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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Passover Prophets and Writings Torah Unleavened Bread

Who is Israel? Uniting native, grafted, chosen in God’s kingdom (Exodus 12; Jeremiah 46; 1Corinthians 5; Colossians 1)

A vibrant oil painting depicts a radiant white lamb standing on a table adorned with bread, a goblet, and plates of food, surrounded by a group of figures in colorful robes. A large tree with lush green leaves extends from the left side, while a warm golden light emanates from the lamb, illuminating the scene. In the upper right corner, a text overlay reads: "Who is Israel? Uniting native, grafted, chosen in God's kingdom." In the lower right corner, another text overlay states: "Exodus 12; Jeremiah 46; 1Corinthians 5; Colossians 1." A watermark "hallel.info" logo is visible in the lower left corner.

Amid resurgent anti-Semitism — sadly even among believers in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah (Christ) — it’s more important than ever to revisit the New Testament teaching that Christ is the Passover Lamb for all Israel — native (Jew) and adopted/grafted (Gentile). Apostle Paul’s Passover teaching about “sincerity and truth” (unleavened bread) in our lives by removing “malice and wickedness” (leaven), with his olive tree metaphor, teaches unity in God’s family. It’s part of lessons from the beginning of the Bible to the end on distinguishing light from darkness, staying humble and embracing God’s correction as an expression of love.

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Torah readings

Readings: Nov. 1, 2025

Studies in Torah

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)

Alt-text: A digital impasto-style oil painting created by ChatGPT depicting a biblical, Messianic scene of transformation from darkness to light. On the left, a man representing Naaman kneels in the Jordan River under dark, stormy skies representing Egypt; on the right, golden light reveals Yeshua (Jesus) with arms outstretched, a dove descending above Him, and a spotless lamb nearby. The text overlay reads, “From judgment to mercy: How God turns enemies into family (Exodus 10–11; Isaiah 19–20; John 1).” A “hallel.info” watermark logo appears in the lower right corner.

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

Studies in Torah

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)

Alt-text: Digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a heavy impasto palette knife style, depicting Pharaoh in royal purple and gold garments gripping a dissolving scepter, facing Moses in humble earth tones with his hand raised toward divine light breaking through swirling clouds. Fragmented chains and mist symbolize liberation and the loss of control. The image bears a “Hallel.info” watermark in the lower right corner and overlaid text reading: “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

Studies in Torah

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)

A vibrant, oil-painting-style image featuring on the right side a Messiah figure in white robes with a radiant halo and a group of diverse people in a lush green landscape at His feet, extending His right hand across a flowing river toward a woman on the left side in a desert landscape with a large tent in the background. The woman raises her hands in response. The text overlay reads, "A bigger tent, God's heart for the nations," with biblical references "Isaiah 54-56; John 4, 7." The image includes a "hallel.Info" watermark. This image was created by ChatGPT.

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.