Category: Prophets and Writings

These studies cover the ancient grouping of Hebrew Bible writings called Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). These books include from Joshua through Malachi in the conventional Christian canon.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

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
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).

Categories
Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Atonement Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

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

"From guilt to glory: Yom Kippur and the believer's transformative journey." Adobe Firefly AI palette knife-style image of men and women walking from left to right from gloom to joy.

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.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Transformed from within: The promise of the New Covenant (Deuteronomy 32; Micah 7; Hebrews 9–10)

"Transformed from within: The promise of the New Covenant (Deuteronomy 32; Micah 7: Hebrews 9-10)." Adobe Firefly AI layered-paper-style image of a woman standing on a shore while her suitcase sits at the bottom of the ocean. Micah 7:19b: "You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."

Humility before the Almighty is the heart of the swan song of Moshe (Moses), recorded in the Torah reading הַאֲזִינוּ Ha’azinu (“listen,” Deuteronomy 32). We learn that the people of God are not righteous in themselves, but they are made righteous by God’s mercy. In this study, we explore how a parallel passage in Micah 7:18–20 points us toward Heaven’s removal of the stain of our pasts and how Hebrews 9–10 reveals the Messiah’s pivotal role in that freedom, annually memorialized on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).