Q&A: How Do We Keep the Feasts?

Worship, Fellowship, and the Gospel of the Kingdom

The biblical feasts were never intended to become a checklist of works by which people attempt to earn salvation. In this candid Q&A discussion, Tom Stapleton and the Wednesday night fellowship explore what it truly means to keep God’s appointed times in a way that is centered on worship rather than performance.

The conversation examines the danger of turning the feasts into legalism while also recognizing that God does have a pattern for worship that should not be ignored or treated casually. Throughout the discussion, participants wrestle with practical questions about preparing for the feasts, gathering together with believers, spending holy time in God’s Word, and allowing the feasts to deepen fellowship and spiritual growth.

The study also explores the broader meaning of the “gospel of the kingdom.” Forgiveness through Yeshua’s sacrifice is foundational, but kingdom living continues beyond forgiveness into learning God’s ways and walking according to His kingdom principles.

Additional discussion centers around the biblical priesthood — from Melchizedek before Abraham, to the priesthood of the firstborn in Israel, to the Levitical priesthood after the golden calf, and ultimately to believers becoming a holy priesthood under Yeshua, our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion is that worship is ultimately a heart issue. The feasts are not about doing the bare minimum to fulfill obligations, but about setting aside God’s holy time to draw near to Him, remove distractions, study His Word, and fellowship with His people.

Prophetic Insights

  • The biblical feasts reveal God’s redemptive and prophetic timeline.
  • The gospel of the kingdom includes both forgiveness and kingdom living.
  • The feasts were never intended to become a salvation checklist.
  • God’s appointed times help believers refocus spiritually and remove distractions.
  • Fellowship with likeminded believers is part of God’s design for worship.
  • Believers are called to become a holy priesthood under Yeshua.
  • The priesthood transitioned from Melchizedek, to Israel’s firstborn, to the Levites, and finally to Messiah’s priesthood.

Key Bible Texts

  • Leviticus 23
  • 1 Peter 2
  • Hebrews 7
  • Hebrews 13:10–16
  • Malachi 3:16
  • Exodus 19
  • Colossians 2:16–17
  • Hebrews 10:24–25
  • Luke 22:14–20
  • 1 Corinthians 5:7–8

Key Takeaways

  • The feasts are about worship, not earning salvation through works.
  • God’s holy times are opportunities to focus on Him more intentionally.
  • Preparation for worship is a biblical principle seen throughout Scripture.
  • Fellowship and studying God’s Word are central aspects of feast observance.
  • The gospel of the kingdom involves transformation, not merely forgiveness.
  • Legalistic checklist thinking can obscure the deeper purpose of God’s appointed times.
  • Believers today serve under the priesthood of Yeshua after the order of Melchizedek.

Related Teachings

Timeline Connection

God’s appointed times not only commemorated Israel’s history, but prophetically pointed forward to Messiah’s work of redemption and the final restoration of all things. The spring feasts found fulfillment in Yeshua’s first coming, while the fall feasts point toward the final events surrounding His return and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Understanding the feasts helps believers better understand both worship and prophecy within God’s unfolding plan.