Author: Jeff

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Covet or leave it: True path to contentment (Deuteronomy 24:17–25:19)

Covet or leave it: True path to contentment (Deut. 24:17-25:19)

The Tenth Commandment tells us, “Do not covet…” (Ex. 20:17; Deut. 5:21). Coveting is not a word we often use in the modern English, but when we do use it, we usually define it as desiring someone else’s stuff.

But the Torah passage כי תצא Ki Tetze (“when you go forth,” Deut. 21:10-25:19) teaches us that there’s more at heart than just desire for that brand new car in your neighbor’s garage. We are taught to be content with what we have — especially, our spouse — and not to usurp or seize what’s not ours. Treating others fairly is part of the “Golden Rule,” also known as the “Second Greatest Commandment”: Love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18).

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Discussions Torah

What does the Bible have to say about socialism and racism? (Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17)

What does the Bible have to say about socialism and racism? (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)

Socialism and racism are big topics of today’s society. Does the Bible have anything to say about these issues? Torah reading ראה Re’eh (“see,” Deut. 11:26–16:17) gives us Heaven’s insights into these two important matters.

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Discussions Torah

How to pass on a long-lasting legacy of the New Covenant (Deuteronomy 3–7)

How to pass on a long-lasting legacy of the New Covenant (Deut. 3:23-7:11)

There’s a lot of misinformation in the Body of the Messiah about the role of God’s Law in “the gospel” — and whether it can or should have any role at all. But in the Torah reading ואתחנן Va’etchanan (“and I pleaded,” Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11), we see that a heart connection between Heaven and Earth is as much a central message of the 10 Commandments given to Israel by Moshe (Moses) as in the Sermon on the Mount given to Israel by Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).

Our legacy — what will outlive us — is our impact on the culture by Heaven’s changing our “heart of stone” that weighs us down to the dead-end deeds of this world into a heart that beats in time with the footsteps of Yeshua.

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Discussions Torah

Stand up against ‘spiritual gravity’ — aka ‘the flesh’ (Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22)

Stand up against spiritual gravity (aka "the flesh") - Deuteronomy 1-3

We live with gravity. Though considered a weak force, between the massive Earth and us on its surface, gravity keeps us grounded, but it can also crush us. In the International Space Station in orbit, astronauts don’t feel gravity, and they need something to grab onto and push off of something. But if you were to go to Jupiter, gravity is so strong, that it would crush humans and kill them instantly.

How much more will “spiritual gravity” (aka “the flesh”) drag us down, age us and crush us unless we morally stand against it?

In the Torah reading דברים Devarim (“words,” Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22), we learn that God wants us to moving forward — rather than going in circles like a stunt driver burning doughnuts on the pavement — repeating the same mistakes. God treasures us and wants us to reach our destination and enter His rest. One day His rest will encompass the entire world and what we learn and practice now is a preparation for that time. God is willing to help us standing against the gravity of our old way of life and help us stand for what is right.

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Discussions Torah

Snakes on the brain: Poison of the critical spirit (Numbers 20–21)

Snakes on the brain: Poison of the critical spirit (Numbers 20-21)

What kingdom do you prefer to inhabit? The Kingdom of Death (that which doesn’t persist long term) or the Kingdom of Life (that which persists eternally)? Some believe that out of the ashes of chaos comes revolution that will result in a new golden age of peace, comfort and stability. But is this true?

The Torah section חֻקַּת‎ Chukat/Khuqat (“statute of,” Numbers 19:1–22:1) reveals the deadly viper poised to strike in the propaganda of our age.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Get a grip on God: Finding the why of the tassels (Numbers 15)

Get a grip on God: Finding the why of the tassels (Numbers 15)

The Holy One of Israel associated the צִיצִתות tzitzitot (tassles, fringes) with locks of hair or flower blooms: sources of identification, things that draw our attention and harbingers of messianic hope. The tzitzitot that Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ) wore as the quintessential Son of David brought hope and encouragement to those who followed Him, to hear His words and seek His healing through faith. In the Day of the LORD (i.e., the “latter days”), the tzitzit will continue to be a sign of faith, hope and healing for those who are looking for God.

Let’s explore from the Bible why these strings of fabric attached to the corners of the garments of the people of God can be anchors of faith — if they are worn with Heaven’s Torah written on our hearts.

Categories
Discussions Prophets and Writings

When God’s people need a ‘timeout’ — and a heart-to-heart restoration (Hosea 1–3)

When God's people need a 'timeout' then a heart-to-heart restoration (Hosea 1-3)

One of the last warnings Heaven has for Earth is that it has serious commitment and infidelity issues. The people don’t know the Maker because of cultural drift over decades or eons, or the people have had a relationship with the God revealed through Israel but want something else.

As the annual Feast of Weeks (Shavuot, aka Pentecost) approaches quickly (May 17 this year), we are focusing in this study on the opening chapters of the Bible book of Hosea. One of the themes of Shavuot is the “marriage” of Israel and Heaven at Sinai with the giving of the Ten Words (aka Ten Commandments, Exodus 19-20) and the joining of the nations to the Holy One (Acts 2). And Hosea begins with an extended living parable for Israel through the prophets dysfunctional family.