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Torah readings

Readings: March 7, 2026

Studies in Torah

God’s unfailing mercy and holiness were revealed at Mt. Sinai. That call to live as His consecrated people continues today, empowered by Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). The New Covenant, first revealed to prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel, is God’s writing His Torah on hearts of Jew and grafted-in Gentile alike, brought to fulness by the Spirit’s indwelling. Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts shows how Heaven brings creates one body of believers in Messiah, called to mutual love and edification.

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Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings Purim Torah

From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36)

Alt-text: Digital painting created by ChatGPT in a bold, textured oil palette knife style, formatted in a 16:9 landscape composition. The image is split evenly into two epic biblical scenes. On the left, Queen Esther, dressed in flowing white and blue garments with gold accents, reverently reaches out to touch the tip of King Ahasuerus’s golden scepter as he sits on an ornate throne in a richly decorated Persian palace. The king wears royal red and gold robes and a crown, and the scene glows with warm gold and amber tones. On the right, men in ancient dress rebuild Jerusalem’s stone wall. Some workers lay large blocks while gripping swords at their sides, and armed guards stand watch on the wall, scanning the distant hills under a dramatic sky streaked with blue and gold. Thick impasto brushstrokes give the entire composition a dynamic, sculpted texture. In the lower left corner, text overlay reads: “From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

As we celebrate Purim, we explore how God’s presence — more than ritual — was at the heart of the restoration of Israel recorded in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah. Rebuilding walls parallels the restoring of homes and hearts via practical boundaries, discernment and daily “filters” of the mind. True restoration begins inward (New Covenant), sealed with the blood of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and empowered by the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit). Esther’s courage and Nehemiah’s rebuilding inspire action amid exile and imperfection. Walk toward Zion by cultivating the Spirit’s work in you.

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 28, 2026

Studies in Torah

In Exodus 32–34 God’s anger over the Golden Calf shows Israel’s weakness, yet He reveals His merciful character and renews the covenant. In parallel manner, Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) is ultimate atonement and faithful intercessor. Parallel passage 2Samuel 22 praises God as deliverer and prefigures the Messiah-King’s victory and salvation. Parallel passage Romans 9:14–16 underscores God’s sovereign mercy, echoing Exodus 33:19 and revealing that salvation is rooted in divine choice, not human merit. 

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Golden calf vs. living God: Choosing who dwells in your heart (Exodus 31-32; Deuteronomy 9; 1John 2)

Alt-text: A digital painting generated by ChatGPT in a bold oil palette knife style. Moses stands on a rugged slope of Mount Sinai at left, gripping shattered stone tablets and gazing down in anguish at the camp below. In the valley, a golden calf idol stands elevated on a pedestal, surrounded by flames and dancing figures in chaotic revelry. Above the camp, a faint, radiant vision of the future tabernacle glows with holy light, contrasting divine presence with idolatry. Dramatic lighting and vigorous, textured strokes heighten the emotional intensity. Text overlay in the lower right corner reads, “Golden calf living God: Choosing who dwells in your heart. Exodus 31-32; Deuteronomy 9; 1John 2.” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower left corner.

Exodus 31–32 reveals God as the ultimate Artist Who gifts human creativity to build a Tabernacle where He can truly dwell among His people. In this study, we see the contrast between that embassy of the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the golden calf, a human-created false representation of the divine. This calf graphically reveals what happens when we put anything else at the center of our lives. Through Moses’ mediation and New Testament insights about the Messiah, we learn that real repentance, mercy and obedience turn our hearts and communities into God’s living Tabernacle.

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 21, 2026

Studies in Torah

God’s gift of the Shabbat (Sabbath) and the Tabernacle points forward to God dwelling with His people, while Israel’s golden calf rebellion shows the danger of syncretism and the need for faithful devotion to the Holy One (Exodus 31:12–32:14). Parallel passage Ezekiel 20:1–7 reminds believers that Israel repeatedly rejected God’s commandments and idolatry led to judgment, yet God acts for His name’s sake and foreshadows the future transformation of hearts under the New Covenant.  Colossians 3:1–5 calls believers raised with Messiah to set their minds on heavenly things, “putting to death” earthly impurity because our true life is hidden in Him.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prophets and Writings Tithe & Finances Torah

Render to God what is God’s: Identity, ownership and stewardship in Scripture (Exodus 30; 2Kings 12; 2Corinthians 9)

A digital palette knife oil painting created by ChatGPT shows a radiant human heart formed from glowing treasure — gold coins, widow’s mites, half-shekel silver, a vial of anointing oil, and carved Temple stones — suspended above an open ancient scroll with softly blurred Hebrew script. Thick impasto textures and bold strokes in deep blue, crimson, gold, and white light convey spiritual intensity and total heart investment in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the right side, text reads, “Render to God what Is God’s: Identity, ownership and stewardship in Scripture (Exodus 30; 2Kings 12; 2Corinthians 9).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

Some thrill at going “all in” on a risky but profitable venture or free-climbing a skyscraper. But what does it really mean to go all-in for the Kingdom of God? From the half-shekel “ransom” in Exodus to the repairs of the neglected Temple in 2Kings, from the widow’s mite to apostle Paul’s call to cheerful giving that’s responsibly managed, we see that God isn’t chasing our money. He’s pursuing our hearts. We’re ransomed from bondage to our past; entrusted with time, talents and treasure; and invited to invest them where they matter most: in eternal, kingdom-building living.

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 14, 2026

Studies in Torah

Exodus 30’s half-shekel offering shows that supporting God’s work was about trust and shared responsibility, not wealth. In 2Kings 12, honest leadership restores giving so the Temple can be repaired. Apostle Paul echoes this in 2Corinthians 9, explaining that generosity flows from grace and leads to joy, not pressure. From the Tabernacle to the early believers, giving is pictured like planting seeds. What’s shared in faith grows into blessing for many.