Category: Discussions

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Set the captives free: The Bible’s real message on slavery & redemption (Exodus 21–22; Jeremiah 34)

A digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a bold palette-knife style shows a diverse group of people journeying from darkness into light. On the left, figures emerge from shadow and bondage, symbolizing slavery in Exodus. They move through parted waters toward a radiant, open landscape of freedom and hope. At the center, a luminous, robed figure with outstretched arms represents Messiah Yeshua, welcoming men, women, and children of many backgrounds into redemption and unity. The right side glows with warm golds and blues, intentionally left simple and uncluttered to accommodate a text overlay. In the upper right corner is the text, “Set the captives free: The Bible’s real message on slavery & redemption (Exodus 21–22; Jeremiah 34).” A small Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

The Bible’s laws about slavery can be troubling, but they reveal something deeper: Even within ancient realities, God’s instructions are aimed to bring dignity, protection, and a pathway to freedom for everyone — Israelites and outsiders alike. In Exodus 21-22, Jeremiah 34 and similar passages, we see that Scripture moves toward greater justice, mercy and inclusion. Ultimately, all these hopes find their fulfillment in the Messiah, Who opens the door to true freedom for every person and nation, showing God’s heart to set all captives free and welcome all into His family.

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Appointments With God Discussions Shabbat Torah

From Sinai to Sabbath: How rediscovering sacred time can truly heal our fatigue (Exodus 18–20)

A digital painting generated by ChatGPT in a palette knife (impasto) style. From left to right, a sequence of vignettes shows the same person in increasing restlessness—rushing with tense posture, checking a wristwatch, and scrolling videos on a smartphone—progressing toward calm. On the right, the final vignette depicts a peaceful figure basking in radiant, heavenly light, eyes closed and hands at rest, symbolizing divine rest overcoming human fatigue. Thick, textured strokes and a transition from cooler blues to warm golds emphasize the movement from anxiety to serenity. The lower third contains a text overlay reading, “From Sinai to Sabbath: How rediscovering sacred time can truly heal our fatigue (Exodus 18–20).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

A newly released best-seller from a well-known yet for some a polarizing figure details his discovery of Sabbath rest. That has become a springboard for exploring with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters Shabbat’s profound spiritual gift. This study of Exodus 18–20 shares how Sabbath invites true renewal, not just recovery from exhaustion. Honoring Shabbat is part of Heaven’s framework for shaping healthy families and community, wise leadership, and deep relationship with God. True transformation comes through trust, obedience, and Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), making Sabbath a living testimony to God’s goodness, holiness and enduring invitation to rest.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Sacred cycles: Embracing God’s rhythms of rest and labor (Exodus 16; Isaiah 58; Mark 2)

Digital painting generated by ChatGPT in a palette-knife, impasto style, inspired by Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The artwork is a two-panel diptych. In the left panel, an ancient Israeli woman stands in an empty field at sunset, clutching an empty basket, her hands on her cheeks in a silent cry. In the right panel, a similar woman is shown in a dark interior room with the same anguished expression, a clay oil lamp before her containing only an unlit cotton wick. Between the panels is a centered text overlay reading, "Sacred cycles: Embracing God’s rhythms of rest and labor (Exodus 16; Isaiah 58; Mark 2)." A small Hallel.info logo watermark appears in the lower right corner of the image.

The Sabbath isn’t just a command but an invitation to rest, delight and trust in God’s provision. We looked at the Bible account of manna, the parable of the 10 virgins, and teachings on tithing. Preparation, mercy and justice matter to God. Consistent spiritual nourishment and honest relationship with God are more important than just following rules and turn those instructions into touchpoints for transformation. Ultimately, resting in Him is key — not just once a week, but as a way of living in trust every day.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

From manna to Messiah: Why we still grumble about God’s goodness (Exodus 15–16; John 6; Revelation 2)

An impasto-style digital oil painting by ChatGPT is split vertically into two scenes. On the left, several brown quail stand and walk across sandy ground under a textured blue sky. On the right, snow-like white manna pellets cover the golden desert floor, with the same thick, palette-knife sky above. Across the upper portion of the image is a text overlay that reads: “From manna to Messiah: Why we still grumble about God’s goodness (Exodus 15–16; John 6; Revelation 2).” In the lower right corner is a small Hallel.info logo watermark.

Why did Israel grumble about Heaven’s mercy just days after the Red Sea miracle and deliverance from Egypt? Discover how the manna and quail of Exodus 16 expose the same heart-struggle we face today. When promises (especially, Israel’s presence in the Land and of the coming of the Messiah) seem delayed, “honest questions” can slide into “Did God really say…?” Bread, flesh and “hidden manna” from Exodus 15-16, John 6 and Revelation 2, revealing why the true Bread from Heaven is never an opiate from the world’s ills — but the only power that satisfies and fuels real justice.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Faith over fear: Embrace the journey with God, and overcome fear’s paralyzing hold (Exodus 13–15; Romans 8)

A dramatic, cinematic digital oil painting (created by ChatGPT) depicting the Israelites at the edge of the Red Sea at night, illuminated by the towering pillar of fire that rises in the center of the scene. The people in the foreground huddle in fear beside their tents—men clutching children, women covering their faces, elders raising their hands toward heaven—lit by warm, flickering firelight against the dark shoreline. The Egyptian army is faintly visible in the left background, emerging from the darkness with chariots and spears. The sky and sea are rendered in deep blues and blacks, with thick palette-knife textures throughout. In the upper left corner, a text overlay reads: “Faith over fear: Embrace the journey with God. Overcome fear's paralyzing hold. Exodus 13–15; Romans 8.” In the lower left corner, a watermark shows the Hallel Fellowship logo with “hallel.info” beneath it.

The repeated Bible message “Do not fear” throughout ancient Israel’s harrowing passage from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land urges us to trust God during hardship, learning how challenges refine our faith and inspire courage even when we feel too afraid to move forward. The lessons remind us to stay prepared, rely on the support of Heaven and our those around us, and develop resilience. By building a healthy relationship with Heaven, we can view every trial as an opportunity to draw closer to Him and to encourage one another, growing stronger together through faith and love.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Passover Prophets and Writings Torah

The ‘mixed multitude’ of the Exodus: A prototype of grace (Exodus 12)

A semi-realistic digital oil painting created by ChatGPT illustrating the Exodus story from the Bible. The scene shows Israelites and a mixed multitude departing Egypt under a starry night sky. In the foreground, a man applies lamb’s blood to a wooden doorpost while a woman kneels nearby holding a lamb. Warm light from the doorway illuminates the figures, who carry unleavened bread and bundles, symbolizing their hasty departure. The desert landscape stretches into the distance with mountains under soft moonlight. A text overlay in the upper right reads, “Mixed multitude of the Exodus: A prototype of grace.” A small Hallel.info logo watermark appears in the lower right corner.

God’s redemption plan stretches far beyond ethnic boundaries, revealing a radical inclusivity in Exodus 12. In this study we see that the “mixed multitude” that left with Israel represents more than historical travelers — they’re a prophetic prototype of spiritual adoption. True belonging transcends bloodlines, demanding heart transformation and complete allegiance. The kingdom breaks down tribal walls, inviting outsiders not as second-class members, but as fully integrated family. This isn’t passive tolerance, but active spiritual grafting that requires leaving behind incompatible beliefs and embracing a unified divine purpose.

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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.