Tag: Romans 01

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

In the world but not of it: How ancient wisdom guides modern sexual ethics (Leviticus 18; Genesis 2–3; Romans 1; 1Corinthians 5–6)

Palette-knife oil painting by ChatGPT of two contrasting paths viewed from above: a wide, chaotic route in jagged red and black strokes and a narrow, peaceful path in cool blues and whites, with a lone figure stepping toward the narrow way. Text overlay: “In the world but not of it: How ancient texts guide modern sexual ethics (Leviticus 18; Genesis 2–3; Romans 1; 1Corinthians 5–6).” Hallel.info watermark.

What’s the point of the Torah’s stark language about nakedness, sexuality and child-sacrificing pagan worship in Leviticus 18? It’s really about something deeper: exploiting the vulnerable, crossing God-given boundaries and confusing shame with holiness. Tracing themes from Leviticus, Genesis, 1Corinthians, Hebrews and James, we explore how “naked and not ashamed” became fearful hiding — and how Messiah becomes our true covering. Discover how sanctification, judgment and grace meet in a God who refuses to leave us in our damage.

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

Mad about matzah: Enlist Heaven in our eschewing leaven in our ‘new self’

"Mad about matzah: Enlist Heaven in our eschewing leaven in our 'new self.'" A plate is stacked with squares of matzah bread. A knife rests on one piece with chocolate sauce spread partially on it. A small piece of chocolate with nuts sits on top of the piece of matzah.

The seven-day Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened bread) is an annual memorial of and spiritual reflection on our redemption, reformation and restoration into the Kingdom of God. Part of the lesson of purging out leaven during the festival is mastering the malice and wickedness that is beckoning us to open our heart’s door to them. Rather, we should let in Yeshua (Jesus) to our hearts and, thus, lives as He knocks.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Open your heart to those who don’t know what time it is (Genesis 18–19; Romans 1–2)

Open your heart to those who don't know what time it is (Genesis 18-19; Romans 1-2)

We look on in dismay at how degenerative American culture and politics have become, fret how so many of our fellow Americans vote for politicians and laws that accelerate that decline. It’s very tempting to harden our hearts against such people.

But via the Torah reading Vayera וַיֵּרָא Vayera (“he appeared,” Genesis 18–22), God calls us to be like Abraham, who walked in faith, depending completely on God’s mercy yet acknowledging God’s justice as he watched Sodom and her neighboring cities go up in flames. Abraham’s heart was so sensitive that he implored God to save them all — even the most wicked of them — if only 10 of her citizens were righteous before God.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Torah Unleavened Bread

The Exodus teaches us how to stand up to bullies

The Exodus teaches us how to stand up to bullies: Lessons from the seventh day of Unleavened Bread

Standing up to a bully is never easy. It’s not easy for an adult to do, but it’s even more difficult when our children have to stand up to those who would bully or persuade them to distrust their creators — their parents.

God, though the plagues of the Exodus and the drawing Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, defended ancient Israel against the bullying of Pharaoh and his nation. Mitzraim (Egypt) taught Israel to deny their Creator, but God put Egypt in its place.

And on the Day of the LORD, God again will defend Israel and all those adopted into her from the bullying into apostasy.

We are being called to stand up to the government and the wealthy oligarchs who want our children to deny their parents and their Creator. That’s a key lesson from the memorial of the seventh and final day of the Festival of Matzot (Unleavened Bread).