Categories
Torah readings

Readings: May 17, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 30:22–31:2; 1Samuel 1:1–11; and Acts 13:16–41 highlight God’s sovereignty in fulfilling His promises and the importance of faith. In Genesis, Rachel’s barrenness ends with Joseph’s birth, showcasing divine intervention. 1Samuel depicts Hannah’s fervent prayer leading to Samuel’s birth, emphasizing heartfelt supplication and paralleling Miriam’s prayer on hearing she would bear the Messiah. Acts presents Paul’s sermon, tracing Israel’s history to Yeshua (Jesus), urging belief in Him for salvation. Collectively, these passages underscore God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of trust in His plan.

Categories
Discussions Parenting tips Torah

Children: Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion (Genesis 29–30)

Adobe Firefly illustrated banner featuring three joyful young girls running through a vibrant field with sunlight and colorful brushstroke-style background. The large bold text in the center reads, “CHILDREN,” with the subtitle below: “Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion – Genesis 29–30.” The hallel.info logo is visible in the top left corner.

Children are a divine blessing and essential to God’s covenant. In this study, we zeroed in on the bigger lessons from the sibling rivalries in Genesis, focusing on Leah and Rachel’s struggle to bear children (Genesis 29–30). Contrary to a frequent refrain on social media, children aren’t an inconvenience, but a sacred trust for passing faith between generations. Modern society is slowly recognizing children’s importance as birth rates plummet to civilization-ending levels. Scripture reveals the crucial role parents play in teaching God’s words and modeling trust across generations.

Categories
Torah readings

Readings: May 10, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 29:31–30:21; Isaiah 60:15–18; and Romans 11:25–36 highlight God’s redemptive power and faithfulness. In Genesis, Leah’s transformation from unloved to honored mother of Israel’s tribes illustrates divine compassion. Isaiah prophesies Israel’s restoration from desolation to everlasting joy, symbolizing hope for all generations. Romans reveals the mystery of Israel’s partial hardening, emphasizing that salvation through Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) extends to both Jews and Gentiles, uniting them in God’s covenant. Together, these passages affirm God’s unwavering commitment to redeem and restore His people.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

No place too hidden: God’s all-present mercy (Genesis 28; Ephesians 5)

Adobe Firefly digital painting banner illustrating Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28. The scene shows Jacob lying on the ground, gazing upward in awe, wrapped in warm, ethereal light. A glowing staircase ascends into radiant clouds where a divine, luminous lamb-shaped figure appears in the sky, representing the Messiah. Angels ascend and descend the ladder amid golden and blue celestial light. Large bold text reads: “No Place Too Hidden – God’s all-present mercy. Genesis 28; Ephesians 5.”

Jacob’s ladder vision in Genesis 28:10-17 shows how God sees everything and desires closeness with us. Using passages from Psalms, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ephesians, this study unpacked how nothing escapes God’s sight. The key message? God isn’t just watching to judge, but wants to connect with us. The Messiah bridges Heaven and Earth, transforming us from who we were to who He wants us to be.

Categories
Torah readings

Readings: May 3, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 28:10–29:30; Hosea 12:12–14; and Ephesians 5:5–10 emphasize the journey from spiritual immaturity to faithful obedience. Jacob’s transformation — from deceiver to one who wrestles with God — illustrates the struggle between fleshly desires and divine calling. Hosea uses Jacob’s story to urge Israel to return to God, highlighting the consequences of idolatry and the hope of redemption. Ephesians warns believers against immorality and emphasizes living as children of light, reflecting God’s holiness in a world prone to darkness.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Spiritual freedom: How to let go of grudges before they destroy you (Genesis 27; Genesis 4; Leviticus 19)

Digital artwork created with Adobe Firefly depicting an enraged man shouting intensely, rendered with dramatic lighting and strong emotion. To the left, large bold text reads: "SPIRITUAL FREEDOM — How to let go of grudges before they destroy you — Genesis 27 & 4; Leviticus 19." The background is blurred with warm, golden light, enhancing the intense mood. The website "hallel.info" is faintly marked in the lower right corner.

This study explores the destructive power of resentment by examining Esau’s grudge against Jacob (Genesis 27) and Cain’s anger toward Abel (Genesis 4). Unchecked emotions can lead to hatred and potential violence. However, God’s Word (particularly, the Golden Rule) offers a transformative path: choose love over vengeance, seek reconciliation and allow God’s Spirit to heal wounds. By mastering our impulses and embracing forgiveness, we can break cycles of bitterness and experience divine restoration.

Categories
Torah readings

Readings: April 26, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 27:30–28:9; Micah 1:1; 5:1–15; and Romans 5:1–11 emphasize God’s faithfulness and redemptive plan. In Genesis, Jacob’s deception and Esau’s response illustrate the complexities of divine election and human choices. Micah warns of judgment due to Israel’s transgressions but also foretells the coming of a ruler from Bethlehem, indicating hope and restoration. Paul in Romans highlights the justification and peace believers have through faith in Messiah, underscoring God’s love demonstrated through Messiah’s sacrifice. Together, these passages reveal a consistent message of sin, judgment and redemption.