Contending For The Faith

Hosts Bishop Ronald and Bishop LaCreece Roston welcome listeners and explore the biblical Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), drawing on scripture and the works of Dr. Richard Booker and Dr. Thomas Lancaster.
The episode explains the timing and rituals of Rosh Hashanah—the blowing of the shofar, the ten days of repentance leading to Yom Kippur, and the festival’s ten traditional remembrances including coronation, repentance, Sinai, and resurrection.
Speakers connect the feast to Messiah Yeshua as judge and the horn of salvation, discuss the Lamb’s Book of Life and prophetic passages about Israel’s future restoration and the second coming, and show how the feast foreshadows end-times events.
Practical application centers on spiritual warfare and living in Christ’s victory: listeners are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God, stand in the victory already won by Yeshua, and grow in spiritual readiness and repentance.
The episode closes with resources and invitations to continue the conversation via the hosts’ books and YouTube channels, and a final blessing and farewell.

A heartfelt welcome to our newest stateside listeners from California, Ohio, Virginia, and 76 from Texas, and our 11 new international listeners from Japan. God bless you and thank you for joining our listening community.
In this episode Bishops LaCreece and Ronald Roston open with prayer and a review of last week’s message on the "fullness of time," patience, faith, and the Church'’s calling to disciple nations while waiting for God’s promises to manifest.
The main teaching explores the biblical feasts from Leviticus 23, focusing on the Fall festivals and beginning with the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah/Yom Teruah). The hosts explain its timing, Hebrew names, the ten days of repentance leading to Yom Kippur, and Jewish traditions like the shofar and the Book of Life.
The episode traces the shofar’s symbolism in Scripture—communication from God, call to worship, alarm for battle—and retells examples such as Joshua at Jericho. It also connects the Feast of Trumpets to Jesus (Yeshua) as the horn of salvation and commander of the Lord’s army, reviewing New Testament passages about his victory over sin, Satan, and death.
Finally, the hosts reflect on the relationship between Jewish and Gentile roles in God’s plan, the spiritual versus future physical kingdom, and invite listeners to continue the conversation in future episodes, plus resources for deeper study.

Praise God, he continues to bless us not only by adding new listeners to our community, but by his divine protection. During a recent thunderstorm, we had a lightning strike right outside of our house, less than 25 feet from the house and less than 10 feet from the car. Totally split a tree, but no harm to us. Thank you, Yeshua. So as we always say, welcome, welcome, welcome. A big shout out to all of our listeners everywhere. We thank you for tuning in and sharing some of your time with us. We do pray the manifold blessings of God on your life and on the lives of your loved ones. And we do encourage you, if you haven't already done so, to listen to all of our segments. Again, we thank you for being a part of our community of listeners.
In this episode of Contending for the Faith, Bishops LaCreece and Ronald Roston explore the biblical concept of "the fulness of time" (Galatins 4:4–5; Ephesians 1:10). They explain how God’s eternal decrees intersect with earthly time, why prophecy was fulfilled in the Messiah, and how believers should live in patient faith while waiting for God’s promises to manifest.
The hosts challenge the modern Church to move beyond entertainment to the meat of the Word, take responsibility for the spiritual state of the world, practice holiness, and engage in active discipleship and evangelism. They emphasize faith as an always-now posture and the Church's ’s duty to prepare workers, disciple new converts, and continue the Great Commission until God’s appointed time.
The episode also discusses the relationship between Gentiles and Israel in God’s plan of redemption, noting how the Gentile Church plays a role in provoking Israel to jealousy and in fulfilling God’s covenant promises. Finally, the Rostons introduce their next series on the Biblical Fall Feasts — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot — and invite listeners to continue the journey with them.

Join Bishops Ronald and LaCreece Roxton as they explore the biblical meaning of the "fullness of time," grounded in Galatians 4:4–5 and Ephesians 1:10. This episode explains how God’s appointed timing brought the Messiah, fulfilled prophecy, and establishes the moment when God’s promises and covenants come to fruition.
The hosts unpack how the fullness of time reflects progressive spiritual growth and preparation, calling the Church to move beyond emotional or performance-based faith into maturity and responsible ministry (Ephesians 4:11–13; Hebrews 6). They emphasize the church’s duty to humble itself, repent, pray, and engage in reconciliation and restoration.
Listeners will hear how God’s eternal perspective differs from human time: time was created as the arena for mankind to receive God’s promises, inherit blessings, and be restored to relationship with the Creator. The episode also warns that the fullness of time can signal both fulfillment and judgment, urging a timely response to God’s invitation.
The episode closes with practical encouragement to continue growing in faith, resources for further study, and a warm blessing and shalom from the hosts.

Praise God he continues to bless us by adding to our community of listeners. It's really growing. We do extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest listeners from the following places. Brazil, France, Italy, Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire, which is the Ivory Coast in West Africa, the Dominican Republic, Pakistan, California, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee in the United States. As we always say, we welcome you, welcome you, welcome you, and we give a big shout out additionally to all of our listeners everywhere. We thank you for tuning in and sharing some of your time with us. We do pray the manifold blessings of God on your life and on the lives of your loved ones and encourage you. We do. If you haven't already done so, listen to all of our sickness. And again, we do thank you for being a part of our community of listening. In the fullness of time, our time, God's time, what's the difference? And how does it impact events? Since God is eternal and dwells in eternity, how does his concept of time affect our concept of time? And the fullness of it. Let's talk about it. God bless you, and welcome to our weekly podcast of Contending for the Faith. I'm your co-host, Bishop LaCreece Roston Roston, along with my husband, Bishop Ronald Roston. We do invite you to get your Bible and notebook and journey with us as we explore topics that challenge us to mature. And our Father and our God we do bless you. In Yeshua's name and we ask you to please open our spiritual ears and help us with our spiritual understanding so that we can hear what you, through your spirit is saying to the Church, we ask this in Yeshua's name and we do say amen. So let's dive into our discussion. The topic is the fullness of time and our base scripture for this segment can be found in Galatians 4, 4 and 5 and Ephesians 1 verse 10. Hear the word of the Lord. But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. That's all of Galatians. And in Ephesians, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one All things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are under the earth, even in him. Thus ends the reading of God's holy word. Hidden fullness of time refers to the divinely ordained moment when God sent the anointed Messiah to the earth. The birth of Messiah was not random, but perfectly timed. Occurring with when conditions were perfect. The birth of the Messiah was not random, I repeat, but it was perfectly timed, occurring when conditions were perfect. The perfect moment for Messiah's arrival highlights God's sovereign control over history. A fulfilled promise marks the end of a long waiting period for the promised Messiah. The climax of history refers to the start of the last days, which were inaugurated by Yeshua of Nazareth, who have been in the last days for over 2,000 years. Future consummation also refers to the final future gathering of all things under the authority of Messiah. It refers to the completion of a set period and the arrival of a divinely appointed moment. It appears in the New Testament and describes the planning of history by God to achieve his redemptive goals. It speaks to the perfect timing of Messiah's first coming. It signifies that Messiah was not born at a random point in history, but at an exact, perfectly prepared moment. Political, cultural, and spiritual preparations had taken place. Old Testament prophecy sets an expectation for a Messiah. It marks the fulfillment of the law and marks a transition in how humanity relates to God. The fullness of time arrived when the The Mosaic Law had completed its role as a guardian or tutor. Its purpose was to expose human sinfulness and point toward the need for a Messiah. It refers to the climax of human history when God will gather together and one, all things in Messiah Yeshua. It points to a final state where all of creation is restored to its original harmony under Messiah's authority. The fullness of time is a period when the prevailing conditions match the proclamations of a specific prophecy. It is a time when people are prepared to receive God's specific blessings or curses. It will happen after a long period of time or a series of events. The fullness of time denotes a world order in which heaven and earth are under the government of Messiah Yeshua. When God has brought together all of the elements of previous dispensations, the fullness of time will occur. It's the time God counted best for his plan to be actualized. It's the period in which all his counsels were filled up. The time which the Holy Spirit by the prophets have specified. It is the time to which certain circumstances should extend and beyond which, they should be of no avail. It is the time fully appointed for the completion of the designated period. It is the time when there can be no doubt about the fulfillment of all the prophecies. Everything will be restored and brought together under Messiah Yeshua at that point. He will directly rule over everything in heaven and on earth. The completeness of the seasons will be accomplished. The termination of the old seasons will have occurred, and the beginning of a new one will spring into being. The fullness of time is a biblical phrase that refers to God's plan for the redemption of humanity through his Messiah. The fullness of time also marks the moment when God sent his son so that we might receive adoption as sons. The fullness of times refers to a time when all of God's plans have been completed. There's nothing else that needs to be done. It's a time when God has fulfilled the promises he has made. It is a period when God will manage his execution of events in a way consistent with the fact that his eternal plan and purposes have been completed. The fullness of time is that period which was predetermined in the counsels of God at the right and proper time when the whole course of previous. Preparation is complete. If you enjoy our time together and would like to hear more of our thoughts on mature Christian thinking, pick up on most current books, Living in the New Jerusalem, Now, and the Remnant Church. Both are available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and major book outlets everywhere. And yes, yes, yes, you can view our video library on YouTube, at www.youtube.com forward slash user forward slash R-D-R-O-S, and www.youtube.com forward slash at sign Bishop RDR. Okay, let's talk some more about the fullness of time and how it relates to the coming of Messiah and the impact of God's provision on our lives. It is a very clear expression of the concept of time as progressive, divided into periods and culminating in exactly what God intended to take place. The phrase fullness of time corresponds to the time appointed of the Father. When we think of the fullness of time, we primarily reference it to our world and our frame of time. However, we must begin to think of it in terms of the Father and His existence in eternity. The fullness of time is therefore the moment which God had ordained from the beginning for His plan to come to fruition. It is the punct9ual accomplishment of His eternal purpose. It is the divine determination of his will rather than man's expectations that sets the precedence for a manifestation of the promise. It is the time agreed and fixed upon between God and his son from all eternity, in the council and covenant of peace. It is a time that we'll diligently search into by the prophets. Is a time that was diligently searched into by the prophets, was revealed unto them and predicted by them. Here the word of the Lord is recorded in Isaiah 7, 14. Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. And again, the word of the Lord as recorded in Genesis by Moses, and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy hair, and thou shalt bruise his hair. And once again, Isaiah, for unto us a child is born, Unto us a son, this son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. It's a Hebrewism. The fullness of time is a Hebrewism and can be rendered the fullness of days. When the days were fulfilled, the appointed time and the time appointed of the Father. But thou, Bethlehem, Ephraim. Ephrata, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is, to be, the ruler of Israel, whose going forth, have been from of old, from everlasting, and that's in Micah chapter 5, verse 2. It is the moment by which the whole predetermined period of preparation was completed. In Numbers 24, 17, we find these words, I see him, but not here and now. I perceive him, but far in the distant future. A star will rise from Jacob. A scepter will arise from Israel. It shall crest the head of Mullah's people, crack in the skulls of the people of Sheth. The completion of the term is the notion answering to the time appointed of the Father. It is the interval which God ordained should first elapse God's appointed time has come. Man's need for divine intervention has been proved to the fullest. Therefore, the eternal purpose of God comes to pass. Remember the things I have done in the past, for I alone am God. I am God and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. That's out of Isaiah 46, verses 9 and 10. And out of Isaiah, again, 14, verse 24, the Lord of heaven's army has sworn this oath. It will happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided. And also in Proverbs chapter 19, verse 21, it reads, you can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail. The preparation of the world to receive the benefit of his promise has been fulfilled. In Ephesians 3 and 10, verses 10 and 11, we find these words. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed, in Christ Jesus our Lord. And in Ephesians again, chapter 1, verse 11, to whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. State another way, the formless of time is a stage appointed by the Father and confirmed by the predictions of the prophets for the occurrence of a great event to happen. As the time arrives at the predicted period, we are able to possess the promises and receive the benefit of waiting, for circumstances to be correct. The sense is that the time which had been predicted and when it is proper that it should take place is complete. The exact period have arrived when all things were ready for God's word to be fulfilled. God does nothing prematurely. But... Foreseeing the end from the beginning, waits till all is ripe for the execution of his purpose. What is the basic conclusion we come to as we seek to understand what the fullness of time is? As defined by one contemporary writer, the fullness of time is based on progressive growth and maturity and brings about restitution and perfect maturity. This is the perspective from which we will attempt to discuss the notion of the fullness of time. We suggest that the restoration and reformation, of the Messianic community is directly related to the progressive growth of her members relative to the specific period in which the father has set aside, for this process to take place. This attainment of this reformation is critical to her ability to operate in the kingdom of God and the boundaries associated with the kingdom. As the father waits for all things to be in order and correctly positioned, for his promised plan to come to fruition, it is directly dependent on the church, achieving the growth and maturity God has determined she should achieve in the period he has designated for it to take place. This is perfectly stated in the fourth chapter of Ephesians, stated another way, the church has some growing up to do. She must be beyond functioning on her emotions and begin to function in a spiritually mature and responsible manner. And would you say that again, one more time? She, the church, must go. Beyond functioning on her emotions and begin to function in a spiritually mature and responsible manner. And with that, we have to say that it's time for us to go. The clock on the wall says that our time is up. And we do thank you for yours, as always. And if you enjoy this podcast, we ask you, please, share it with your friends. Invite them to be a part of our community of listeners. So, you know what? Until the next time. We're your hosts, Bishop Ron Rosten and Bishop LaCrisse Rosten. We will continue our conversation in the next segment. Until then, let us continue contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. And in the words of the ancient Hebrew, we do with you, Shalom. Shalom. God's peace be upon you.

Praise God, he continues to bless us. Our community of listeners is growing—welcome to new listeners from Utah, Virginia, Jamaica, Morocco, Naples, the Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Iraq, India, Indonesia, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, and everywhere else. We are grateful for your time, prayers, and support.
Join hosts Bishop Ronald Roston and Bishop LaCreece Roston as they invite you to open your Bible and notebook and explore the journey of spiritual maturity. They lead the podcast with prayer and ask the Lord to open listeners' spiritual ears and understanding.
The episode closes a discussion on the progressive growth of the Church —tracing developments since the post-Constantine era, noting Jewish Christian communities that preserved early practices, the shifts that led to institutionalized forms of Christianity, and the later Reformation that restored Biblical offices, gifts, and spiritual vitality. The goal of progressive growth is the Church must maturation into the reflection of Messiah.
The main topic, "in the fullness of time," draws on Galatians 4:4–5 and Ephesians 1:10 to explain God’s perfect timing: the divinely ordained moment for the first coming of the Messiah and the future consummation when all things in heaven and earth are gathered in Christ. The hosts discuss how historical, political, and spiritual preparation—Roman peace, common language, and fulfilled prophecy—made the coming of Yeshua the right moment in God’s plan.
Listeners are encouraged to continue engaging with scripture, prayer, and community as the church moves toward maturity. The episode concludes with resources—books and video channels—and an invitation to share the podcast, remain steadfast in faith, and live in expectation of God’s completed purposes. Shalom.

Welcome to this episode of Contending for the Faith. We greet new listeners from Nigeria, Japan, Ohio, California, Washington, Georgia, New Mexico, and New Jersey. Join Bishops LaCreece Roston and Ronald Roston as they examine how the Church is called to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).
This episode explains progressive growth as the lifelong process of spiritual maturation — progressive sanctification — where believers move from spiritual infancy to Christlikeness through scripture, prayer, fellowship, and faithful practice.
The hosts outline key aspects of growth: deepening character and virtues, theological development in light of contemporary understanding, and active concern for social justice and community outreach. They emphasize that growth is intentional, continuous, and meant to reflect the character of Yeshua.
Historically, the conversation traces a major turning point with Emperor Constantine’s conversion and the Romanization of the Church. That shift expanded Christianity throughout the empire, altered leadership and membership expectations, and eventually introduced rites and structures that sometimes overshadowed the early church’s repentant, sacrificial fervor.
The episode also highlights the persistence of Jewish-Christian communities, the inclusion of Gentiles under the New Covenant, and the biblical foundation for salvation offered to all people (John 3:16–17). The hosts stress that numbers alone do not measure spiritual health; true growth leads to maturity and effective ministry.
Using Ephesians 4:11–13 as a guide, the speakers call the Church to the appointed work of equipping believers until the whole body attains unity and maturity in Christ. The goal of progressive growth is for the Church to reflect Messiah in character, ministry, and witness.
Listeners are encouraged to continue the journey with recommended resources including the books Living in the New Jerusalem Now and The Remnant Church and the hosts’ YouTube videos. Share the episode, join the conversation, and keep contending for the faith. Shalom.

The hosts welcome new listeners from around the world and thank the community for their support. In this episode Bishop Ronald Roston and Bishop LaCreece Roston discuss "progressive growth" in the Church, using 2 Peter 3:18 as their foundation: growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. They trace the early Church's expansion from a Jewish movement in Galilee to a worldwide faith, explaining how obedience, the apostles' witness, the Great Commission, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit brought Gentiles into the fold. The episode examines the shift from strict Mosaic practices toward grace, the establishment of the new covenant through Yeshua's sacrifice, and the theological and social developments that enabled the church to mature.
The bishops outline components of progressive growth, including progressive sanctification, theological evolution, social justice action, and community practices like spiritual formation and outreach. They distinguish between individual spiritual maturation and the broader movement of progressive Christianity, and explore historical turning points—such as the Council of Jerusalem and Constantine's conversion—that altered the Church's structure, worship, and emphasis on repentance. The episode closes with encouragement to continue contending for the faith, fellowship with other listeners, and a blessing of God's peace.

This episode welcomes new listeners and opens with a prayer, then examines the New Age movement — its practices (astrology, yoga, meditation), its spread into health and psychology, and the theological dangers it poses to Christian doctrine (denial of sin, belief in karma and reincarnation, rejection of heaven/hell). The hosts connect New Age ideas to the concept of a New World Order and warn the church to be vigilant against its influence. The main segment explains "progressive growth" of the church using 2 Peter 3:18 and Acts, tracing how the early Jewish believers in Yeshua expanded the message to Gentiles, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the shift from strict Mosaic practice to faith-filled obedience under the new covenant. The episode emphasizes Christianity’s roots in Judaism, the importance of mature leadership, intentional disciple-making, and steady, sustained growth (Kingdom Multiplication). It closes with invitations to the hosts’ books and YouTube channel and encourages listeners to continue contending for the faith.

Hosts Bishop Ronald and Bishop LaCreece Roston open the episode by welcoming listeners from around the world and reading key scriptures about a coming “falling away” (1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy). They frame the discussion around the New Age movement, the New World Order, and the spiritual dangers facing the Church.
The episode summarizes core New Age beliefs—spiritual evolution, astral projection, crystals, reincarnation, Gaia worship, and a vision of global unity with a single spiritual and political leadership—and traces major historical influences and figures who helped shape the movement.
From a Judeo-Christian perspective the hosts outline the perceived dangers of New Age teachings, including denial of sin, the idea of human divinity, rejection of moral absolutes, and how these beliefs can lead people away from the gospel. They warn that New Age ideas have influenced modern institutions and call the remnant church to be watchful and vocal.
The second segment focuses on “progressive growth,” using scriptures (2 Peter, 1 Peter, Ephesians, Acts) to define spiritual maturity as a steady, Spirit-led process of development that equips the Church and multiplies its influence through love, sound leadership, and evangelism.
The episode connects the two themes by urging believers to pursue ongoing spiritual growth so the Church can resist deception, mature in faith, and continue to spread the gospel. The hosts close with encouragement to listen to all segments, resources for further study, and a charge to continue contending for the faith.