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Apostolic Writings Chanukah Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

The Seed of promise: A messianic tapestry from Eden to Abram to eternity (Genesis 12–13; Joshua 24; Hebrews 11)

This study of Genesis 12–13, Joshua 24, Hebrews 11, Zechariah 2–4 and John 10 explored the theme of God’s promises and their fulfillment, tracing the lineage of the “seed” from Eve to Yeshua (Jesus). Vows, oaths and faithfulness are key principles for us because they undergird God’s promises, as seen in the chain of the “seed” from Eve to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David and ultimately to the Messiah. The rededication of the Temple celebrated at Chanukah is part of the prophecy of a “greater glory” to come to the structure, and it was fulfilled in Yeshua, the promised Messiah Who would bring the true restoration of God’s presence on Earth.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings

Toppling the tower of self: Rediscovering true greatness through humility before Heaven (Genesis 11; Isaiah 28; 1Corinthians 14)

This study dives into some powerful biblical themes: pride, self-importance and the need to walk in humility and obedience to God’s commands. We explore the stories of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, the prophecy against Ephraim in Isaiah 28 and Paul’s parallel teachings in 1Corinthians 14. The big takeaway from the Torah passage and companion readings is that the Messiah wants to replace our human pride with Himself as the true foundation and source of wisdom. It’s all about finding that balance — childlike faith combined with mature discernment, leaving behind self-exaltation to humbly submit to the Messiah’s lordship.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Was Noah really righteous?: Lessons from the Flood for today (Genesis 6–7)

Genesis 6–7 highlights Noah’s righteousness and blamelessness in a corrupt world. Unlike his generation, Noah “walked with God,” demonstrating faith and obedience. His righteousness was not situational but consistent, rooted in his willingness to listen to God’s correction and fulfill His commands. This trust and humility set Noah apart, making him a vessel of God’s mercy and a model of faithfulness. This was a shadow of the coming Agent of Heaven’s mercy: Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

From sacred to sacrilege: ‘Sons of God,’ ‘daughters of men’ and erosion of God’s words in human traditions (Genesis 5–6; Isaiah 29–30; Matthew 23)

Unraveling the sacred numbers and differing genealogies in Genesis 5–6, Isaiah 29–30, and Matthew 23 reveals a timeless struggle between flesh and the Spirit. Just as the Messiah exposed the hypocrisy of religious leaders, we too are called to move beyond outward piety and cultivate a genuine relationship with God, aligning our actions with His teachings. This study challenges us to be true “sons of God” (Romans 8:14), walking in the Spirit and resisting the temptations that have ensnared humanity since the “days of Noah” (Isaiah 54:9; Matthew 24:37; Luke 17:26; 1Peter 3:20).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Is religion ‘opium’ or empowerment? How Cain and Abel reveal a good God amid a world of suffering (Genesis 4; Romans 3)

This study of Genesis 4 focuses on the offerings of Cain and Abel, tracing the narrative of atonement and the messianic hope (Gen. 3:15, 4:1) throughout the Bible. Confronting the problem of evil, we find that suffering refines our character and deepens trust in a good God (Rom. 8:18-22, 2Cor. 4:13-18). Though some deride religion as opium (Karl Marx), we are empowered to maintain an eternal perspective, embracing the transformative power of the Suffering Servant Who crushes the serpent’s head (Isaiah 53; Romans 3). As watchmen, we navigate media narratives, discerning truth and standing firm in wisdom (James 1).

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions The Eighth Day

Dwelling with God: Hold firm to your faith

Dwelling with God in the New Jerusalem on the Day of the LORD demands unshakable faith, not just temporary obedience. This study explores one of the lessons from the biblical festival of Shemini Atzeret, the Convocation of the Eighth Day after the start of Sukkot, the feast of Tabernacles. The Messiah’s supreme authority (Hebrews 3-4) grants forgiveness to the repentant, while the unbelieving remain excluded (Revelation 21). Eternal life in God’s presence requires a lifetime of trusting His unseen purposes, not just outward compliance.

The choice is ours — to believe and enter His rest, or harden our hearts like those of our spiritual ancestors in Israel who refused to enter God’s “rest, the Promised Land (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3-4).

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Atonement Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

From guilt to glory: Yom Kippur & the believer’s transformative journey

This study explores יוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים Yom Kippurim, the Day of Atonement in the Bible, which stands as a pivotal moment in the redemptive story, bridging the gulf between Heaven and Earth. Rooted in Leviticus 16 and echoed in Hebrews 3–10, this sacred day reveals the Messiah’s eternal work of covering sins, transgressions and iniquities.

From the Passover lamb’s blood on the doorpost to block the LORD’s destroyer to the high priest’s incense-shrouded entrance into the Holy of Holies, the themes of Yom Kippur point to the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ), the Melchizedek priest who cleanses our consciences from the stain of a life separated from the presence of the Creator (Heb. 9:14).

Confronting the depths of the human heart, as seen in Genesis 4, Psalm 51, Isaiah 1 and Matthew 5, Yom Kippur calls us to a posture of brokenness and contrition, that we might experience the transformative power of forgiveness and restoration.