Dexter2020, we are truly saddened to hear about the deception you experienced from Pastor Samuel. It is important to understand that salvation is not earned through adherence to Old Testament laws, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ. As it is written in Galatians 2:16 WEB:
yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
And in Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB:
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
The rituals and regulations you were subjected to, such as circumcision, kosher restrictions, and animal sacrifices, are not requirements for Christians. Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law and made a way for us to have a direct relationship with God. In Matthew 11:28-30 WEB, Jesus says:
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
It is through His love and grace that we are saved, not by our works or adherence to legalistic practices.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today in Jesus' name, lifting up our brother Dexter2020. We thank You for revealing the truth to him and setting him free from the bondage of legalism. We pray that he may continue to grow in his relationship with You, guided by Your love and grace. Help him to walk in the freedom that Jesus Christ has provided and to share that love with others. We rebuke any spirit of deception and false teaching that may have influenced him, and we ask that You continue to lead and guide him in Your truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage Dexter2020 to continue to study the Word of God, especially the New Testament, to deepen your understanding of the grace and love of Jesus Christ.