Category: Apostolic Writings

These studies cover the writings by the closest shelakhim (apostles) of Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ). Commonly called the “New Testament,” this standard canon includes the four Gospels, the letters and the Apocalypse (Revelation).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prophets and Writings Tithe & Finances Torah

Render to God what is God’s: Identity, ownership and stewardship in Scripture (Exodus 30; 2Kings 12; 2Corinthians 9)

A digital palette knife oil painting created by ChatGPT shows a radiant human heart formed from glowing treasure — gold coins, widow’s mites, half-shekel silver, a vial of anointing oil, and carved Temple stones — suspended above an open ancient scroll with softly blurred Hebrew script. Thick impasto textures and bold strokes in deep blue, crimson, gold, and white light convey spiritual intensity and total heart investment in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the right side, text reads, “Render to God what Is God’s: Identity, ownership and stewardship in Scripture (Exodus 30; 2Kings 12; 2Corinthians 9).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

Some thrill at going “all in” on a risky but profitable venture or free-climbing a skyscraper. But what does it really mean to go all-in for the Kingdom of God? From the half-shekel “ransom” in Exodus to the repairs of the neglected Temple in 2Kings, from the widow’s mite to apostle Paul’s call to cheerful giving that’s responsibly managed, we see that God isn’t chasing our money. He’s pursuing our hearts. We’re ransomed from bondage to our past; entrusted with time, talents and treasure; and invited to invest them where they matter most: in eternal, kingdom-building living.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

‘Most holy to the LORD’: What the altar of incense reveals about prayer (Exodus 30; Malachi 1–2; John 17; Revelation 8)

Oil-palette-knife–style digital illustration by ChatGPT showing incense as intercessory prayer across earthly and heavenly realms. On the left, Aaron the high priest ministers at the golden altar of incense inside the tabernacle, with thick smoke rising and a clearly defined seven-branch menorah glowing behind him in warm gold tones. At the center, the Messiah stands as the superior High Priest, hands lifted in prayer, surrounded by intertwined grapevines symbolizing unity and His John 17 intercession, visually bridging earth and heaven. On the right, a Revelation 8 scene unfolds: an angel adds incense to the prayers of the saints before a radiant throne, as stormy skies, fire, and trumpet-judgment imagery emerge in cooler, dramatic hues. The painting uses heavy, expressive strokes and contrasts warm incense light with dark, turbulent judgment clouds. A text overlay in the lower middle reads, “‘Most holy to the LORD’: What the altar of incense reveals about prayer (Exodus 30; Malachi 1–2; John 17; Revelation 8).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the upper right corner.

In this study we explore Exodus 30 to Revelation 8. They reveal that the altar of incense in ancient Israel’s Tabernacle is a powerful picture of how our prayers rise like incense before God. We learn from Hannah’s heartfelt prayer, the high priestly intercession of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in John 17, and the prophet Malachi’s warning against empty worship. Together they call us to pure, devoted prayer, genuine repentance, and unity in truth. That’s so our lives become a living offering “most holy to the LORD.”

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Called, filled, sent: What the Torah says about anointing, service and spiritual fruit (Exodus 29; Isaiah 61–62; Hebrews 2)

Oil palette knife style digital painting by Grok of a young man with curly hair gazing upward in reverence, hands raised open to receive. Thick, textured strokes in warm golds, browns, and shadows create dramatic light from above. Overlays: Upper right: "Called, filled, sent"; Lower left: "What the Torah says about anointing, service and spiritual fruit (Exodus 29; Isaiah 61–62; Hebrews 2)"; Lower right: "Hallel.info" watermark. Conveys divine calling, spiritual empowerment, and readiness for service.

The Holy One of Israel outfits believers with new garments, anointing, and overflowing Spirit for service. Ordaining the Tabernacle priesthood, filling them with the Spirit for service, points to how apostle Paul’s statement “Christ is the end of the Law” actually relates to His bringing righteousness to fullness. What this means for today: Seek spiritual gifts for the common good, guard against coveting these gifts, value inner devotion over outward form, and follow the Messiah’s example of humble service and sacrificial leadership.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Embracing Heaven’s gift of new garments: New Covenant and a fresh start (Exodus 28; Hosea 14; Hebrews 4)

A richly textured, oil palette knife–style digital painting depicts the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in a desert setting, glowing with warm, golden light. In the foreground are shimmering priestly garments with a jeweled breastplate, alongside symbolic spiritual armor including a helmet and shield. To the right, a radiant seven-branched menorah casts illuminating light across the scene. Flowing Hebrew script reading קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה (“Holy to the Lord”) appears across the upper portion of the image and is echoed on the turban crown. Dynamic, vivid brushstrokes evoke awe, holiness, and spiritual renewal. A text overlay in the lower left corner reads, “Embracing Heaven’s gift of new garments: New Covenant and a fresh start (Exodus 28; Hosea 14; Hebrews 4).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

Discover how the ancient pattern of Israel’s Tabernacle reveals God’s desire to dwell among us and restore our true identity. Explore how the priestly garments reveal genuine repentance and the “full armor of God” for believers of yesteryear and today. Learn how the role of the high priest, and Messiah as the ultimate one, bring God’s promises to life, equipping us to live with purpose, service and hope. Experience how drawing near to God transforms everyday life — arming you with truth, faith, and spiritual strength for every challenge.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Understanding the Tabernacle’s bronze altar: Sacrifice and spiritual transformation (Exodus 26–27)

Digital painting generated by ChatGPT in an oil palette knife style depicting the bronze altar (mizbe’ach nechoshet) of Israel’s Tabernacle, with a visible ramp and four horns, flames and smoke rising dramatically from the altar. Beside it stands a large, heroic lion representing Ariel, the Lion of God, glowing with fire against a dark, smoke-filled wilderness backdrop. The lower left corner contains the text overlay, “Understanding the Tabernacle’s bronze altar: Sacrifice and spiritual transformation (Exodus 26–27),” and a Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

Explore the meaning of the bronze altar in ancient Israel’s Tabernacle. Discover how its design, horns and blood rituals highlight public atonement, repentance and community accountability. Learn the symbolism of “Ariel” (Lion of God) and how the altar foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus). Drawing from Exodus, Ezekiel, Hebrews and more, this study reveals how praise, good deeds and partnership with God transform ritual into spiritual growth and a foundation for modern life.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.