Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Welcome to our journey through the book of Malachi, and specifically, lesson two of this six-part series. This lesson focuses on the challenging question, how do we respond when God confronts us with uncomfortable truths? Malachi's message wasn't easy for the Israelites who received it, as God accused them of despising Him. The crucial question we explore is: "Lord, how have we despised you?" Despising, in this context, means dishonoring God, which is the opposite of what we were created to do. We must self-reflect to ensure we're not unknowingly guilty of this offense. You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi [https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi] for more. We will focus heavily on the concept of the "Lord's table," a term used to describe the sacrificial altar in Malachi's time, but for us in Christ today, it represents the communion, or Eucharist. The Israelites were reprimanded for offering blemished and stolen sacrifices, reflecting their lukewarm devotion. This challenges us to examine the quality of our own offerings to God and whether we're fully honoring Him in our lives, in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Taking communion should be an act of sincerity and reverence. We must avoid taking it lightly or infrequently, as that's akin to despising God's hospitality. Approaching the Lord’s table requires self-examination to avoid judgment. It's not just about receiving but giving ourselves to God in gratitude. In Malachi's time, the priests were supposed to be gatekeepers of the temple, ensuring proper offerings were made. However, they were complicit in the people's unfaithfulness. This serves as a warning for us since, in Christ, we're all part of a royal priesthood. We're reminded of our responsibility to honor God with our best, engaging in lives of qualitative generosity. We also talk about the dangers of theological arrogance, encouraging us to approach mysteries of faith with humility. Misunderstanding or despising the Lord's table isn't just a personal error, but it can lead to broader consequences for our community and ourselves, as evidenced by Paul's warnings to the Corinthians. God always intertwines His rebukes with hope and grace, and nowhere more than in Christ Jesus, our Savior and King. Despite His people's failures, He offers a path back to Him, emphasizing His desire for sincere worship and devotion. The message from Malachi remains relevant, inviting us to rediscover the joy of truly honoring God in all aspects of our lives. We conclude with a prayer, asking for humility and repentance where we've failed to honor God as He deserves. By recognizing and addressing these areas, we're given the opportunity to mature in faith and deepen our relationship with Him, reflecting His glory in our lives. Amen! We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   Is life getting in the way of your time with God? We offer encouragement and accountability as simple as 1-2-3. 1- Choose your new series: Pick a theme or topic that speaks to you right now. Scroll for description of level and need. 2 - Sign-up for email reminders: Provide your name and email, and we will send you a weekly link with the next lesson in the series you chose. 3 - Grow your faith: Enjoy your weekly lesson straight in your inbox, including the occasional bonus content! All our series are available in this format. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/choose [https://www.gospelspice.com/choose] now to choose! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Stephanie welcomes back author Margaret Feinberg to explore Margaret’s journey to better understand and personally experience the Holy Spirit, and share insights about how God’s Spirit works in our everyday lives. Margaret’s new book, "The God you need to know” invites us into a deep dive in the Person and Work of God’s Holy Spirit. Many people think the Holy Spirit first appeared in Acts 2 (Pentecost), yet the Spirit has been active throughout the whole Bible. In the Old Testament, the Spirit is present from the very beginning, hovering over the waters in Genesis. The Holy Spirit empowers people in many diverse ways, such as giving wisdom to artisans like Bezalel or clothing Gideon with courage. Realizing this deepens our appreciation of God’s ongoing presence and reminds us that spiritual experiences aren’t limited to the extraordinary—they are woven throughout the ordinary. Margaret says, the story of the Spirit didn’t start at Pentecost, and it doesn’t only happen in dramatic moments. Where might you miss the Spirit at work in your daily routines? Margaret describes her research into how people experience the Holy Spirit, and discovered that there is no “cookie-cutter” approach. Some feel a nudge or inner voice, others recall Scripture, some sense physical warmth, and others have dreams or receive guidance in mundane activities. The Holy Spirit’s creativity matches our unique personalities and learning styles. Together, Margaret and Stephanie wonder, How might God communicate with you in a way that matches your temperament? Are you overlooking His voice because you expect it to look a certain way? Margaret expands the definition of miracles from the spectacular to “the kindness of God on display.” She shares examples like God guiding someone home when lost or prompting a generous act. Sometimes miracles are obvious, but often, like at the wedding in Cana, they remain hidden to many—yet are miraculous all the same. So, together, they ask, What small moments in your life might be God’s quiet miracles—His kindness breaking into your routine? Drawing from the story of Bezalel, Margaret points out the Spirit’s role in empowering creativity. Making art, plans, connections, and even daily tasks can be inspired by God. We’re all invited to “make” with the Spirit’s inspiration, whether it’s a beautiful loaf of bread or a supportive friendship. She prompts us to wonder, What is God inviting you to create or offer today? Margaret encourages us to pray simple prayers for the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance daily—paying attention to coincidences, inspirations, or “nudges.” While engaging with the Spirit may seem mysterious or even intimidating, it leads to freedom, peace, and transformation. She challenges each one of us: For the next week, ask, “Holy Spirit, help me notice Your presence today.” Journal what you sense, feel, or notice—especially in small ways. The Holy Spirit is alive and active—sometimes dramatic, often gentle, always personal. By lifting our expectations and slowing down to notice, we can discover God’s kindness in new places and learn to walk more closely with Him, trusting that He meets us right where we are. Embrace God today, the God you need to know! MEET MARGARET FEINBERG Margaret Feinberg, one of America’s most beloved Bible teachers, speaks at churches and conferences. Her books, including Taste and See and Fight Back With Joy, along with their corresponding Bible studies, have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim and national media coverage from the Associated Press, USA Today, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and more. She was named by Christianity Today as one of fifty women most shaping culture and the church today. Margaret savors life with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Zoom. Zoom makes an appearance in the interview on Gospel Spice, and you can catch him on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice [https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice] Now that you’ve read the official bio, here’s the kick off your shoes and drink iced tea on the back porch version: Margaret spends most mornings with her good friends Coffee and God. Without Coffee, mornings would be difficult. Without God, life would be impossible. You’ll often find Margaret (puppy-in-tow) adventuring outdoors—she enjoys hiking, river rafting, and scanning the night sky for the Northern Lights and shooting stars. She boasts an exceptionally dry sense of humor that she attributes to her Jewish father. Little known secret: He was recently inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame, and her mom earned her captain’s license for 60-ton ships. They’re pretty amazing. You’d like them. Married to Leif for more than a decade, Margaret’s known for losing things like her sunglasses on her head, keys in her hand, or her phone for the 12th time in the same day. Luckily, Zoom hasn’t been left anywhere… yet. Always up for an adventure, Margaret is known to drive 50 miles to chase down a food truck. She prefers watching comedies and laughing until her tummy aches over doing sit ups. More about Margaret here: https://margaretfeinberg.com/ [https://margaretfeinberg.com/]  ABOUT “THE GOD YOU NEED TO KNOW” Discover answers to your biggest questions about the Holy Spirit--and invite the Spirit to move in your life in powerful, real, tangible ways. The topic of the Holy Spirit can be…well, spirited…and one that sparks passionate discussion, especially among the most devout religious circles. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Are spiritual gifts still relevant today? Was the move of the Holy Spirit reserved for a specific age in history – or is the Spirit active now? The book traces Margaret’s personal search for the Holy Spirit’s work in her own life, rooted in childhood experiences and theological study. She unpacks the Spirit’s role in the lives of biblical figures like Gideon, David, Ezekiel, and Bezalel, showing how God’s presence has never been limited to a single moment in history. “Over the last few years, I’ve embarked on a deep exploration of the Holy Spirit prior to Pentecost, Margaret writes. “When we simply skip forward to the displays of the Spirit at Pentecost, we miss the faithful ways the Spirit of the Living God has been present and active with people throughout history. That’s why we must explore the Holy Spirit on the road to Pentecost. The Spirit is not just the God we want to know; this is the God we need to know.” Everyone has questions about the Holy Spirit. If faith in Jesus provides my connection to God, then what role does the Holy Spirit play? How is the Spirit part of my day-to-day relationship with Christ? And why doesn't the Spirit's work play out in my life the way it seems to in the Bible? Why do other believers seem to have a connection to the Spirit, and I don't? Even longtime Jesus followers can feel stymied and confused. In The God You Need to Know, Margaret Feinberg, the bestselling author of Fight Back with Joy and Scouting the Divine, takes you on a journey through the Old Testament on the road to Pentecost to find answers to your burning questions about the Spirit. You will discover: * The Spirit still working powerfully in unexpected places * How to respond to spiritual promptings that often go ignored * A deeper understanding of the Spirit's role in biblical events, especially the Old Testament * How to encounter the Holy Spirit in fresh and practical ways * Spiritual renewal through companionship with God The Holy Spirit's appearance on the Day of Pentecost was not a grand debut; it was the culmination of the Spirit's work since the beginning of time. You can experience a vibrant life with the same powerful flame. It's time to discover the God you need to know. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   GGOD cover w STR name.jpg [https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg]https://assets.podcastics.com/monthly_2022_04/210779342_GGODcoverwSTRname.jpg.7de80c965706488a010fd7b4ed28c8cc.jpg Is life getting in the way of your time with God? We offer encouragement and accountability as simple as 1-2-3. 1- Choose your new series: Pick a theme or topic that speaks to you right now. Scroll for description of level and need. 2 - Sign-up for email reminders: Provide your name and email, and we will send you a weekly link with the next lesson in the series you chose. 3 - Grow your faith: Enjoy your weekly lesson straight in your inbox, including the occasional bonus content! All our series are available in this format. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/choose [https://www.gospelspice.com/choose] now to choose! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Welcome to "Messenger to Messiah," our exploration of the timeless message of Malachi on the Gospel Spice podcast. In this first lesson of our six-part series, Stephanie Rousselle, our teacher, walks us through the timely relevance of the Book of Malachi for our contemporary generation. Our series aims to dive into the intricacies of Malachi's message, with an emphasis on its pertinence to today's societal landscape. Stephanie approaches this study with humility and the hope that it serves you meaningfully! You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi [https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi] for more. And BONUS! We're giving you all the workbook content for THIS EPISODE, the first in the series, completely for FREE! Go to  https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi [https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi] to download it as our gift to you. The Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, addresses the pressing question, "Lord, how have you loved us?" This question, emerging from a context of hardship and perceived abandonment, resonates with the existential uncertainties we often face. This inquiry transcends time, mirroring our own struggles to see God's love during difficult times. Malachi's name, meaning "my messenger," underscores the significant role of his prophecy. The etymology of the name is echoed in Malachi’s life, calling and message. Its implications draw parallels between earthly and angelic messengers throughout the Old Testament. We are also offered a detailed historical backdrop, mapping the trajectory from Moses through the judges, kings, and the era of Babylonian exile, leading to the restoration under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. This historical perspective enriches our understanding of Malachi's audience—people who had endured a tumultuous past yet stood at the cusp of spiritual revival. Malachi interprets the juxtaposition of God's love for Jacob and rejection of Esau. The discourse around love ('ahav' in Hebrew) emphasizes God’s unwavering choices and the perceived enmity of Esau’s lineage, the Edomites, against Israel. In looking forward, Malachi's prophecy foreshadows the role of messengers like John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, who is the ultimate Messenger. This anticipation reflects our own call to serve as messengers in the world today, spreading God’s love and laying the groundwork for spiritual awakening in the Name of Jesus, our Christ and King. Stephanie concludes by encouraging us to recognize God’s love in both blessings and adversities. She challenges us to list God’s blessings, seeing His hand in every circumstance, much like Paul’s thorn that became an opportunity for divine glorification. This series is an invitation to embrace the words of Malachi not merely as historical accounts, but as vibrant truths applicable in our lives. Malachi urges us to become aware of our roles as God’s messengers today. You are invited to journey with us through this series and to seek to understand how God’s love permeates every aspect of our existence. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   Is life getting in the way of your time with God? We offer encouragement and accountability as simple as 1-2-3. 1- Choose your new series: Pick a theme or topic that speaks to you right now. Scroll for description of level and need. 2 - Sign-up for email reminders: Provide your name and email, and we will send you a weekly link with the next lesson in the series you chose. 3 - Grow your faith: Enjoy your weekly lesson straight in your inbox, including the occasional bonus content! All our series are available in this format. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/choose [https://www.gospelspice.com/choose] now to choose! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Stéphanie welcomes Ann and Dave Wilson, the hosts of global ministry and syndicated radio show FamilyLife, to discuss key insights from their decades of marriage and ministry. The title of their new book says it all: "How to speak life to your husband when all you want to do is yell at him." What if one small shift—like choosing encouragement over criticism—could change the tone of your whole marriage? Real people in real relationships have real problems, but with God’s help, you can heal and sustain your marriage for a lifetime. The Wilsons, through vulnerability and wisdom, highlight how Christian spouses—particularly wives, though the lessons are universal—can profoundly impact their marriages by transforming their mindset and the words they speak. Recognizing Shifting Cultural Dynamics Ann shares that over 45 years of marriage and ministry, she’s observed a cultural shift. Dissatisfaction and unrest in marriages seem more common, with a tendency for spouses—especially wives—to see their partners as adversaries or projects for improvement. Ann notes the escalation of negative speech and a belief that critiques or reminders will motivate change. In reality, frequent criticism often demotivates the other partner. The Power of Words A pivotal story shared by Ann involves her realization that her well-intended feedback sounded like constant “booing” to Dave. Ann genuinely believed her critiques would help Dave become a better husband, father, and man. However, after an honest conversation and prayer, Ann discovered that her negative words were discouraging him more than anything. This revelation led her to a critical self-examination and a commitment to use her words to encourage rather than to correct. The Path from Critique to Affirmation Ann’s journey involved asking God for conviction—not condemnation—and humbly examining her attitude. She confronted her own pride, recognizing the difference between thinking "I failed" (which God forgives and restores) and "I am a failure" (which is condemnation and shame). With this shift, she chose to focus on what was good and praiseworthy in Dave, believing that God calls spouses to be each other’s chief encouragers. The Science Behind Positive Illusion Ann references Dr. Helene Fisher’s research, which found that happy, long-term marriages are characterized by a “positive illusion”—focusing on what you like about your spouse, intentionally rewiring your mindset to notice and affirm the good. This is supported by brain science and aligns with biblical instructions about renewing your mind. Practical Outworking and Challenges Practically, Ann began to express gratitude and appreciation—starting with simple thanks for Dave’s hard work. Dave testifies that these words of encouragement were more powerful than any affirmation he received elsewhere. This shift motivated him to grow into the person Ann saw in him. A Revolution of Respect and Gratitude Ann frames this approach as a “rebellion” against a culture that devalues respect. By choosing respect and gratitude—whether verbally, in writing, or through a daily journal—wives can breathe life and hope into their husbands, families, and homes. Dave affirms that authentic encouragement, rather than critique, draws men toward home and transforms family culture. The God-Given Power of Influence Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, any spouse can become a speaker of life in marriage. This transformation is not about being passive or suppressing truth but about courageously choosing love, hope, and affirmation as radical acts of faith—ultimately reflecting God’s heart for us. How might shifting from critique to encouragement change the atmosphere in your closest relationships? What step can you take today to practice the “positive illusion” in your marriage or family? ABOUT THE BOOK “HOW TO SPEAK LIFE TO YOUR HUSBAND WHEN ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS YELLE AT HIM” Discover the marriage you’ve always hoped for. With practical tools to help you communicate more effectively, you’ll learn to speak the language of love and grace that will encourage and strengthen your husband at every turn. Buy the book here: https://shop.familylife.com/product/how-to-speak-life-to-your-husband-when-all-you-want-to-do-is-yell-at-him/ [https://shop.familylife.com/product/how-to-speak-life-to-your-husband-when-all-you-want-to-do-is-yell-at-him/]  Ann Wilson spent more than a decade longing for a better marriage and for her husband to be more attentive, more involved, more helpful, and just all-around better. And every chance she got, she told him so. Where she thought she was being helpful, she was instead badgering him with constant critiques until all he heard was, “Boo! Boo!” when they were together. It almost broke their marriage. But Ann discovered the power that God has given wives. No matter how long you’ve been married, you don’t need to spend another minute hoping and wishing for things to be different. They can! And the power is in your hands. In this motivating, honest new book, Ann–marriage coach and bestselling author with her husband, Dave–shares how she breathed new life into her marriage by stewarding one of the most powerful gifts believers inherit from the Creator: encouragement. God has given wives a superpower to influence their husbands and homes, and you can use that power to build up and encourage your man to be a better husband, father, and man of God while still speaking truth to him. Relatable, encouraging, biblical, and funny, Ann shares stories from her own life, as well as valuable insights from Scripture, to help you: ·         Address the ways you process and justify your communication patterns ·         Seek spiritual and relational (re)alignment with both your husband and God ·         Learn to exercise self-control and demonstrate radical grace in conversations with your husband ·         Begin to cheer more than boo–in a way that isn’t put on, fake, or inauthentic ·         Learn to speak truth in a way your husband can really hear you ·         And, ultimately, cultivate a grace-based marriage that thrives ·         Real people in real relationships have real problems, but with God’s help, you can heal and sustain your marriage for a lifetime. MORE ABOUT ANN AND DAVE WILSON Dave and Ann Wilson are hosts of FamilyLife Today®, FamilyLife's nationally-syndicated radio program on more than 1,300 radio outlets in all 50 states. They are also cofounders of Kensington Church, a national, multi-campus church that hosts more than 14,000 attendees every weekend. Since 1993, they have been featured speakers at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® marriage getaways and have also hosted their own marriage conferences across the country. The Wilsons live in the Detroit area where Dave served as the Detroit Lions chaplain for 33 years. Dave and Ann have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody, as well as three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/] Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/] Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/] God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/]   Is life getting in the way of your time with God? We offer encouragement and accountability as simple as 1-2-3. 1- Choose your new series: Pick a theme or topic that speaks to you right now. Scroll for description of level and need. 2 - Sign-up for email reminders: Provide your name and email, and we will send you a weekly link with the next lesson in the series you chose. 3 - Grow your faith: Enjoy your weekly lesson straight in your inbox, including the occasional bonus content! All our series are available in this format. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/choose [https://www.gospelspice.com/choose] now to choose! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Stephanie invites you today to spice up your faith by exploring unexpected connections between two great feasts. She dives deep into the intertwined celebrations of Pentecost in the Christian tradition, and Shavuot in the Jewish faith. Both festivals are celebrated 50 days post-Easter and Passover respectively, and invite us to reconnect with themes of gratitude, thanksgiving, and divine revelation. Through the enduring cycles of joy, preparation, and revelation, both Shavuot and Pentecost call believers into a deeper understanding of divine grace and the cyclical journey of faith. You can purchase the Spring Feasts workbook to take notes while you listen, including the gorgeous visuals we created to accompany your experience: https://www.gospelspice.com/offers/ct6coMYd [https://www.gospelspice.com/offers/ct6coMYd%20] In the Christian liturgical calendar, Pentecost, celebrated on June 8, 2025, mirrors Shavuot’s setting—50 days after the major religious observances of Easter and Passover. It marks the momentous occasion when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus's followers, empowering us to spread the gospel. God’s presence attributes joy and delight to Pentecost, making it a critical event that signifies the birth of the church and believers' empowerment. Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, concludes a significant period of anticipation following Passover. Observers commemorate this festival by reading the Ten Commandments and partaking in the harvest of wheat, lauded as the superior grain. Symbolically, Shavuot represents the culmination of the spring feasts, and includes the unique preparation of two loaves of leavened wheat bread, symbolizing humanity's sinful nature. Celebrated with offerings, figs, olive oil, and more, Shavuot is a joyous occasion steeped in history and spirituality. Stephanie discusses these celebrations as a "rehearsal dinner" for the future wedding banquet, the final joyous gathering in Christ's return. This celebration encapsulates both preparation and revelation, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' three days of preparation to receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The festival’s ladder-shaped challah symbolizes Moses' ascent to receive the Law, while its inclusion of yeast signifies the sinful nature that, through divine grace, will be fully redeemed. Central to both Shavuot and Pentecost, is the theme of harvest. The gathering of wheat represents the process of evangelism. As believers are sanctified through trials, they are refined wheat, ready for offering and transforming into the spiritual bread of life. In the same vein, Pentecost is a reminder of the Great Commission—empowering believers to go forth and harvest souls for the kingdom of God. Christ embodies the fulfillment of Shavuot. Just as Shavuot celebrates God’s revelation to Moses, Pentecost commemorates the Holy Spirit’s descension, ushering a new covenant. This underscores a deeper spiritual truth: the festival of Shavuot rehearses the believers' ultimate communion with God, transcending into a season of salvation heralded by Jesus' coming. Stephanie highlights a fascinating contrast between Jewish and Western traditions: the Jewish cyclical view of time versus the Western linear perspective. Shavuot, celebrated from sundown on June 1 to nightfall on June 3, 2025, emphasizes the end of the spring harvest—a marker in the cyclical liturgical calendar that heralds a pause until the fall feasts. Meanwhile, the Western tradition tends to perceive time as linear, steadily moving towards a future point. This cyclical nature of the Jewish liturgical calendar offers hope and progress, especially during periods that may seem monotonous. After the spring feasts conclude, the Jewish calendar enters a four-month period without festive observances until Rosh Hashanah. Stephanie encourages believers to view these "ordinary" times as infused with the joy and anticipation of Shavuot and Pentecost, reflecting the Christian longing between Christ's first and second comings. This period is an invitation to embody thankfulness, evangelism, and charity, preparing for the ultimate harvest in the final gathering. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Holy Day traditions in upcoming episodes of Gospel Spice! Don’t forget to check out our essential workbook to accompany this study. Stephanie personally created the content to invite you deeper into study. Don’t miss out! It’s at https://www.gospelspice.com/store [https://www.gospelspice.com/store] DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES [http://gospelspice.com] http://gospelspice.com The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries. In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God. In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. 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