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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

From barrenness to blessing: The miraculous births that changed history (Genesis 21; 1Samuel 1; Matthew 1)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knift style image of an elderly ancient near east woman (Sarah) holding an infant boy (Isaac). Text says, "From barrenness to blessing: The miraculous births that changed history. (Genesis 21; 1Samuel 1; Matthew 1)."

The promised Seed of Eve was destined from the beginning of the world to crush the head of the one who brought misery to Earth. That Seed is traced through the miraculous births of Isaac, Samuel and ultimately Immanuel — the Messiah, God with us. Amidst human failings and spiritual decline, God’s sovereign plan unfolds, revealing a trajectory from Eden to eternity, where the glory of His presence is restored. This study of Genesis 21, 1Samuel 1–2 and Matthew 1 invites us to trust the Creator’s promises, discern His ways, and anticipate the coming of the King who will establish His eternal kingdom.

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 22, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 21 explores the birth of Isaac, the son of promise, and the subsequent tensions with Ishmael, representing the son of the flesh. This narrative illustrates the supremacy of the Spirit over the flesh, as discussed in Galatians 4. Genesis 21 also highlights Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba, sealed with a seven-fold oath, emphasizing themes of faith, divine promise and the importance of trusting in God’s timing and methods.

Genesis 21 and parallel passages highlight God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and how they all lead to the ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Ripples of righteousness: How Abraham’s belief is shaping all nations (Genesis 20; Isaiah 61; Galatians 3)

Adobe Firefly AI oil painting-style image shows Abraham sitting by the Jordan River, with palm trees in the background. Ripples radiate from a pebble he threw into the water. Text says, "Ripples of Righteousness How Abraham's Belief Is Shaping All Nations (Genesis 2O; Isaiah 61; Galatians 3)."

This study of Genesis 20, Isaiah 61 and Galatians 3 explores the interconnected themes of faith, law and righteousness. It traces the impact of Abraham’s belief on all nations. God’s promise to Abraham transcends the Law of God, empowering believers to positively influence their communities. Biblical righteousness, forgiveness and the responsibilities of the faithful are grounded in the transformative power of trust — faith — in God. The parable of people as trees producing “good fruit” illustrates the reverberating effects of Heaven’s redemption of us and transformation of our characters. The result of our transformation is our obedience — “fruit.”

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 15, 2025

Studies in Torah

In Genesis 20, Abraham again misrepresents Sarah as his sister, leading King Abimelech to take her into his household. God intervenes, warning Abimelech in a dream, resulting in Sarah’s return and Abraham’s prayer for healing. This episode highlights Abraham’s recurring struggle with fear and deception, yet God still refers to him as a prophet. The narrative underscores themes of human fallibility, divine protection, and the importance of integrity in relationships.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Hospitality as resistance: How to shine light into the world’s darkness (Genesis 19; Luke 17)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife style image of a man comforting a downcast man. Text says, "Hospitality as resistance: How To shine light into the world's darkness (Genesis 19; Luke 17.)"

This study of Genesis 19, Isaiah 17–18, and Luke 17 emphasizes the LORD’s active involvement in human affairs and the need for spiritual discernment of people’s needs around us and how to respond to those needs. It explores the parallels between the days of Noah, Lot and the coming Day of the LORD, underscoring the importance of hospitality, readiness and heeding the warnings of the prophets. We delve into the teachings of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) on inconveniencing ourselves to alleviate suffering and how the transfiguration, where Yeshua’s glory from the Kingdom of God, reminds us what our mission on Earth is.

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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 8, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 19 contrasts Abraham’s hospitality and Sodom’s wickedness, emphasizing the challenge of righteousness in a corrupt world. Lot’s rescue foreshadows divine redemption, linking to Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) as the ultimate deliverer from judgment. The destruction of Sodom warns of coming judgment, while Abraham’s intercession reflects Yeshua’s role as mediator. The passage teaches the importance of righteousness, mercy, and trusting in God’s salvation amidst a fallen world.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Shekinah revealed: How the LORD’s tangible presence refutes the ‘absentee landlord’ myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33–34; Luke 8)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife-style image of an Ancient Near East older man sitting at the entrance of his tent and looking at three men approaching. Text says, "Shekinah revealed How the LORD's tangible presence refutes the absentee landlord myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33-34; Luke 8)."

This study of Genesis 18 further explores Abraham’s faith journey. His bargaining for the lives of the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights why the LORD knew he was the right choice to establish a legacy of overcoming the world and staying on Heaven’s path of justice and righteousness. This startling example of the LORD’s active presence and involvement in human affairs is far removed from the accusation that He’s an “absentee landlord.”

A parallel passage in Luke 8 reveals how the parable of the sower, the healings of the bleeding woman and dead girl, and the Shema (“Hear, O Israel” from Deuteronomy 6) seem to be intertwined — and linked to Sarah’s Heaven-sent gift of a son. A lesson in all that is we need to be open to, truly understand and obey God’s word. We also delve into the role of wealth, hospitality and service in the Kingdom of Heaven, calling us to faithfulness in all aspects of life.