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Torah readings

Readings: Nov. 1, 2025

Exodus 12:14–28 records the institution of Passover as a perpetual memorial — God’s rescue, sanctification and removal of leaven — pointing to Yeshua as the true Paschal Lamb whose sacrifice effects a spiritual exodus. Jeremiah 46:13–28 is a prophetic judgment on Egypt, underscoring God’s sovereignty over nations. Colossians 1:13–14 can be read like a midrash (often metaphorical commentary): believers are rescued from darkness and transferred into the King’s domain, paralleling Israel’s liberation.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings

From judgment to mercy: How God turns enemies into family (Exodus 10–11; Isaiah 19–20; John 1)

True freedom comes from humbling ourselves before God, recognizing His power over judgment and mercy. The lessons from plagues on Egypt in Exodus 10–11, the “Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world” in John 1 and the end-times redemption of Egypt in Isaiah 19–20 invite us to leave darkness behind, trust the Creator over worldly powers, and embrace the transformative journey from bondage to new life. It’s an invitation to reflect, turn to our Savior and walk in His light.

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Torah readings

Readings: Oct. 25, 2025

Exodus 10–12 portrays God’s decisive judgment on Egypt and the first Passover: blood and unleavened bread mark Israel’s rescue and point forward to Messiah’s atoning work. Parallel passage Isaiah 19 warns of Egypt’s humbling yet promises future healing and inclusion among God’s peoples. In parallel passage John 1:29–34, Yokhanan names Yeshua (Jesus) “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world,” linking Passover to His Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) sin-removing, priestly atoning role.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12)

In this study of Exodus 8–9, we explored how Pharaoh’s attempts to negotiate with God revealed the futility of seeking control over true submission. We examined the motivations behind biblical negotiations — whether for personal gain or to save lives — and why God honors one over the other. Via parallel passages Isaiah 34–35 and Hebrews 12, we also discussed the destruction of Esau/Edom, compared how pagan gods and the God of Israel love humanity, and reflected on how authentic repentance and selfless motivations matter most when relating to God and others.

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Torah readings

Readings: Oct. 18, 2025

Adonai’s sovereign confrontation with Egypt’s gods through plagues continues in Exodus 8–9, calling Israel to true worship and revealing Pharaoh’s hardness. Parallel passage Isaiah 34–35 links divine judgment on Edom and the nations with hopeful restoration for Zion and healing for the redeemed. Parallel passage Hebrews 12:14–17 is read as apostolic exhortation: pursue peace and holiness, beware moral and spiritual immaturity exemplified by Esau, and persevere in covenant faithfulness toward Messiah and covenant community, grounded in Torah-rooted ethics and eschatological hope today.

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Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings The Eighth Day

A bigger tent: God’s heart for the nations (Isaiah 54–56; John 4, 7)

This study during Heaven’s new-beginnings festival of Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day) explores Isaiah 54–56. We see God’s promises of restoration and hope not only for Israel but for outsiders — foreigners and those not able to have children — teaches us about belonging in His big family. Spiritual hunger and thirst are satiated and slaked by the “living water” of Heaven’s tag-team Comforters: the Messiah (Word) and the Spirit. God invites us to pursue justice, compassion and renewal via an invitation that is for all who long for home, true belonging and the ways of the Creator.

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Torah readings

Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day) readings

The Hebrew name for “assembly of the eighth [day]” (Lev. 23:39) is שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת Shemeni Atseret. Functionally, it’s the “last” day of the seven-day festival of ingathering, or Sukkot (Tabernacles).

The annual memorial of Sukkot recalls the transition from Yisrael’s wandering in the wilderness in tents for 40 years, and Shemini Atzeret may point to the new beginning in permanent homes in the Land after crossing the Yarden (Jordan).

This new beginning is likened to entering God’s eternal rest (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3–4). Symbolized by Ha’aretz (“the Land”), this “rest” is points forward to a time when Heaven and humanity are reunited in “the Kingdom,” also known as the messianic age.