Category: Torah

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Discussions Torah

Rising above: How to overcome ‘spiritual gravity’ (Genesis 38)

An oil painting-style image generated by ChatGPT featuring a split background with a warm, orange sunset over rolling hills. On the left, a veiled figure (representing Tamar) is depicted in profile, wearing a brown cloak and gazing thoughtfully. On the right, a silhouette of a man (representing Judah) walks away, his cloak adorned with a subtle lion emblem symbolizing the tribe of Judah. The text overlay reads, "RISING ABOVE: How to overcome 'spiritual gravity' (Genesis 38)," in bold yellow-white letters, emphasizing the theme of spiritual ascent versus descent from the biblical narrative.

Genesis 38 is a powerful yet disturbing narrative of spiritual transformation. Despite human failings of Judah and Tamar, God’s redemptive plan continues, ultimately leading to the Messianic lineage. Even in our most challenging moments, Heaven can work through imperfect people. This account teaches how we can be pulled down spiritually by appealing yet destructive influences. Yet when we spiritually “descend,” God via Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) is able to restore us to a higher spiritual position, showing that our mistakes don’t disqualify us from His greater purpose. It’s a testament to grace, redemption and Providence.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

You won’t believe how similar Joseph’s and Jesus’ stories are — and why (Genesis 37; Jeremiah 38; Matthew 3)

Adobe Firefly digital painting titled "You Won’t Believe How Similar Yosef’s & Yeshua’s Stories Are — and Why," featuring two figures in biblical robes standing back-to-back on a desert path, facing a radiant golden sunrise with swirling clouds. The figure on the left (Yosef/Joseph) wears a beige robe, while the figure on the right (Jesus/Yeshua) is draped in an orange cloak. The text overlays include the title in large white letters and scripture references (Genesis 37, Jeremiah 38, Matthew 3) in the bottom right corner, set against a warm, painterly landscape with distant mountains.

God’s love isn’t about favoritism, but character. Looking at Joseph, Jeremiah and Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in this study, we saw how telling truth and maintaining integrity matters to Heaven more than comfort. Biblical heroes weren’t perfect, but they were faithful — willing to walk through difficult paths with self-discipline. Their stories aren’t just historical; they’re spiritual blueprints showing how God works through people who are committed to righteousness, even when it costs everything.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Renamed, reclaimed, restored: A Messianic journey of identity and purpose (Genesis 35–36; Isaiah 43; Matthew 11)

A digital painting by Adobe Firefly titled "Renamed, Reclaimed, Restored: A Messianic Journey of Identity and Purpose," featuring a vibrant, surreal landscape. At the center is a large, glowing tree with sprawling branches, symbolizing life and restoration, set against a colorful sky transitioning from deep blue to warm orange and pink hues. A winding brick path leads from the foreground toward the tree, representing a spiritual journey. Several birds soar in the sky, adding a sense of freedom and hope. The text "Renamed Reclaimed Restored" is prominently displayed on the left in bold white letters, while "A Messianic Journey of Identity & Purpose" is on the right. Below, smaller text cites "Genesis 35-36; Isaiah 43; Matthew 11." A subtle logo and "hallel.info" watermark are visible in the top corners.

In this study, we explored how God calls us by name, transforming our identity from who we were to who He wants us to be. Through passages in Genesis, Isaiah, and Matthew, we see God’s covenant invitation to find rest in the leadership of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Just as God renamed Jacob as Israel, we’re called to shed our old nature and embrace a new identity, taking on Yeshua’s light yoke of divine purpose and instruction, and experiencing true spiritual rest.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Transformed by struggle: God’s refining process (Genesis 32; James 1; Obadiah)

Digital painting created with Adobe Firefly, featuring a vividly colored, expressionist portrait of a man looking upward with intensity and hope. Radiant strokes of orange, blue, and white burst from his head, symbolizing spiritual transformation. The background blends dark purples and blues, contrasting with the bright halo effect. Bold white text reads: “Transformed by struggle – God’s refining process,” with references to Genesis 32, James 1, and Obadiah. The bottom right corner includes the hallel.info logo.

This study explores spiritual growth through struggle, using biblical examples like Jacob’s wrestling with the divine messenger and apostle James’ instructions for encountering and conquering difficulties in life. The key themes include trusting God during trials, maintaining faith amid challenges, and understanding that struggles refine our character. These passages highlight how believers in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah are transformed through perseverance, seeking wisdom and clinging to God’s promises, ultimately preparing for the fullness of redemption.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Purity from the inside out: Heaven provides the Way (James 4; Genesis 32)

A digital painting (created using Adobe Firefly) of a man with closed eyes and a peaceful expression, softly illuminated with radiant light suggesting inner transformation. The background is dark, enhancing the glowing effect around his head and shoulders. Overlaid text reads: “Purity from the Inside Out – Heaven provides the Way – James 4; Genesis 32.” The image represents spiritual renewal and inner cleansing through divine intervention, reflecting themes from the Bible passages. The hallel.info logo appears in the top right corner.

Ya’akov’s flight away from his father-in-law in Genesis 31-32 and Israel’s exodus from Mitzraim (Egypt) foreshadow the work of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). This study examines James 4 and related passages to see God’s consistent plan of transformation, drawing near to believers and calling them to holiness. The New Covenant’s promise of internal change, includes God’s writing His Torah on hearts. The Word and the Spirit enable believers to live as a “kingdom of priests” dedicated to Heaven’s purposes.

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Discussions Parenting tips Torah

Children: Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion (Genesis 29–30)

Adobe Firefly illustrated banner featuring three joyful young girls running through a vibrant field with sunlight and colorful brushstroke-style background. The large bold text in the center reads, “CHILDREN,” with the subtitle below: “Heaven’s strategy for kingdom expansion – Genesis 29–30.” The hallel.info logo is visible in the top left corner.

Children are a divine blessing and essential to God’s covenant. In this study, we zeroed in on the bigger lessons from the sibling rivalries in Genesis, focusing on Leah and Rachel’s struggle to bear children (Genesis 29–30). Contrary to a frequent refrain on social media, children aren’t an inconvenience, but a sacred trust for passing faith between generations. Modern society is slowly recognizing children’s importance as birth rates plummet to civilization-ending levels. Scripture reveals the crucial role parents play in teaching God’s words and modeling trust across generations.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

No place too hidden: God’s all-present mercy (Genesis 28; Ephesians 5)

Adobe Firefly digital painting banner illustrating Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28. The scene shows Jacob lying on the ground, gazing upward in awe, wrapped in warm, ethereal light. A glowing staircase ascends into radiant clouds where a divine, luminous lamb-shaped figure appears in the sky, representing the Messiah. Angels ascend and descend the ladder amid golden and blue celestial light. Large bold text reads: “No Place Too Hidden – God’s all-present mercy. Genesis 28; Ephesians 5.”

Jacob’s ladder vision in Genesis 28:10-17 shows how God sees everything and desires closeness with us. Using passages from Psalms, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Ephesians, this study unpacked how nothing escapes God’s sight. The key message? God isn’t just watching to judge, but wants to connect with us. The Messiah bridges Heaven and Earth, transforming us from who we were to who He wants us to be.