Category: Torah

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Faith over fear: Embrace the journey with God, and overcome fear’s paralyzing hold (Exodus 13–15; Romans 8)

A dramatic, cinematic digital oil painting (created by ChatGPT) depicting the Israelites at the edge of the Red Sea at night, illuminated by the towering pillar of fire that rises in the center of the scene. The people in the foreground huddle in fear beside their tents—men clutching children, women covering their faces, elders raising their hands toward heaven—lit by warm, flickering firelight against the dark shoreline. The Egyptian army is faintly visible in the left background, emerging from the darkness with chariots and spears. The sky and sea are rendered in deep blues and blacks, with thick palette-knife textures throughout. In the upper left corner, a text overlay reads: “Faith over fear: Embrace the journey with God. Overcome fear's paralyzing hold. Exodus 13–15; Romans 8.” In the lower left corner, a watermark shows the Hallel Fellowship logo with “hallel.info” beneath it.

The repeated Bible message “Do not fear” throughout ancient Israel’s harrowing passage from bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land urges us to trust God during hardship, learning how challenges refine our faith and inspire courage even when we feel too afraid to move forward. The lessons remind us to stay prepared, rely on the support of Heaven and our those around us, and develop resilience. By building a healthy relationship with Heaven, we can view every trial as an opportunity to draw closer to Him and to encourage one another, growing stronger together through faith and love.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Passover Prophets and Writings Torah

The ‘mixed multitude’ of the Exodus: A prototype of grace (Exodus 12)

A semi-realistic digital oil painting created by ChatGPT illustrating the Exodus story from the Bible. The scene shows Israelites and a mixed multitude departing Egypt under a starry night sky. In the foreground, a man applies lamb’s blood to a wooden doorpost while a woman kneels nearby holding a lamb. Warm light from the doorway illuminates the figures, who carry unleavened bread and bundles, symbolizing their hasty departure. The desert landscape stretches into the distance with mountains under soft moonlight. A text overlay in the upper right reads, “Mixed multitude of the Exodus: A prototype of grace.” A small Hallel.info logo watermark appears in the lower right corner.

God’s redemption plan stretches far beyond ethnic boundaries, revealing a radical inclusivity in Exodus 12. In this study we see that the “mixed multitude” that left with Israel represents more than historical travelers — they’re a prophetic prototype of spiritual adoption. True belonging transcends bloodlines, demanding heart transformation and complete allegiance. The kingdom breaks down tribal walls, inviting outsiders not as second-class members, but as fully integrated family. This isn’t passive tolerance, but active spiritual grafting that requires leaving behind incompatible beliefs and embracing a unified divine purpose.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Passover Prophets and Writings Torah Unleavened Bread

Who is Israel? Uniting native, grafted, chosen in God’s kingdom (Exodus 12; Jeremiah 46; 1Corinthians 5; Colossians 1)

A vibrant oil painting depicts a radiant white lamb standing on a table adorned with bread, a goblet, and plates of food, surrounded by a group of figures in colorful robes. A large tree with lush green leaves extends from the left side, while a warm golden light emanates from the lamb, illuminating the scene. In the upper right corner, a text overlay reads: "Who is Israel? Uniting native, grafted, chosen in God's kingdom." In the lower right corner, another text overlay states: "Exodus 12; Jeremiah 46; 1Corinthians 5; Colossians 1." A watermark "hallel.info" logo is visible in the lower left corner.

Amid resurgent anti-Semitism — sadly even among believers in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah (Christ) — it’s more important than ever to revisit the New Testament teaching that Christ is the Passover Lamb for all Israel — native (Jew) and adopted/grafted (Gentile). Apostle Paul’s Passover teaching about “sincerity and truth” (unleavened bread) in our lives by removing “malice and wickedness” (leaven), with his olive tree metaphor, teaches unity in God’s family. It’s part of lessons from the beginning of the Bible to the end on distinguishing light from darkness, staying humble and embracing God’s correction as an expression of love.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12)

Alt-text: Digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a heavy impasto palette knife style, depicting Pharaoh in royal purple and gold garments gripping a dissolving scepter, facing Moses in humble earth tones with his hand raised toward divine light breaking through swirling clouds. Fragmented chains and mist symbolize liberation and the loss of control. The image bears a “Hallel.info” watermark in the lower right corner and overlaid text reading: “The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12).”

In this study of Exodus 8–9, we explored how Pharaoh’s attempts to negotiate with God revealed the futility of seeking control over true submission. We examined the motivations behind biblical negotiations — whether for personal gain or to save lives — and why God honors one over the other. Via parallel passages Isaiah 34–35 and Hebrews 12, we also discussed the destruction of Esau/Edom, compared how pagan gods and the God of Israel love humanity, and reflected on how authentic repentance and selfless motivations matter most when relating to God and others.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Standing strong or standing stubborn: What’s the difference? (Exodus 6–7)

What does it really means to have a “hardened heart,” like what cause the pharaoh of Egypt at the time of Israel’s Exodus? Three Hebrew words translated “harden” help us see the spiritual condition at work at that time and with us today. This study reflects on the balance between God’s actions and our choices, and how we can pray for softer hearts and “lips” to become more open, compassionate and effective in our internal and external lives.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Atonement Discussions Passover Torah

The New Covenant: Forgotten sins, remembered promises (Exodus 4; 1John 1–2)

Graphic for Hallel Fellowship by ChatGPT featuring an oil painting-style image. At center, a luminous figure of Yeshua blows a shofar, flanked by two glowing goats before a fiery altar; on the left, a dark doorway with a shadowy figure. Text reads: “The New Covenant — Forgotten sins & remembered promises. Exodus 4:21–23; 1 John 1–2.” Logo for hallel.info is also present.

The book of Exodus, Paul’s letter to the Colossians and the first letter from apostle Yokhanan (John) reveal the journey from bondage to freedom. We also see the significance of Israel as God’s firstborn and the ongoing struggle between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. This study explores the teachings on atonement, how confession and transformation keep us anchored in God’s promises. It’s about returning, trusting and living out love and Heaven’s light.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The surprising connections between the burning bush and Peter’s dream sheet (Exodus 3; Acts 10)

ChatGPT-created digital oil palette knife painting of Moses kneeling before the burning bush on Mount Horeb, glowing with bright orange and yellow flames against a blue and earthy background. To the right, bold white text on a black background reads: “The surprising connections between the burning bush & Peter’s dream sheet — Exodus 3; Acts 10.” Banner includes the hallel.info logo.

Apostle Peter’s mission to the nations parallels to Moses’ mission to Egypt, emphasizing God’s ability to overcome seemingly impossible tasks. In this study, we explore how the symbolism of the burning bush in Exodus 3, with its thorny nature and God’s decision not to consume it, points to mercy and grace. This connects with a broader biblical theme of defeating oppression and evil, as seen in the plagues against Egypt. Believers must have courage and faith in Heaven’s missions on earth.