Author: Jeff

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions

How to empower the next generation to walk in righteousness (1Corinthians 5)

"How to empower the next generation to walk in righteousness (1st Corinthians 5)." Adobe AI layered-paper-style image of a woman against a background of large flowers.

The Scriptures call us to holiness and faithfulness. In this study of the Torah passage כִּי־תֵצֵא Ki Tetze (“when you go forth,” Deut. 21:10-25:19) focusing on a parallel passage in 1st Corinthians 5, we will see that tolerating unrepentant sin weakens the witness of the community of believers. Confronting sin with grace is an act of love — for the individual and the congregation. As we strive to walk uprightly, may we have the courage to uphold righteousness and the humility to receive correction. Only then can we fulfill our purpose to be a holy people.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Impartial judgment: The Torah’s blueprint for ethical leadership (Deuteronomy 16, 19)

"Impartial judgment: Torah's blueprint for ethical leadership" (Deuteronomy 16, 19). Adobe Firefly AI image of an ancient near east man with a white beard reading a stack of parchments with a New York City-like Central Park and skyline seen in the background.

Are we truly responsible for one another? We’ll see in this study of the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18-21:9) that leaders must take accountability for justice — even when a crime seems distant or unsolvable. The laws of ancient Israel aren’t just relics; they reveal a universal call to judge righteously, without bias or self-interest. Whether it’s the murder of an unknown victim or the integrity of our daily decisions, the Torah insists we recognize the divine mandate for justice.

In a world increasingly detached from morality, these lessons feel more urgent than ever. Righteousness isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Categories
Discussions Torah

Unlock Heaven’s secret to true freedom (Deuteronomy 14–16)

"Unlock Heaven's secret to true freedom (Deuteronomy 14-16)." Adobe Stock photo of a man's two fists lifted up against the sky with sunset lighting on clouds and a shackle between the wrists breaking.

The Torah reading רְאֵה Re’eh (“see,” Deut. 11:26–16:17) lays out a pivotal choice: blessing or curse, life or death. Will we cling to the world’s seductive but fleeting allures, or embrace God’s vision of true and lasting freedom? As each of us journeys from bondage to our past to the Promised Land, the LORD calls us to reflect His generous, restorative heart.

Through Torah instructions like debt release, tithe, Sabbath rest and the festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, the Creator invites us to loosen our grip on earthly treasures and find our true security in Him. This is no mere ritual, but a foretaste of the coming Messianic era when God will dwell with His people forever. What will you choose — the path of life or the road to ruin?

Categories
Discussions Torah

Spiritual inertia: How Messiah maintains momentum in our walk with God (Deuteronomy 9–10)

"Spiritual inertia: How Messiah maintains momentum in our walk with God (Deuteronomy 9-10)." An Adobe Stock photo shows a silhouetted man pushing a car with a sunset in the background.

“Hear, O Israel”: The Shema’s call to hear the words of the LORD and obey them resonates with both the ancient Israelites and modern believers in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). This study of Torah reading עקב Ekev/Eykev (“because,” Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25) underscores the need for humility, reverence and trust in God’s promises over assuming Heaven is blessing based on our righteousness.

Categories
Discussions Torah

Emunah and amen: Foundation of true faith in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1–3; Hebrews 3–4)

"Emunah and Amen: Foundation of true faith in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1-3; Hebrews 3-4)" Adobe Firefly AI image of the Jordan River valley with palm trees on each bank.

Israel’s entry into the Promised Land was marked by a rollercoaster of faith and trust in God, as Moshe (Moses) behinds to recount in the Torah reading דְּבָרִים Devarim (“words,” Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22). Echoed in Psalm 95 and Hebrews 3–4, the generation that witnessed God’s mighty deliverance from Egypt failed to fully trust (אָמַן ’aman), say amen to Him at the border, dooming them to wander four decades in the wilderness until they died off.

This study explores how the new generation was challenged to overcome their ancestors’ lack of trust–faith (אֱמוּנָה ’emunah), foreshadowing the righteousness credited through Messiah (Christ) (Hebrews 10; Matthew 24).

As the Day of the LORD looms, including the prophesied restoration of the Temple, there’s a need for personal and communal cleansing, reflecting on the high priestly ministry of Yeshua (Jesus) (Hebrews 1–10) and the enduring symbolic significance of Shabbat and the Promised Land of the “rest” Yeshua provides for our souls.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Desensitizing the next generation: Ancient tactics, modern practice (Numbers 31; James 4)

"Desensitizing the next generation: Ancient tactics, modern practice. (Numbers 31; James 4)" Adobe AI image of a teacher holding open the eyes of a shocked girl in a classroom.

This study of the Torah readings מַּטּוֹת Mattot and מַסְעֵי Massei (Numbers 30–36) draws a parallel between the ancient deception of Balaam and Midian, who enticed the Israelites into sensuality and idolatry at Peor, and modern efforts to desensitize children to inappropriate content, thereby undermining parental authority and leading them away from God. This timeless battle for the hearts and minds of the next generation continues today.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Path to spiritual maturity: How to align our thoughts, emotions, actions with God’s words (Numbers 9 and 27)

"Path to spiritual maturity: How to align our thoughts, emotions, actions with God's words." Adobe Firefly AI artwork showing five Ancient Near East women, representing the daughters of Zelophehad looking at a high desert mountain in the background, representing Sinai. A Paleo-Hebrew alef is shown over one woman's head.

Yosef (Joseph), Moshe (Moses), Eliyahu (Elijah), Kefa (Peter), Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ), the five daughters of Zelophehad. This study of the Torah reading פִּינְחָס Pinchas (“Phinehas,” Numbers 25:10–30:1) and parallel passages explores some of the many examples on how to answer the call the biblical call to be “alefs”/”alphas” — leaders who wield power with humility and obedience to God, not domineering self-interest. We’ll see patterns of God’s sovereignty over earthly powers, the importance of aligning our hearts (thoughts and emotions) and actions with His Word, and the dangers of deception and self-serving motives, even in religious giving.

We’ll discover a Bible challenge to cultivate emotional intelligence by storing God’s wisdom in our hearts, and prioritize transparency and integrity over outward displays of authority. Ultimately, we learn to turn toward and depend on the true Source of power — the Creator Who commissions and sustains those who faithfully serve Him.