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Discussions Torah

Discernment in a deceptive age: How to sharpen our spiritual senses (Deuteronomy 29–30)

"Discernment in a deceptive age: How to sharpen our spiritual senses (Deuteronomy 29-30)." Adobe Firefly AI generated artwork of two wooden picture frames, the left one showing a man wearing glasses obscured by grey clouds, the right frame showing a woman wearing glasses with one lens seeing a smiley emoji and the other lens seeing an angry face emoji.

The Torah readings of נִצָּבִים Nitzavim and וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30) confront us with a stark choice — life or death. Yet this is no mere intellectual exercise, for the decision before us demands a profound internal transformation via Heaven’s tag-team Comforters, the Word and the Spirit. In this study, we’ll see that these ancient yet ever-more-relevant words speak to the very core of our being, calling us to align our thoughts and desires with the ways of the Almighty. In a world that tempts us with the allure of secret knowledge and the false security of human systems, we are challenged to discern the subtle yet vital distinctions between the paths that lie before us. It is only through the power of God’s Spirit working within us that we can truly choose the way that leads to “abundant life” (John 10:10).

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Torah readings

Torah readings Nitzavim (נצבים) & Vayelech (וילך): Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30

Studies in Torah

In the previous Torah reading, כי תבוא Ki Tavo, we learned the importance of having character that survives stressors big and small. The first part of this week’s double reading, נִצָּבִים Nitzavim (“standing,” Deut. 29:9–30:20), underscores the building blocks of that character: loving the LORD with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. We learn that the “New Covenant,” or “New Testament” really isn’t so new, but choosing a lifestyle that leads to life and not death does require us to leave our old “dead works” behind.

“Be strong and courageous.” Imagine getting that advice as you’re being sent out to accomplish something you feel totally unprepared for. Those were some of the last words Moshe (Moses) left as Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. What counts is how much trust you have in the one in charge. That baton was passing, but the people had to remember the One ultimately leading and fighting for them. The second part of this week’s reading, וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (“he went,” Deut. 31:1–30), introduces what’s really the second verse of the “song of Moses,” mentioned in Rev. 15:3.

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Discussions Torah

Deeper meaning of First Fruits: Give God your first & best (Deuteronomy 26–27)

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The first fruits offering explored in this study of the Torah reading כִּי־תָבוֹא Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:9) reveals God’s desire for our hearts — not just our outward obedience. The narrative reminds us that despite our struggles and feelings of worthlessness, God values us deeply. Tithing further demonstrates how we are to share our blessings with others.

Yet the sobering curses warn that internal rebellion has severe consequences, even to the point of unthinkable acts.

These passages call us to examine our motives and align our hearts with God’s. For when we do, the prophecies of restoration reveal the bountiful blessings that await those who wholeheartedly return to the LORD.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Ki Tavo (כי תבוא): Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8

Studies in Torah

“Correcting” an aggressive driver on the road. “Losing it” with a screaming child in the store. We may think we’re far removed from the horror show described in this week’s Torah reading, כִּי־תָבוֹא Ki Tavo (“when you come in,” Deut. 26:1–29:8), but each of us encounters stress that pushes off any mask over our true characters.

A key point in this passage is entering and living in the “rest” God gives us, fully realized through the Messiah and the Spirit. Like Israel’s move from Mitsraim (Egypt) to the Land, our entering God’s “rest” (Hebrews 3–4) is all about a change of identity, purpose and character.

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Discussions Life With God Parenting tips

Parenting on the edge: When negligence becomes a crime (Deuteronomy 24:16)

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This study on the Torah reading Ki Tetze discusses contrasting approaches to justice between recent cases in Michigan and Georgia, where parents were charged for not preventing their children’s actions, and North Korea’s practice of punishing entire families for an individual’s wrongdoing. It compares these to the Torah’s principle of personal responsibility and prevention of harm.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

How to empower the next generation to walk in righteousness (1Corinthians 5)

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The Scriptures call us to holiness and faithfulness. In this study of the Torah passage כִּי־תֵצֵא Ki Tetze (“when you go forth,” Deut. 21:10-25:19) focusing on a parallel passage in 1st Corinthians 5, we will see that tolerating unrepentant sin weakens the witness of the community of believers. Confronting sin with grace is an act of love — for the individual and the congregation. As we strive to walk uprightly, may we have the courage to uphold righteousness and the humility to receive correction. Only then can we fulfill our purpose to be a holy people.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Ki Tetze (כי תצא): Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Studies in Torah

Yeshua (Jesus) said, “(E)veryone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NASB). That heart-encompassing explanation of Heaven’s instructions about adultery, murder, theft, honesty and lust for stuff is what’s behind the seemingly disconnected topics covered in the Torah passage כִּי־תֵצֵא Ki Tetze (“when you go forth,” Deut. 21:10-25:19). It helps explain what’s under the hood of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth commandments.