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Torah readings

Readings: Feb. 1, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 18 explores Abraham’s growing faith, hospitality and intercession. Abraham’s faith matures as he trusts God’s promise of a son, a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s miraculous birth. Abraham’s radical hospitality reflects God’s love, shown through Abraham and Lot’s care for strangers. God’s revelation of Sodom’s fate underscores His justice and mercy, inviting intercessory prayer. These moments point to Yeshua (Jesus), who embodies divine compassion, intercedes for humanity, and fulfills God’s promises. Believers are encouraged to deepen their faith, emulate God’s love, and participate in His redemptive plan through prayer and action.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Abraham’s noisy descendants: Proclaiming the Messiah’s kingdom (Genesis 17; Isaiah 63; Romans 4)

Abraham has a happy face as he is surrounded by a crowd of noisy happy people. Adobe Firefly palete knife AI image. Text says, "Abraham's noisy descendants: Proclaiming the Messiah's kingdom (Genesis 17; Isaiah 63; Romans 4)."

The Messiah’s covenant with humanity via Abraham is the foundation of our faith. In this study, recalling Abraham’s journey of trust in Heaven starting in Genesis 12, we see the power of the Spirit to transform and empower us as overcomers of the attractive lure of a world steeped more in the knowledge of bad than of good. Like the new names for Abram and Sarai recorded in Genesis 17, the Messiah’s new name and our new identity in Him call us to a life of spiritual renewal, where we boldly proclaim His glory and advance His kingdom. May we, like Abraham, walk in unwavering faith, knowing that our Redeemer lives and reigns forever.

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Torah readings

Readings: Jan. 25, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 17 emphases God’s covenant with Abraham, which is foundational to the arrival of the Messiah. The circumcision covenant serves as a physical and spiritual marker of the promised Seed through whom all nations would be blessed, pointing to Yeshua (Jesus). The renaming of Abram to Abraham (“father of multitudes”) and Sarai to Sarah (“mother of nations”) reflects their roles in the divine plan to bring forth the Messiah.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Hagar and Sarai: A lesson in the supremacy of the Spirit over the flesh (Genesis 16; Galatians 4)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife style portraits of a young and an old Ancient Near East woman. Text says, "Hagar and Sarai: A lesson in the supremacy of the Spirit over the flesh." Genesis 16: Galatians 4

The account of Hagar and Sarah, recorded in Genesis 16, illustrates the timeless conflict between the flesh and the Spirit of God. As reflected on in Galatians 4, Hagar, the slave woman, represents bondage that the unspiritual can create from God’s Law, while Sarah, the free woman, symbolizes the liberty of the Spirit. This comparison teaches that the Law is meant to serve the Spirit, not the other way around. True freedom comes not from self-effort, but from submitting to God’s sovereign plan — preserved in the Law — and trusting in His promises, namely the Promised One, the Messiah. The flesh must be subordinate to the leading of the Spirit.

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Torah readings

Readings: Jan. 18, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 16 has important messianic connections through the appearance of the “angel of the Lord,” which has a number of hallmarks of a divine manifestation. Hagar’s encounter with Elohim, where she names Him “El-Roi” (“the God Who sees”), foreshadows the Messiah’s ultimate role as God among humanity. The chapter and parallel passages in Isaiah 64 and Galatians 4 contrast human efforts to fulfill divine promises (through Sarai and Hagar) with God’s sovereign plan, emphasizing that salvation and fulfillment come through divine intervention, not human actions.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Balancing preparation and Providence: Lessons from Abram’s covenant (Genesis 15; Romans 4)

Adobe Firefly palette knife-style AI image of two angels with swords standing guard outside a church. The text says, "Balancing preparation and Providence: Lessons from Abram's covenant (Genesis 15; Romans 4)."

In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, where do we find true security? Is it in the strength of our own defenses, or in the unwavering protection of the Almighty? This study on Genesis 15 and Romans 4 invites us to explore the intricate tapestry of Scripture, where the themes of salvation and security at a place of worship are profoundly intertwined.

As we follow the unfolding covenant between God and Abram, we discover that the shield from evil belongs not in the hands of humanity, but in the steadfast grasp of Heaven. Through the powerful imagery of the covenant ceremony, we glimpse the ironclad nature of God’s promise. It reminds us that our ultimate trust must rest in the Promise-maker and Promise-keeper — not in our own efforts.

Yet, this study also reveals the importance of human preparation and community support, all grounded in a faith that transcends our circumstances. Join us as we delve into the timeless wisdom of this passage, uncovering the delicate balance between divine provision and our own responsibility in the face of life’s challenges.

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Torah readings

Readings: Jan. 11, 2025

Studies in Torah

Genesis 15 highlights Abram’s faith in God’s promise of descendants and land, which God credits as righteousness. This faith becomes the foundation of Israel’s mission to bring light to the nations. Abram’s trust in God’s covenant foreshadows the Messiah, Who fulfills these promises by fulfilling God’s blessing to all people. The chapter underscores the centrality of faith in God’s plan, linking Abram’s belief to the redemptive mission of Israel and the Messiah.