Author: Jeff

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings Purim Torah

Tree of Knowledge and Haman’s gallows: Esther shows us how to overcome our desire to replace God

Tree of Knowledge & Haman's gallows: Esther show us how to overcome our desire to replace God. Artwork shows a fruit tree on the left side of the image.

Bible prophecy often talks about widespread persecution against the people of God in the “latter days.” But that seems so far removed from today’s society, where we have global human rights watchdog groups, U.S. First Amendment protections for religious freedom, the International Court of Justice and the United Nations.

This study of the Torah reading וַיִּקְרָא Vayikra (“and He called,” Levicus 1:1–6:7) plus readings for the Sabbath of Remembrance (Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11) and the Book of Esther reminds us why we keep seeing outbreaks of perplexing violence throughout history, in spite of attempts to legislate away evil.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Through the Tabernacle door: How Messiah opens access to God’s presence (Exodus 38; Romans 7; Hebrews 8)

Through the Tabernacle door: How the Messiah opens access to God's presence (Exodus 35-38; Romans 7; Hebrews 8). Artwork shows a dark room with happy and sad smileys on the walls, and an open door shows light and clouds outside.

What can all the meticulous Bible detail on the architecture and interior design of Israel’s Tabernacle teach us about Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus)? In this study of Torah reading וַיַּקְהֵל Vayaqhel (“and he assembled,” Ex. 35:1–38:20), we’ll focus on the door of that Dwelling Place of God. As the living Tabernacle (Jn. 1:14), Yeshua is the way for native-born (Jew) and foreign-born (Gentile) believers to move from where we all started as “other” from God toward the Presence to see His glory.

Yeshua is the perfect high priest who offers the true sacrifice, the goal toward Whom the essential patterns of the Tabernacle/Temple direct us (Hebrews 7-8). Without Yeshua’s atoning work, memorialized annually on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), there is no other means of salvation — to have access to God (Heb. 10:26-27). The Torah, as “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4; Dt. 8:3), reveals the reality of life apart from the Creator and that there is a Way back — Yeshua.

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

From Sinai to Savior: Good news of God’s Presence among us (Exodus 30–34; 1Kings 18; 2Corinthians 3)

From Sinai to Savior: Good news of God's Presence among us (Exodus 30-34; 1Kings 18; 2Corinthians 3). Artwork shows Mt. Sinai with dark clouds and lightning at the top and the golden calf at the bottom.

The story of Israel’s partying around the golden calf at Mount Sinai may seem ancient and completely out of touch with modern sensibilities. But the golden calf incident didn’t happen in a vacuum, and Israel’s repeated dalliances with golden calf deities throughout its history before the Babylonian exile weren’t coincidental either.

In this study on the Torah reading כי תשא Ki Tisa (“when you take”; Exodus 30:11–34:35), we delve into the construction of the Tabernacle and golden calf calamity, Moses’ plea for forgiveness, and the theme of repentance.

Moses asked to see God’s glory on Mount Sinai, and God revealed His character to Moses in his lovingkindness and steadfastness. Moses spoke with God face to face as one speaks to a friend. This close bond between Moses and God and the Tabernacle home for God’s Presence that traveled prefigure Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), Who lived among us as God in the flesh and fully revealed God’s character (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3).

We also draw upon the accounts of Jonah’s warning to Nineveh, and the Elijah’s stand against the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel. They teach us the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands amid societal pressures to go along with what’s popular or promoted by those in authority. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of the Tabernacle as teaching spiritual connection and anticipates redemption through the Messiah’s return and the transformation of Jerusalem along with all the world.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

God’s dwelling place among us: Garden of Eden to Tabernacle to Messiah (Exodus 27–30; Ezekiel 43; Hebrews 13)

God's dwelling place among us: Garden of Eden to Tabernacle to Messiah (Exodus 27-30; Ezekiel 43; Hebrews 13). Three panels with fruit tree in garden, Israel's Tabernacle and of Yeshua preaching in the Temple.

Why is there so much ink in the Torah devoted to the design of Israel’s Tabernacle? As we see in this study of Torah reading תְּצַוֶּה Tetzaveh (“you shall command,” Exodus 27:20–30:10) and parallel passages on Ezekiel’s temple and Hebrews 13, the emphasis is God’s dwelling among His people, who are to be a lifeline for humanity.  The architecture, offerings and rituals of the Tabernacle (and later temples) are essential, enduring blueprints for the atoning work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and believers’ personal transformation through God’s Spirit to be continual “living sacrifices” (Rom. 12:1–2) in how they behave.

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Discussions Torah

Torah answers for modern life: A call to justice and mercy (Exodus 21–24)

Torah answers for modern life: A call to justice and mercy (Exodus 21-24). Lady Justice holding scales stands opposite a dove in flight.

Despite its ancient origins, the Torah’s guidance on ethics, justice, and compassion remains pertinent today. Faith must be wedded to obedience in applying Heaven’s teachings to contemporary life. This study of Torah reading מִּשְׁפָּטִים Mishpatim (“judgments,” Exodus 21–24) delves into legal interpretations of the Ten Commandments, stressing fairness and impartiality in legal proceedings. The Torah’s stance on issues like slavery underscores principles of compassion and equitable treatment. Drawing from biblical and historical contexts (Paul’s letter to Philemon, Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in Matthew 20), we advocate for justice, mercy, and societal transformation guided by Torah’s timeless wisdom.

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Discussions Torah

Sinai’s call: A journey of renewal and spiritual awakening through Messiah (Exodus 19–20)

Sinai's call: A journey of renewal and awakening through Messiah Yeshua (Exodus 19-20). Artwork of the burning bush on the side of a mountain with other peaks in the background.

The 10 Commandments, recorded in Torah reading יִתְרוֹ Yitro (Jethro; Exodus 18:1–20:23), stand as a divine testimony, revealing the eternal plan of the Holy One for humanity. In this study, we will see that understanding our identity, purpose, and ultimate goal unfolds as we traverse the journey of Passover, marking our passage from bondage to freedom.

Like the modern British Commonwealth, Israel embodies a unique entity, with her sons and daughters designated as priests, kings and prophets but most importantly, as sons and daughters of God. Amidst vacillations between fidelity and faltering, Israel’s distinction emanates from divine appointment.

Central to the sanctification that Heaven bestows through this promise — covenant — of adoption is Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ). The essence of “new birth” intertwines Sinai’s instruction with the Spirit’s vitality, propelling us toward righteousness and intimate communion with the Holy One.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Got enough faith to be free?: Lessons from ancient Israel’s and the apostles’ sea crossings (Exodus 14–15; Matthew 8; John 6–7)

Got enough faith to be free?: Lessons from Israel's and the apostles' sea crossings (Exodus 14-15; Matthew 8; John 6-7). A hand reaches up out of stormy waves toward a shadowy feature above the waves.

Ancient Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea while being pursued by the army of then-superpower Mitzraim (Egypt), recorded in Torah reading בְּשַׁלַּח Beshalach (“when he sent” or “after he had let go,” Exodus 13:17–17:16), is a key example of God’s supremacy over worldly powers. This study explores a parallel between Heaven’s mastery over that sea and the mastery of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) over the tempestuous waters of the Sea of Galilee. We investigate how ancient Israel and Yeshua’s apostles were prepared for trusting in God when all seems hopeless, and how this spiritual discipline trains us for the massive and mundane struggles we face today.