachings of the Bible.
  It will also help you grasp the meaning of  Bible prophecy so you can better prepare for
  the challenging times that lie beyond today.
  To order your free copy of God's God's  Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All
  Mankind and receive your free subscription  to our magazine, call: 1-888-886-8632.
  That's 1-888-886-8632 or go online to beyondtoday.tv.
  You can also write to us at the address on  your screen [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027,
  Cincinnati, OH 45254].
  We provide all of our literature entirely  free of charge as an educational service.
  So, request yours today!
  We've been discussing how God gave the biblical  Feast of Tabernacles for all Christians.
  Now many don't realize that Jesus himself  set the example and observed the feast.
  On the last "great day of the feast" (John  7:37) Jesus even stood up at the temple courts
  and taught the people.
  Shouldn't we all be committed to follow  the example of Christ and the first century
  church?
  It shouldn't matter if a religious organization  overlooks the feast or that some might even
  call it nontraditional or maybe even something  worse.
  But it brings up the question: how should  I observe and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
  today?
  > For the Feast of Tabernacles I've been  to all kinds of places.
  I have been to Oregon.
  I have been to British Columbia.
  I love seeing different places, places that  I've never been.
  >> My wife and I, we've been to Hawaii.
  We've been to Alaska.
  I've been to Bahamas.
  I've been to Cincinnati, Ohio.
  I've been to Branson.
  > We've been going to Guatemala--the feast  site over at Lake Atitlan which is surrounded
  by volcanoes.
  >> But the big thing is, is where God sets  his name.
  [Steve] Since proper observance of the seven  days of the feast means residing in temporary
  dwellings, families gather in centralized  locations for the entire festival.
  The United Church of God members and their  families travel to sites around the world
  to take part in the celebration.
  Large conference centers and facilities accommodate  everyone so they can assemble together for
  daily worship services.
  > The spiritual meat.
  I love coming here and I love getting the  really juicy sermons.
  And I take a lot of notes and stuff to take  back home with me so I can do like mini-Bible
  studies off of that.
  >> So I learn from not just the people who  speak but from the people I meet.
  > It gives them a time to see that there are  hundreds of other kids that are all keeping
  the feast just like them.
  But we meet lots of new friends and we discover  people are going through the same troubles
  that we are, or the same blessings that we've  been given.
  And it's just a great time to share with  each other.
  [Steve] the Feast of Tabernacles focuses on  a great time of spiritual renewal and a time
  of enjoyment with something for everyone.
  > Wherever you go, they have got all kinds  of activity.
  The church sets up things like for the children,  they'll have a special night.
  The teens have a special night and the older  people have a special night.
  >> It's also nice, once in a while, to get  off from that daily routine--be it work or
  school--and to dedicate more time to learn  God's word.
  > Some of the really exciting memories that  I have of the feast were doing things like
  holding baby sea turtles or crossing a bridge  over a canyon, snorkeling in mexico and seeing
  tropical fish, and going to hidden beaches,  or climbing mountains and seeing the landscape.
  [Steve] Because the Feast of Tabernacles occurs  when vacations and school absences may not
  be common, members and family notify employers  and schools well in advance of their plans.
  > You can let your boss know, that hey, I  would like to be off this time.
  Or maybe to keep from having a hardship, I'd  like to take my vacation at that time.
  [Steve] you can expect that the vast majority  of teachers and employers are very cooperative
  and accommodating the observance of the biblical  festivals.
  But you know, there are times as Christians  we have to take a stand for what's right.
  We know it's only through trusting God that  we experience the best blessings he has for
  our lives.
  The feast is a special blessing that's celebrated  with great rejoicing.
  God even commands everyone today to rejoice  and celebrate.
  We're told: "You shall rejoice before  the lord your God for seven days" (Leviticus
  23:40).
  You could say the Feast of Tabernacles is  a feast of joy.
  > It's just a spiritual high.
  >> It's like going on a spiritual vacation.
  > I love getting together with my family.
  >> You get to be with your family, your spiritual  family, it's never ending.
  > It builds every day and every day by adding  to our knowledge and understanding.
  >> The services and everything are just uplifting.
  So you have to be on a high and it's just  a wonderful, wonderful experience.
  > Yes!
  Yes!
  I'm going to the Feast of Tabernacles!
  [Steve] It is exciting.
  I hope you are thinking about celebrating  the Feast of Tabernacles.
  Learn more about it from our free literature,  or if you'd like, go to our beyondtoday.tv
  website.
  Contact a United Church of God minister in  your area and find out more about the Feast
  of Tabernacles.
  Find out where you can celebrate the Feast  nearest you.
  It is a joyous time.
  A time that brings honor and praise to God,  not only for physical blessings, but more
  importantly for His spiritual blessings.
  Now we know, this life--it's short.
  It's not going to last.
  We know this world around us, it's temporary.
  Don't you look forward to rejoicing when  all of it will be replaced by the prophesied
  Kingdom of God?
  > If you were thinking about keeping the Feast  but you think it might be too difficult, too
  difficult to save up money or to take the  time off, I would say, try it!
  And God tells us to try His way, try Him.
  Do what He wants you to do and see how good  it is--the Feast is wonderful if you just
  try it.
  >> It's very complementary because you have  the lessons from the church services, plus
  you have the interactions with the people,  with the brethren of the church.
  So everything I do at the feast, it's all  significant to me.
  > I'd say for their own improvement, for  their own spiritual well-being, they need
  this Feast of Tabernacles because it is a  joyous time.
  And hey, in the world that we live in, we  need all the joy that we can get.
  And being with fellow Christians, it's just  uplifting and I can guarantee they will have
  a wonderful time.
  [Steve] Jesus taught extensively about His  Kingdom during his earthly ministry.
  Now when He returns, there will be a time  of great spiritual harvest from every corner
  of the world right into the Kingdom of God.
  The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes that time  when Jesus returns to directly rule the world
  for 1,000 years.
  That will be a time of unparalleled peace  and harmony.
  That's another wonderful reason to celebrate.
  Prophecy tells us in the future, "It shall  come to pass that everyone who is left of
  all the nations which came against jerusalem  shall go up from year to year to worship the
  King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast  of Tabernacles" (Zechariah 14:16).
  Imagine that - God tells us that the time  is coming when the whole world will celebrate
  the Feast!
  > Ithink of how beautiful, how wonderful,  how peaceful, how lovely it'll be.
  Everybody will be in unity together.
  >> All of this that God shows us is our future.
  Without this, there would be no guidance for  the rest of the year.
  We would be kind of lost, and so to me the  Feast is essential.
  > It's coming.
  You know, the new Jerusalem is going to be  here.
  And this is rehearsal.
  And I'm so excited every single year it keeps  getting better and better and better so, I
  love the Feast of Tabernacles.
  It's amazing.
  [Steve] The foundation will be in place for  the restoration of all things to peace and
  harmony with God.
  The Feast of Tabernacles foreshadows a changed  world--when people will say: "Come, and
  let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,  to the house of the God of Jacob; He will
  teach us His ways, and we shall walk in his  paths...
  They shall beat their swords into plowshares,  and their spears into pruning hooks; nation
  shall not lift up sword against nation, neither  shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:3-4).
  At that time everyone, all nations, will join  in this yearly festival gathering.
  All people will learn God's way of love.
  Through God's Holy Spirit, people will be  able to internalize God's perfect way.
  Humanity - at last, imagine it!
  - they'll be restored to a right relationship  with their creator.
  The Feast of Tabernacles pictures that incredible  time.
  The symbolism in this unique Christian festival,  it's astounding.
  Celebrating the Feast gives us a glimpse Beyond  Today - an incredible preview of the age to
  come.
  Take the time to learn more about it.
  Don't miss out on this wonderful spiritual  opportunity.
  I hope you will make celebrating the Feast  of Tabernacles a powerful statement of your
  faith.
  Now here's how you can learn more about  the biblical feasts.
  Order our free offers today.
  They include the Bible study aid: God's  Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All
  Mankind, and our bi-monthly magazine.
  Both are yours free of charge.
  It's a free call to order your free publications:  1-888-886-8632 or go online to beyondtoday.tv.
  Or you can write us at the address on your  screen [Beyond Today, PO Box 541027, Cincinnati,
  OH 45254].
  Also, while visiting our beyondtoday.tv website,  take a moment to view BT Daily.
  These are brief videos on critical Bible topics  and current events.
  You'll get serious analysis of prophecy,  biblical teachings and a perspective of God's
  plan for your future.
  You can watch Beyond Today and BT Daily on  YouTube, on our Roku channel and on other
  streaming-enabled devices.
  If you'd like to learn even more about the  true teachings of the Bible, please join me
  and my fellow Beyond Today hosts, as we present  special live, bi-weekly, Wednesday night Bible
  studies.
  You'll get in-depth studies on important  and diverse biblical topics.
  To watch them, check out our Beyond Today  website.
  I'd also like to tell you about the United  Church of God - the sponsor of Beyond Today.
  UCG has Sabbath-keeping congregations in countries  around the world.
  To find the location closest to you, simply  go to beyondtoday.tv and click on the "find
  a congregation" tab.
  You're welcome to call or e-mail one of  our pastors to obtain additional information
  about the church.
  The Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful celebration  that God gives to all Christians.
  The New Testament shows that after the crucifixion,  the first century Christian church continued
  to observe the festival.
  They followed Jesus' example.
  He celebrated the feast and He taught about  its great significance.
  Scripture instructs us, that as His followers  we are to walk as He walked--to live as He
  lived (Isaiah 25:6-7)
  I hope you won't underrate the significance  of this festival in your life.
  You can begin to live that way today.
  That veil can be lifted now.
  Take this opportunity to be empowered--starting  at the Feast of Tabernacles and continue to
  live life in harmony with God's way as you  prepare for eternal life.
  That's our program for today.
  Thanks for joining me.
  Don't forget our free offers and be sure  to tell your family and friends about us.
  Tune in again next week for another edition  of Beyond Today and join me in praying, "thy
  kingdom come."
  For Beyond Today I'm Steve Myers.
  Thanks for watching.
  [Announcer] For the free literature offered  on today's program, go online to beyondtoday.tv.
  Please join us again next week on Beyond Today!
     
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