In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus addresses the issue of superficial worship, stating:
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Understanding ‘In Vain’
The phrase “in vain” signifies actions that are futile, empty, or without genuine effect. In this context, it means that the worship offered is hollow and lacks true substance because it doesn’t align with God’s intentions. Despite outward expressions of devotion, the worshipers’ hearts are distant from God, rendering their rituals meaningless.
Man’s Commandments vs. God’s Commandments
Jesus criticizes the elevation of human traditions to the status of divine commandments. When people prioritize man-made rules over God’s instructions, their worship becomes misguided. This misalignment leads to practices that, although appearing devout, deviate from genuine obedience to God’s will.
The Significance of Worship Timing
The timing of worship can reflect adherence to divine or human ordinances. The biblical calendar, being luni-solar, uses the moon to determine the start of months and the counting of days. If individuals follow a different calendar based on human design, they might inadvertently observe worship times that don’t align with those established by God. This discrepancy can be seen as following human commandments rather than divine ones, potentially rendering their worship “in vain.”
Aligning Worship with God’s Intentions
To ensure that worship is meaningful and acceptable to God, it’s essential to:
• Seek Heartfelt Devotion: Worship should stem from genuine love and reverence for God, not merely from ritualistic practices.
• Adhere to Divine Commandments: Prioritize God’s instructions over human traditions, ensuring that practices align with biblical teachings.
• Observe God’s Timing: Align worship times with the biblical calendar to honor the times appointed by God.
By focusing on these principles, worshipers can offer devotion that is sincere and in harmony with God’s will, avoiding the pitfalls of vain worship.
The Calendar of Scripture 
Everything you said about disobedience is talking about peop
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Just a couple of Scriptural passages concerning the timing of the calendar and the instructions concerning the meetings of the congregations of Yahweh. First the calendar: The first in chapter one of Genesis clearly it is written that on the third day all vegetation was made with its grain and fruit in place. On the fourth day the first season began, so there it is clear that the first day of time was/is three days before the fall harvest season began/begins. In Exodus 10:14&15 it is written that locust ate the herbs and fruit of summer just days before Israel kept the first Passover and left Egypt. In Joshua 3:15 & 5:10&11 it is written that Israel entered Canaan in the First Month, the Fall harvest season and kept the Passover on the 14th. In Luke 2:1-7 it is written that Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem for a census and historians tell us that Caesar called for this and the collection of the head tax to be in conjunction with his birthday which is on September 23, while still there Mary gave birth to The Redeemer on the tenth day of the First Month, thus Yahweh’s Anointed Son was separated from Mary (of Yahweh’s flock) on the same day all Passover lambs were to be separated. There are many more such passages. Secondly: In 1st. Cor. 14:26-37 the instructions for the meetings of the congregations of Yahweh’s peoples are laid out in commandment form, clear instructions for sure. This post is not meant to be a rebuttal, but to supply you with more of our Saviour’s instruction and real calendar and less of man’s replacements. Brother : Donald Vander Jagt ________________________________
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Dear Brother Donald,
Thank you for your message and for sharing your insights and scriptural observations. I truly appreciate your intention to provide more understanding about the timing of the biblical calendar and the structure of the congregational gatherings.
That said, I would like to gently share a different perspective regarding the calendar and the beginning of time as recorded in Genesis.
Genesis 1:11–13 indeed tells us that vegetation was brought forth on the third day. However, this doesn’t imply that time began on Day Four with the creation of the sun, moon, and stars. Time already existed, as the text is very clear that Day One began with Yahweh saying, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). From that moment, day and night were established, and the cycle of evening and morning—the first day—was declared.
So, the work week on earth began on Day One, not Day Four. Yahweh’s creative process was underway from the very first moment light was spoken into existence. The sun and moon were not created until Day Four, not to start time, but to serve as markers for days, seasons, and years (Genesis 1:14). They were appointed for signs, not initiators of time itself.
Moreover, the presence of vegetation before the sun further affirms Yahweh’s supreme power—life does not depend on the sun, but on His Word.
As for the timing of Yahshua’s birth, I agree with your observation that there are strong symbolic parallels to the Passover lamb, especially in light of the account in Luke. However, I tend to believe that Scripture intentionally does not give us a precise birth date for Yahshua. Perhaps this is so that our focus remains on His mission, teachings, and sacrifice, rather than on a fixed day of celebration.
Your mention of 1 Corinthians 14:26–37 is well taken. I agree that these are clear commandments concerning the conduct and order of congregational meetings, and they are often overlooked or misapplied. It’s a valuable reminder for us all.
Again, thank you for your message and the opportunity to reflect deeply on these matters.
In Yahshua’s love,
Robert Richmond
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Dear Mr. Richmond,
My intention was to point out that time began three days before the first season, and that the first season obviously was the fall harvest season, of course that needed to be so, the animals and Adam would need food before the end of that first week. On the date of The Birth, The Death and The Resurrection, I differ with your claim, I plainly can see this information written in The Word and backed up by historians; I would be very willing to spell it out from The Word if you are interested.
Brother
Donald Vander Jagt
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