The HUB Sukkot 2014 - What we did, what we wish we would have done, things that were fun, things that weren’t and hopefully you’ll see why we want to do it again next year and we want you to join us!

This year we were able to use the beautiful facilities at Camp Lakeview in Seymour, Indiana. We used the cabins and covered picnic area as our Sukkot/Sukkahs and in one afternoon we had transformed the covered picnic area into a beautifully welcoming ‘Sukkah’ that we could enjoy many of our meals under. There were plastic grapes, lemons, and pomegranates hanging from the beams and ceiling, the tables were covered in fall themed table cloths, baskets of peanuts and pretty pumpkin figurines reminded us to enjoy our time together.  In addition to this Sukkah, the families had built a Sukkah out of materials they had found in the woods.

Some of the activities we did were carried on from last year! For example; Last year we had a Chili Cook-off and everyone contributed (even if they didn’t bring chilli- some brought cornbread, cheese, sour cream, all the fixings). The top 3 chilli’s were awarded a special, hand decorated spoon. Last year we had 3 select judges but this year everyone had a vote. The winner this year was a delicious white chili called ‘Great White’.

‘Talent Night’ is another tradition carried on from last year. Last year it wasn’t even planned! We had actually planned to go canoeing but, when the rain prevented us from having fun in the river, the moms came up with something new. They knew that they would need an indoor activity that was fun for all ages and that everyone could participate in. Thus, the variety show was born- but all of us kids call it ‘talent night’. Talent night is a hilarious event where you can share a dance, song, skit, joke or talent in front of all your friends. Some of the acts are funny, some are serious- most are funny! 

Then there’s the clothespin tradition. This is a favorite with the kids (and the adults- but they wont admit it). Basically- you try and clip people with clothes pins when they’re not looking while trying to avoid being clipped yourself. Be careful or you could end up sitting on the clips that are hanging of the bottom of your shirt! This goes on all week long and you never know when someone might be trying to clip you- It’s been said that you can even be clipped in your sleep (This only happens to the most vigilant clippers because it’s impossible to undetectably clip them any other way).

Of course, don’t forget the Lulav dance. We learned the ‘lulav dance’ from a different Sukkot that we visited. It’s a simple dance that everyone can do. It ties together the two commandments; to rejoice before the Lord and to gather the four different species.

One thing we would change from this year was the amount of worship services- there weren’t enough! We only had 2 the whole time, while last year we did one everyday. Doing a service everyday is a little stressful, so, next year we will probably go somewhere in between. Usually a worship service consists of praise and worship music, a few blessings and a midrash/bible study of some sort. 


What else went on during Sukkot 2014? I guess you'll have to come and join us next year! 

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20


"And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Recently I was on Facebook and came across a post from my friend RJ Jackson. I thought it was very well written and I wanted to share it with those who follow The H.U.B.'s Blog.
  
Most Christians do not follow the law of Moses...WHY???

1. Jesus abolished the law--FALSE

-(Matthew 5:17-19)-"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place.
So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.--TRUTH

2. Jesus taught against the law- FALSE

(Matthew 23:2-3)-"The experts in the law and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat.
Therefore pay attention to what they tell you and do it. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they teach."--TRUTH

3. The law was too difficult--FALSE

-(Deuteronomy 30:11-14)"This commandment I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it too remote.
It is not in heaven, as though one must say, "Who will go up to heaven to get it for us and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"
And it is not across the sea, as though one must say, "Who will cross over to the other side of the sea and get it for us and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"--TRUTH
(FYI, The oral law, Talmud, was difficult, not the Torah)

4. Paul did not follow the law-- FALSE

--Acts 24:14- "But I confess this to you, that I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law and that is written in the prophets."-- TRUTH

--Acts 25:8- "Paul said in his defense, "I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar."--TRUTH

Be careful not to take Paul's writings out of context. His writings can easily be twisted to show that the law has been abolished. 
It's a common mistake.
Peter warned us about this mistake :

-- 2 Peter 3:15-16- And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him,
speaking of these things in all his letters. Some things in these letters are hard to understand, things the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they also do to the rest of the scriptures.--TRUTH

When reading Paul's letters, remember that he uses the generic term "law" to refer to at least seven different laws:

-Law of God (Romans 3:31; 7:22-25; 8:7)
Isaiah 40:8, Mark 7:9-13, 1peter 1:23-25
-Law of sin (Romans 7:23-25)
-Law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)
-Law of faith (Romans 3:27)
-Law of righteousness (Romans 9:31)
-Law of God (Romans 3:31;7:22-25;8:7)
-Law of Christ (Romans 8:2, 1 Corinthians 9:21)

This post is to encourage all to research the scriptures. Jesus warned us of false doctrines. 
The decision to follow Gods law has nothing to do with salvation. The law can't save us. We follow the law because we LOVE God.


Shalom Aleichem!
The H.U.B.