Paul Luckraft reviews three more of CFI's helpful teaching booklets.

The following three booklets are all by Derek White, who helped found and direct Christian Friends of Israel.

Tabernacles and the Messiah's Coming (41 pages, available from CFI for £3)

This booklet and the one on Shavuot (see below) are described as Studies in the Feasts, and intended for individuals or groups to discover how the Jewish feasts were not just of great relevance to the Jewish people, but also how they should be memorials or landmarks to remind us of various aspects of our redemption.

There are six brief studies within this booklet plus several pages of references and endnotes. The aim is not to focus on practical suggestions for celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles within a non-Jewish setting (this can readily be found in other books) but to explain the biblical meaning and prophetic significance of the Feast.

The content of six studies should be followed in numerical order, although within each study there is a certain amount of flexibility. The first study is an introduction; then follow separate studies on the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement (two studies on this topic) and then Tabernacles itself. The final study tackles the spiritual application of the Feasts.

Each study begins with some Scripture readings and at various intervals within the study key questions are posed along the lines of 'What does this mean for the Church?' or 'What is God saying to us today through these feasts?' One important feature of these studies is to link the Feast of Tabernacles with the coming of the Messiah, both in terms of Jesus' first coming (his birth) and his return as a final fulfilment of the feast.

The result of working through this booklet should be a greater knowledge of how God's salvation plan has been revealed, and a better contextual understanding of Israel in relation to the Bible and of the Jewish people in relation to the Church. Overall this is a welcome contribution to the Hebraic roots movement.

The Jewishness of Jesus (22 pages, available from CFI for £2.50)

An appreciation of the Jewishness of Jesus is essential if we are to fully understand him and the full impact of his message. Since this booklet was first published there has been a lot of material produced to further this aim, a "tide of rediscovery" which has been exciting Christians with a "fresh awareness of who Jesus was and what he taught" (p1). It is perhaps best to see this booklet as a basic offering to those who need to set out on this journey of discovery. There is a useful page of sources and further reading at the end, but even this could be updated today.

White covers most of the standard topics: Jesus's family background and upbringing, the clothes he wore and the methods he used when he taught. There are also useful sections on his claim to be Messiah, his healing ministry and the relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees. Four pages are devoted to explaining that Jesus taught in Hebrew and showing that there is plenty of evidence to support the idea that underneath the Greek manuscripts "there appears to lie a Hebrew original" (p6). By quoting ancient writers from the second century onwards and by explaining certain Hebraic idioms, White builds up his case convincingly.

Overall, a straightforward introduction in a handy format, and one that should provoke interest and a desire to know more.

Shavuot and the Spirit (32 pages, available from CFI for £3)

This booklet contains five study sections together with some final pages of notes and references. The introduction explains that whereas most studies of this kind focus on the traditional Jewish customs of today, here, in addition to explaining a Jewish understanding of Shavuot, the aim is to "explore the Messianic fulfilment of the feast, namely the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in fulfilment of the promise of Jesus" (p1).

Session One takes us through the Old Testament background, asking what is the significance of this feast and how we should regard it. The relationship to Sinai and the Law is made clear. Next comes an exploration of the counting of the Omer in preparation for Shavuot, and considers the meaning of the two loaves of bread that were waved before the Lord.

Session Three gives a thorough examination of the New Testament fulfilment and is followed up in the next session by asking 'What is the outpouring of the Spirit?' The final session is largely for recapitulation and discussion, and allows time for study of the material provided in the notes, especially the important first note on Torah. It also provides an opportunity for planning a 'Counting of the Omer' night of study in preparation for Pentecost or for a group reading of the book of Ruth.

The information in this booklet should be of great interest to anyone wishing to explore the feasts and will especially be beneficial for group study.

CFI has a large range of booklets on a variety of subjects – click here to browse their selection.