Tag: Luke 11

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Discussions Torah

Could Pharaoh have repented?: Lessons from Messiah and apostle Paul (Exodus 6–9)

Could Pharaoh have repented? Lessons from the Messiah and apostle Paul
Pharaoh also refused to humble himself initially, but God did not supernaturally intervene to change the course of Pharaoh’s life the way He did for Saul before Heaven turned him into the apostle Paul.

The God that spoke to the Pharaoh of Joseph was the same God Who spoke to the Pharaoh of Moses, who we meet in the Torah reading וארא Va’era (“I appeared,” Exodus 6:2–9:35). God does not change or grow, but He expects us to grow and change for the better. When we do, He is pleased. When we don’t, He is not pleased. 

God showed great favor to the “Pharaoh who knew Joseph” because this Pharaoh accepted the warnings given to him by God and by Joseph. He and his people were blessed because of his humility and wisdom. 

Similarly, the chief priests wouldn’t relent from their jealousy against Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), yet Paul turned did turn away from his equally zealous persecution of believers.

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Discussions Torah

Do we live as if the Creator is really in charge? (Exodus 6:2–9:35)

The Torah reading Va’era (Ex. 6:2–9:35) is the first of two accounts of how the 10 plagues on Mitzraim (Egypt) humbled a superpower of the time to bring freedom not just to Israel but to the entire world.

How much more would Heaven’s sending the quintessential Son of Man to humble the “prince of the power of the air” win freedom for Israel, and by extension the whole world.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Genesis 32:3–36:43: How to wrestle with and wait on God together joyfully

Word Cloud using entire text from 2018 hallel fellowship talk on Parashat Vayishlach.

The LORD sends us into the world to be His ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20) and part of the kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:5–6; 1Pet. 2:9–10; Rev. 5:9–10). Will we go? Will we face challenges of our own making or ones that are out of our control? Division is toxic to the Kingdom of God. How are we living this out?

In this study of the Torah reading וישלח Vayishlach (Genesis 32:3–36:43), we will go over a few of Yeshua’s parables that will make Ya’akov’s WWE match with the Angel of the LORD look logical. We will learn more about how God teaches us. We have been sent to a world full of brokenness while experiencing brokenness ourselves. How we deal with the brokenness of others and divisions and disagreements in the Body is a sign of our spiritual maturity. 

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Lessons in Communicating With God 3: ‘Faith’ according to the Bible (Luke 11:1-13)

Prayer serves as a vital means of two-way communication with God, grounded in Scripture, and requires humility and persistence. Historical references indicate that early followers of Jesus frequently recited the Lord’s Prayer, demonstrating active faith rather than passive belief. Key biblical examples emphasize the importance of trust and reliability in earnest communion with God. As believers express their faith, they should acknowledge God’s unwavering trustworthiness. Ultimately, our response to God’s promises should be one of acceptance and action, demonstrating true faith.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prayer

Lessons in communicating with God 2: Learn how to pray from Messiah (Luke 11:1-13)

True communication with God involves attentive listening, confirming receipt of His messages, and resisting distractions. Key lessons discussed include the importance of focused prayer, as exemplified by Hannah, who prayed quietly to avoid distractions. The Shema highlights the need to love God wholeheartedly through prayer, fasting, and charity. Persistence in prayer, contrasted with vain repetition, showcases the importance of trust in God. Ultimately, communication with God fosters community, guiding believers toward His will without leading them into temptation or sin.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Life With God Prayer

Lessons in communicating with God 1: Rebel against distraction (Luke 10:38-42)

Effective communication requires attentive listening and confirmation a message is received, perhaps via a reply or acting on the information delivered. The passages in Luke 10:38-11:13 and Matthew 6 contain lessons in effectively listening to God and talking with Him.

The first lesson is in the account of Yeshua’s visit to the home of Marta and Miriam in Bethany. This is not just a little biographical story. It’s a lesson, starting with the names of the women themselves.