Category: Discussions

Categories
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)

Four panels of Adobe Firefly AI generated oil-painting-like portraits, from left, a pregnant woman, an old couple, Herod's temple, a white-robed man walking down a street. The text says, "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.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings

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

Text says, "Toppling the tower of self: Rediscovering true greatness through humility before Heaven. Genesis 11; Isaiah 28; 1Corinthians 14."Adobe Stock image of a partially built Tower of Babel with scaffolding around it and partly built structures around it.

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.

Categories
Discussions Torah

Dwelling in the tents of Shem: Elohim’s Presence brings a blessing to all nations (Genesis 9:18–27)

Adobe Firefly AI image of ancient Middle East tents illuminated from the inside and pitched at the base of mountains. Text says, "Dwelling in the Tents of Shem: Elohim's Presence brings a blessing to all nations. Genesis 9:18-27."

This study of Genesis 9:18–27 explores the lineage and legacy of Noah’s family, highlighting the historic hallmark of the genetic bottleneck at the Flood and the significance of Shem’s line leading to the Messiah, noted by the cryptic phrase about Elohim — which is God in Hebrew — dwelling in Shem’s tents. This passage delves into the character lessons from Noah’s vineyard, namely the importance of moderation to help us keep control over things that can be both tov and ra (Hebrew for good and bad). Those include not only desires such as wine and food but also how we spend our time. We look at what constitutes a nation and why “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” can never be forgiven. The study emphasizes the hope Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) provides in the resurrection and the importance of pursuing justice, love, mercy and humility before God.

Categories
Discussions Torah

‘Image of God’ and sanctity of life: Noah’s enduring lessons for the world (Genesis 8–9)

Adobe Stock image of artwork showing Noah's Ark resting in the mountains of Ararat with a rainbow over the vessel. Wording says, "'Image of God' and sanctity of life: Noah's enduring lessons for the world. (Genesis 8:15-9:17)."

The Noachide covenant (Genesis 9:1–17) establishes God’s promise to never again destroy the earth, foreshadowing the fulfillment of the Genesis 3:15 promise to Chavah (Eve). This study explores how that covenant emphasizes the sanctity of life, the prohibition on bloodshed and the command to “swarm” (repopulate) the earth — themes woven throughout the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:18; 22:17; 26:3).

Crucially, the covenant addresses humanity’s יֵצֶר הַרַע‎ yetzer ha-ra (the evil inclination, fallenness). That’s opposed to a common philosophy today that humanity is fundamentally טוֹב tov — Hebrew for good. The antidote is yetzer ha-tov, the good inclination made possible by following the Spirit of God’s guidance in taking captive our thoughts and bringing them into submission to the Heaven’s Word, embodied in Yeshua the Messiah, or Jesus the Christ. The Messiah’s work, foreshadowed by Noah’s ark, reconciles and restores us from our yetzer ha-ra as Heaven plans for humanity to emerge into a “new heavens and a new earth.”

Categories
Discussions Torah

Taming the tide of violence: The Flood as a call to return to the Righteous One (Genesis 8:1–14)

Adobe Stock image shows artwork of a dove holding an olive branch in its beak with Noah's ark in the background floating on a rather calm ocean. Writing says, "Taming the tide of violence: The Flood as a call to return to the Righteous One. Genesis 8:1-14."

The Flood narrative in Genesis 8:1–14 reveals profound insights into God’s plan for restoring creation. This study explores the historical context, Hebrew language and Messianic connections in a passage that highlights the ongoing battle against evil and the promise of ultimate triumph.

Through a special form of the Hebrew verb for “remember” in Genesis 8:1 and an important shift in the global calendar from the time of the Flood to the Exodus, we gain deeper understanding of what God is doing across time and the role of God’s people in preserving the heritage of the Creator. This rich biblical account inspires hope in the Messiah’s victory and the restoration of all things.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

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

"Was Noah really righteous?: Lessons from the Flood for today (Genesis 6-7)." Adobe Stock image of the ark under construction, showing workers around it.

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).

Categories
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)

"From sacred to sacrilege Sons of God, 'daughters of men" & erosion of God's words In juman traditions (Genesis 5-6; Isaiah 29-30; Matthew 23)." Adobe Firefly generated palette-knife-style image showing two long-haired bearded men opposing each other, with one on the left with a warmer color tone and the one of the right showing cooler tones.

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).