Author: Jeff

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Discussions Torah

Eden’s two trees: Paths of life and death (Genesis 2–3)

Eden's two trees: Paths of life and death (Genesis 2-3)

It could be easy to dismiss as myth the Bible account of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2–3). Can god-like wisdom come from eating fruit from a special tree? How could the fate of humanity be tipped toward toil and sorrow just because Adam and Eve selected fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad versus the Tree of Life?

But this passage from the beginning of the Book of Beginning — בְּרֵאשִׁית Beresheet (“in the beginning,” Gen. 1:1–6:8) really directs us to the key question the Creator asked the first couple before and after their fruit selection: Will you choose life or choose death? Appeal, similar to what Moshe posed in Deut. 30:19 and what’s seen in the Book of Revelation, was presented physically in the form of two trees, both of which the Holy One created.

And this choice of the path toward life versus the path toward death is one that each of us have to keep making from one moment to the next.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

How to become a rock of character in a sinking world of sand (2Samuel 22)

How to become a rock of character in a sinking world of sand (2Samuel 22)

Moses was not the only Hebrew Bible dignitary who wrote a song of deliverance. In this study, we will explore King David’s song of deliverance, as recorded in 2Samuel 22.

Just as Israel had been delivered from Egypt, David had been delivered from two different enemies: King Sha’ul and the Philistines.

Yet, David didn’t brag about his military prowess or his own cunning, but about God’s deliverance. He acknowledges that God is the source of his righteousness, wisdom and power.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

2 steps to repentance: Turn away from what’s bad; turn toward Who’s good

2 steps to repentance: Turn away from what's bad; turn toward Who's good

The Shabbat (Sabbath) between Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is called the Shabbat Shuvah, or Sabbath of Restoration/Return.

Traditional readings for this day from the prophets Hosea, Micah and Joel warn us that when our spiritual eyes are opened, He will show us where our community, our nation has veered away from Him, just as He will show us where we have turned away from Him on a personal level.

During this time of preparation for God’s judgement, we have an opportunity to see where have we gone off the right path. We should want to turn away from evil and turn back to the good. God has promised us through all the Prophets, the Apostles and through the Messiah Himself that the heart of God is toward His people. Heaven is looking for us to repent and change our hearts towards Him.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Choose a selfless life for the salvation of the world (Deuteronomy 29–30)

Choose a selfless life for the salvation of the world (Deuteronomy 29-30)

Moses said effectively, “Choose life, not death” (Deut. 30:19-20). It sounds like such an easy thing to do. But the truth is that it’s easier to walk the path of death than it is to walk the path of life. Our “flesh” drags us to follow our own inclinations, what we think is right rather than what God thinks and what He has taught us is right. In the Torah portion נִצָּבִים Nitzavim (“standing,” Deut. 29:9-30:20), Moses tells us that the Torah is not too hard for us, but it can be immensely difficult for us if we are not following through in letting the Spirit of God lead us.

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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).

Categories
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.

Categories
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.