Nehemiah Restoration Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Nehemiah Restoration Fellowship
Yeshua. Torah. Fellowship. At NRF, we strive to model a life built on these three things, in that order.
Yeshua. First and always foremost, we are disciples of Messiah Yeshua, through the grace of Adonai, and by the power of the Ruach Ha‘Qodesh (Holy Spirit). We promote, teach, and - God willing - embody the Gospel of the Kingdom, for all (both Jew and Gentile).
Torah. Second, we uphold the ongoing validity and applicability of God‘s Torah (”Law”). We seek to observe these commandments in our daily lives to the best of our abilities, both individually and corporately.
Fellowship. Third and finally, we strive to maintain a fellowship community not merely as a ”church” where we go and hear a sermon once a week. But rather, an integrated fellowship community where everyone has a place and a part to play, to utilize their giftings in fulfillment of the Great Commission and in service of the Body and the Kingdom.
In this 9th installment of our study in Galatians, we look at some of the ways Romans parallels what is said in Galatians, as we look at believers being adopted into God, and receiving the Ruach Ha'Qodesh (Holy Spirit).
We examine Paul's charge for believers to cry out "Abba, Father!" and the intimacy implied with such language.
We look further at the stoicheia examined in the previous week, also examining extra-Biblical sources to answer the question: how could the Galatians, who were not previously Torah observant, be "turning back" to Torah, if that is what Paul was warning them against?
Simply put, it wasn't. So what then was he telling them not to turn back to?
All this and more is addressed in this teaching covering Galatians 4:6-11.
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the previous installments in this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Beginning chapter 4 now, we start with a thematic overview, looking into the themes present in our study of Galatians thus far. In particular, we look at covenant, conversion, and circumcision.
We then dive into chapter 4 and look at Paul's usage of the Greek word stoicheia, and what it meant to his audience. We also look at what Paul meant when saying that Yeshua was "born under the law" to "redeem those under the law."
Upon concluding, we consider the guardians and managers in our own lives, and the "basic elements" to which we may still be enslaved.
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the previous installments in this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
This installment wraps up chapter 3. We look again at the "guardian" or "tutor" to which Paul compares a function of the Torah, and discuss this first-century role and how it relates to the Torah.
We look at the inehritance that Paul speaks of, and how he reinforces his point that one need not "become Jewish" or ritually convert to Judaism in order to be a child of Abraham.
Also examined is the background to Paul's statement that believers have been "immersed into Messiah" and that we have been "clothed with Messiah."
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the previous installments in this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Still working through chapter 3, we continue looking at Rav Sha'ul (Paul's) words about the Torah and about works. We look again at covenant and how Paul uses in some ways different terms to relate the same foundational truths.
We look at the purpose of the Torah, and how the Torah is supplemental to the covenant with Abraham not contrary to it.
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the previous installments in this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Having skipped the recap for 3:1-14, Jonathan spends a few minutes helping consolidate the information up to this point by offering a review to tie things together.
Once again, we can see how the themes of Galatians all tie in together, and especially leading up to this part where we get to Paul's comments concerning covenants.
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the previous installments in this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Stepping into chapter 3, we work through some of the major issues and especially difficult passages found in these verses.
Topics covered include (but are not limited to):
- 4QMMT, the Dead Sea sectarian document known as "Works of the Law."
- The "evil eye" in the ancient world
- Paul's quotations from the Torah, especially Genesis
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the Intro, and Chapters 1 & 2.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
This teaching covers the remainder of Galatians chapter 2 not covered in the prior teaching.
Wrapping up these last 5 verses takes a good amount of careful exegesis. Multiple sources are examined here, and other texts are incorporated to decipher Paul's difficult language regarding the law.
If you've been wondering how Paul could uphold the Torah while also saying he "died to the law" then this teaching should answer your question!
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the Intro, Chapter 1, and the first section of Chapter 2.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this teaching Jonathan goes section by section, covering Galatians 2:1-16 in a thorough and comprehensive way. Special attention is paid to a handful of the "difficult" parts of Galatians 2, dealing with Paul's words regarding Torah, works, Gospel, and faith.
As with Part 1, the end of the teaching offers some helpful and practical ways to draw personally applicable principles from this section of Scripture in order to implement them in our own walk as Messianic believers.
If you haven't yet, be sure to catch the Intro and Chapter 1.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
While the prior teaching covered an introduction to the Book of Galatians (topics below), this teaching dives into the book itself. Working Galatians 1 just a few verses at a time, the difficult passages are addressed in a way that is consistent with the text and the whole Bible.
Additionally addressed in this teaching is a brief section on Acts 15, and how it intersect with the controversy of Galatians.
Lastly, but importantly, a practical application is addressed, as we seek to understand not just what Galatians says, but how we should understand and apply it to our lives.
Be sure to catch the Intro teaching first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
We have been covering the Biblical (read: Leviticus 23) festivals as part of our Foundations of our Faith series. But what about Hanukkah? It is mentioned in John 10, after all.
In this teaching, guest speaker Pastor Ron Hill (ret.) covers a brief introduction to the Festival of Dedication, aka the Festival of Lights: Hanukkah.
More so than fried foods or miraculous oil or 9-branch hanukkiahs, Hanukkah contains a powerful message for all believers even today. Join us in this teaching from Pastor Hill to get to know Dedication more!
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Continuing with the Foundations of our Faith series, Jeff teaches about the next topic: The Good News. In today's world, many people think the Gospel, or "good news" means: you get to ask Jesus into your heart, and then go live in heaven with Him when you die.
But is this idea Biblical? Is this really what the "good news" is all about? If the Gospel is about the Kingdom as Yeshua says, then what do we make of His Kingdom coming to earth?
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
This special teaching was delivered by Jonathan on Shavuot (Pentecost) 2021. In it, Jonathan discusses the significance of Shavuot, both as the day the Torah (Law) was given, as well as the giving of the Ruach Ha'Qodesh (Holy Spirit). He also brings out some interesting parallels between the two events, both from within the Bible and without.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
As part of our "Foundations of our Faith" series, Jonathan discusses the Sabbath. We all take it for granted, and we all assume we know what it means to rest from our work. But there may be a little bit more than just that. Is there a difference between resting, and ceasing from work? Why does the Torah use two different words for "work" and what's the difference between them?
These questions and more are addressed in this installment of our "Foundations of our Faith" series!
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this installment of our "Foundations of our Faith" series, Jonathan discusses the dietary laws (commonly called the kosher laws) of Leviticus 11. He also walks through the commonly quoted passages from the New Testament (Mark 7, Acts 10, 1 Cor. 10, and 1 Tim. 4) and addresses them in an apologetic way. That is, how do we as Messianics reconcile the observance of the food laws today, with these passages?
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this installment of the "Foundations of our Faith" series, Jeff walks us through tithes and offerings. Have you ever felt pressured to "give your 10%" at your congregation? Where does this come from?
Is tithe just agricultural produce, or is money also involved?
Can we give today, even if there are no Levitical priests? If so, is it still called tithe?
In this teaching, Jeff gets at the heart of what tithing really about: worship. As an act of worship, tithing expresses far more than just a financial obligation.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Part of the "Scripture" installment of the Foundations of our Faith series. In Part 1, Jonathan discussed the background of Scripture and canon; why we have the books we do. With that background in mind, and being more sure of the books we call Scripture, this video dives into three areas that make Scripture come alive to us personally:
- Inspiration
- Inerrancy
- Interpretation It is our hope that this teaching helps settle any questions you may have regarding the authority of the Bible, especially when trying to confront apparent contradictions.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
This teaching, as part of our Foundations of our Faith series, introduces the topic of Scripture and canon. Jonathan discusses some of the things that make the 66 books of Scripture authoritative, as well as why other books are not. The first of two parts, this first teaching is a bit more technical than our usual sermons. Nevertheless it is necessary to introduce this material to understand why we have the books we do, so that we can cover three more personal aspects of Scripture in Part 2, where the topic truly comes alive.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Have you been wondering what Baptism is all about? Why do some Baptize infants, while most don't? Why does Baptism play such an important role in the New Testament regarding an outward confession of faith, while the Tanakh (OT) is nearly silent, aside from ritual washings? Are these ritual washings related to immersion for confession of faith? All these questions are addressed by Jonathan in this sermon.
This teaching in particular has ended up being one of our most popular.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In Part 2 of his treatment of the topic of circumcision, Jeff takes us into the New Testament passages. Jeff visits Acts and Galatians especially, to describe the situation going on at the time, and what the deal was that made circumcision such a big argument. He also describes how Paul's use of "circumcision" in many of his letters may not be what we've all been taught (that is, that it is simply about the practice of circumcising male flesh). Rather, Paul's use of the term implies more, and require a deeper look.
Be sure to check out part 1 of the 2-part teaching first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this installment of our Foundations series, Jeff introduces the topic of circumcision. Not simply covering the flesh, but starting with the heart, Jeff explains the true purpose of it. This is picked up in part 2.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
As part of our Foundations series, Jonathan discusses Shemini Atzeret, the Festival of the 8th Day. Scripture doesn't have a whole lot to say specifically about this day, but the traditions that developed - combined with Yeshua's intentional proclamations in the Gospels - can shine a lot of light on this topic.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Recorded live in Panama City Beach, FL, this teaching covers the topic of Sukkot itself. As part of our Foundations series, we take a look at Sukkot; what it means, what practices are to be observed, as well as why we do what we do.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
While in Panama City Beach, FL, for Sukkot 2021, Jeff Young delivered a special guest teaching on the topic of joy.
A fitting topic for Sukkot - since it is the season of our joy! Jeff focuses on what joy can look like and what it can mean to us today. Also addressed is what to do when life gets tough, and we don't feel joyful.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In his farewell sermon as a leader of NRF, Pastor Jeff delivers a message of community. The Western world today doesn't seem to fully grasp this concept which was so integral to ancient Israel.
We appreciate Jeff's time and service to our own community here at NRF, and wish him the best in his future ventures in Oklahoma.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In concluding the series of The Divine Council, Jonathan spends the first few minutes recapping what we've covered so far. This exercise helps to tie the concepts together.
For the rest of the teaching, we look at the concept of "Spiritual Warfare" and walk through Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, verse by verse. This teaching should help believers have a firm foundation on what "spiritual warfare" is and, perhaps just as important, is not.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened to parts 1 - 7 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this 7th installment of The Divine Council series, we continue working through the Apostolic Scriptures (B'rit Chadasha | New Testament), focusing on covenant and kingdom.
We review the Abrahamic covenant once again, with a view towards how it relates to the covenant with all believers today. We also address the resurrection and being made like Yeshua; ruling in the kingdom; judging angels; and more.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened to parts 1 - 6 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In part 6 of the Divine Council series, Jonathan finally digs into the Apostolic Scriptures (B'rit Chadasha | New Testament), covering the background and the importance of Yeshua being not only Messiah, but specifically being the Son of David. Material covered includes the cryptic Messiah (why Messiah can often seem veiled in the Tanakh (Old Testament), as well as why and how David was considered an exorcist, and how this relates to the Divine Council.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened to parts 1 - 5 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Part 5 of the series The Divine Council. This teaching goes further into the topic of sacred space, in particular focusing on capturing the land of Israel, and the conquest of the giants (Rephaim) that dwelling therein.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened to parts 1 - 4 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Part 4 of the series The Divine Council. This teaching goes into the topic of sacred space. The importance of the land, and how it relates to the worship of God.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened to parts 1 - 3 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Continuing with the series on The Divine Council, Jonathan goes into more depth on establishing the three divine rebellions that are discussed early in Genesis. While maintaining a strong adherence to Scripture, multiple extra-biblical books are referenced. Not to equate them to Scripture, but to help shape and inform our reading of Scripture.
Also mentioned in this teaching are the books "Unseen Realm" (Logos: https://bit.ly/2WR3ufj; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9kZpA) and "Supernatural" (Logos: https://bit.ly/3iotPtt; Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lwOwFF) by Michael Heiser, as well as a playlist of videos from BibleProject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBxOZqtGTXE&list=PLH0Szn1yYNeef2AIszbltRK15dgoxA_57)
In case you've not yet listened parts 1 and 2 of this series, be sure to check those out first.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Part 2 of our series on The Divine Council builds on the foundation Jonathan laid in part 1.
In Part 2, Jeff goes back to the Garden to discuss two primary themes: the image of God, and the rebellion of the nachash (serpent). From Genesis, to Psalms, to Job, Jeff covers a wide range of Scriptures to discuss what it means to bear the Image of God. He also explains the serpent in the Garden, and why it wasn't just a talking snake.
Be sure to catch up on Part 1 before embarking on part 2.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Jonathan introduces the topic of The Divine Council. Starting with Genesis, going into Exodus, Deuteronomy, the Psalms, 1 Kings, Job, and more, Jonathan unfolds the Biblical explanation behind the heavenly beings that serve in the court of Adonai.
This topic begins to open our eyes to important Scriptural themes that are found across the Bible. This series will spread across multiple weeks, as there is a lot of ground to cover.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this teaching, Jonathan introduces the next series, covering the entire Letter to the Galatians. By far one of Rav Sha'ul's (Apostle Paul's) most challenging letters for Torah-keepers, this letter continues to be one of the most misunderstood books in all the New Testament. Join us as we set out to study through this book, week by week.
In this Introduction, Jonathan covers the reason why we need to understand Galatians, why it's important. Also covered is some background information on the themes in the letter, the reason why it was written, and historical information about Galatia itself.
We hope and pray this new series blesses you and is able to guide you in your understanding of this book not in opposition to the Torah, but in defense of the Gospel.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
The crescendo of the Fruit of the Spirit series, we have finally arrived at the Fruit of Love. It could be said that in Galatians 5:22-23, that Sha'ul (Paul) essentially lists love and the 8 things that follow as being specific outflowings of it.
Also covered in this teaching is a walk through 1 Corinthians 13, as we build our Fruit of Love based on the Scriptural understanding and principles for what that should look like.
Be sure to catch up on parts 1 - 8 if you haven't had the chance to listen yet.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Joy. Is it different from happiness? Is it just an emotion? Is there more to it? What does it mean - and what does it look like - to have the Joy of Adonai?
Join us for part 8 of our Fruit of the Spirit series covering the topic and fruit of joy!
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Shalom. It's a word that we in the Messianic movement know very well. We greet each other with it, we pray for it. But what does peace - true shalom - look like in the life of a believer? Is it peace as in the absence of conflict? Is it wholeness or completeness? Or is it a bit more nuanced than that?
Join us for part 7 of the Fruit of the Spirit series covering the fruit of peace.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Patience is a virtue. Or so we've heard. But what constitutes patience? If patience is not synonymous with just waiting, then how do we practice it, and how does it manifest in the lives of believers? Is patience something we do, or is it something that is passively thrust upon us? These topics and more are addressed - from the Scriptures - in this installment of our series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this teaching we examine Biblical kindness, and how we demonstrate it as a fruit of the spirit in our lives. How does kindness treat others? What actions are motivated by kindness, as opposed to selfishness?
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
This teaching discusses goodness as a fruit of the spirit, and examines a particular aspect of it: generosity. How do these terms relate? How do we exhibit goodness in our lives, and in our relationships with others?
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In this installment of the Fruit of the Spirit series, Jonathan talks about faithfulness, integrity, and dependability.
We take a look at Scripture to define the term for us, and guide us in looking for how this fruit manifests in our own lives.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
In Part 2 of the Fruit of the Spirit series, Jonathan moves on to the second topic: gentleness.
What is gentleness, and how do we exhibit this fruit of the Spirit?
Be sure to check out Part 1 first, with the topic of Self-Control and the introduction to this series.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Kicking off a new teaching series, Jonathan introduces a study on P'ri ha'Ruach, the fruit of the Spirit, centered on Galatians 5. Rather than go in sequential order, however, we will be looking at each one each week in reverse order.
Part 1 thus starts with "Self-Control." Fruits are not, themselves, works. That distinction is established early on in this teaching. This study looks at multiple facets of the Biblical concept of self-control, using many Scriptural examples.
To learn more about our ministry, our fellowship in Cleveland, TN, or to give to support our work, please visit us at https://nrfcommunity.org.
Thanksgiving is not a Biblical holiday. However, it is a good time to be reminded to give thanks to Adonai for all He has done for us. Likewise, thanksgiving as an act is a Biblical necessity.
So while one may choose to participate in Turkey Day or not, giving thanks to our Creator is an act of worship. That's what Jonathan covers in this important part of our Foundations series.