Breaking The Jewish Code Perry Stone

Our denominational practical teachings forbade members to wear shorts in public, and women were not permitted to wear slacks (pants)—only dresses. No jewelry, including wedding rings, was to be donned, and wearing makeup was a no-no. Most women never cut their hair but wore it towering high on their head. We did this because of our interpretation of certain scriptures in the New Testament and also from traditions handed down from our spiritual fathers. Just like our Jewish friends, we were tagged very peculiar and odd by nonbelievers living in the community. I do not regret being raised in this conservative manner, as my ancestors were very godly, God-fearing, praying believers. However, growing up I tended to perceive that God was very strict and rigid, mostly angry at His Creation and only really loved us when we attended church, revivals, or camp meetings. After studying the many celebrations God established in the Torah, I am excited to discover that God really loves to join in with His children and have a good time. In fact, He loves to celebrate! I came to the conclusion that God requires His people to live a holy life, but He despises man-made legalism that requires more than what He does. Although He hates sin, He loves sinners. I have also learned that once we enter the covenant of redemption, we join a new spiritual nation (1 Pet. 2:9) and should enjoy our families, our jobs, and the fellowship of fellow believers. We should experience seasons of refreshing and celebration, just as God established yearly seasons of rejoicing for the Hebrew nation.