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).

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Ripples of righteousness: How Abraham’s belief is shaping all nations (Genesis 20; Isaiah 61; Galatians 3)

Adobe Firefly AI oil painting-style image shows Abraham sitting by the Jordan River, with palm trees in the background. Ripples radiate from a pebble he threw into the water. Text says, "Ripples of Righteousness How Abraham's Belief Is Shaping All Nations (Genesis 2O; Isaiah 61; Galatians 3)."

This study of Genesis 20, Isaiah 61 and Galatians 3 explores the interconnected themes of faith, law and righteousness. It traces the impact of Abraham’s belief on all nations. God’s promise to Abraham transcends the Law of God, empowering believers to positively influence their communities. Biblical righteousness, forgiveness and the responsibilities of the faithful are grounded in the transformative power of trust — faith — in God. The parable of people as trees producing “good fruit” illustrates the reverberating effects of Heaven’s redemption of us and transformation of our characters. The result of our transformation is our obedience — “fruit.”

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Hospitality as resistance: How to shine light into the world’s darkness (Genesis 19; Luke 17)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife style image of a man comforting a downcast man. Text says, "Hospitality as resistance: How To shine light into the world's darkness (Genesis 19; Luke 17.)"

This study of Genesis 19, Isaiah 17–18, and Luke 17 emphasizes the LORD’s active involvement in human affairs and the need for spiritual discernment of people’s needs around us and how to respond to those needs. It explores the parallels between the days of Noah, Lot and the coming Day of the LORD, underscoring the importance of hospitality, readiness and heeding the warnings of the prophets. We delve into the teachings of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) on inconveniencing ourselves to alleviate suffering and how the transfiguration, where Yeshua’s glory from the Kingdom of God, reminds us what our mission on Earth is.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Shekinah revealed: How the LORD’s tangible presence refutes the ‘absentee landlord’ myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33–34; Luke 8)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife-style image of an Ancient Near East older man sitting at the entrance of his tent and looking at three men approaching. Text says, "Shekinah revealed How the LORD's tangible presence refutes the absentee landlord myth (Genesis 18; Isaiah 33-34; Luke 8)."

This study of Genesis 18 further explores Abraham’s faith journey. His bargaining for the lives of the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights why the LORD knew he was the right choice to establish a legacy of overcoming the world and staying on Heaven’s path of justice and righteousness. This startling example of the LORD’s active presence and involvement in human affairs is far removed from the accusation that He’s an “absentee landlord.”

A parallel passage in Luke 8 reveals how the parable of the sower, the healings of the bleeding woman and dead girl, and the Shema (“Hear, O Israel” from Deuteronomy 6) seem to be intertwined — and linked to Sarah’s Heaven-sent gift of a son. A lesson in all that is we need to be open to, truly understand and obey God’s word. We also delve into the role of wealth, hospitality and service in the Kingdom of Heaven, calling us to faithfulness in all aspects of life.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Abraham’s noisy descendants: Proclaiming the Messiah’s kingdom (Genesis 17; Isaiah 63; Romans 4)

Abraham has a happy face as he is surrounded by a crowd of noisy happy people. Adobe Firefly palete knife AI image. Text says, "Abraham's noisy descendants: Proclaiming the Messiah's kingdom (Genesis 17; Isaiah 63; Romans 4)."

The Messiah’s covenant with humanity via Abraham is the foundation of our faith. In this study, recalling Abraham’s journey of trust in Heaven starting in Genesis 12, we see the power of the Spirit to transform and empower us as overcomers of the attractive lure of a world steeped more in the knowledge of bad than of good. Like the new names for Abram and Sarai recorded in Genesis 17, the Messiah’s new name and our new identity in Him call us to a life of spiritual renewal, where we boldly proclaim His glory and advance His kingdom. May we, like Abraham, walk in unwavering faith, knowing that our Redeemer lives and reigns forever.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Hagar and Sarai: A lesson in the supremacy of the Spirit over the flesh (Genesis 16; Galatians 4)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knife style portraits of a young and an old Ancient Near East woman. Text says, "Hagar and Sarai: A lesson in the supremacy of the Spirit over the flesh." Genesis 16: Galatians 4

The account of Hagar and Sarah, recorded in Genesis 16, illustrates the timeless conflict between the flesh and the Spirit of God. As reflected on in Galatians 4, Hagar, the slave woman, represents bondage that the unspiritual can create from God’s Law, while Sarah, the free woman, symbolizes the liberty of the Spirit. This comparison teaches that the Law is meant to serve the Spirit, not the other way around. True freedom comes not from self-effort, but from submitting to God’s sovereign plan — preserved in the Law — and trusting in His promises, namely the Promised One, the Messiah. The flesh must be subordinate to the leading of the Spirit.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Balancing preparation and Providence: Lessons from Abram’s covenant (Genesis 15; Romans 4)

Adobe Firefly palette knife-style AI image of two angels with swords standing guard outside a church. The text says, "Balancing preparation and Providence: Lessons from Abram's covenant (Genesis 15; Romans 4)."

In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, where do we find true security? Is it in the strength of our own defenses, or in the unwavering protection of the Almighty? This study on Genesis 15 and Romans 4 invites us to explore the intricate tapestry of Scripture, where the themes of salvation and security at a place of worship are profoundly intertwined.

As we follow the unfolding covenant between God and Abram, we discover that the shield from evil belongs not in the hands of humanity, but in the steadfast grasp of Heaven. Through the powerful imagery of the covenant ceremony, we glimpse the ironclad nature of God’s promise. It reminds us that our ultimate trust must rest in the Promise-maker and Promise-keeper — not in our own efforts.

Yet, this study also reveals the importance of human preparation and community support, all grounded in a faith that transcends our circumstances. Join us as we delve into the timeless wisdom of this passage, uncovering the delicate balance between divine provision and our own responsibility in the face of life’s challenges.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Melchizedek’s blessing of Abram shows how Heaven is always ‘open’ for believers’ business (Genesis 14; Isaiah 41; Hebrews 7)

Adobe Stock Photo of the face of a white-haired man. Text says, "Melchizedek's blessing of Abram shows how Heaven is always 'open' for believers' business (Genesis 14; Isaiah 41; Hebrews 7)."

This study delves into the rich, interwoven tapestry of Genesis 14, Isaiah 41 and Hebrews 7, where Melchizedek emerges as a prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah’s eternal priesthood. Explore how Abram’s encounter with this mysterious king-priest points to the Messiah’s role as the ultimate deliverer and high priest. Uncover the Messianic themes woven throughout Isaiah’s vision and the Letter to the Hebrews, revealing the Messiah as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the one who ushers in the true rest for His people.