Dear Brethren,

We've had several warm and sunny days lately.  This beautiful weathers gives us hope that winter will soon be over and spring is on its way.  In fact, in a little over 4 weeks we will be observing the Passover, which is the beginning of the Spring Holy Day season.

The Passover is the most solemn service of the year.  We assemble annually to observe the Passover as Jesus Christ commanded us.  On the night He was betrayed, Jesus met with His disciples to keep the Passover as Luke records in Luke 22:14-16:  When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."  

As we begin to prepare for the Passover, a good beginning place is prayer, fasting and the reading of the scriptures which is the two way conversation between us and God.

One of the regional pastors at this time of year encourages the members in the congregations he serves to take out the church booklet, "The Ten Commandments" and to review the high points and then ask God for the insight to see how he or she may be falling short of the mark of keeping God's commandments.  One can also read and meditate on the scriptures in Exodus chapter 20 and Deuteronomy chapter 5.  

In some ways the Passover may seem several weeks away, however it does take time to prepare for this very important Service and often we can find that time has slipped away.  I encourage you to make special time for prayer and study as we examine our spiritual condition and relationship with God.  I also suggest thinking about and choosing a day to "fast" prior to Passover.  Ask God to show you the reality of your spiritual condition in order that you may ask for His forgiveness for sin and prepare to partake the Passover in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Below is a scriptural reading list used by some in preparing for Passover.  I hope it will be helpful to you as well as you prepare for the upcoming Passover.  This of course is not a complete list as there are many other scriptures you may find meaningful.

Have an inspiring Sabbath, 

Dave

 

Passover Reading List

Psalms:  

Chapter 32 and Chapter 51--Both chapters cover the subject of repentance and restoration to joy.

 

Romans:

Chapter 6 - Baptism.  Unity with Christ through spiritual burial and resurrection.

Chapter 7 - Overcoming sin and human nature.

Chapter 8 - Using the power of the Holy Spirit. Being conquerors and advancing to glory.

 

Matthew, Mark and Luke's account of Jesus' last Passover and crucifixion.

Mathew 26 & 27

Mark 14 & 15 

Luke 22 & 23

 

John:

Chapter 6 - Jesus' "Bread of Life" discourse (two miracles introduce it).

Chapter 13:1-13 Foot washing ceremony.

Chapter 13:21 thru Chapter 16 - Jesus fellowship with the disciples on Passover night

Chapter 17 Jesus' prayer to the Father advocating for us.

 

I Corinthians 11:17 - Instruction for the Passover Service

 

Ephesians:

Chapters 1 & 3 - The spiritual prayers of Paul for his congregations (Ephesians 1:15 & 3:13)

 

Philippians:

Chapter 2 - Christ our example, model

Chapter 3 - Christ, the object of our devotion; unity

 

Colossians 1-3 Theme of the book is the pre-eminent glory of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1 - Superiority of Christ 7 superiorities, His reconciling work, the hope of glory

Chapter 2 - Baptism, our lives centered on Christ

Chapter 3 - Abundant life of a Christian

 

I Peter chapter 1 and 2 Peter chapter 1:

Both speak of the enormity of our calling and the promises God gives to us.