MNC Fellowship: Recent Episodes
Matthew Janzen
Sermons and radio broadcasts from Ministers of the New Covenant Fellowship located in Georgia. A congregation that holds to faith in Yeshua and keeping the commandments of Yahweh.
Before moving into Acts 8, we need to discuss the figure mentioned in both Acts 7:58 and 8:1, Saul of Tarsus. Who was this man, and why was he so bent on binding and even killing followers of Yeshua?
When a pastor gets behind a pulpit each week, he must give a teaching. His sermon should be centered around a text more than a title. If there is no genuine teaching, there will be no genuine growth. A big part of Yeshua’s ministry was his teaching.
Paul told Timothy to give attention to ‘the reading.’ The reading of what? This sermon reaches back to the book of Exodus to find the answer to that question. Nehemiah 8:8 is capitalized on.
Sometimes children and youth get overlooked, but Paul reminded young Timothy not to be discouraged by this, but to walk in holiness and set a good example for everyone.
Paul encourages Timothy to train, labor, and strive for the life to come. The ascetics focused mainly on the body, Timothy (and us) was to focus more on the spiritual person.
Next to Acts 10, 1 Timothy 4 is the most popular Bible verse used in attempt to nullify the dietary law in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Do modern preachers interpret it correctly though?
In spite of a brilliant defense, Stephen suffers the death penalty (unjustly). The human tendency is to get fighting mad at those who threw their stones, but wait to see how Stephen reacted.
I talk about a seared conscience and the need to repent TODAY, then I begin looking at the historical reason some false teachers forbade marriage. But is it always wrong to forbid marriage?
After writing about a common confession (everyone in the assembly agrees upon) Paul reminds Timothy not to fret about those leaving the assembly; the Spirit of Yahweh promised this would happen. We must learn to guard our heart and mind from deceitful spirits.
Here I answer the fourth reason on the CSBible website as to why they discontinued any use of the name Yahweh in their updated translation. Manuscript detail, Older Testament primacy, prophecy, and Yeshua’s ministry are all covered in this lesson.
I’ve used the HCSB from 2004 to early 2026, but I’ve recently made a change in my primary Bible to the Legacy Standard Bible. Why? I begin to look at the CSBible website, answering their reasons for abandoning their 656 uses of the name Yahweh in the Old Testament.
Brother Stephen brings things to a head as he finishes his own defense of the holy place, Moses, and the Torah. In the end, he turns the accusation against him back on whom it belongs, the Jewish leaders. They were following in the footsteps of many Israelites of old, rejecting the prophet who was sent to them.
I first look at different Bible translation methodologies (across the spectrum) and then turn my attention to the 2004 HCSB and its use of the name Yahweh in key passages.
There is a HUGE difference between someone who disobeys because they are new and learning, and someone who knows and turns their face away from what Yahweh says.
The Prophets always called the people of Israel back to Moses, because it was Moses that was given the Living Oracles from Yahweh on the Mountain.
In the same way Israel of old had rejected Moses, Israel in the first century rejected Yeshua, and Stephen called them out on it.
The finale to the mini-sermon-series on the creedal hymn. I center in on Yeshua’s resurrection, how he obtained it, where he is at in heaven, some of what he is doing, and a few other things throughout. I do talk about his sonship, and throw a little bit of biblical cosmology in the mix. Hope it blesses you.
Before Yeshua ever died and resurrected to eternal life, people were believing upon him from various nations. This sermon focuses on some key texts in the Gospel of John that explain what exactly Paul meant when he said Yeshua was “believed on in the world.”
Yeshua was a preacher, and he did not just preach to Israelites (lost or found). Listen to learn about some important concepts in the gospel of Matthew, surrounding the “Sermon on the Mount.”
This was the sermon Yahweh laid upon my heart to give for the first day of Unleavened Bread (2026). It was prompted by someone recently telling me how heavy a yoke it must be for me to think I have to keep all the commandments. I hope and pray this message is a blessing to you.
Continuing on in this creedal hymn I look at the phrase “seen by angels,” considering the chronology as well as a parallel text from Apostle Peter. Yeshua not only conquered sin and death, he conquered the Devil, fallen angels, and demonic spirits.
Stephen continues to show that Moses was rejected by Israel of old, as a depiction of Yeshua being rejected by the then, current Israel. Stephen begins to bring up angels, which is interesting seeing the Sadducees (of which sect the High Priest belonged) didn’t believe in angels.
I give an overview of my “Passover Conversations” for the last several years, and then I answer two questions or concerns I most often receive from those who remain inquisitive.
Yeshua of Nazareth was proven to be upright (perfectly) upon his resurrection to immortality. The future resurrection that us followers of Yeshua will partake in is our blessed hope beyond compare. I talk about Yeshua’s ability to fly in this lesson. You read that correctly.
While this sermon centers in on a key, Christological point (in this early Creed/Hymn), it begins by focusing on textual variation, criticism, and New Testament attestation.
Some theology may be disagreed upon by true brothers, but some theology is absolutely essential to the brotherhood and thus salvation. The mystery of holiness is one such essential element to the faith/truth.
Stephen continues to defend himself by reminding the Jewish leaders that their brother Israelites rejected Moses right from the start. There is a tie-in here, if you read carefully, coupling Yeshua with Moses.
Stephen moves to Joseph in his defense of Yeshua, showing that Israelite history had the very blood brothers of the favored Joseph reject him and even wanted him dead. It wasn’t until a later, second visit to Egypt that Joseph revealed himself to them after much time had passed.
Stephen begins his defense of the Law, Moses, Holy City, and Temple, by going back to the promises made to Abraham in Genesis 12, 15, and 17. There is much to be gleaned here and some rather technical issues, so slow down and take some time to go over each text carefully.
The Jewish leaders make some accusations against Stephen at the end of Acts 6. Oftentimes, Stephen’s words in Acts 7 are seen as simply a historical recounting of the nation of Israel, but what if his words are designed to respond directly to the accusations?
A refresher sermon on the importance of Holy Scripture. This is a forward to my soon series through Paul’s first epistle to young Timothy.
The closing sermon for our Sukkot gathering (2025). I talk some about prophecy and eschatology, and then I briefly do some exegesis in Colossians 2. I end with talking about where I’m at on understanding what the Feast of Booths foreshadows.
I cover: Scriptural months are lunar based, why both seven days and the eighth day are mentioned in the instructions for the Feast of Booths, the various fire offerings related to this Feast, and the importance of the Miqra Kodesh (Sacred Assembly).
I look at who exactly (what people groups) were delivered out of the land of Egypt, as well as the Hebrew word for “booths.” Some time is then taken to trek through Nehemiah’s account of Ezra and company finding this Feast in the Book of the Law.
We begin to study into the last of the major, annual Festivals to Yahweh by looking at the two names it is given as well as how it relates to the heavenly light calendar in Genesis 1:14-19.
I begin to delve into the last major, annual Festival to Yahweh, but take the time to consider why only the males are commanded to appear before Yahweh in both Exodus and Deuteronomy. This sermon takes a few minutes to look at the recent tragedy, the assassination of a good, Christian brother - Charlie Kirk.
Some in the Sacred Name Community use Exodus 23:13 as a launching pad for claiming the name Jesus has pagan origins. This lesson seeks to simplify the matter by looking at from where the name Jesus stems with the process of transliteration.
I delve into a topic here that many never think about, and some poke fun of those who even bring it up. What is the best way to translate the Hebrew words el and elohim into the English language? What is the origin of the English word god? These questions and more are covered.
I go over some specifics in regards to the actual, literal speaking of common words that may stem from pagan origin, and then move into tracking the various Hebrew words behind the word lord in the English Bible. Some points about the name YHWH are covered as well.
This section begins to detail a dispute that Stephen (a disciple of the Apostles) had with some in his hometown synagogue. Stephen’s wisdom, and face, showed forth that he was truly sent by Yeshua.
I begin exegeting the second part of Exodus 23:13, looking at the meaning of the Hebrew word zakar, and then asking the question of how far we go in obedience to this command.
There are commandments and there are traditions of men. We are to be strict in one, and loose in the other. I cover the Hebrew word “shamar,” and the English word “circumspect” in this sermon.
A sermon calling us to imitate the Master in his desire to see people enter a relationship with him and his Father.
Taking a look at the speciality of prophet Moshe, as well as the Torah (Law, Instructions) Yahweh gave through him.
Yahweh has blessed you by putting someone (and probably a few someone’s) in your life that is a good person. Never take that for granted.
What the apostles of Yeshua decided to do was based off of what prophet Moses did back in his day. The leaders in a community should always carry righteous qualities and characteristics, in order to set a good example for everyone following.
To close out this series on Pentecost I take time to answer the three most common objections I hear against the view I take. Pay attention closely because there are some key points in how to do proper Bible study in this lesson.
I take a look at some key Scriptures about the harvest timing of both wheat and grapes, showing the connection between an ancient prophecy and the Apostle Peter’s preaching.
What if the numbering of the fifty days doesn’t take place until after the seventh Sabbath? This lesson walks through the narrative in the book of Exodus surrounding Mount Sinai, going through several points that lead me in this direction.
I continue teaching on Pentecost here, specifically looking at what is counted as commanded in both Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I also go into some points concerning lunar vs. Saturday sabbath.
In Acts 6 we turn a new leaf. Peter has been doing a lot of preaching, but we now get into an aspect of how some important matters were handled in the early, Messianic community. Listen to learn of how the Apostles actually took their cue here from the Torah.
I focus in on the various positions throughout history among groups that have been committed to counting for Pentecost. Towards the end I talk about the position our assembly takes and why.
This sermon encourages us to not let go of the commandments that are directly from a person to Yahweh, and then goes over the four different names given to the second of the three major annual festivals in Yahweh’s honor.
The Apostles are in trouble again for spreading the message about the death and resurrection of Yeshua of Nazareth, and they almost get the death sentence, but a wise man stand up for them in their time of trouble. Listen to learn how we should be honored to be persecuted for faith in the Messiah.
In this lesson I close out the three part mini-series covering the timetable of Yeshua’s death and resurrection by looking at the popular text in which he says he’ll spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth. How does that fit in with a preparation day death and first day resurrection? Listen to learn about proper interpretation of Scripture, idioms in the Bible, and how we should not be throwing people into Gehenna for disagreeing on most doctrines.
The Apostles go on trial for preaching about Yeshua, specifically about indicting the Jewish leaders with his murder. They’ve disobeyed the ruling of the Sanhedrin, which is punishable by death according to Torah. How in the world then are they innocent in Yahweh’s eyes?
I give a brief quotation from Emperor Constantine’s letter to the churches after the council of Nicaea, contrasting it with Holy Scripture, and then move into understanding more about the timeline of Yeshua’s death and resurrection.
As I begin to teach on the “Feast of Harvest” (Weeks, Pentecost) I talk about matters relating to the beginning of the count to this Feast. Why was Easter celebrated this year about eight days after Passover? Listen to learn how the Feast sequence pointed to the resurrection of Yeshua.
We are commanded to not have empty hands when Yahweh’s Feasts roll around. What exactly does this mean? Listen to learn about both the abuse and proper use of tithes and offerings.
The Sanhedrin assembles to put Yeshua’s Apostles on trial… but when they go to get them from a jail cell, they are nowhere to be found.
The Apostles, though faced with persecution, continue to teach the people about their life in Yeshua. Sometimes miracles happen in the life of the follower. Sometimes they come in the form of a heavenly messenger.
A summarized view of how to calculate the month of Abib. The Hebrew words abib, chodesh, yerach, yareach, mēn, neumēnia, tequpha, shanah, and more are covered.
I go over one key aspect of the first, commanded, annual Festival on Yahweh’s calendar. I also look at how sin creeps into our lives, sometimes unknowingly, so we should always be on guard (protect mode).
I give a brief overview of the three major, annual Festivals in honor of Yahweh, and then I look at an objection and question I’ve heard for a long time now. Are we allowed to keep the Feasts outside the promised land?
Many signs and wonders were being performed by the Apostles, and they were praised highly, but at the same time many of the Jews didn’t want to join them. Why? This lesson takes a look at why people were context to only get into the shadow of the Apostle Peter in hopes of receiving a healing.
This is a text I was made to memorize in Christian school, but I believe it’s a text that most Christians don’t truly understand. Any-time is a good time to meditate (speak of, think on, memorize, etc.) Yahweh’s teachings, instructions, and guidance.
I consider both the standard, Christian interpretation of this text as well as the common “Hebrew Roots” interpretation, and then walk through and give an alternate understanding. Hosea 6:6 is paramount here. It must be understood that in the realm of keeping the commandments, sometimes two commands collide and doing one is more important than doing the other.
I’ve had so many discussions about this over the last 27+ years, but I’ve never taught one cohesive sermon on it. That changes with this lesson. I give my reasons for my practice while respecting those who genuinely disagree due to their own studies. I pray my contribution here is beneficial to the on-going discussion among those practicing Torah.
I take a look at and give a Scriptural answer to this question I often receive. What does Scripture say about cooking on the Sabbath? Yes, I deal with the verse about kindling a fire.
In contrast to Barnabus’ devotion to the Apostolic community, Ananias and Sapphira try to be deceptive and end up in a bad place. We should always be honest with what Yahweh has entrusted us with. Our vows should be upheld in fear and reverence.
What was the purpose behind the communal living of the early Messianic sect? When a person is fully dedicated to following Yeshua they realize that so much in this world ultimately just does not matter that much.
A general overview of keeping (guarding, protecting) the Sabbath. Towards the end I talk about exceptions to the rule and then answer the question I get asked most often when people are beginning to consider obeying this commandment.
One of the ways a person can find out real quick how much of a blessing Yahweh’s law is, is to start genuinely keeping the Sabbath. I talk a little bit about my journey to keeping Sabbath, and I also go into a little bit about being a disciple of someone.
I go over a few more details concerning the Sabbatical year (and cycle) and then I get into some practicality for followers of Yahweh today. Never try to talk yourself out of keeping a commandment. Always reason towards Yahweh’s Torah, not away from it.
The apostles of Yeshua are faced with a decision to listen to the instruction from the Sanhedrin or continue to preach and teach about Yeshua. When we are faced with similar decisions in our life, it is always right to listen to and obey Yahweh rather than man.
The apostles had been threatened by the religious leaders in Jerusalem, so what did they do? They didn’t complain. They didn’t give up. They prayed, and they prayed for strength and boldness. This lesson also goes over a key midrash from Psalm 2 in Acts 4.
Part of Sabbath-keeping is making sure the land gets to rest along with us, but this is a bit longer of a process. Towards the end of the sermon I talk about just how serious it was to respect the land.
We are called to judge, accuse, and love, but we are called to do those things in accordance with Yahweh’s instructions. For example, there is an unrighteous judgment as well as a righteous judgment. How do we know which is which? Towards the end I give an admonishment on making sure to love Yahweh and not just your neighbor.
The Torah (OT) actually teaches us to love (do good) to our enemies. I cover what exactly this means and end with a parable of sorts of how we ought to be like Yahweh is each and every day.
We must use our speech for truth rather than slander and falsehood, even when the majority of people are speaking that which is a lie. No matter how big the crowd is that is going the wrong direction, it’s never right.
An introductory sermon to Exodus 23. The generality of life’s ups and downs are taught, but through it all we must stay the course. Do your best to not get tired of doing good. Yeshua is waiting for you at the finish line!
The Apostles of Yeshua stand before the Sanhedrin and are ordered against speaking in the name of Yeshua. Why? Listen to learn how we should be bold for Messiah, even in the face of persecution.
A closer look at strangled meat, how animals are slaughtered today (in general), and the natural and spiritual aspect of “the dogs” in both Exodus 22 and Matthew 7. I end our study of Exodus 22 with a reminder that we want the control of Yahweh over our lives and true freedom is found in being devoted to Him.
Taking a look at how Exodus 22:31 ties into the proper slaughtering of a clean animal. I go over some pertinent parts of Acts 15 and the decision made by the elders at the Jerusalem Council.
We are not called to try and be different just for the sake of being different. Making up your own rules doesn’t mean a hill of beans to the Almighty. Humbly following what He said, and not adding to or taking away from His written commands is where it’s at.
An overview of the abortion issue from a Biblical perspective, and a call to recognize its weightiness on a governmental scale.
A look at Apostle Peter’s statement about what salvation in the name of Yeshua meant in its first-century, apostolic context.
I cover two more points about redeeming a firstborn son and then I give seven points of review concerning what we’ve covered on these commandments.
A detailed look at Numbers 18’s laws about first-fruits and firstborns as we ask the question of what to do today when it comes to obeying these commandments.
The Apostle Peter tells the Jewish leaders that Yeshua of Nazareth is the stone set aside by the builders, but where did he get that from? Listen to learn about how David, Yeshua’s ancestor, plays a part in this statement by Peter.
There will always be scoffers, but don’t scoff back - just counter it with gentleness and respect.
The apostles have been placed in prison and are now brought before a court and put on trial, all for healing a lame man at the Temple. How does Peter handle himself before the Jewish leaders?
This lesson looks intently at the groups mentioned in Acts 4:1, taking the deepest look at the Sadducees. If we do not understand the “who” in Scripture, we will not be able to determine the proper meaning of a text.
If the Israelites were required to give their firstborn animals to Yahweh, was it the firstborn from the father or mother? I cover a good bit of detail in answering this question as well as talking about taking your time in Bible study and not being so harsh with people when witnessing to them about the truth.
I begin looking at bringing first-fruits and firstborns to the Almighty. What’s the principle behind this? How was this done with an unclean animal? Were the Israelites ever required to sacrifice their first-born sons? Listen to learn of the blessing that comes by obeying the Creator.
Blasphemy can be committed by either disrespecting the Almighty or disrespecting the men He has placed in charge of His people on the earth. Authority can be abused though, so leaders ought to lead in the manner prescribed in Holy Scripture.
An introduction to Acts 4 that delves into persecution and suffering in the early, Messianic assembly. How does this relate to us in the modern age?
After the last lesson, considering all the people in the Bible who were called righteous because of their deeds, what does the prophet Isaiah mean when he says our righteousnesses are as filthy rags? I also look at the famous Romans 3 passage and consider why the text says no one is righteous.
There’s a pretty common understanding in Christianity that all of our good deeds are filthy rags. This lesson looks at several Scriptures showing that when we do good works from a genuine heart Yahweh considers us as righteous before Him.
With the practice of loaning money and not charging interest comes the practice of collateral. There are certain items that are allowed to be taken as a pledge, and certain items disallowed. The main point is that even when a person is poor or fallen on hard times, their dignity should remain in tact, and those of us with more at that time are responsible to help with that.
This lesson focuses in on taking care of the poor in our communities as well as some on financial stability and prosperity.
This is the final sermon covering Acts 3 focusing on the Israelites being the specific people Yeshua of Nazareth was sent to. Seven key/main points are covered that overview the entire chapter.
In this final installment of the “Shema” series I talk about the correlation between Deuteronomy 6 and Revelation 13. Whose mark are you marked with?
Those in the “Torah Community” are almost always familiar with the tassels (Hebrew, tzitzit), but not many are familiar with the phylacteries (also called tefillin). What are they, what are they based upon (in Scripture) and should we wear them? This lesson tackles all of that and looks at some archeological evidence towards the end.
A very practical lesson for soon to be parents or parents of younger children. If you diligently and consistently put these principles to practice, in 5-10-15 years you will be oh so thankful.
A friend of mine got in touch with me (Matthew Janzen) about doing an interview for one of his college courses. He asked me various questions about being a pastor and the particular religious persuasion of our congregation. I hope it’s all a blessing to you.
A look at how the Torah - Yahweh’s instructions - can be in a person’s heart today, as well as back at the time of prophet Moshe. I also begin talking about the importance of a parent teaching their children the commandments from an early age.
What does it mean to love Yahweh with all your heart, soul, and strength? What is love? This is really an elementary sermon, but it has huge implications for your life.
The Shema teaches us to have sole loyalty to Yahweh; He alone must be our Mighty One, but is Yahweh really one all by Himself? What does the word echad mean? Does Deuteronomy 6:4 somehow teach the tri-unity of God?
The Shema is not about “the Lord;” that’s too generic. Instead, there is a proper Name embedded therein, and it’s important that we speak this Name in our worship and service to the Creator. He wants to be called Yahweh. Towards the end of the lesson I give a brief overview of the varying pronunciations of the Divine Name.
This begins a series of lessons walking through Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (and its parallel in Mark 12:28-34). The focus here is on the first, Hebrew word in the text. I encourage all of us to genuinely listen to Yahweh as we read and study His word. This is where it all begins.
How is Yeshua like Moses? Several titles given to Yeshua are covered, as well as a key text from Deuteronomy, and the necessity of accepting Yeshua as Messiah (the Anointed King).
The final element to Yeshua’s uniqueness is his resurrection to immortality. This is what concretes everything together, and it is also the blessed hope that all followers of Yeshua have when they die. Because he lives, we can face tomorrow.
In Scripture, one’s characteristics or behavior shows forth who they belong to. Since Yeshua always did the behavior of his Father, he is the pen-ultimate Son of Elohim. this lesson looks at Yeshua’s perfect, miraculous life.
Once the lame man was healed, Peter began to preach another stirring message to his brethren - the men of Israel. He focuses on Yeshua being Yahweh’s servant, and how Yahweh had sent him to them, but they had rejected him.
An exegesis of Luke 1:32b-38. I cover how Adam is a photo-type of Yeshua, and how Yeshua must be related (a descendant) of King David. Towards the end I spend time on Miriam’s question (1:34) and Gabriel’s answer (1:35). If we take away Yeshua’s virgin conception, we are taking away part of what makes him the unique Son of Elohim.
I begin exegeting Luke 1:26-38 here, and talk about young Miriam’s (Mary’s) situation in life, balancing out Catholic and Protestant “takes” on her. I then focus on Gabriel’s words in Luke 1:32a, that Yeshua would be called the “Son of the Most High.” Towards the end of the lesson I look at how the birth of Yochanan (John) is somewhat parallel with the birth of Yeshua - they were both miracle children.
When I began to sit down and write out an exegesis of Luke 1:26-38 my mind and my fingers went in another direction. I felt led to give an overview of the miracle-working power of Yahweh, and encouraging everyone to stay with the text of Scripture no matter where it leads or what the cost. I hope and pray this lesson will be a righteous influence to all who have ears to hear.
This lesson delves into deceptive healings, centering in on Matthew 7:21-23, and then goes on to show what a genuine healing looks like. The meaning of “the name of Yeshua” is covered, and the significance of the timing of a lame man being able to stand up and praise/pray is touched on. What a wonderful account this is!
I begin to move into explaining how Yeshua is the Son of Elohim by looking at the famous John 3:16 passage. It’s one that if not careful can become common to the ear in a way that makes us feel we need to “move on” from it. Towards the end of the sermon I deal with some technicalities on the Greek word monogenes.
Here’s look at the concept of the enthroned King of Israel being the son of Elohim. Psalm 2, 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 22, and 1 Chronicles 29 are all touched on. I also look at how the Hebrew word mashiyach (messiah) is used of individuals other than Yeshua of Nazareth.
There are heavenly, spirit beings that existed alongside Yahweh when He created the earth. We know them as angels, but they can equally be called messengers as well as sons of the Almighty. Listen to learn about the principle of agency as well as the guardians of sacred space. At the end I talk about how Yahweh loves us and sends His heavenly messengers to watch over us.
Now apostles Peter and John go up to the Temple at the normal hour of prayer and end up healing a man who had been lame for over 40 years. What was the hour of prayer, and why were the apostles still participating in the Temple services? This lesson covers much about the professed “faith healers” of our day, and contrasts what we see men claiming vs. the actual gift of healing that was given to Yeshua’s apostles.
I’m taking a brief pause on my series through the Book of the Law (in Exodus) to discuss something that’s been going through my mind for a couple years. What does Scripture mean when it calls Yeshua the Son of Elohim? I cover some preliminary points here, and then move to looking at one of Elohim’s sons back in Genesis.
Yahweh’s Torah requires us to help widows and not mistreat them, but as we continue to read through Scripture we are given an outline on discerning who to help, how to help, and what kind of help to give. Yahweh’s people are not required to fund wickedness, and in times where we are required to help someone, the responsibility falls first on the immediate family.
In the first century, there was a sect in Judaism known as “The Way.” They had a great impact on all their on-lookers because they chose to live piously, with thankfulness and in simplicity. This lesson encourages us to look back on their example so that we too may have an impact on those who see us today.
Here we walk through Scripture looking at the highlight texts that teach us one of the greatest of the commandments. In a nutshell, do not neglect widows and orphans. For anyone claiming to be Torah observant, this has got to be part of what you are regularly practicing.
Positions and Rank are not the same as the forgiveness of sins and salvation. There is still such a thing as the special treasure of physical Israel, but there is also such a thing as a non-Israelite who joins the nation of Israel to serve Yahweh. I also talk about the definition and standing of the eunuch among Israel.
If we catalog all the times Yahweh commands Israel to love and take care of the foreigner, widow, orphan, and poor person, it far outweighs any other commandment given in Torah. Some specifics of the Hebrew word ger are covered, and then I take the time to talk about when a person comes to Yahweh, He does not look at their background, last name, or ethnicity, He looks at their heart and mind.
After Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were baptized, but they didn’t join the local, Christian church. Listen to learn about the promise given here and what exactly happened for these devout Jews that day. It’s important that the Messianic assemblies today do their best to mirror that early first century faith.
Whenever someone hears me talk about animal sacrifices (or reads something I’ve written), there’s almost always a few people who clap back with “Obedience is better than sacrifice!” Where do they get that from? Can that statement be substantiated from Holy Scripture?
I never really paid attention to this verse until going through the Book of the Law meticulously. We should always slow down and read each verse carefully, only then will we see the intent Yahweh brings across. Animal sacrifices are often vilified by Christians today. This verse (and many others) shows that full worship to Yahweh is not accomplished apart from animal sacrifices.
Let’s take a look into why there’s even a law against bestiality in the Torah - not one time but in four different places. This is not something I would choose to teach on, but I teach verse-by-verse and I’m not going to leave anything out.
At the end of Peter’s “Pentecost Sermon” many of his fellow Israelites are pricked in their heart and thus convicted about what they did to Yeshua of Nazareth. They asked the question, “What must we do?” This lesson gives an overview of Peter’s instructions for their forgiveness, and the gift they’d be given.
What really happened when Saul visited the Witch of Endor? There have been various interpretations on this passage throughout history. I ask that we just slow down and read the text, and then we can branch out to a couple of additional texts that speak to the matter.
In 1 Samuel 28 we have a contrast: inquiring of Yahweh by way of a dream, prophet, or the Urim vs. going to talk to a witch. The choice is still yours. Do you rely on and trust Yahweh for answers to life, or are you searching in other areas?
Sorcery, witchcraft, fortune-telling, mediums, and necromancies oh my! Listen to learn about all of this plus how signs, wonders, and miracles from Yahweh through a prophet are similar yet juxtaposed to these occult practices. No “happy Halloween” here for sure. Stay with Yah’s Torah.
I had four brothers join me for a discussion about their turning from atheism to theism due to the study of the Biblical Creation Model. Atheism is an area somewhat foreign to me; I’ve looked at it from the outside in, but because I grew up in a conservative, Christian home I don’t know what it “feels” like. These brothers helped me understand a bit and what a joy it was to listen to their testimonies of deliverance!
Peter has already pulled from Psalm 16 in his sermon, but he now pulls from another Psalm, and lo and behold it’s one in which there are two Lords! One is Yahweh, and the other is the Master of King David. Listen to learn about the appointed and anointed Messiah and Lord, Yeshua of Nazareth.
This was the concluding sermon to our Feast of Tabernacles 2023 - a call for us to love our brothers and sisters. Do you really love your neighbor? If you don’t then you do not have salvation. This is a call to be introspective.
You CAN live a righteous life; Yahweh is an encourager of that to you. Each day you live should be one in which you consciously make a decision to do the right things. It’s time to let go of the false doctrine that our righteous deeds are filthy rags. At the same time, a righteous person acknowledges they still need repaired. Humility admits and confesses sins we are still trying to break free from. In the middle of this lesson I touch on the word propitiation, and look at the idea of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (theory).
There are some people who profess Christ that are liars, so says the Apostle John. What makes someone a liar? This lesson covers some thoughts on how exactly the blood of Yeshua cleanses us from sin, and encourages us to give love back to Yahweh who loved us first.
I share how 1 John 1:1 correlates with Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1, and what the word of Elohim is. Towards the end of the lesson I discuss how my fellowship with Yahweh and Yeshua blossomed when I realized they were really Father and Son.
Yahweh raised Yeshua from the dead, and it was prophesied to happen before hand by King David. But where did David speak about it?
We are actually commanded in Scripture to memorize the Torah. Have you hidden Yah’s word in your heart? How are you spending your time?
What is a shekel? I cover the amount in silver required for a bride-price in the case of enticement, and then I make some final remarks on dealing with young adults realistically. I also encourage married couples to keep the fire of love burning.
What is a shekel? I cover the amount in silver required for a bride-price in the case of enticement, and then I make some final remarks on dealing with young adults realistically. I also encourage married couples to keep the fire of love burning.
Yeshua is a man. How does that make you feel? This sermon centers in on the first words from Apostle Peter after he finishes quoting prophet Yo’el. Yahweh performed His greatest of all works through a man from Nazareth, and we must believe in this man whom He hath sent.
An objection I’ve heard given by both atheists and liberal Christians is that the God of the Old Testament required a woman to marry her rapist. I answer that objection in detail here, focusing in on an exceptional footnote in the NET Bible.
Scripturally, a young man is not allowed to marry a young woman if the girl’s Yah-fearing father refuses. This lesson speaks to (1) the bride-price, (2) parenting carefully, and (3) the weightier matters of Torah.
I cover three key words: entice, virgin, and betrothal. We being looking at and unpacking the intricacies of this law concerning seduction.
The backdrop of the death of Yeshua is covered, as well as some eschatological points from the Olivet Discourse. What does it mean to “call on the name of Yahweh”? The curses of Deuteronomy 28 are also covered, and a shocking realization from Josephus’ recorded history is read.
I cover some preliminary thoughts I’ve had while studying Exodus 22:16-17, namely that a good marriage is key, a woman is a gift to man, daughters are to be given not taken, and intimacy is designed for covenant relationship. I also read and hit some highlights in Genesis 24, ending with a warning to both men and women in the Torah community.
Why is there a difference between keeping (guarding) someone’s money and keeping someone’s animal? What’s the big deal about taking an oath before Yahweh? If you borrow your neighbor’s chainsaw and it breaks, do you have to replace the chainsaw? These questions and more are covered in this lesson, and I end with an important admonition about all or nothing.
We must respect our neighbor’s property, even to the point of making restitution when we caused something to happen unintentionally. Here I cover more on restitution, the concept of property rights, how to handle paying back a person you’ve hurt, and trust having to be earned.
Were there wonders and signs in heaven and on earth during Yeshua and his apostles ministries? How could the sun have been darkened and the moon turn to blood in the first century? And what about the “Day of Yahweh” or “Day of the Lord”? Is that day yet future, or is it somehow past? These topics and more are covered.
I sat down to begin writing my sermons on Exodus 22:5-15 and I ended up writing 5 pages of intro material. I pray it’s a blessing to you.
Some in Christianity have taken a position of total, complete pacifism. Based upon this text in Exodus (and a few others) I believe they are incorrect. At the same time we must consider the balance found in religious persecution. Listen to learn about some intricate details in the book of instruction and how they apply to our modern lives.
We begin a new chapter in our journey through Torah here and look at some particulars in regards to theft and restitution. Why is double restitution required sometimes but five-fold restitution required at other times? I also cover narrative examples of restitution from the mouth of King David and Zaccai.
The laws pertaining to responsibility and/or negligence do not just apply when a human being is injured or killed, but also when an animal is injured or killed. Domestic animals are their owner’s responsibility. In the last half of this lesson I give a brief refresher course on why we spend time studying the Book of the Law.
Does Exodus 21:28-32 apply to you if you don’t own an ox? Maybe it only applies if someone you know personally owns an ox? Listen to learn about the necessity of Yahweh’s law, and the importance of us not being negligent.
On the heels of the Law concerning striking a pregnant woman comes a judgment clause about “eye for eye.” Is this barbaric and outdated? Have you ever thought deeper about what it could mean? Listen to learn of the just judgments of Yahweh, and also how Yeshua did not abandon Exodus 21:24-25 when he cited Matthew 5:38-42.
This lesson begins to take a look at Apostle Peter’s quotation from the prophet Yo’el (Joel) in regards to the last days. Why did Peter add the phrase “the last days” to Joel’s text?
Sermon pulls from Luke 23:32-43. I respond to a popular clip I’ve seen a lot of lately from Alistair Begg. Should we look to our works at all as a part of our salvation? Is justification by faith alone the apostolic teaching?
This is a message of encouragement for the saints of Yahweh to keep on serving Him no matter what. It can weigh on a man’s mind after years of being different from most people in the world, but we must endure to the end. Not everyone who starts a race finishes it. May we finish strong, not making excuses for ourselves when we don’t want to keep certain commandments.
We must recognize the importance of Apostle Peter’s preaching. Nothing takes the place of a law-gospel preacher. It would do us all well to find a preacher who is true to Yahweh’s Word and sit under his tutelage.
This lesson covers three more ordinances concerning Passover, and delves into the controversial topic of circumcision. Does the command about circumcision still apply today? I go over a key hermeneutical principle, and then I balance everything out by making sure we consider not just Scripture, but ALL of Scripture on the topic. Get your Bible out and follow along, there so much material here that I don’t want you to miss.
I decided to answer some FAQ about Passover this year in preparation for the holydays. I look at the reason why Yahweh’s people stay up most of the night on Passover, and at what point we are allowed to exit our house (to fulfill the remaining ordinances). The lesson ends with an actual example in our local congregation of an emergency situation and how Yahweh’s mercy always forgives the repentant, obedient person.
This lesson calls us back to celebrating that which Yahweh sanctions. Modern Christianity celebrates just about every holiday with some kind of religious flare, except for the ones commanded in Holy Scripture. I do an overview of the Scriptural calendar here, and end with talking about how Yeshua is the great shadow-caster. Buckle up for a truck-load of information.
This wraps up this mini-series within a series on the Scriptural gift of tongues. Acts 2:11-13 is exegeted and then questions are answered. Towards the end 1 Corinthians 14 is examined in light of Acts 2; whether or not the languages therein are the same, and whether or not the gift the Apostles received can be or is experienced today. So many golden nuggets of teaching are given in this lesson.
There is a debate (even in scholarship) as to whether the text at hand refers to a woman miscarrying or going into labor and having a live-birth. There’s also discussion as to whether the harm mentioned here is just to the woman or also to the child growing inside the woman. This lesson looks at all the variables, and pulls some interesting information from the Septuagint text as well as the writings of the ancient Jewish historian Philo.
Before getting into the intricacies of this law, groundwork must be laid as to how Hebrews thought of conception and pregnancy. In this lesson I talk about some common sense arguments and then look at some key Scriptures from Genesis, Psalms, and Luke.
We can’t harm others and expect to not have to make it right by actual, tangible means. This lesson deals with physical altercations between friends (or people in general), and it also covers the proper understanding on ancient master-to-slave relationships in Hebrew culture. I talk about the prophet use of the “rod of correction” as well.
Why did Yahweh give the Apostles of Yeshua the ability to speak in languages they had never learned? This lesson takes us all the way back to Genesis, and then walks through some key texts in the Law (Deuteronomy 28:49) and the Prophets (Isaiah 28:11; Jeremiah 15:5). It ends with an impactful look at the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
This sermon looks at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Matthew 7:21-23, and Titus 1:15-16 in order to determine what power Paul is telling Timothy that some people deny. It’s so important that we always read and interpret Scripture in context, else we will come up with all sorts of fanciful doctrines. I critique the modern day Charismatic Church in this sermon, and I do not apologize for it.
If you’ve never studied about Hanukkah you really should. I encourage you to start by reading 1 Maccabees 1-4 and 2 Maccabees 6, 7, and 10. This lesson centers in on the dedication some of the Israelites had towards Yahweh during a time of extreme persecution, calling us all to examine our own dedication to Yahweh.
What exactly happened in Acts 2 in regards to foreign tongues? Is the modern Pentecostal experience biblically affirmed? Listen carefully with an open bible to learn some things you rarely hear taught even though they are right there in a popular chapter in the New Testament.
I look here at (1) the Father’s attitude towards the killing or murder of Yeshua, (2) the salvation sermons preached by a primary Apostle of Yeshua [Peter], (3) and some objections given to my view based upon Isaiah 53 and Matthew 27. There’s a ton of info in this lesson, so get your Bible out and follow closely.
Here I present the older view of the atonement: Ransom + Christus Victor. There was a cosmic battle between Yahweh and Satan, and it had to do with Satan being the deceiver back in the Garden of Eden. Listen to learn how the death of Yeshua actually does pay the price for our sins.
Was Yeshua a ritual sacrifice to Yahweh in the same way the animal sacrifices were? Have you ever given it any thought? Sometimes Genesis 22 is used to support this view (or one similar), but are we reading it properly? This lesson calls us to stretch our minds spiritually and not grumble and dismiss something just because we don’t feel like changing our understanding.
I cover some background of why we need reconciliation with the Almighty, and then I walk through some verses in John 10 about Yeshua’s role as the good shepherd. This is the intro lesson to a series about correctly understanding what Yeshua did on the cross, sometimes called “atonement theory.”
We are admonished by the Apostle Paul to think on true, honorable, just, and pure things. Many today entertain the exact opposite, even to the point of falsely accusing people, or concocting the most fanciful idea inside their mind without any facts. This lesson is a strong warning to heed the true and reject all else.
There is so much missed in Acts 2:2-4 because we don’t understand things in a first century Israeli context. What exactly were the “tongues of fire,” and why would all the Israelites attending need to hear about the Almighty in their own dialect when they had already been hearing it for years in Hebrew? This lesson also begins to show that the “speaking in tongues” was not unintelligible babble or gibberish.
Kidnapping, at first look, seems like something we don’t have to deal with, but just a little bit of research will show that children are being abducted on a much larger scale than we think. May we guard the lives of our children, and be aware of our surroundings even as adults. I also deal with the subject of war conquest and the taking of spoils, and I look at a parallel statement Yeshua made to Deuteronomy 20.
Honor to one’s parents is paramount in Scripture, so much so that there are things you can do (or not do) towards them that warrant the death penalty. I cover Yeshua giving us inspired commentary on what it means to honor mom and dad, and I also deal with the oft repeated falsehood that “the Bible teaches to stone disobedient children.”
Honor to one’s parents is paramount in Scripture, so much so that there are things you can do (or not do) towards them that warrant the death penalty. I cover Yeshua giving us inspired commentary on what it means to honor mom and dad, and I also deal with the oft repeated falsehood that “the Bible teaches to stone disobedient children.”
Before we understand what took place in Acts 2, we need to understand what Pentecost is and how important it was to Hebrews (Israelites) in the first century A.D.
After Judas defected there was an empty place for an apostle filled by Matthias. How did the remaining 11 apostles choose who would fill the place? Was there criteria?
This lesson covers the supremacy of Peter among the original Apostles of Yeshua, the prophecy about Judas (in the Psalms), the "Field of Blood," a rabbinical concept of "iron sharpening iron," and finally a look at the supposed contradiction in the two accounts of Judas' death. You may have to listen to this one twice to take it all in.
I now go into the individual laws listed in Exodus 21:12-17, beginning with the law against murder. What makes murder so evil? Towards the end I talk some about how we are all guilty of some form of this sin and need to repent and do better.
This lesson wraps up the series within the series on Capital Punishment. I talk about the idea that some laws are only for Israel or those who have joined to the Covenant, while other laws are earth-wide. It might seem like a strange concept at first, but take an attentive listen and consider all the Scriptures given. I do conclude that laws against murder, adultery, rape, and kidnapping should be enforced by all governments of the world, and punished by death.
This lesson continues to pull from the base text in our Torah study of Exodus 21:12-17, but compares it with Yeshua’s encounter with the adulteress in John 8:2-11. Was Yeshua violating the law of Moshe? Was he teaching us a new and better way?
This lesson covers what a Sabbath day’s journey is, an introductory to the 11 apostles of Yeshua (left at this time), and a balanced approach on Mary (Miriam) the mother of the Master. There is also a practical aspect on unified prayer that you don’t want to miss.
We now move into the next section of law (in Exodus 21) which covers five sins which are also crimes, capital crimes. Yahweh’s system of government calls for the death penalty on such criminals. This lesson is an overview and explanation of the death penalty.
This is the final lesson in this current string of lessons about slavery laws in Scripture. There is so much we learn about in particular and in general principle in Exodus 21:1-11, but because too many people give a knee-jerk reaction to the Bible’s endorsement of slavery (proper) little to no diligent attention is every given to this section. Many scholars have worked through it, but few church-men give it the time of day. Listen to learn of several points we can learn about life by studying Exodus 21:1-11.
What was the last thing Yeshua told his disciples before he left this earth? This lesson centers in on how Yeshua being taken away from this earth (ascending into heaven) was unique yet at the same time a common theme from the Hebrew Bible. We can be assured that just as Yeshua physically left this earth, Yeshua will physically return to this earth.
This lesson delves into further proofs that the daughter sold into another family as an “amah” (maidservant, servant-girl), is sold for the purpose of becoming a prominent wife in the new family. I cover the proper treatment of a daughter, the proper treatment of a wife, and the permission in Hebrew Scripture for a man to take on an additional, second wife.
This is one of those texts that makes the hair stand up on the back of modern culture’s neck. The problem is, people (both secular and churched) have only heard one line, out of context, from Exodus 21:7, and then go right to arguing against the law of Yahweh in some way. This lesson aims to transport our minds back to ancient near-eastern culture and the context of the Hebrew Bible, and see just how perfect Yahweh’s law continues to be. It may surprise you to hear about a modern parallel of sorts to this law. If you aren’t afraid to learn, take a listen.
Part 2 in the Acts series. In this lesson brother TJ discusses some chronology between Luke 24 and Acts 1, what it meant for the apostles to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, the kingdom being restored to Israel, a rightful perspective on eschatology, and what it meant to be a witness of Yeshua to the ends of the earth. It's packed with good information. I'd encourage you to listen to it at least twice.
Among the Hebrews a welfare system was set up so that someone poor, debt-ridden, or needing to pay restitution was able to become a servant to another, wealthy Hebrew. Sometimes this was even done for life.
This lesson is a class on the Scriptural texts that speak of the New Moon as a set-apart or holy day on Yahweh's calendar. This day is oft neglected by Sabbath-keepers and/or Sabbath+Feast-keepers, and I am trying to bring it back into popularity among Torah-Observant Christians.
We now enter an area in our Torah study that usually gets brought up when someone is trying to discredit Older Testament law or the Bible in general. What does the Bible teach about slavery? Is it allowed? Is it outdated? Should we even be talking about it in our modern culture? This lesson calls us back to trust in Yahweh and believe in His perfect law that is true, righteous, and stands fast forever and ever.
This lesson begins a series through the book of Acts. The author and recipient is explained, and the continuation of the ministry of Yeshua through his apostles is centered in on. The gospel of the kingdom was to continue to be preached.
When I tell some Christians that pants are not a man's garment they object by pointing to the five uses of the word "breeches" in the KJV. Is this a good argument? I also cover different contexts of nakedness in Scripture, as well as end with some practical tips and encouragement in modest dress.
When we talk about modesty, pants and dresses always come up in the conversation. It's generally thought that pants are a man's clothing and dresses are a woman's. Why do we think this? Do we get this from the Bible? In this lesson I build a little more on Genesis 3:21, answer a few objections I've heard, and then move into exegeting Deuteronomy 22:5 to the best of my ability.
After giving the instructions about altars and sacrifices, Yahweh makes it clear that he doesn't want any public nakedness or lewdness going on. Modesty in dress is something that should be important for the people of Yahweh, and finds its foundation in the very first book of the Bible. I also go over some of the wrong ways modesty has been taught in fundamental, Christian churches.
In this conclusion to the series through Isaiah 53, brother TJ touches on several points, including one technical difference between the Hebrew Bible and Greek Septuagint. He also looks at what seed the Servant would see, who is the many in verse 12, and how Yeshua is our mediator.
Around spring-time every year I get this question from multiple people, people who desire to obey Yahweh to the best of their ability. This lesson covers why we call it the “Feast of Unleavened Bread,” and looks at interpreting Scripture according to the cultural context in which it was given. I talk about bread, leaven, starter dough, and making bread from scratch.
In this final lesson on altars and sacrifices I answer some of the questions I've received from brothers and sisters who've been listening to the teachings. Then I go into a very brief exegesis of Jeremiah 7:22-23 (an objection often given to animal sacrifice), and end with looking at the subject of meat-eating verses veganism in Scripture. Was mankind vegan before the flood, or did veganism at least exist pre-fall?
The strongest opposition to private sacrifices comes from Leviticus 17, but is the text actually opposition or are we missing a bigger picture? Listen to learn about opposing sides within ancient Judaism, the reason for the common in Leviticus 17, and how a goat demon plays a part in the big picture.
The examples of individuals building altars and offering sacrifices in Genesis are sufficient, but the evidence doesn't stop there. After entrance into the promised land, there are still approved examples where individuals offered some animal sacrifices apart from the Temple and the Levite Priesthood. This lesson will even cover one case where a non-Israelite seeks to offer a sacrifice in a foreign land, and receives the approval of an ordained prophet.
Those of us in the Torah Community, when wanting to show an even greater validity of obedience to the commandments of Yah, often go to Genesis to bolster our view... unless we are dealing with animal sacrifices. Why? Why do we think that what Abel or Noah did can't be done today?
Before I talk more about altars, and the worship and service performed at them by individual worshipers of Yahweh, I felt I needed to clarify what animal sacrifices are not for (and never were for). When people hear someone like me talk about sacrificing an animal in a religious sense, their mind automatically starts thinking I am trying to compete or add to what Yeshua did on the cross. This is a gross misunderstanding. Listen to learn about the great and the greater, the light and the heavy.
In this lesson I cover what exactly the Second Commandment (of the Ten) is referring to, focusing in on paralleling texts in Exodus (19-20) with Deuteronomy. I then move into the subject of altars and animal sacrifices, a topic that I'll continue to develop in probably two more sermons to soon follow.
In this lesson I cover the effects of Yahweh Himself coming down on Mount Sinai, how we should have a holy fear of the Creator, the importance of holy leadership and placing faith in that leadership, and how staying focused on Yahweh and who He really is leads to a disciplined life of less sin.
In this lesson we learn how the Servant, through his humiliation, took it all in stride. He didn't fight back even when forsaken. He wasn't even given the opportunity to plead his case, yet he remained faithful and stayed the course he had been appointed to.
This is a continued introduction of this series, centering in on the importance of taking heed to the law given through Moshe (Moses) on Mount Sinai. In this lesson I walk through the time period of Ezra and the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, some 100 years after the death of King Josiah. I also look at the birth of Yeshua, and the necessity of him being born into a Torah Observant home.
When Moses the man of Elohim died, Yahweh put Joshua the son of Nun in his place. The first instructions given to Joshua was to be careful to follow the law that Moses (Yahweh's servant) commanded. How important is this instruction today, and does it only apply to Joshua? Listen in to learn how to prosper and be successful, and how this instruction kept being passed down from generation to generation, for those who wanted to commit their way to the Creator.
The servant is wounded, beat, and bruised, but it's not because of his own sins, it's because of someone else's. What do we make of this? This lesson also deals with the popular belief in the modern, Charismatic movement that physical healing is promised to believers based upon the stripes Yeshua received during his beating before crucifixion.
The servant, although being described as the very arm of Yahweh, was of humble beginnings and a lowly life. It makes no sense to some, but it makes all the sense in the world to others. For exaltation to come there must first be humility.
Why back up from Isaiah 53 and start talking about Isaiah 52? Listen to learn about Biblical chapter and verse divisions in history, and how these last few verses in "Isaiah 52" reveal an individual as the ultimate slave/servant of Yahweh. This lesson also centers in on how to translate a particular word from Hebrew to English.
In this lesson I look at the idea I was first show from the book of Tobit, that almsgiving atones for sin. How in the world could that be correct and canonical? Before immediately dismissing it, walk through the Scriptures with me and let's see if there's anything else in Scripture that speaks this sort of language.
This sermon is the first in series of lessons covering a detailed examination of Isaiah 53.
Many have heard the account of the Rich Young Ruler, but not everyone has taken in what I believe to be the key point of the passage - giving to the poor. Does giving to the poor really increase a person's treasure, and is the concept of meritorious almsgiving just mimicking the modern day Prosperity Gospel?
This lesson covers many of the Scriptures that speak of meritorious almsgiving - that giving to the poor brings about the blessing of Yahweh on a person's life, most specifically in the after-life (at the resurrection of the righteous). The Scriptures are plenty and clear on this subject, but systems of religion have kept us, nay scared us, away from believing that something we do earns a reward.
Prayer is a powerful tool, but we must learn to use it properly. The best prayer you could ever pray if for someone's spiritual betterment.
When you hear someone read a Bible verse that says "Sell your possessions and give the money to the poor," you probably think of the story of the Rich Young Ruler. But... Yeshua didn't just say that to this young ruler. He said the same thing to thousands of people that listened to him teach. There is such a thing as meritorious almsgiving and even atoning almsgiving. If that shocks you, don't answer a matter before you hear it. Listen to this lesson and then examine the Scriptures to see if it be so.
There is only one offensive weapon in the armor we are called to adorn in our battle against the enemy - the sword. This is not a physical sword, but a spiritual one, whereby we skillfully cut away at the dark forces that try to steal, kill, and destroy. We have the very Words of Yahweh at our grasp. We must use them properly, and the only way to do that is to know them well.
In this lesson I give somewhat of a crash course on the second of the three major festivals in the Hebrew year. I cover (1) the names for this feast, (2) what this feast is a memorial of, (3) the sacrifices commanded and associated with this feast, and (4) the rejoicing and gifts brought this this feast.
What did Paul mean when he attached the idea or reality of salvation to a helmet? Listen to learn about our past, present, and future with Yahweh, and the hope that we believers have.
Most people begin speaking on or thinking about the New Covenant with Hebrews 8 or 2 Corinthians 3. That's too late in the game. We should begin - at least - with Jeremiah 31, and then pull from either further than that based on key words in the text. But then, you have a lot of people that read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and stop. They don't finish chapter 31, much less go into chapter 32 and 33. This lesson challenges the traditional thinking about the New Covenant, asking us to delve into the next two chapters in Jeremiah's prophecy, and believe what we read.
The better promises of the New Covenant do not stop at Jeremiah 31:34. The rest of Jeremiah 31 (and 32-33) continue to speak on the matter, as well as parallel prophecies in the books of Isaiah, Micah, and Ezekiel. I also look at the question of "Do we possess the Spirit of Yahweh in our hearts now?"
In this lesson I give some preliminary thoughts about what has happened in my life as a Torah Observant Christian over the last 23+ years. I then begin walking through the prophecy in Jeremiah 31 (beginning at verse 31) and define words, phrases, and concepts using Scripture alone. Very few people have a correct understanding on what the New Covenant actually is, but I promise you that it's not difficult to figure out if we just stay with Holy Scripture.
Part 4 in the series on the Armor of Yahweh. This lesson looks at how we block the fiery darts of the enemy, and is a call to action during the perilous times of our life.
What does it mean to have your feet sandaled with the gospel of peace? It's so important that we put on this part of the armor, probably more important than you ever realized.
This lesson covers exactly what the righteousness Paul speaks of here is. The breastplate was arguably the most important part of a soldiers battle wear, covering both the stomach (bowels) and the heart.
In order for us to be equipped for spiritual battle we have to be wearing spiritual armor. In this lesson, brother TJ Martin begins dissecting each tool in the Armor of Yahweh, so that we can know exactly what it takes to defeat the Devil and all he stands for. He specifically centers in on what the belt of truth actually is.
This lesson deals with all the crazy stuff that happens in the everyday life of a human. Yahweh's path isn't always a walk through the park. Sometimes we go through the valley of the shadow of death. The main thing is that we keep the faith. We must run the race until we cross our finish line. Don't give up. Keep on keeping on.
She's been called the mystery woman by some historians. Who was Mary Magdalene? Was she the wife of the Lord? Did she engage in prostitution? Listen to learn of the portrait that Holy Scripture paints for us for this woman, and be amazed in the way that Almighty Yahweh works among His children.
The Samaritan woman in John 4 has usually gotten a bad rap. Why do people view her as a known sinner, when the text never says anything like this? In this lesson, I go through John 4 and hit the highlights, including the comments Yeshua made to her about her many husbands. You'll probably hear some things in this lesson that you've never heard before in a sermon.
During the ministry of Yeshua, he had several encounters with women. Did you know that he had women disciples who traveled along with him (with the twelve)? Listen to learn about the many ways which our Master included, upheld, and encouraged women - even in the midst of a culture that often did not do those things.
If you mention the name Huldah to the average church-goer, you will likely get a blank look from their face. Why is it that Huldah, a great prophetess of Yahweh, is overlooked or not even known? Listen to learn how she was used as Yahweh's spokeswoman at a time of distress in the nation of Judah.
Recommended reading about Huldah; Chapter 10 of this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Vindicating-Vi...
In this lesson I begin looking at female prophets in the Bible. I look at the leadership roles of Miriam and Deborah, and highlight specifics in their life. Women that Yahweh used like this teach us that women can lead, even over men.
In order to understand the weight and significance of the prophetess we need to spend some time looking at what it meant to be a prophet. Whatever can be ascribed to the male prophet can also be ascribed to the prophetess (female prophet). This will help us grasp how important women like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah were to the nation of Israel.
This lesson is part of the series of "Strong Women in Scripture," but it is more of an accompaniment sermon to the series. It was needed in order to highlight proper Bible study, and how this method of study has changed my views on so many issues in the last twenty plus years. The lesson centers in on letting the Older Testament be the foundation and basis for faith and practice.
We hear so much about Moses, but we rarely hear about the women who saved Moses early on in his life. Listen to learn about the bravery and faithfulness of the Hebrew women who lived in Egyptian bondage.
I've been in church my entire life, and I have never once heard a sermon taught on Leah (a wife of Jacob-Israel). The way Leah was treated and viewed was awful, but Scripture and history teaches that she remained steadfast towards Yahweh through it all. Listen to learn how her faithfulness finally gained the reward she had been looking for for many years.
It's been said by some that the fall into sin was the fault of the woman. Songs have even been written about this. Is it true? Was what happened in Genesis 3 primarily the woman's fault? Or is there more to this that we are overlooking?
Intro lesson to the series. I cover Male and Female in Genesis 1, 2, and 5, centering in on the equal value Eve held with Adam. I also look at the word "helper" in Genesis 2:18 in order to see if it carries a meaning of lower value as some have suggested.
In light of the current crisis, my mind has been focusing on Yeshua's words in his Sermon on the Mount. Worry is an easy thing to get caught up in. What is much better than worry though, is trust; a trust that not only believes but gives.
This lesson is an offshoot of a current series (spring 2020) on Exodus 11 through 12. In light of current events (Covid-19), we are currently holding online services only, and have decided to observe Passover in the second month. Is this allowed? Listen to learn of the grace and mercy Yahweh shows us in His Passover.
This is our final lesson in the book of Galatians. It covers things like martyrdom, the torture stake of Yeshua, suffering persecution for the Master, and what makes one an Israelite or child of Abraham.
Why does Paul mention writing with large letters? Also, the motive of the influencers is discussed. It is amazing that Paul says those who push circumcision don't even keep the law.
Whatever we sow is what we will eventually reap. Sometimes it just doesn't seem that way, but we must not get tired of doing good, because our harvest is coming.
One way we love our neighbor is by taking care of men who have dedicated their lives to the study and teaching of law and gospel. This lesson covers both the abuse of such practice and the proper use.
When you watch your brother and sister fall into a sin, how should you handle it? This lesson also covers what the phrase "law of Christ" refers to.
The contrast with the works of the flesh is the fruit of the Spirit. If we have been given the first-fruits of the Spirit, we will produce fruit consistent with that gift.
Our battle as Spirit-filled believers is with powers of darkness in a spiritual realm. Listen to learn about identifying our enemy and taking precaution to stand against him.
What does it mean to be led by and walk in the Spirit? Why is it that as believers in the Messiah we still struggle with sin? Do certain sins keep one outside of the Kingdom? How will we ever win battles over our sin?
Paul has taught the Gentiles to stand firm against the false gospel of the influencers, but he balances that out by also teaching them that they must fulfill the law. Just because you aren't justified by certain commandments doesn't mean you aren't required to obey Torah.
This lesson covers the need to be careful who you listen to, Paul's preaching or not preaching of circumcision, how the torture stake the Messiah died upon was a stumbling block to many, and the call for the false teachers to be castrated. There's a lot to learn here.
What does the Bible say about the relationship between a slave and a master? How are we to view slavery, and are there any relationships in modern society that are equivalent? We are all servants, and we should all serve with willingness and gratitude.
Was Paul discouraging circumcision in Galatians? Why does he say that circumcision and uncircumcision doesn't accomplish anything? What really matters? What really makes a difference?
Was Paul warning the Galatians about being enslaved to the law? Listen to learn about the contrast between a heavy yoke and an easy yoke.
Paul continues to perform his own midrash on the historical account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, making some interesting links in the process. What does casting out the bondwoman mean to Paul, and how does Ishmael's mocking of Isaac correlate with the persecution the believing Gentiles were receiving?
When we neglect the very basic of instructions, society ends up in chaos. It all begins with honoring those who have came before us, and training our children in the fear of Yahweh.
How is the Day of Atonement relevant in 2019? How do we discipline ourselves spiritually, so as to gain greater levels of holiness?
Paul presents Sarah and Hagar as an allegory. He pulls from a historical account in Genesis, and reveals that there is a deeper spiritual reality in the account.
Paul uses an old, historical account in Genesis to show the difference between those relying on the flesh and those trusting in the promise.
Paul here pleads with the Galatians on a personal level. He pauses his arguing and reaches out to them in love with his words. We must never forget that people must hear and see and experience our love for them to realize we mean what we say.
When Paul chastised the Galatian Gentiles for observing certain times, what times was he speaking of? Were the Gentiles going back to paganism, or were they beginning to observe the Feasts of Yahweh?
Why is it that a man leaves his father and mother and desires to cleave to his own wife? The answer lies in understanding Genesis 2.
There is a pinnacle point in human history. That point took place around 2,000 years ago when Yahweh sent forth His Son. Through this act of Yahweh we are able to be forgiven.
Paul uses an analogy about a child growing up to become an heir or inheritor, and likens the Israelites as children prior to the coming of the Messiah. What were they enslaved to? What are the elements of the world?
In the last commandment (of the ten) we are taught that Yahweh doesn't just want our actions, He wants our heart. Listen to learn about contentment and satisfaction with where you are at and with what you have.
The Apostle Peter spoke a salvation message to the people of Israel at the Feast of Pentecost. This lesson goes over that message, and seeks to glean from it principles for today.
The tongue is a very small member of our body, yet in it we hold the power of life and death. I'm afraid that we often do more harm with our tongues than good.
You think you don't have a problem with stealing? Listening to this lesson may change your mind.
Before getting back to my series on the 10 Commandments, I decided to teach another general lesson on the law of Yahweh. This lesson encourages us to trust in Yahweh and not lean to our own understanding.
What does it mean to love one's wife? What does it mean to be the priest of one's home? Listen to learn how a husband's character is to mimic the love and service of Yeshua for his people.
I recently debated the topic of the virgin conception and birth of Yeshua. In that debate, Matthew's use of Tanak (Old Testament) prophecy was brought up. This lesson helps shed more light on that issue.
How do we prepare for Yeshua's second coming? Can we know the season of his arrival? Is there a way to calculate when he will return?
Challenges us to stop complaining and trust that Yahweh has everything under control, for the good of His children.
Takes a look at the last step or ingredient in repentance, namely positive works of righteousness.
A look at three aspects of repentance: asking for forgiveness, sorrow for sin, and ceasing to sin.
Looks at the concept of the pruning and discipline Yahweh does to His children, in order to make us grow into what He wants us to be.
If we have woke up to the fact that we are children of the light, how then should we live?
What is partaken of in the Master's Supper, and what happens when those elements are partaken of? This sermon covers the Roman Catholic doctrine of the bread and wine becoming the actual body and blood of Christ.
Part 2 in the series on the Master's Supper. This sermon covers the proper time of partaking, the seriousness and importance of the Supper, and the question about who should participate (including how believers handle their children).
In this text, Paul seems to make a quotation of another text, but doesn't cite a particular Scripture. What is going on here, and how does Paul's quotation apply to the Ephesians? Buckle up and open your Bible.
A series of sermons devoted to looking at and properly practicing the memorial supper of Yeshua's body and blood before and during his death.
I took some time in this Sabbath service to answer any questions the congregants had concerning the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The very word sacrifice scares people, Christians and non-Christians alike, but what does Yahweh think of animal sacrifices? Listen to learn why it is not only permissible, but commanded for those in covenant with Yahweh, to sacrifice a lamb for the Passover each year.
If we have an important meeting with someone in a high office or position, everything else in our life is put on hold to make any accommodations for that meeting. In Scripture, there are meetings that we are set to have with the Creator of heaven and earth. There is no way something is more important than that.
We are called by Yahweh to cherish and honor marriage. Yahweh ordained and created marriage. We see this in Genesis 2. Recognizing the sanctity of marriage is the greatest adultery prevention.
There is more than one way to commit murder. We are to hold life as most precious. There is no greater command than life. This lesson also discusses the hot topic abortion issue.
We are called as believers to be lights in the midst of darkness. The Father strikes the match, and we burn, and are to burn bright.
Young people seem to always think they know better than their elders, until they get a little bit older. With age generally comes wisdom. If you want to be successful, respect your mama and daddy.
How is one to keep the Sabbath day holy? Listen to learn about our gracious, loving, heavenly boss.
The name of YHWH is to be honored, in more ways than one. Bringing it to naught, using in flippantly, or even living a lifestyle contrary to what His Name stands for are all ways we take His name in vain.
Much deception and wickedness existed in the day of Paul the Apostle, and that evil still exists today. We must guard against it, not participate in it, and expose it by being children of light.
Are images and likenesses allowed in the church setting? What about pictures on the walls of your home? Listen to learn about the practices of the Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant churches in history, and how we should view these practices.
The first of the ten commandments is not only first in order but first in rank. It is a command to not have any other mighty ones, or authorities, before Almighty Yahweh.
Over the last 20 years, Acts 10 has been the #1 objection I've heard in attempt to overturn the dietary laws in Leviticus 11. If this text doesn't do that, what does it mean?
So many people quote the modern Bible versions in Mark 7:19 to teach that Yeshua declared that what Yahweh said was unclean was now clean. If this isn't true, what is actually taking place in this account?
We live in a world where sexual immorality is praised. We might think this is something new, but Paul's admonition to the Ephesians, and the backdrop of Ephesian culture shows that it's been going on for a long time. Christ followers are to be different.
This lesson begins answering some of the objections Christians give to observing the dietary laws. Did the dietary laws originate at the time of Moses? Was Noah and his family allowed to eat every living thing without qualifications?
If we are serious about following Yahweh's instructions in diet, we need to consider what we are cooking and eating out of, as well as what ingredients might be placed into certain items we buy.
Yahweh doesn't only command to not eat certain animals, He also commands not to eat parts of the clean animals. This lesson takes a look at the prohibitions in scripture against eating fat and blood.
Part 1 in a sermon series devoted to examining what the Scriptures say concerning food. This sermon looks at the different categories of clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11.
As children of Yahweh we are called to imitate Yahweh. One of the primary attributes the Apostle Paul exhorts us to have is love. We are to be forgiving, and compassionate, and loving, just like Yahweh.
In light of what Yahweh has done for us, we ought to walk as new creatures. This means that our former way of life is to be put off, and a new way of life is to be put on.
Answering Abuses of Galatians 3:28 // What is the role of women in the church? Does the equality of male and female (Gal. 3:28) mean that we should make no objection to both male and female elders and deacons?
Answering Abuses of Galatians 3:28, pt. 2 // If there is no male and female in Christ, then how can one party in a marriage be the authority over the other party? Is there any difference between male and female?
Answering Abuses of Galatians 3:28 pt. 1 // There are Christians who believe same sex attraction and marriage is permissible. Is it possible to be a Christian and practice homosexuality?
Because we are already in Messiah, we are called to put on the new man. If the old man is gone, we no longer need to act like the old man acted.
Galatians 3:28 // What do the terms Jew and Greek mean? Listen to learn how that the lowest of the low in society and humanity can become equal with King David or Prophet Moses, and be a co-heir with Yeshua the Messiah.
Galatians 3:28 // Who is our family? Yeshua, Yochanan the Baptizer, and Shaul the Apostle all agree that our family are the ones who we are related to spiritually. Listen to learn about how in Messiah there is no advantage when it comes to ethnicity, social status, or gender.
One of the highlights of the Feast of Pentecost in the Bible is the sermon from the Apostle Peter in Acts 2. Have you ever wondered or thought about this though: what Peter didn't preach is just as important as what he did preach.
Galatians 3:26-27 // It's not about you. It's about the Messiah. You are a child of Abraham, and more importantly a child of Yahweh through faith. When you were baptized into Messiah, you put on the Messiah. You're a new creature. Salvation is based on you being a different creature than you are in the natural. No one is saved based upon the natural or physical.
Galatians 3:24-25 // Prior to the coming of the Messiah, the law acted as a Guardian to the people of Israel, leading them like children to the arrival of their promised Messiah. Once that faith came, their was a spiritual adulthood that wasn't there before. The same holds true in our individual lives.
Galatians 3:23 // Paul says "Before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law." Did faith not exist prior to the New Testament? And what does it mean that the law keeps us in custody? Does the law imprison us?
Since we've been saved by grace, by the power of Yahweh, how then should we live? This lesson begins to look at how we ought to act as children of the King.
Galatians 3:19b-22 // Why does Paul mention angels, a mediator, and the fact that Yahweh is one, right in the middle of his argument in Galatians 3? Listen to learn how grace is the x-factor in your spiritual life.
Galatians 3:19 // This lesson continues to answer the question "Why the law?" I also deal with the phrase "until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come." If the law was until the Seed, doesn't that mean it ceases once the Seed arrives?
Galatians 3:19a // If the inheritance, salvation, forgiveness, etc. is not by the law (but by the promise of Yahweh), why was the law given? And what law is Paul talking about in this text?
What is the purpose of the four-fold ministry? Listen to learn about the importance of preaching and teaching in the congregation.
Galatians 3:15-18 Summary // Step back into the book of Genesis; see Yahweh make unconditional promises to Abraham and his seed, the Messiah. Anyone who is saved is saved because Yahweh keeps His promise, and not because you keep His law.
Galatians 3:17-18 // When Yahweh made the promises to Abraham (back in Genesis 12-15) there were no "ifs." The promises were unilateral and unconditional. Be thankful, because if they were conditional, no one would be saved.
Galatians 3:15-16 // There was a promise made to Abraham and to his seed. Who is this seed? Paul explains by using a human illustration.
What text was Paul quoting from in Ephesians 4:8? And how does this relate the the spiritual office gifts given by the Messiah to the assembly?
Part 6, and the final lesson in the "From Passover to Easter" series. This lesson gives an overview of the big picture we've been looking at for 6 weeks, and ends with looking at the historical information on the origin of Easter Sunday inside of Christianity.
Part 5 in the "From Passover to Easter" series. This lesson discusses some key points in Acts 20:7-12 that lead in the direction of recognizing this first day gathering as being out of the ordinary, rather than a habitual model for a church service.
Is there anything about or resembling Easter Sunday in scripture? This lesson takes a look at a text that is commonly used to promote a regular, re-occurring first day of the week church service.
The only way we are ever going to obtain unity in the body of Saints is by obeying the exhortation Apostle Paul gives us: humble yourselves and be patient. There is one faith and one hope. We are to make every effort to be at oneness in the congregation.
Part 3 in the "From Passover to Easter" Series. Discusses the use of Easter in English translations before the KJV. Also looks at the symbology of the sun (in Scripture) in relation to Yahweh and Yeshua.
Part 2 in the "From Passover to Easter" series. This lesson covers the King James Bible translators, the Greek word pascha, a common King James Only interpretation of Acts 12:4, and the etymology of Easter.
Christians around the world today celebrate Easter Sunday. Did Christians in the first century A.D. do this? And what about the spring feast called Passover? Is Easter a mistranslation in Acts 12:4? These questions and more will be answered in this series of sermons centered around the Passover.
Ephesians 1-3 has taught us our position in the Messiah. We are blessed with the biggest blessing one could ever imagine, by being in the Son. In Ephesians 4 Paul begins to explain how we ought to live in light of our position, and it begins with humility, gentleness, and love for the saints.
If we want to be like the Messiah, we will deal with people gently, even difficult people.
Galatians 3:13-14 // Both Judahite and Gentile fall under the curse of the law. How is this curse lifted off of us? How is the penalty for disobedience taken care of? By Yahweh in Yeshua, that's how.
Galatians 3:11-12 // There are men of faith and there are men of works. This does not mean that the men of faith do not produce works. There is such a thing as works which aren't based upon faith. It is this that the Apostle Paul condemns.
We do not realize just how much love Yahweh has for us. He truly is able to do - through us - above and beyond all that we could ask or think.
Galatians 3:9-10 // I continue to develop a contextual understanding of verse 10 by showing that Yahweh says the law is not too difficult to keep, and the example of King Hezekiah becoming terminally ill. While that may not seem like it fits into Galatians 3:10, listen to learn how it does.
Galatians 3:10 // Why are those who are "of the works of the law" under the curse of the law? I thought being "of the works of the law" meant you were a lawful person? Listen to learn of what Yahweh requires, and how looking like you are righteous doesn't mean you are righteous.
If we desire to be a spiritual person then we must do spiritual things. First on the list is pray and believe. We must ask Yahweh to give us strength to know the Messiah's love.
Galatians 3:8-9 // Paul says that the gospel was preached to Abraham. How? Did Abraham know everything we know today about the gospel?
Galatians 3:6-7 // Paul uses an argument from Genesis 15 to bolster the authenticity of the salvation of the Gentiles. He in turn wants his readers to see that those who carry the characteristic of faith are the true sons of Abraham.
Galatians 3:6-9 Intro // In the midst of his arguing for the Galatians salvation - apart from becoming Judahites - Paul brings up the great Patriarch Abraham. Why?
Who were the rulers and authorities in the heavens that the mystery of the Gentiles was made known to?
Galatians 3:4-5 // The Gentiles had been suffering persecution for believing in Yeshua. They had also had mighty miracles done among them through the hands of the Apostles. How was this accomplished? Did they get circumcised and then experience persecution? Or, did the persecution come apart from the works of the law?
Galatians 3:1-3 // Paul minces no words when he calls the Galatians foolish and hypnotized. Make no mistake about it, there are religious men in the world who you need to avoid. This lesson also talks about how a person receives the Spirit, and how that if you have received the Spirit, you need not doubt when a self-proclaimed "prophet" tells you otherwise.
Galatians 3:1-5, INTRO // Basic review of the big picture in Galatians, and a beginning into chapter 3, particularly the part where Paul chastises the Galatian Gentiles for thinking they need to go back and do something that was already done.
There are some things that were concealed in the Old Testament that were revealed in the New Testament, at the time of the Apostles and Prophets. The Old Testament saints caught a glimpse of such things, but only later did the picture become clear.
Some people will push you far away from Yahweh, while others will push you nearer to Yahweh. Choose your friends wisely.
If we are in Messiah, we are not guests or outcasts, we are citizens of heaven, right along with our brother Yeshua. This status is available to anyone who places their faith in the cornerstone that Yahweh laid.
Galatians 2:17-21 // Yahweh's law is perfect. Yahweh's law is good. There is nothing wrong with Yahweh's law - AT ALL - but... Yahweh's law was not designed by Yahweh to be an instrument of justification. Yahweh's law was not designed by Yahweh to remove sin. If we try to use the law in a way it is not designed to be used, we are making void the grace of Yahweh.
Galatians 2:15-16 // When all the dust settles, Judahite-Israelites by birth are just as much sinners as Gentiles. No man is declared justified (acquitted) by the works of the law, because no man is complete in Torah.
Galatians 2:11-14 // Paul gave Peter an open rebuke, but it wasn't because he disagreed with him on how to observe a commandment, it was because Peter was deviating from the truth of the gospel to the Gentiles.
Within a natural body, there are many different parts, yet diversity does not mean harmony. It should be the same within the spiritual body of Messiah. Yeshua is our common bond. He is our peace.
Galatians 2:6-10 // Paul respected the Jerusalem leadership, and that leadership gave Paul and Barnabus the right hand of fellowship. They agree with Paul's gospel; an uncircumcised heathen could be saved from his sins and be in a right relationship with Yahweh, simply by placing trust in Yeshua, the One Yahweh sent.
Galatians 2:3-5 // Titus the Greek wasn't forced to be circumcised. Why? Would Titus have done wrong by getting circumcised? Listen to learn the important first century context of what was taking place in and around Jerusalem, Israel when people received the message of the good news about Yeshua.
Galatians 2:1-2 // The second time Paul went to Jerusalem (as a believer in Messiah) he presented his Gospel to the established elders there. Why did he do this? How did he do this?
How do we view people, Christian people, who are not entirely as we are? Listen to this lesson to learn how that in the Messiah, we are one with those who are in the Messiah, even when they aren't as we are, or as we think they need to be.
1:16b-24 // Paul finishes out the intro to his letter by further demonstrating that his gospel did not originate by his going to those who were apostles before him. This man had a mighty encounter with the risen Master. (At the end, I speak about how our identity is found in the gospel.)
Galatians 1:15-16 // What was the major shift in Saul's life after his encounter on the road to Damascus? And what was the purpose of this encounter? Saul (Paul) tells us in this text.
The only thing we contribute to our salvation is the sin that makes is necessary for us to be saved. If we are dead in trespasses and sins, and we do not desire Yahweh (or seek Yahweh), how are we then saved? This lesson explains that grace and faith are gifts given to us by our Creator.
Galatians 1:14b-15 // What are the ancestral traditions Paul was zealous for, and how does this effect our reading the word "law" in the epistle to the Galatians? I also look at how we never know who Yahweh has called to be his child, so we should always approach people with love and care, in hopes that one day they will receive the gospel about Yeshua of Nazareth.
Galatians 1:14 // Before Saul encountered Yeshua in a saving way, he was involved in the religion of Judaism. What does this mean? Is this a false religion? Did Saul give up everything he believed to go follow Yeshua?
Galatians 1:11-13 // Saul uses, as proof that he was not taught the gospel by man, his former manner of life inside of Judaism. Paul hated and hunted the ministers of the gospel prior to his Damascus road experience.
Galatians 1:6-10 // Paul warns the Gentiles that they are leaving the message he taught them during his stay there. He pronounces a curse on those who distort the gospel, and speaks to his now servitude to the Messiah rather than being a man-pleaser.
Galatians 1:1-5 // Paul greets the congregations in Galatia, but within this greeting he emphasizes that his apostleship is not based on human authority. Why does he do this?
More on the background and historical context of Paul's epistle to the Galatians. I finish going through Acts 13, which if understood will do wonders in helping one understand Paul's later epistle.
In order to understand Paul's letter to the Galatians, we need to know to whom he was specifically writing. The answer lies not on the surface, but underneath an experience he had while on a missionary journey to the area known as Galatia.
When we approach a book of the Bible, especially a single letter, we must pay close attention to the author and recipients. Historical context is a must if we are serious about arriving at the proper interpretation. Not taking into account the when and why will lead us to erroneous conclusions.
A dead person can't make decisions. We were all once (or still are) dead in trespasses and sins. Something had to take place. His name is Yahweh.
Adults often think that the children just aren't old enough to understand the things of the Spirit, yet Yeshua says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children.
If we profess to believe Scripture is our standard and sole authority, how much do we read it?
Our fleshly nature wants to keep everything we earn, but Yahweh has commanded us to give of our wealth, to Him, in certain ways. This sermon examines one of these ways that is tied to the three major feasts in the scriptural year.
If you are in Messiah, you are already as justified as you will ever be. But, you are not already as sanctified as you can ever be. Listen to learn about properly purifying and sanctifying yourself for the special times our Father has given us to meet with Him.
Over the last 20 years I've been asked why I keep the Passover. In this lesson, I give my personal background, and answer that question.
Some people believe that Paul taught that it was bondage to observe days like the Sabbath or Passover. Other people believe that Paul condemned the Galatians for going back to days of pagan worship. Listen to learn - in context - what Paul was concerned with the Galatians about, in this text.
We need to understand that Yahweh's power, the power that raised Yeshua from the dead, actually works inside the believer.
The law of Yahweh is perfect, without blemish. Yeshua is perfect, without blemish. You and I are not perfect, we have many blemishes. So long as we try to justify ourselves in the sight of Yahweh, by our own efforts, we fall under the law's curse.
A new series begins discussing Paul's view of the law of Yahweh, based upon his epistle to the Galatians. This lesson examines what it means to walk in the Spirit.
The greatest position that we could ever have is the position we have in and through our elder brother Yeshua.
Can you imagine how appreciative people were to see rain for the first time in 3 1/2 years? We often don't realize how special something is until it is taken away. Listen to learn about Yahweh's gifts, and about how we should place Yahweh's law at the forefront of our walk to the kingdom.
Sometimes our prayers are answered immediately and dramatically, but Yahweh is not obligated to answer anyone this way. At other times, He chooses to delay His answer with little to no drama. We shouldn't become discouraged, but should keep on praying.
After Elijah's slaughters the prophets of Baal, he kneels down and puts his face between his knees. What can we learn from his gesture?
We have an inheritance, because we are in the Messiah. The down payment of this is the Holy Spirit, given to us when we believed.
A dear brother in our fellowship, Jerry Kendall, shares with us how through his life, different people sowed seeds to help him get to where he is today. Now, he does the same, and is reminded to be patient. Sometimes, the seed you sow may not bear fruit until you the sower have breathed your last breath here on the earth.
The final lesson on Church Discipline. What did Paul mean when he said not to associate with sinners? What about not eating with such a person? Listen to learn about how we are to approach those in our church family, when they stray from the truth and refuse help and repentance.
Part 3 in the Church Discipline series. Paul makes a judgment concerning the unrepentant man in the congregation. Sometimes love looks like removing a man from the congregation in hopes that he comes to his senses. Listen to learn why Paul brings into play an analogy from the Passover season.
Part 2 in the Church Discipline series. Yeshua gives us divine instructions on how to handle un-repentance inside of a congregation of believers. The main goal and purpose of his instructions is the restoration of the sinner. Listen to learn what Yeshua meant when he said, "Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there I am among them."
No one would have a chance to be forgiven without Yahweh redeeming us in and through His Son Yeshua. Listen to learn about the mystery that was revealed in the days of the apostles; the bringing together of things in heaven and upon the earth.
Part 1 in the Church Discipline series. The Apostle Paul takes a law from the Prophet Moses and applies it to the New Covenant Congregation. This lesson begins discussing on what to do when we see our fellow brother and sister fall into a sin, and remain unrepentant.
It would be easy to skip over the texts in the Bible that are uncomfortable. Verses that speak of death or the death penalty are sobering, but biblical. Yahweh is not only a Mighty One of love, He is also a Mighty One of wrath.
After Baal's prophets had their turn, Elijah had his. Elijah stacked the odds against himself, and then said a simple prayer to Yahweh. Elijah prayed that Israel would realize that Yahweh was turning their hearts back to Him.
The reason all the glory goes to Yahweh is because all the salvation comes from Yahweh. Listen to learn about Yahweh's charity, charity He gives to people He owes nothing to. Charity to people who need it desperately.
As the contest begins, the prophets of Baal "pray" to their mighty one for many hours, but he never answers. No matter how loud they get or how much they dance, Baal is silent. Sometimes, we bring the mentality of Baal's prophets into our prayer life to Yahweh. Yeshua tells us not to do this. We can't impress Yahweh.
Yahweh works in ways that do not make human sense, so that our faith will stop standing in the wisdom of man. This lesson also covers the importance of calling upon the name of the Creator, Yahweh, just like the prophet Elijah did.
Ahab accused Elijah of being a trouble-maker. But, Ahab was the real trouble-maker. He had abandoned what he knew to do. He had given up on service to Yahweh.
Obadiah, the man in charge of king Ahab's palace, greatly feared Yahweh, but still worked for a wicked king. Listen to learn about how it takes wisdom among men in order to work for Yahweh's will and way.
Sometimes, our word from Yahweh comes, "after a long time." But, Yahweh is with us, and loves us, through our weak, weary, worn times of life. The tiniest amount of faith is still faith. His power isn't hinged to our eloquence or length or loudness in prayer. He just wants us to give up trying to do it ourselves.
After a high point, comes a low point. The Sidonian widow's son dies. But, Yahweh has not left her house. We can know this for certain.
A little Sidonian widow woman honored a prophet in the name of a prophet, and she received a prophet's reward. Yahweh supplied exactly what she needed.
After the creek he was living at dried up, Yahweh sent Elijah to a widow woman, in a Canaanite city, for his provision. That seems strange to us, but Yahweh had a purpose in what He was doing. When we reject and spurn Yahweh's blessings meant for us, He has the right to take them and give them to someone else.
Yahweh can command a bird to do something, and it has to do it. Yahweh also brings messages and provisions for us from and in the most unlikely ways. Listen to learn something from considering the ravens of the sky.
The silence of Yahweh equals the judgment of Yahweh. The drought Elijah pronounced upon Ahab's regime was bad, but the absence of the prophet was even worse. Listen to learn about how law/gospel preaching is the only revival preaching that exists.
Most of the time a preacher will tell you that because Yahweh took care of Elijah, that means He will take care of you in the same way. That's most likely not accurate. What is accurate is that whether or not Yahweh physically takes care of His children, in the way we think He should, He still loves us.
It is not always pleasant to think upon, but it is certainly biblical; that Yahweh does not only bless people, but He also curses people. His curses are proof that when wickedness is on the rise, He is not asleep, and neither are His hands tied. He is Yahweh. Whatever He does is just, and He may just use one hairy preacher to do it through.
Begins a series on the prophets Elijah and Elisha. The background to Elijah's ministry is evil king of the north, Ahab. Ahab was everything opposite of holy. He followed his earthly father's example, sinned in Yahweh's sight, and married a Sidonian Baal worshiper. All of this and more is covered in this lesson.
Yahweh has blessed us a million times more than we deserve. We should all be more willing to show Him our appreciation in our singing and praising His name. He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all; He has taken all my sins away!
It is not difficult to love someone that loves you. Even heathens do that. But to love someone who persecutes you? To love someone who speaks evil of you? Listen to learn another aspect of David's life, and most importantly, the heavenly Father's example of His love towards His enemies.
I had the opportunity to teach at another fellowship, a basic intro to Yahweh's torah/law. It ended up at about 35 minutes teaching, and 45 minutes questions and answers. Concepts like the definition of sin, definition of the New Covenant, three uses of the law, and the contrast between law and gospel are briefly covered.
David was a man of his word, and a man of kindness. This lesson focuses on David's kindness, and then the even greater kindness of Yahweh. Yahweh is kind to humans who do not deserve kindness.
Where do we find our self-worth? Is it in our job, home, or position in society? Is it based upon how much money we make or how many prestigious people we know? Listen to learn about how those IN Christ have been worth much IN Him, before the world was ever created, or time ever began.
It is interesting that in two separate salvation sermons in the book of Acts, both Peter and Paul stress the Davidic lineage of Yeshua of Nazareth. They see an importance in realizing that the Messiah they proclaim is a descendant of King David.
King David was not a perfect man; he had flaws like the rest of us, but he was quick to humble himself in repentance over sin. One of his psalms was written entirely as a lament over one of his sins.
What would it feel like to be a person that Yahweh described as "after My heart"? There is such a man in scripture, and from reading we learn just what it meant to be after the heart of Yahweh.
As husbands, we are called to be tougher on ourselves and softer on our wives. She is a delicate, precious gift from the Father. She is to be lead by a servant, not a drill Sargent.
How is a woman to live towards her husband? What if he is an unbeliever or disobedient to the Almighty? What makes a woman beautiful? Marriages can gradually turn into what they were meant to be, but the wife must be devoted to consistently applying the biblical principles she has been given.
Our speech has power; life and death power. With it we can heal, mend, bless, love, and care. With it we can kill, tear, curse, hate, and shun. How are we using our tongue to glorify Yahweh? Is it really all that important?
Yeshua took the men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) on a journey through the Scriptures, interpreting in them the things concerning himself. Sometimes we read the Scriptures and forget that the understory is all about Yahweh's Messiah, Yeshua. A good example of this is the story of Joseph, son of Jacob-Israel, through Rachel.
The second accomplishment listed, taking place in the 70 week vision given to Daniel, was to make an end of sins. Could this have been accomplished during the first coming of the Messiah? Listen to learn the answer, and just how important Yeshua's life, death, and resurrection is.
In this lesson I begin looking at the 6 things Gabriel said would be accomplished within the 70 week vision shown to Daniel. The first is "to finish the transgression." What does this mean? The answer ties in to Yeshua's last words before he died upon the cross.
After studying through Matthew 23 and 24 I have come to a different view on the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27. This lesson begins to unpack what I believe to be the proper way to understand the 70 weeks.
If the Roman armies are what makes desolate the city of Jerusalem, why are they called the abomination of desolation?
People speculate on what the abomination of desolation is going to be, but Yeshua actually tells us what it would be, in his future, but is now in our past. Listen to learn about this abomination and how it is connected with the great tribulation.
Yeshua gives an approximate sign of the end here in his Olivet Discourse. Do we yet await the fulfillment of this sign, or did this sign take place before the generation alive at that time passed away?
What is love? How has Yahweh loved us? Why is it that Christians feel love towards one another? These questions and more are answered, from the Bible, in this lesson about Yahweh loves for us and our love for each other.
It is possible to come to the Messiah for the wrong reason. How do we know if we are coming to Him for the right reason? The bread we must eat is not found in any loaf, it is the bread the Father sends, from heaven.
If anyone thinks they have a list of accomplishments to boast about, Paul had a bigger and greater list. Yet, once coming to the knowledge of Yeshua, what was once in his profit column, was now in his loss column. He realized his righteousness was based upon faith in Messiah.
A sermon about a man who deserved to die, but who accepted Yeshua as the perfect Savior, and received eternal life. The reality is, we are all this man.
Paul opens this letter as an apostle of Yeshua the Messiah, and that's all the backing he needs. He pronounces grace and peace upon the faithful saints, and what a greeting this is.
Another sign the disciples would experience was that they would be brought before high authorities and persecuted for their faith in Messiah. The book of Acts records the fulfillment of what Yeshua prophesied concerning this, during the Olivet Discourse.
After the disciples ask their teacher the 3-fold question (Mt24:3), Yeshua replies to them with signs to look for. These signs though are regulated by a particular time reference Yeshua has already given, and will give again during the Olivet Discourse.
We think less of Yahweh's methods of getting things done, and more of our own methods. This is true in all areas of life. This lesson encourages us to quite trying to figure out something on our own and just trust in Yahweh with all of our heart.
Some key verses and teachings through the epistle are touched upon, and then we read the entire book as a congregation.
I briefly move away from Matthew 24 to discuss a pertinent point in relation to Yeshua's judgment upon Jerusalem and the Temple. Yeshua wants His people to move their focus off of the Temple; it had become corrupt. He wants their focus to be on something greater than the Temple.
Yeshua's statements about the temple's desolation (Matthew 23:38; 24:2) prompted the disciples to ask him some questions privately. Were the questions unrelated? Did the disciples ask about things in which there were gaps of hundreds or thousands of years? Listen to learn about parallel texts of Scripture, and how they help us understand better, in relation to the questions of the disciples.
After scathing the scribes and Pharisees in his day, and pronouncing that their house would be left desolate, Yeshua exits the temple complex. His disciples realize the implications of his words and call his attention to the greatness of the temple. Yeshua's answer sets us up for the remainder of his prophetic discourse in Matthew 24.
For the most part, people do not realize that false predictions of the end of the world have been plentiful ever since Christ went to heaven. We hear someone say, "the end is near," but we don't realize someone said the same thing in the 1900's, 1800's, and 1700's. How are we to handle this? Is there anything we can do to stop the hysteria? There is. We should actually study Bible prophecy. This series is aimed at developing that skill in us all.
As we come to close this chapter in Matthew's gospel, we learn of Yeshua's tenderness to the repentant, but we also learn of his harshness upon the unrepentant. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. Thus, the house that was once Yahweh's is not called their house, and it is left solitary and waste.
All the righteous blood shed upon the earth would be charged to the scribes and Pharisees of Yeshua's generation. Why? This lesson contains pertinent information about the phrase "this generation" that is necessary to understand before moving into Matthew 24.
In this text, Yeshua says that he sends prophets to the scribes and Pharisees. I thought it was Yahweh who sent the prophets? Listen to learn what Yeshua means and how this thread runs through the entire New Testament.
The actions of the scribes and Pharisees were a self-incriminating testimony. They were sons of their fathers, and would fill up the measure of their fathers sins. How would they do this?
The Pharisees claimed they were not like their fathers. Their fathers murdered the prophets. Who were their fathers? The answer to this question is easy, if we allow the Bible to interpret the Bible. This begins the last of 8 woes upon the scribes and Pharisees of Yeshua's day.
The Pharisees were so focused on the small things that they neglected the big things. So focused on washing the outside of the cup that they forgot to make sure the inside was washed. We are pros at making ourselves look good, but looking good is not what matters. We need to be changed from the inside, out.
Yeshua begins to pronounce the woes of a prophet upon the scribes and Pharisees. He does not ease up on them, but calls them hypocrites, blind guides, and fools. Why such harshness?
Holiness is not outward show. Outward show can be performed without there ever being a inward change of heart. Our good deeds should flow from the inside out, but we should always give ALL of the glory to our heavenly Father that enables us.
It's good to have leaders, teachers in a community, but leaders can become corrupt. Corrupt leaders leads to corrupt citizens and lopsided teaching. Listen to learn about the corrupt, first century leaders, and about their incorrect method in teaching Biblical law.
People confess Christ, but walk away from the faith. When that happens, those of us who remain in the faith should see such a person as a lost sheep that needs to be found and brought back into the fold.
My entire life I have heard people in church say that we are currently living in the last days (or the last of the last days). How do they know? What Bible verses have they shown us to prove this? It may surprise you to discover what the Bible has said all along about the last days.
When we begin to understand the judgment language in the Old Testament, we will begin to understand what the prophet Joel was speaking of (Joel 2:28-32), and how Peter applied Joel's prophecy in the first century (Acts 2:16-21).
Recognizing the symbolic language in Scripture concerning the sun, moon, and stars will aid greatly in understanding what Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) means.
In church, you may have seen someone suffering physically ask to be prayed for. A preacher then touches their forehead with a dot of oil and prays for them in obedience to James 5:14. Or is it obedience to James 5:14? Have we misunderstood this text?
What is a "blood moon" tetrad? This lesson answers that question in detail and discusses the need for our hearts to be set ablaze for Holy Scripture rather than fanciful sensationalism and extra-biblical fluff.
Each year the Day of Atonement reminds us of our need for forgiveness. That reminder is not something that stopped with the Old Covenant. We continue, under the New Covenant, to need a reminder that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. The great thing is that we can also be reminded that as Christians, we have been forgiven of our sin.
What does "swear not at all" mean? Listen to learn about truthful speech and what it means to let your yes be yes and no be no.
Our faith should not be in our faith, it should be in the strong Savior, the Messiah - Son of Yahweh.
Yeshua uses an encounter with his natural family, his close kin, to teach a spiritual point. Salvation is not determined solely by the natural or physical.
We shouldn't take a light and cover it with a basket or put it under a bed, but rather set it on a lamp stand. But what did Yeshua mean when he said this as recorded in Luke's gospel? What you think this verse means may not actually be what it means.
Some days, it may seem like the Lord is never going to come back. But we aren't called to complain, we are called to be patient and suffer willingly.
An expository lesson on the meaning of the four types of soil, centering primarily on the good soil - the good and honest heart. Why do some men have good and honest hearts while others don't? How is it that two brothers with the same parents go separate ways; one with faith and one without faith?
At this point in his ministry, Yeshua began to speak in parables. Why? What was the purpose for his use of parable stories rather than direct, literal communication with everyone?
Sometimes we feel as though we have no part in the ministry, but such is not true. Every member of the assembly has his or her own ministry, and we are called to be faithful in it. Yeshua is one of the best examples of this.
A review of the reasons I believe Jonathan Cahn is in error on his "mystery" teaching, and also a detailed look at Deuteronomy 15:1-11. At the end I ask the question, "How does all of this apply to us today?"
Having money is never condemned in Scripture, even a lot of it, but riches can sometimes - a lot of the time - be accompanied with unrighteousness. What constitutes wicked riches?
We must confess our sins, asking the Father to forgive us, forgive others of their sins against us, and also accept what the Father has said about us being forgiven.
Third lesson in the Shemitah series. Covers the reason for the 70 years in Babylonian captivity, and takes a look at whether or not the cycle that was to begin when the Israelites entered Canaan land (Leviticus 25:1-2) continued on through the captivity of Israel in a foreign country.
No plan in our life should be free from the instructions of our Creator. We are nothing but a vapor of smoke, here today, gone tomorrow.
One of the key ingredients to the Sabbatical cycle is the year of Jubilee, yet most groups that calculate for the land Sabbath ignore this key. This lesson also covers an additional point in Leviticus 25 that proves the Sabbatical years begin in the spring rather than the fall.
Relaying information about others is a serious matter. So often though we get caught up in a moment and say things that should never come out of our lips. We forget that when we slander our neighbor we are slandering the law itself.
Rabbi Jonathan Cahn has written a book that is sweeping across the nation of America. Many in the religious world are taking hold of it as end times revelation from the Lord. It deals with what he calls a 3,000 year old mystery surrounding the Sabbatical year in the Bible. What are we to make of his claims? This lesson exegetes Leviticus 25:1-7.
Saint James gives in this short section what is probably one of the best invitations to salvation ever given before.
Yeshua was invited to a Pharisees house for dinner. Little did the Pharisee know that the woman who was known as the "town sinner" would show up in dramatic fashion. What took place has to be one of the greatest accounts in the ministry of Yeshua.
This lesson examines the biblical view concerning alcohol consumption. Much misinformation has been given by ignoring all of what Scripture has to say on this subject. In the last 10 minutes or so of the lesson, I answer some of the most common objections I hear posed toward the moderationist position.
The unbelieving generation of Yeshua's day could not be satisfied. They rejected Yochanan (John) and Yeshua, even though they came teaching the truth in unique (but differing) ways. The unbelieving generation today is the same. Only Yahweh's Spirit can change the heart.
The Pharisees and experts in the law would appear to need no confession of sin and baptism. But that is a strictly outward appearance. Their healing was to be found in taking off their mask of hypocrisy and getting in line with the tax collectors to be baptized by John.
An emotional attachment to the sinful world means that we are an enemy of Yahweh. Our desires must be inclined to spiritual truth, not anything else that the world has to offer.
According to Yeshua, John the Baptizer was the greatest man ever born. This lesson seeks to understand the reason behind his greatness.
More on heavenly wisdom, detailing the attributes of true wisdom found in James 3:17-18.
And expository sermon walking through John 8:12-59. Detailing what Yeshua meant in John 8:58 from the context of the surrounding verses and the Gospel of John as a whole.
This begins a two-part series (within a larger series) examining Yeshua's statement, "Before Abraham was born, I am." (John 8:58 NASB) Who was Yeshua claiming to be? Is he the I am of Exodus 3:14? In this lesson, I cover Exodus 3:14 as well as other texts in John's Gospel where Yeshua uses the words "I am," leading up to John 8:58.
What is real wisdom? How do we determine whether or not we are acting wise in this life? There are so many people today who view wisdom in ways that are just not wise at all. This lesson seeks to remove all of those and center in on the only wisdom that really matters.
A couple weeks before this year's Passover, I had a lot of thoughts go through my head. I wrote them all down as they came and shared them in this short lesson.
While the washing of feet was often done in the first century A.D. by the servant of a household, Yeshua took this practice and used it to teach his disciples a lesson in humility. It is a lesson we still need to learn today.
Brother Bryan Barnes came to our fellowship to share about the ministry his family began around 3 years ago in central California. They teach young adults how to farm organically, with all heirloom seeds, right there on a real farm. You can read more about their ministry by going to GrowinginTorah.com
There was a man by the name of Hezekiah in the days of the kings of Judah. What was in his heart was astonishing. What we learn through his kingship in relation to the Passover may be even more astonishing.
All Scripture is important. All doctrine is important. But not all Scripture and doctrine are of equal importance. This short lesson lists *some of the more important things that believers should be concerned with. They don't always square with what we "feel" should be most important.
Being in prison, Yochanan (John) could not see with his own eyes all that Yeshua had been doing. He believed, but needed the Master to help his unbelief. That was okay for John, and that is okay for you.
Mankind is able to control 1,000 pound horses, and 1,000 foot ships. Even the wildest of animals are controlled by us. Yet there is a small part of our body that can only be tamed by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Should John 1:18 read "only begotten Son" (as in the KJV) or "only begotten God" (as in the NASB)? Listen to learn about textual variation, and about the relationship between Yahweh the Father and Yeshua the Son.
A discussion from Summer of 2013 with a couple of brothers/friends of mine concerning when the day begins. I just found this recording today (Feb. 2015). I had forgotten about it before. I thought it would be good to share with others, so here it is. : )
A woman who had already lost her husband, has her only son die. But, Yeshua sympathizes with her and raises her son from the dead. Through this act Yahweh visited His people Israel. Beautiful, lovely account.
Brother James gives us two Old Testament examples of people with faith. In both cases faith produces works that people could visually see and hear and read about for future generations. Listen to learn more about the harmony between Paul and James in regards to justification.
Are we saved by faith? The answer is yes, but the faith that saves us is a living faith, one always accompanied by works.
The centurion soldier was not only a man of great humility, he was also a man of great faith. A faith that even amazed Yeshua, and had not been found by Yeshua, even in Israel.
The Roman centurion spoke so much truth when he told the Master to not trouble himself, because he wasn't worthy for Yeshua to come under his roof. Every single one of us should speak the same way to the Master.
The rich man can often buy his way out of a problem, but the poor man has to trust in something greater. We must all learn to not esteem our belongings more than our faith, and not esteem others based upon what they have or their social status.
We forget the exhortation that Yahweh disciplines His children whom He loves. We must accept it, receive it, and realize that what's best for us is what Yahweh decides we need. If we feel like giving up, we should look to Yeshua who has suffered ahead of us.
It seems that in our modern times people are interested in popularity and popularity contests. What does James have to say about showing partiality?
Christ is certainly our Savior. He saves us sinners from death. Is Christ our Savior ONLY our Savior? Listen to learn about what following Christ means for you and me.
Has Yeshua existed from all eternity? What is the logos in John 1? How did Yahweh create the heavens and the earth? These questions and much more are dealt with as we examine John 1:1-3 as well as verse 14 in this ongoing series responding to Torah Resource Radio.
There are texts in Scripture that speak of only one Mighty One (God). There are also texts in Scripture that speak of other gods, legitimate mighty ones created and/or authorized by Yahweh. How do we harmonize these texts? How does this relate to the person of Yeshua of Nazareth?
Is Yeshua THE Creator? What exactly is the logos (the word) in John 1:1? Did second temple period Israelites (before Yeshua was born) believe in the concept of a co-equal, co-eternal person that would eventually come and be the promised Messiah? These questions are answered in this lesson, among other points discussed.
It is very easy for us to jump a few outward hoops and appear to be pious in front of others. But what is pure religion? What is good by the standard of the Almighty?
Two simple steps to consistent Christian growth is daily Bible reading and prayer. Do these and grow. Forget these and shrink.
Did the Israelites gather twice as much manna on the sixth day of the week for the Sabbath? Listen to learn about Yahweh, the need supplying Mighty One of Israel.
Only listening to the Word of Yahweh is no different than looking at your dirty face in the mirror and walking away without washing it off. Listen to learn an important attribute of faith.
Recently a book I co-authored has been discussed on Torah Resource Radio. This is the first part in a detailed response to that discussion as well as some accusations of blasphemy and being anti-Yeshua.
What did James mean when he said we should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger?
Just some thoughts that I've been thinking about personally over the last year or so. Hopefully they are a blessing to parents. Song at the end of the lesson.
Yahweh answers the Israelite grumblings with bread from heaven; angels food. He teaches them to rely on His direct supernatural power. This isn't the only bread of heaven mentioned in Scripture though.
James 1:18 says that Yahweh, by His own choice, gave us a new birth. Do we believe this verse?
The first in a series of expository sermons on Exodus 16. Deals with some aspects of translation, calendar, and the problem of murmuring and grumbling rather than being thankful for all of Yahweh's blessings.
What is the Day of Atonement all about? Listen to learn about law, sin, guilt, substitution, forgiveness, and most of all, Messiah.
Whenever we undergo temptation and sin, is Yahweh responsible? Surely he could have steered us in another direction? Listen to learn about admitting our failures and accepting responsibility in our sanctification.
We may come to the Master, and even listen to the Master, but if we do not act upon what we are listening to then we are foolish. This may sound simple, but it is the reason why we often do not see the results in our life that we think should be there. We can't expect anything different to happen if we keep failing to act upon our Messiah's teachings.
Evil works are produced by an evil heart. Good works are produced by a good heart. But if all of our hearts are evil, how does one obtain or get a good heart? Listen to learn of our sinfulness, but Yahweh's greatness, grace, and mercy.
Continuing in the One Name Tradition series, I cover Philippians 2 in more detail along with beginning to cover some intricacies in Matthew 28:19, and the debate between Oneness Pentecostals and Classic Trinitarians. This one promises to get you thinking.
We are all blind leaders and blind followers. Left to ourselves we would all end up in the pit. We must solely rely on the only teacher who is not blind to teach us. Only then will we constantly see the sinner that we are, and be encouraged by His love to slowly become more like our teacher.
This lesson finishes covering Jeremiah 23 and then delves into other passages (Acts 7 and Philippians 2). What does Paul mean when he says that the Son was given the name which is above every name? When was the Son given this name above every name?
Trials are... trials. They are tough, and unpleasant when we go through them. But they are given to us by Yahweh to make us into who He would have us to be. We should pray for wisdom to know how to go through them, not escape them. If Yahweh has blessed you with faith, that faith will get you through every trial, no matter how hard it may seem.
This broadcast begins to look at Scriptures that are commonly used to teach the Oneness or One Name doctrine. The texts dealt with here are John 5:43 and 46, Matthew 21:9, and Jeremiah 23:5-6.
Judge not, lest ye be judged. That seems to be the favorite verse of both believers and non-believers. What does it mean though? Listen to learn how that we should make moral judgments in life, but not do so in a judgmental, critical, self righteous way. Brother Ron Myers opens this lesson with a song he wrote called "Love."
Do the Father and the Son have the exact same name? Listen to learn what the text of Scripture (the manuscripts) really teach us.
Earthly leaders often seek to shove around authority. In doing so, we feel that we are showing ourselves as boss. But is this the Biblical model? What are the Scriptural qualities of righteous leaders? The answer may sound backwards, but we must remember that Yahweh knows what is best in all things, including teaching us how we ought to lead.
According to this verse (and many others) the believer will experience trials and troubles in life. How do we react to these things? Are we constantly complaining? Do we lose faith during hard times? Or, do we recognize that the trying of our faith produces endurance?
When Yeshua uttered the words "love your enemies" (as recorded by Luke), what particular enemies did he have in mind? This lesson also covers the need to always remember that every one of us was an enemy of Yahweh when He loved us. This will aid in helping us to love others who are unbelieving, ungrateful, and do not love us back.
This lesson covers Yeshua's command to love our enemies. Or is it Moses' command? Listen to learn how the command to love our enemies wasn't something new in Messiah. The reality is, when we love our enemies, we are following Father Yahweh's example.
James 1:1 is covered. The author and the audience. The 12 tribes of Israel, scattered abroad, are the recipients of this letter. Something usually glanced over by most readers of the New Testament.
This lesson covers the significance of mourning and weeping over sin verses making light of sin, and dissects what it originally meant to be hated for the Son of Man.
The hungry (like the poor) are spiritually hungry. They hunger for righteousness. Both the righteousness only found in the Messiah, and the righteousness that they do in imitation of the Savior.
Did Yeshua bless all poor people and curse all rich people? Listen to learn about wealth, riches, poverty, humility, pride, and the Gospel for the broken.
If anyone had something to boast about (credential wise) it was Paul. But, this apostle considered himself the chief of sinners and not yet mature as he ought to be. We must do the same. The first step to getting well is to admit that we are sick and accept the medicine of the Gospel of Christ.
Yeshua spends all night praying to Yahweh and then chooses 12 apostles. After this he comes down from the mountain and teaches and heals. In this message I cover prayer in light of Yahweh's sovereignty as well as Yahweh choosing ordinary people for extraordinary work.
Sometimes, Romans 14 is used in an attempt to say that the dietary laws of Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 have been abolished. This lesson takes the time to walk through the entire chapter and explain that such is not the case.
After Yeshua taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath, he decided that a man with a paralyzed hand needed to be healed. The Jewish leaders didn't like this and sought to accuse and even kill Yeshua. Did Yeshua break the Sabbath here? Was Yeshua trying to get people to see that the Sabbath wasn't all that important?
Before healing diseases, before casting out demons, before walking on water, you would always finding Yeshua doing something of utmost importance: teaching. We should enjoy solid, Scriptural teaching, both in listening to it, and in giving it in any capacity.
The Pharisees were spying on Yeshua and His disciples while they went through some grain fields on the second chief sabbath. The Pharisees then accused them of doing something unlawful. Was it unlawful? Was what David did unlawful?
Before moving into and explaining Luke 6:1-5 we must consider the peculiar reading Luke gives to us in verse 1. What kind of Sabbath was this? Was it just a normal Sabbath, or is there a reason the King James Version calls it "the second Sabbath after the first?" Listen to learn about the technical aspects of this reading.
Why didn't Yeshua's disciples fast often like John's or the Pharisees disciples? And what in the world did new garments and old garments, new wine and old wineskins have to do with this?
If we are to "do this in remembrance" of the Messiah's broken body and shed blood then there must be a time element involved. Is it just up to the individual believer? Do we do it at Easter or Christmas? Is the common practice of doing in on Sunday or every Sunday Biblical? What about Acts 20:7? Is the argument by some Messianics concerning "One of the Sabbaths" in Acts 20:7 a valid argument? Listen to learn about when the Masters Supper should be observed.
I had so much going on the week before this sermon that I did not prepare like I normally do. Instead, I covered four different thoughts (based upon Scripture) that had been running through my head all week. Hopefully, something will be gleaned as you listen.
What does it mean to eat and drink the body and blood of Yeshua in an unworthy manner? Listen to learn who the Masters Supper is for.
If you want to have eternal life, you must keep the commandments. The problem is: you have not kept them and neither have I. How then are we to enter into life? Listen to learn of the medicine that is only available to those who admit that they are sick.
We can go through life always dwelling on the bad days we have, or we can instead dwell upon the many more good days and good things the Father has blessed us in and with. This lesson challenges the believer to just stop complaining and look for the positive in everything.
Psalm 19:7-11, by itself, should teach us that we need the law of Yahweh. This sermon goes through that text and then discusses all 3 uses of the law. When we remove the law, we in turn remove its 3 uses. The result is catastrophic.
Salvation, justification, is really free. It really is. No strings attached at all. We obtain it through the empty hands of faith. When sharing this Gospel, the only true one, you will encounter an objection. This lesson shares that objection and gives the Biblical response. Justification and Sanctification are both important, but they must never be confused or else the Gospel is diluted.
This is the message of the good news of the Messiah taught through an allegory. I discuss Yahweh's standard of perfection, the issue of "cheap law" teaching in churches today, and what a forgiven persons response is to amazing grace.
This is the first sermon I've preached in over a month. I just spoke from my heart about what I've been learning about life's trials and troubles. The Gospel of the Messiah is the focal point through it all.
The final segment in the Haggai series. Zerubabel is discussed as well as a dual fulfillment of the last verse in this prophetic book.
In this second installment from Haggai, we discuss the building of the temple, the promise of the Spirit, and most importantly the glory of Yeshua.
Gives a detailed overview and introduction of this prophetic book. Focuses on how matters of our own often overshadow matters of Yahweh. Through His Spirit, Yahweh works in us to produce what He has planned for His glory.
Discusses the teaching of Yeshua, the separation and relationship between Yeshua and Yahweh, the title of the Son of Man, healing, forgiveness of sins, and the fact that we all need Doctor Yeshua to heal us of our wicked hearts.
Imagine having a contagious, incurable disease that caused you to be ostracized and looked down upon. Now imagine being instantly healed by that disease by the touch of a man's hand. False prophets claim to heal, Yeshua really did heal, but even more than that, Yeshua heals people of a deeper disease. Listen to learn about it.
Yeshua's first personal students were men who fished for a living. He astonished them in this account by asking them to row their boats out into the deep during daylight (something they had just spent all night doing). The result brought at least one of them to his knees in acknowledgment of his sin. Yeshua did not push the sinner away, but said, "Follow me."
Before exegeting the first 11 verses of Luke chapter 5, I decided to teach a lesson about first century discipleship. What did it really mean to be Yeshua's disciple? Was Yeshua a Rabbi? Is it okay to call a man by the title Rabbi? These questions and more are covered in this introductory lesson to Luke 5.
In Caperneum, Yeshua had a very different response from those he ministered too. They received him with great joy and eagerness to hear more. This lesson focuses in on prayer to the Father, hungering for truth, and the good news of the Kingdom of Yahweh.
Yeshua travels from Nazareth to Caperneum, enters another synagogue and heals a demon possessed man. He then heals a woman of a high fever and other sick people as well. Yahweh gave Yeshua authority over sicknesses and demons, thus he could remove them at will.
Yeshua enters a synagogue at Nazareth (his home town), but He upsets many of the people there greatly. He doesn't preach to tickle ears, but to announce that they either accept Him and live or reject Him and die.
This lesson begins a series of radio broadcasts dedicated to the timing of the weekly Sabbath. Introductory concepts are discussed like the basics of the Scriptural calendar and the paganism that exists in the modern day calendar(s).
After Yeshua's baptism he leaves the Jordan river to go into the wilderness for a time of fasting and temptation by the leader of the fallen angels known often as "the Devil." Yeshua combats this temptation by quoting the Scriptures in their proper context.
In this closing sermon in the series on animal sacrifices we walk through a portion of Acts 21 and show that years after the death of Yeshua, James (the Elder of the congregation at Jerusalem) saw nothing wrong with offering animal sacrifices at the temple.
Discusses intentional verses unintentional sin, ritual purification, the taking away of sin, temple worship, and much more.
This series has mostly been about a husbands responsibility towards his wife, but I would be remiss not to deal with a wife's responsibility towards her husband. This lesson covers SOME of the marks of a virtuous wife.
Have you ever heard someone say, "To obey is better than sacrifice"? What did they mean? There is a Scripture that actually states this, yet it is rarely ever considered by those who make this statement. Listen to learn of its original context, as well as more from the prophet Jeremiah concerning bringing a sacrifice with the right spirit.
Covers several spiritual duties that a husband has towards his wife. Neglect of spiritual duties leads to chaos in the home.
What did David mean in Psalm 51 when he said that Yahweh did not desire sacrifice? What did Yahweh mean in Isaiah 1 when He told Israel to stop bringing Him sacrifices? Do these texts contradict those we've covered in the previous lessons in this series?
Parts 1 and 2 in the series are briefly reviewed and then I move into Leviticus chapters 2 and 3 commenting on the specifics of the grain and peace offerings. I also cover a rare known command that Yahweh gave just after uttering the 10 commandments.
A conference call (discussion) concerning the WHEN of the new moon. About 3 1/2 hours. Hope you enjoy.
On this Sabbath I had planned on teaching through Nehemiah 9, but Yahweh had different plans. Our meeting took a turn in the direction of spiritual healing and comfort. I believe I was led to go to Psalm 23 and simply read through it, briefly expounding on a few verses therein.
The last of the physical duties of the husband towards his wife is in the area of intimacy in the marriage bed. This issue is covered in this lesson, along with some of the spiritual duties of the husband.
There are a group of people down through the ages of time that Satan, the Devil, is angry with. these people are commandment keepers as well as believers in Yeshua the Messiah. Satan's anger means that he tries very hard to steal, kill, and destroy everything from the true believer. This means that we will face trials and temptations from his hand, but in the big picture, we've got him exactly where he is supposed to be: at odds with us.
Details the burnt offering, and uncovers the simple fact that the majority of the animal sacrifices in Scripture were not brought because the worshiper had committed a specific sin. Also delves into the book of Hebrews, showing that the author made firm the Torah in spite of what many teach today.
When the two words "animal sacrifices" are spoken, people generally begin to feel a discomfort in their spirit. Most people have the idea that they are now detestable to the Almighty. This lesson explains how we must trust in Yahweh and not lean to our own understanding, pulling from the first book in Scripture.
When a man takes to him a wife, he doesn't just take her and then do nothing. He is to be the physical provider for his bride, making her feel protected, comforted, desired, and the most loved woman on the planet.
Have you every wondered why Yahweh commanded that a blue thread be placed in the tassels? Why not yellow or red? Is there significance to the specific color or is it just a random choosing by the Creator?
In this final lesson in the series I cover four reasons why I believe Solomon will be in the Kingdom of Yahweh in spite of his grievous sin against the Most High. This should give us hope, because we, like Solomon, have sinned time and time again.
When a wife sees that her husband not only takes care of her, but also takes care of and trains his and her children, she knows that she is loved by the man who married her.
Solomon was a man who was loved by Yahweh in a special way, yet in his old age he did exactly what Yahweh had told him NOT to do. Listen to learn about how Solomon was unfaithful to Yahweh, and how that we are all unfaithful to Yahweh.
Not only are us husbands told to love our wives, we are told HOW to love them, as Christ does the Church. What exactly does this mean? This lesson covers the answer and more.
Solomon was a blessed man. He had a great father to teach him, and he followed in David's footsteps in many ways. When Solomon was asked for anything, he prayed for an obedient heart of wisdom. Listen to this lesson to learn of Solomon's greatness.
The best way for any leader to lead is to set the proper example. Much more will be done for the good if people see a man who practices what he believes. A man's wife must see her husband loving the lord, caring for her, and doing his best to follow Yahweh's instructions.
Yahweh comes to visit His people on His appointed times in a special way. It is therefore pertinent that we show up for the appointment He has set. We will be encouraged, strengthened, and given power to face another work week.
Yeshua came to be baptized by John along with all the other people that were submitting to this act of righteousness. Why though, as the sinless Savior did he need to be baptized? This lesson also takes a look at the person and work of Yeshua.
John the Baptizer was not afraid to publicly confront the unrepentant sin of a major politician of his day. John was imprisoned and later beheaded because of this, but John stood firm and will be in the kingdom of heaven, living for all eternity.
While all of the people flocking to John's baptism were wondering if he was the Messiah, John proclaimed to them someone greater than he, that would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. These are two separate baptisms that fall upon separate groups of people.
John the Baptizer preached with fire, not holding back at all, proclaiming to people that they were snakes and needed to repent. His message seems harsh, but faithful are the wounds of a friend while deceitful are the kisses of the enemy.
From the end of Luke 2 to the beginning of Luke 3 we have an 18 year span of silence from the author. He now writes to us of a great man that had been prophesied over earlier, namely Yochanan (John) the Baptizer.
One title Yahweh is given in Scripture is "the Father of lights." The Father of what lights? Could it be the lights He created in Genesis 1:14-18 as time tellers and gifts for His children to know when He would visit them?
If the gift of languages is used within the church assembly, there are regulations that are to be followed. To disregard these regulations is to disregard direct commandments from Yahweh. This lesson wraps up the series on tongues.
Foreign tongues are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. What did Paul mean to teach when he referred the Corinthian church back to Isaiah 28:11-12? Paul said he spoke in tongues more than all of the Corinthians, but where did he speak in these tongues?
Sermon Update 4.18.2020. This lesson concludes my study through Exodus 11 and 12, and focuses on Exodus 12:21-51. Incorporating the children is covered, along with the ethnically diverse crowd (that came out with the children of Israel) and physical circumcision.
What did Paul mean when he wrote that if a person speaks in tongues he should pray that he may interpret? We must be careful not to understand Paul's instruction through the lens of what we may have seen practiced in some churches in the world today.
In this section Paul compares speaking in an intelligible language to properly playing a flute or harp, and using a trumpet to make a distinct battle call. This section also goes to show that there is no such thing as a completely unknown language.
Why does Paul describe prophesy as being greater than the gift of languages when he writes to the Corinthians? Is there a difference between the gift in Acts 2 and the gift in 1 Corinthians 14? What are the mysteries in the Spirit that Paul mentions?
What exactly is the gift of languages that is spoken about in Scripture? Is there more than one gift of languages? What happened in Acts 2? What happened with Cornelius in Acts 10? Does the end of Mark teach that every single believer will speak in an unknown tongue?
Before we can begin speaking about the biblical gift of languages (tongues), we must make certain that we understand the surrounding context in which Paul wrote about the gift. What is the main them in 1 Corinthians 14? Why did Paul write the great love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13?
In the last installment in this series we look at several passages used by Matthew Vines to say that homosexuality is compatible with Biblical Christianity because... the "old law" has been abolished. Colossians 2:14, Matthew 5:17, and Romans 10:4 (among others) are discussed.
In order to justify their homosexuality, some professing Christians quote Galatians 5:1-6 and 6:12-15 in an attempt to teach that we shouldn't be burdened with the "old law." This lesson tackles such an objection head on.
As human beings we often call things good that Yahweh deems evil, and things evil that Yahweh deems good. The reason we do this is because by nature we assume we can decide what is right and wrong in and of our own selves.
If I only had to choose one verse in all of Scripture to teach that one man took the place of others in suffering the penalty due to the sinner, it would be Isaiah 53:5. Continuation in answering the anti-Messiah groups.
The concepts of belief in the servant of Yahweh, that the servant is an extension of Yahweh Himself, that he was just a common fellow you wouldn't expect to be the Messiah, and that he was familiar with being sick, are all discussed in this expository sermon through Isaiah 53.
Updated Sermon (4.8.20). The Passover meal "kicks off" the Feast of Unleavened Bread. During this feast, we are to remove leaven from our homes, and we are to have a holy convocation on certain days. This lesson looks at this in detail, and covers some intricacies in counting and the Biblical calendar.
This lesson concludes our study on the Scriptural new year. I sum everything up, and then deal with a few objections that might be raised against this method of calculating the new year.
Updated sermon (3.25.20). What was the purpose of putting lambs blood on your doorpost? How was the animal to be cooked? How was it to be eaten, and with what? Did Yahweh execute judgment on idols in Egypt or real gods? These questions and more and covered in this lesson.
Updated sermon (3.16.20). This lesson covers some of the particulars in regards to the Passover animal, and looks at what was the commanded time of sacrifice on the 14th day of Abib.
Updated sermon series (3.9.20). When does a new year begin? Does agriculture determine time? What are the sun, moon, and stars for? Did the Scriptural new year originally begin in the fall? What about January? This lesson covers all of this and a bit more.
Updated sermon series (3.2.20). What midnight did Moses speak about in front of Pharaoh? Which firstborns were killed in the land of Egypt? Does Yahweh killing firstborn children make Him contradict His law on murder? Is Yahweh a tyrant?
Updated sermon series (2.25.20). This lesson discusses how the Passover is connected with the plagues of Egypt, Yahweh's Sovereignty in all things, the free will of man, the greatness of Moses, and the plundering of the Egyptians.
This lesson continues to evaluate Matthew Vines (an openly "gay" professing Christian) lecture given in 2012. In this lesson I deal with the paradigm that exists in the minds of many concerning the Jerusalem council in Acts 15.
Is homosexuality compatible with the Biblical faith? Some professing Christians believe that it is, but at the same time they recognize that the laws written in Leviticus are prohibitions against homosexuality. How do they respond when hearing Leviticus quoted?
This lesson focuses in on some writings from two ancient Israelite historians, Philo and Josephus. These historians are important because they lived around the time of Yeshua and they relate to us the timing of the Hebrew festivals.
This lesson focuses on understanding how the ancients determined what we now call the spring and fall equinoxes. I focus upon a Hebrew word TEKUFAH, a word that is used in Hebrew Scripture and extra-biblical material to speak of specific turning point in the heavens.
How do we go about determining when the first month of the year is on Yahweh's calendar? Do the Scriptures even hint at telling us?
This lesson begins an exegesis of Isaiah 53 which actually starts at Isaiah 52:13. What are some of the aspects of this servant of Yahweh? A few key sections in this lesson deal with the severe beating of Yeshua as well as the physical appearance of Yeshua.
One of the major objections given by the anti-messiah or anti-missionary crowd is that Yeshua could not be a sacrifice because Yahweh condemns human sacrifice. How would you answer this objection?
In general we all have a tendency to forget about the unique, spiritual people that Yahweh has placed in our life. This lesson challenges us to seek to reverse that general principle and honor "prophets" in our hometown or family.
The common modern day Jewish understanding is that the Jewish people as a whole are the suffering servant of Isaiah 53. Why do they believe this? What should our response be to those who adopt this view?
It is incorrect to think that every Christian who gets sick or dies of an illness is living in sin. Sometimes it is Yahweh's will that a person remain ill for His glory and greater purpose. Those who die in Christ have a hope of resurrection. They may have suffered in this present life, but they will experience immortality in the life to come.
Some people have studied their way right out of believing in Yeshua as the Messiah, Son of Yahweh. They instead say that they abide by only the Tanak or Old Testament. A major problem with this mentality is that the Tanak presents a second person, in addition to Father Yahweh, that we must believe in for our very salvation.
There is only one account in all of the gospels that teaches us anything about Yeshua's childhood. Here we find that Yahweh orchestrated an occurrence to help remind Miriam that she and Joseph were raising not just any other child, but rather the Son of the Highest.
Sermon Update 2021. It’s become pretty popular in Messianic, Hebrew Roots circles to believe that Yeshua was born during Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) in the autumn season. Around Christmas time I see all sorts of memes and posts on Facebook touting this belief, and during Sukkot each year I will read about people who say they are celebrating the Messiah’s birth while they keep the Feast. Is there any Scriptural proof for this belief? In this lesson I look at the main text I always see people point to, and I deal with the idea/belief that the course of Abijah in Luke 1 gives us a timeline leading to the birth-date of Yeshua. I also delve into the beginning of Luke 2 and explain why I believe we can know for sure that Yeshua was NOT born on Sukkot.
While Joseph and Miriam were at Jerusalem to present Yeshua to Yahweh, Yahweh provided two witnesses in Israel of the promised Messiah. These witnesses were both righteous and devout, and they confirmed that great things were in store for this little baby boy.
Sermon Updated 2021. In reading articles this year on Christmas and the December 25 date, I ran across one interesting article that highlighted the writings of Hippolytus, and the use of the Greek word genesis in ancient literature. I decided I would have the author on to talk about it, and the result was a great conversation with scholar Dr. Thomas Schmidt. I hope everyone enjoys it, and you can read his article by going here:
https://tcschmidtblog.files.wordpress...
Sermon Updated 2021. I got to sit down with Dr. Philipp Nothaft of All Souls College (University of Oxford) and discuss his essays on the competing History of Religions Theory and Calculation Theory.
Why do people bring an evergreen tree into their home during the month of December? Was it just an idea that popped into someones head in 20th century America? Listen to learn about an ancient Canaanite fertility goddess named Asherah, and what she has in common with Christmas today.
How in the world do we harmonize what Yeshua said in Matthew 5:43-48 with imprecatory praying? Should we hate our enemies or love our enemies? What does it mean to love our enemies? Should we dismiss the Old Testament? Should we trash the New Testament?
Sermon Update 11.4.21. When we hear the words "you'll recognize them by their fruit," our minds often go to Galatians 5 and the Fruit of the Spirit. I know this because I've heard countless people mention to "check for the fruit of the Spirit" before listening to and following a prophet or preacher. But is the fruit of the Spirit what we should be checking for?
This lesson continues the study of Scriptures commonly used in Oneness Theology in attempt to teach Yahweh and Yeshua are one and the same person in two manifestations.
Sermon Update 10.28.21. This is one of those texts that doesn't get preached on or even thought about very often, because it challenges our life. It makes us feel uncomfortable, because we don't really want Yeshua messing with what we want to do. But if that's the way we feel then it's pretty likely we won't make it to the kingdom. Listen to find out why.
This lesson takes a look at some of the more popular Scripture verses usually used to teach the Oneness view of the Father and the Son, i.e. that they are one and the same. One Almighty, manifesting himself in various ways.
While the Son of Yahweh is mentioned more frequently and fully in the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, it is a reality that the genuine believers of old spoke of the Son of Yahweh in the Old Testament.
Sermon Update 10.21.21. We often try to fix things before or even without asking the Father in heaven for help. He's a good father, and he gives good gifts to those who ask, especially gifts of the Spirit. This lesson also covers the "golden rule," and centers in on its oldness.
This lesson begins a series of lessons on the scriptural view of Messiah. Part one deals with the definition of the word Messiah, the person of Messiah, and the name of Messiah.
An exegesis of Exodus 17:8-16. The primary focus of this lesson is to teach us to use our gifts and talents for the building up of others in the assembly of Yahweh. People are going to need to be served, and we are to serve them in whatever way we are able.
After Miriam went through the process of ritual purification, she and Joseph brought Yeshua to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to Yahweh seeing he was a firstborn male.
The birth of a Savior, the Messiah, the Master, was first announced, not to kings, but to shepherds. This sovereign act of Yahweh continues to show us that humility is so important in the life of Yahweh's people.
People often ask me, "Matthew, why do you emphasize the law?" This short lesson is a three-fold answer to that question. The real question should be, "Why do pastors NOT emphasize Yahweh's law?"
In Nehemiah 8 we find that there was great joy in Israel when they found it written in the law that they were to observe a feast to Yahweh in the seventh month. We should be just as joyous now when we find it written in the law.
Some people have attempted to say and/or teach that the full moon is the first day of the lunar month. Examining Psalm 81 in its original context dispels such an idea.
When a person adheres to the Biblical way of living they often hear others speak of them as strange. When we obey Yahweh we will seem strange to the world, and even to the church world, but the things we do are approved in the Bible.
Scripture teaches us that the Creator has appointed certain special times on His calendar. We are commanded, not suggested, to worship Him at these times in particular ways. We should do our very best to be obedient in this.
Each of us has had a great amount of mercy poured out upon us by a kind heavenly Father. It behooves us to imitate Yahweh our Father and show the same mercy towards our fellow man when they ask for forgiveness. At times, we even take the high spiritual act of forgiving people when they do not ask.
The new moon of the 7th month is assuredly a memorial of something. But what is it that we are to memorialize on this day? Listen to learn from Scripture the answer to this question that will help you be able to celebrate this day properly.
Modern day Christianity has taken the birth of the Messiah and mixed it with many customs of heathen worship. We must rid ourselves of such customs, but in doing so let us not throw out the birth of the Messiah. He was born, in a small town called Bethlehem, and to talk about or even sing about this occurrence is a wonderful thing.
If the portions of the New Testament written in Greek (and the Septuagint for that matter) translated the Hebrew word into Greek as "theos," then why can't we translate this same Hebrew word into English as "god?"
If Gad/God is a word we shouldn't call Yahweh by, why in the world didn't Jacob rebuke his wife Leah for naming her child this name, if indeed the name stems from a heathen idol? These are questions that I believe are fully answered in this lesson.
Do we honor Yahweh by referring to Him as our God? For a long time I believed that it was acceptable (and honorable) to do so, but this lesson begins to unpack the reasons that changed my mind on this important issue of the appropriate titles of Yahweh.
It is time for the woman who was once called barren to bring forth her promised son. What a day it must have been. Zechariah, who had not spoken for over 9 months, begins to unleash all this pent up praise to the Almighty!
I have had a few people ask me over the past 10 years if I believed duck was permissible to eat by the standard of Yahweh's Torah. This sermon is all of my research placed into about 50 minutes. Make sure to also check out my sermon notes in the commentaries section of my website for more detail.
So many people are concerned with prophecy these days, specifically end-time prophecy. Did you know there is a very important prophecy in Scripture that relates to the New Covenant?
Who was Paul talking to in Colossians 2:16? Believers who WERE keeping the appointed times or believers who WERE NOT keeping the appointed times? Is it true that Paul was the Apostle who came along and encouraged everyone to forsake Torah observance?
Have you ever heard anyone say that the law of Yahweh was nailed to the cross of Messiah? Where is this concept taken from? Did you know that something indeed was nailed to the cross?
When James and the other elders at the Jerusalem council decided to lay upon the Gentiles four laws, did this mean these were the only four laws that the Gentiles would need to obey for the rest of their life?
Many people believe that Acts 15 teaches that the law of Yahweh has been laid aside based upon the consensus of the Jerusalem Council of Elders in the Apostolic Assembly. Listen to learn why this is not the case.
This lesson concludes the four part series on the count to Pentecost. It is a continuation of part three in which I examine 7 total points that lead us in the direction of keeping Pentecost later into the summer than most do.
If someone adopts the lunar Sabbatarian model, how then do they count to Pentecost. Is there more than one option in view? Are there any clues in Scripture outside of Leviticus 23 that would lead us in any direction? Listen carefully to this somewhat technical sermon.
After Miriam hears from the angel Gabriel about her miraculous conception she goes to visit her relative Elizabeth in the southern portion of Israel. Elizabeth and the baby inside of her are excited about the news from Miriam.
There are those in Christianity today that believe Yeshua broke the Sabbath and paved the way for the abolishing of the dietary laws. Yeshua had disputes with the Jewish leaders of his day, but was he disputing with them about the observance of the Torah that they had produced by building fences around what the Most High actually said.
Once we learn when to begin counting for the Feast of Weeks we must then make sure that we are counting what Yahweh commands us to count. Do we count seven Sabbaths or are we only required to count seven weekly periods regardless of where the Sabbath falls?
Yeshua came to this earth to be the sinless lamb of God. This means he never violated the Torah. His mission had absolutely nothing to do with destroying his Father's law. Every letter and stroke remains intact.
There is a controversy when it comes to the correct count to the Day of Pentecost mentioned in Acts 2. This lesson begins to unpack the controversy by considering a few different angles to beginning the count.
Scripture tells us that sin is the transgression of Yahweh's law. If sin still exists today then that must mean that law still exists today. If law still exists today, and we shouldn't sin, then we should be obedient to law.
When Joseph found out that Miriam his betrothed wife was with child, he pondered in his heart what to do. An angel showed up to him in a dream and told him this was the fulfillment of a prophecy that spoke of a child being named Immanuel. If the dream told Joseph to name the child Immanuel, why do we not call the child Immanuel?
Here is this fifth part of a radio series I address the crucial truth that some things are impossible for Yahweh to do. If that sounds contrary to Scripture to you please take the time to listen to this lesson.
Some people claim that the first two chapters of the gospel of Matthew should not be in the Bible. They also claim that the virgin conception of Yeshua is a myth borrowed from paganism. Listen to learn how to answer such critics.
We do well if we understand the concept that Yahweh works through vessels here upon the earth. Many times the agent Yahweh is working through is spoken about as though they are Yahweh himself. Such speech is common from a Hebraic point of view.
Luke 1:34 is a very crystal clear text in Scripture authenticating the virgin conception of Yeshua, yet many people still continue to deny this doctrine pointing out what they feel are inconsistencies within Scripture. Was the virgin conception of Messiah just a pagan myth?
In our radio series on the Father and the Son I interview a very good friend and brother about his journey from believing in the Trinity to believing in One God and His only begotten Son.
The conception in the womb of Elizabeth was great, but what comes 6 months later is even more great. Here we walk through the beginning of Luke's birth narrative focusing in on the meaning of Hebrew betrothal as well as the child that would be born to the young teenager, Miriam.
The Scriptures teach in a very clear fashion that the Son is subordinate to the Father. This radio broadcast combs through some of the references showing the Father is greater not just in function but in everything, including nature.
The angel Gabriel speaks of the greatness of the child that would be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. But, Zechariah doubts the angels message and is struck with the inability to speak. Elizabeth conceives and is thankful for Yahweh's grace.
Who is Yeshua? Many people answer this question with various answers. Some people say Melchizedek is Yeshua or that Yeshua was the angel of Lord in the Old Testament. Are these answers Scriptural? Who really is Yeshua? Is he Almighty Yahweh?
Luke begins his account of Yeshua the Messiah by starting with the parents of a child who was conceived before Yeshua. These parents are righteous people, in the eyes of the Father. They were special, hand picked by the Father for a purpose.
There is just too much emphasis placed upon the New Moon in Scripture for it to be an ordinary day. The New Moon isn't just a day or phase to declare and then go about our mundane things like we do during the work week.
Does Yahweh really choose who will be saved and who will be lost? If this is the case, then why does He find fault with sinners if He is the reason they are left to remain in their sin?
Paul explains in this section of his letter that not all Israel are truly Israel. What in the world does he mean here? To understand Paul's point you must travel back in time to see what took place in the life of people like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob.
Paul writes here that he has an intense sorrow in his heart for his fellow brothers in Israel that do not know Yeshua as the Messiah. He wonders if Yahweh's promises to Israel are meaningless seeing that many in Israel are unregenerate.
Paul closes this section of his epistle to the Roman assembly by reminding them that even though they are being put to death like sheep taken to the slaughter this does not mean that the love of Yahweh has left them.
All those whom Yahweh predestines to be conformed to the image of His Son He also calls, justifies, and glorified. There are no breaks in the chain here. No one can bring an accusation against the elect , because Yahweh is the one who justifies.
The reason the genuine believer can have assurance of salvation is not because of anything in them. It is rather because of what Yahweh has done for them. He lovingly foreknew them and predetermined their life to be conformed to the image of His dear Son.
The second greatest commandment in the law is to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Are you truly striving to do this in your life? According to Scripture, hatred in our hearts towards our neighbor is equal to murder, and no murderer has eternal life.
Sometimes because of our human frailty we do not know what to pray for. This should not discourage us because in these times where we just sigh, groan, and cry, Yahweh know exactly what we need and gives us the perfect answer.
Should we really slaughter a lamb to eat for a Passover meal? Didn't Yeshua come to "fulfill" all of these ceremonial rights? Listen to this conference call to hear what the Scriptures really have to say concerning sacrifices.
If you are a genuine believer in the Father and the Son then you will have to experience suffering in this life. What you must remember at all times is that it does not matter how difficult your suffering is now, no amount of suffering at this present time compares with what is coming.
If you have been birthed by Yahweh's Spirit you have been adopted into His family. He sees you as one of His children, a fellow heir with His only begotten Son. If you are a brother or sister of Yeshua then you must suffer with him in this life.
A born again person is not a debtor to the flesh. They have been birthed by the Spirit and it is by this Spirit (the Holy Spirit) that they must kill the deeds of the body.
What really is the work of the Spirit? How do we know for sure if Yahweh's Spirit indwells us? This lesson contrasts the Spirit filled believer with the person who still belongs to the carnal nature.
The law of Yahweh is perfect converting the soul (Psalm 19:7), but there is something the law could not do. What is that something? This lesson answers the question, and centers in on two ways people operate in life.
One argument I've often heard used in favor of using a circumlocution for the name of Yahweh is that Yeshua the Messiah followed the Jewish tradition of not speaking the Divine Name. If Yeshua did not speak the Name why should we have to?
Did anyone before the time of Moses' encounter at the burning bush know the name of Yahweh? Why did Moses ask the Most High His name in Exodus 3:10-13 if he already knew His name? Didn't Yahweh say that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know His name?
The seventh chapter of Matthew is the climax to what is arguably Yeshua's greatest teaching. Towards the end of this sermon Yeshua speaks of people thinking their entire life that they had salvation, but in the end they find out that he never even knew them.
If we are to use the Creator's name then how are we to pronounce this name? Does anyone even know how to say the four letters YHWH? Many people feel that we cannot know and therefore should not attempt to use this name.
We know that it is an Orthodox Jewish tradition to not use the divine name, but where does this tradition come from? Is this a wholesome, righteous tradition that we should follow. The origin of the command to not speak the name of the heavenly Father.
When one recognizes where the four-lettered name of God belongs in the text of Scripture, all they must do is re-read Scripture with the Creators name inserted where it belongs. This will, by itself, show forth the importance of the name of Yahweh.
Yeshua teaches us to hallow the Father's name, but what exactly is the Father's name? Listen to learn in simplicity how to know what our Creator's name really is. Many translations of the Bible have opted to remove His name from His book.
What was prophesied concerning Eli and his family now comes to fruition. Yahweh is not slack concerning His promises, even promises of destruction. At least four people in Eli's immediate family died in one day, and a child was born that was doomed for destruction.
Here we have recorded for us the very first time Samuel heard a direct word from the Almighty. Samuel's first word was in all likelihood very difficult for Samuel to relay. This is because it involved a stern word of judgment to a High Priest.
In part 3 of this series we dealt with how the seasons are linked with groups of constellations in the night sky. In this lesson we learn how that anciently the beginning of the biblical new year was tied to the stars in the heavens as well. If you email me I can send you the PDF charts to this sermon.
The word zodiac stirs up thoughts of heathen paganism, but in reality it is a science that has been "hijacked" by the enemies of Yahweh. There is purity in the original zodiac, which is nothing more than the path of the sun through the 12 major constellations.
There does exist a message in the sky that parallels with the written revelation of Yahweh found in Sacred Scripture. This message consists of various stellar constellations which may be seen at night. If you email me I can send you the PDF charts to this sermon.
Yahweh's calendar in the heavens does not only consist of the sun and the moon, it also consists of the stars. Yes, the stars are given to us for signs and even for seasons. Scripture has much to teach us about the stars, but we often glance right over it.
This is part two of an exegesis of one of the fullest texts of Scripture. This lesson specifically covers the last sentence of John 1:1. At the end of the lesson there is a bit of discussion concerning the subject as well as a few other pertinent texts.
How should we understand John 1:1? Is it a Trinitarian text; or maybe an Arian text? Listen to learn what is meant by terms like beginning, word, and with God.
This is a short sermon on the Feast of Tabernacles. It covers issues as the leader of the home, finding things written in the Torah that are new to us, and also a little bit on the timing of the weekly Sabbath.
One of the main reasons why so many today cancel the Torah, saying it has been replaced with Yeshua, is because of not understanding the existence of the heavenly tabernacle. Listen to learn how the author of Hebrews argues from the lesser truth to the greater truth.
Many people today believe that the relevance of the Jerusalem Temple is gone. With its destruction in A.D. 70 a different dispensation came in that replaced all of those outdated types and shadows.
While there are many people today who believe in observing the new moon as a holy day, there exists much disagreement about when to observe it. This sermon seeks to understand those disagreements and also seeks to bring unity in an area where there is much debate.
Eli receives a stern rebuke from the man of God concerning honoring his sons more than the Almighty. Because of something Eli did a curse was passed down through his lineage. This sermon covers 1 Samuel 2:27 through the end of the chapter.
Eli's sons were in the habit of disobeying Yahweh's laws with their meat fork. This stemmed from a lack of training from their father Eli. The sons had gotten so bad that Yahweh had decided he was going to kill them.
One of Elkanah's two wives could not have children, but she believed Yahweh could turn her circumstance around if she cried out to Him in seriousness with full faith. This sermon covers 1 Samuel 1:1 through 2:12.
Many times we misunderstand or misinterpret a text of Scripture because we are not looking at Scripture through the eyes of those who were first to read it. We are not living in that particular culture or life setting.
Have you ever had a discussion with someone who believed that the only valid Bible translation was the King James Version? This lesson will, at an elementary level, help you to better understand where the Bible came from as well as equip you to answer the KJV onlyist.
Yahweh, in the Torah, commands Israel to bind "these words" as a sign on their hand and let them be symbol on their forehead. Is this command to be taken metaphorically or literally?
We should never get caught up thinking that our obedience to the law is earning us a spot in the kingdom. We are not justified by the law, we instead obtain justification apart from the law.
Why was it that the angel from Yahweh waited 21 days to come and speak with Daniel? What opposition did he encounter if any? Listen to learn about the spiritual realm that man cannot see with the natural eye.
Daniel is now a man in his 80's yet he is still in strong service to Almighty Yahweh. He is a man treasured by his Elohim. Here we see that Daniel gets serious with Yahweh, and Yahweh continues to give Daniel visions about what will take place in the future.
What really took place in Acts 2? Listen to learn about Yahweh's time table, divine design, the true gift of languages, what really is new wine, the prophet Joel, and calling upon the name of Yahweh.
This is a random question and answer session held in Franklin, NC. Topics include Sabbath, death, head coverings, tassels, marriage, beards, hell, heaven, etc.
This is a talk given in Franklin, NC concerning when the weekly Sabbath day in Scripture, is. It is a simple, basic introduction to a lunar based timing for the weekly Sabbath.
This is a talk that was given at a meeting in Franklin, North Carolina concerning the day of the New Moon in Scripture. Just how set apart should the day of the New Moon be kept?
There is a difference between unintentional sins and sins committed defiantly. It is a capital crime to violate the Sabbath command. Four tassels, with a blue cord in each, are commanded to be worn on your garment. Text taught from Numbers 15.
Have you ever heard anyone say that Jesus only gave us two commandments? This sermon delves into the text where Yeshua mentions two commandments and seeks to understand His statement in the context in which is was made.
A verse-by-verse teaching on the parable of the sower. Considers many aspects within the parable including regeneration, the preservation of the saints, preaching the gospel, evidence of salvation, and much more.
Sermon Update 10.14.21. The most well known verse in all the Bible is likely Matthew 7:1. Even unbelievers quote this verse (out of context). This lesson examines the phrase "judge not" in the context of Matthew 7, and in the context of the rest of Yeshua's teachings. I also go into one of the laws in Exodus 22 as it relates to what Yeshua says in Matthew 7:6.
During the 70th week the coming prince (little horn, beast, man of lawlessness) commits an abomination that brings desolation. When does this happen? What is it? Is Daniel the only prophet or man that speak of such an occurrence? We do not need to be ignorant of these things, or else we will be deceived.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the 70th week of Daniel. One position is that the 70th week has been fulfilled, the other is that it has yet to be fulfilled. Those who believe it is yet future believe in a parenthesis of time between the 69th and 70th week. Is this Scriptural?
Yahweh answers Daniel's prayer by revealing a plan of 70 weeks to Daniel. When do these weeks begin? Have these weeks come to complete fulfillment? How are these weeks measured? These questions among others are answered in this sermon.
Daniel knew that the people of Judah needed to humble themselves and seek Yahweh through prayer and fasting in order for them to be placed back in their homeland. Daniel prays here and his prayer is one where we learn that prayer is not about us. It is all about Yahweh.
Daniel, in reading the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah, realized that the Judahites would be held captive in Babylon for 70 years. Why 70 years? The Bible is not stingy on giving us the details here. Listen to learn how we must not ever take lightly any of the Divine instructions given by the Creator.
In Daniel 8 we have another ruler described as a "little horn." He is not to be confused with the little horn of Daniel 7 but at the same time he is to be seen as somewhat of a pre-figure or type of the man of sin that is to come.
Harold Camping, owner of Family Radio, has made a prediction that the end of the world will take place on May 21, 2011. This day will include such things as a great earthquake, the rapture, and dead bodies of the unsaved lying on top of the ground. I taught this lesson a few days before the supposed end of the world.
Daniel has yet another vision concerning a two horned ram and a one horned goat. The Bible helps us heavily with this vision by giving us a large portion of the interpretation in the same chapter. This sermon not only delves into the text of Daniel 8, but also talks about a concept championed by the Protestant Reformation called sola scriptura as well as tota scriptura.
The little horn that rises up out of the head of the fourth beast/kingdom has not yet come on the scene. This sermon seeks to parallel texts of Scripture that deal with this little horn in Daniel by different titles. It also includes a look into what the mark of the beast is and is not.
After the fourth beast is destroyed the Messianic Kingdom arrives. Is this Kingdom current or is it yet future? Will things get better in our world today or worse? Is the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 figurative or literal?
When studying prophecy we need to make sure we do not make additions and subtractions to Scripture. It is so easy to be led astray by what we want, think, or feel the Bible to be saying. This sermon begins to delve into Daniel's dream of the four beasts.
In spite of facing the consequence of death Daniel continued to live his life in the service of Yahweh just as he always did. This sermon covers some often overlooked teachings in Scripture concerning set prayer times and facing Jerusalem in prayer.
Belshazzar is the second Babylonian King recorded for us to read about and learn from in Scripture. Have you ever heard the expression, "The handwriting is on the wall"? This chapter is where that saying originates.
This is one of the more odd portions of Scripture in that it is difficult for the human mind to grasp what really happened to this Babylonian king. Listen to learn how that Yahweh can do whatever He wants to do to humble a person.
Nebuchadnezzar had said some nice and even true statements about Yahweh, but did this mean that he was truly born from above? What is regeneration and how does a person know if they really have been born again?
Do you believe that the New Testament contradicts or is in opposition to the Law found in the Old Testament? How were people saved during the Old Testament? Are mercy, grace, love, etc. only New Testament concepts? This is a good message to help someone begin to understand the relevance of the Torah.
Who was the fourth man that Nebuchadnezzar saw walking around in the fire with the three Hebrews? Many today would say that it was none other than the pre-incarnate Yeshua. This sermon takes a look at this teaching plus delves into angelic agency.
There is so much to glean from Daniel chapter three that there is no way I can explain it all here in this description. Religious intolerance, disobedience to Governments, recognizing you may not be healed, being a good for nothing slave, and much more.
Daniel now tells the King his dream and its interpretation. This has to do with four particular kingdoms in Nebuchadnezzar's present life and his future. In the days of the fourth kingdom represented, the Elohim of heaven would send a "stone" to crush all the other kingdoms.
King Nebuchadnezzar's dream was revealed to Daniel by the Mighty One of Heaven. To Yahweh belongs wisdom, might, power, and authority. All things are in His control and He has a purpose in all that takes place upon the earth. Listen to learn about the freest will of all.
On August 6, 2010 I called into a radio broadcast hosted by Dr. Michael Brown. Dr. Brown is the author of the several volume series titled "Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus." On this day we briefly discussed the dietary laws, and other aspects of the Torah. As you'll see, I didn't get much of a chance to talk.
King Nebuchadnezzar asked for all of the wise men in Babylon to come to him and tell him his dream as well as interpret his dream. These wise men practiced things that went directly contrary to Yahweh's law, yet they did have power to know mysteries. How?
Many Judahites had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Among them were four young Hebrews who in spite of what was taking place still refused to give in and defile themselves. Learn how Daniel began his stay in a strange land.
One of the last statements made before the intertestamental period was for the people of Yahweh to not forget the law of Moses. Sadly, many today have not obeyed the prophet Malachi's instructions.
When we look around the world we see people who could really care less about the things of the Creator. Yet these people prosper in spite of their sin. Does this mean that Yahweh is pleased with them? Should we give up our faith because of their not punished in this life?
What do you know about tithing? Have you ever looked up every verse in Scripture that speaks about tithes? If your answer is no then how do really know if what you believe about tithing is Biblically accurate? You will probably be amazed to learn what the Bible really says about tithing.
While many in Christendom today believe there is no further work for the Levite priesthood, the prophet Malachi (speaking by the Holy Spirit) speaks of a day when the Levites will be purified and offer sacrifices that please Yahweh.
The Levites were not only taking foreign women, but were in the process forsaking the Israelite wives of their youth. This sermon covers some technicalities in Malachi 2:15-16; verses which are often even debated amongst scholars of the Old Testament.
A priest should me a man who sets an example for others to follow, however such was just not the case in Malachi's day. The priests had gone so far away from the Torah of Yahweh that they had taken foreign women for their wives.
Many people have the mindset that all the Levites did during the Old Covenant was offer animal sacrifices; such is not the case at all. They were also in charge of teaching the other tribes in Israel about the Torah.
Imagine showing up at the governors house with rotten food... to give to the governor himself! The priests at the time of the prophet Malachi were doing something worse than this. We must bring Yahweh our best in any form of worship we give to Him.
Malachi is the final prophetic book of the Old Testament Scriptures. In this book Yahweh gives many words of rebuke to Jacob/Israel, but he does let them know that He loves them to begin with. The way He shows them is by reminding them of how He hates Esau.
In this final installment in the teachings on the first epistle of Timothy we learn so much about living a righteous life and recognizing Yahweh for who He really is. Paul warns Timothy against accepting the knowledge of men over and against the truth of Yahweh.
The Bible is a very exclusive book and thus is the Christian faith. We cannot accept the politically correct notion that there are many correct ways or many paths to God. This lesson also discusses the modern day "prosperity gospel" contrasted with what Paul really taught.
Sermon Update 10.6.2021. It is perfectly fine to be diligent, work, and plan, but it is not okay to live in fear and be anxious over what an enemy or the enemy is doing. Yahweh is in control. He will take care of us. Focusing on Him keeps us in perfect peace. Everything is gonna' be alright.
Paul writes to Timothy concerning Christians who were under the yoke as slaves to both unbelieving and believing masters. Does Paul condemn slavery outright? Listen to learn how Yahweh views slavery.
Elders in the church should be given respect but they should also be publicly rebuked when they refuse to repent of sin in their life. There should not be any favoritism or partiality shown to the leadership in this regard.
The Bible actually supports full time teaching elders being paid for their hard work in studying and teaching. We must though understand the Biblical limits placed upon just how much the elders should be supported by the local church.
Our "church family" is actually to be closer to us than our blood relatives at times. This means that those who are younger should take care of the elderly members, like older parents and holy widowed women. Sometimes though people do the opposite.
In first Timothy 4:7-16 Paul covers a variety of matters in writing to young Timothy. Timothy should be doing things like training himself in the Scriptures and taking heed to the doctrines he preaches. In all of this Timothy is admonished to not let any man despise his age as a youth.
The assembly of Yahweh is to be the pillar and the ground of the truth, teaching the truth and actively living it out in the midst of the world. At the same time the assembly is to reject demonic teaching, not paying attention to silly little myths.
Not only does there exist the position of elders in the assembly, but there is a second position known as the deacons. What does the word deacon or minister mean? What are the qualifications for a deacon? Can women serve as deacons?
In the assembly there exists two "offices" in leadership. One of these positions is known as the eldership or the work of overseeing. This position is one of servant leadership whereby the pastor takes care of the people in various ways.
Men and Women can both equally share in salvation. This however does not mean that men and women have the same role in life and in the assembly. Women have a unique role, one that Yahweh has graced them with upon the earth. Few women are taking that role today.
This sermon adresses both men and women. Men should be prayers and women should be dressing modestly and decently. Listen to hear teaching that is very rare in this day and time.
Do you believe that Yahweh is the Savior of all men? Do you believe that Yeshua died for everybody? This sermon examines Paul's instructions about who to pray for and also delves into a foundational truth that our salvation depends upon.
Sometimes people get downtrodden because of thinking about their past life of sin. They need to remember or know that Yeshua saves sinners, even chief sinners like Paul.
We have to understand the difference between what is primary and what is secondary. We can't budge on the primary, but we need to budge on the secondary. Learn what church is really about and not about in this teaching.
The story began in a very dark manner, but the ending is a wonderful account of a righteous marriage that made a baby who was the Grandfather of King David. In this message learn about where true happiness lies in the life of Yahweh's servants.
Here we see Naomi learning of Boaz for the first time, that is, after she had forgotten him because of her bitterness. We see Ruth being "coached" by Naomi to approach Boaz as he is lying down at the threshing floor, a place women usually did not come to.
Here we are introduced to a very strong, wealthy, holy, noble man named Boaz. Boaz is Yahweh's means to deliver Ruth (and Naomi) from the poverty they have been experiencing for many years.
Here we learn several lessons for today from reading a book that is thousands of years old. Learn how to really provide for your family, the difference between true and false repentance, and much more.
Sermon Update 8.2021. Whenever you hear a preacher preach on having a good eye, or a single eye (KJV) you will hear them say something about having a single purpose in life. "Be focused. Don't wander." That may be pretty good advice, but it's not what Yeshua was talking about when he mentioned each of these two eyes. What is the meaning then? To understand it we have to understand the concept of idioms, and we have to reach back into the Older Testament and read some key Scriptures.
Sermon Update 8.2021. One way Yeshua teaches we practice our righteousness is by not eating. When is the last time you fasted? This lesson also looks at how we harmonize Yeshua's command to "not store up treasures upon the earth" with all the examples of saints owning earthly possessions. How do we obtain treasure in heaven? How can our heart be in heaven?
Usually, when a presbyterian believer (among others) speaks to an "immersionist" about sprinkling in Scripture, the listener immediately "turns him off." Why? Because the immersionist doesn't believe sprinkling to be a proper mode. However, sprinkling is taught in Scripture. Listen to learn more.
How were you baptized? If you know what exactly the English word baptism means then you would know that there really is only one way to be baptized in water. Listen to learn why those in Christendom who sprinkle or pour water on people are really not baptizing them.
When professing Christians hear that someone believes baptism is part of the plan of salvation a host of objection arise. Scriptures like Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:20-21 are usually thrown "under the water" and statements are made which make baptism really mean nothing.
Paul mentions the importance of baptism in his letters to the Romans and Galatians. We often miss the awesome implications about baptism by not considering the surrounding context of each of these passages.
What do you know about the wave sheaf of Leviticus 23:9-11? To most people it may not make a difference, but understanding the wave sheaf sheds much knowledge of understanding the timing of Yeshua's resurrection and presentation before the heavenly Father.
People have asked me over the years how we keep the Passover. This lesson is designed and intended to go through the ordinances of keeping Passover in simplicity. It is a short, verse by verse study through Exodus chapters eleven and twelve.
Before Yeshua was betrayed He attended a meal with His disciples. Many people today, theologians included believe that it was at this meal that Yeshua replaced the Passover with what is called in Scripture the Lord's Supper.
All through the book of Acts we see exactly how the apostles of our Messiah preached the good news to other people. Their preaching included teaching others about the water baptism commanded by our Messiah.
We sometimes have a difficult time believing what the Bible says about certain subjects or topics. This happens often when it comes to baptism as commanded by the Messiah in Matthew 28:18-20. People downplay baptism saying things like it is just an outward show and nothing else.
There are various baptisms mentioned throughout the Tanak (Old Testament), but there is one unique baptism that was prophesied about by the prophet Zechariah. The Priests and Levites during the days of Yeshua knew of this prophecy.
Baptism in water seems like a very simple step to take, and it is in some sense. Its significance though far outweighs the simplicity of its step. This is not because of what man says, but because of what Yahweh has said to man through His inspired Word.
What does the Bible say about demonic possession? Is it real? Can it really happen to people? This sermon takes a look at the Gospel according to Luke to discern just a little about how demons/fallen angels can possess human beings.
The Dragon (Satan) is furious with those who keep the commandments of Yahweh and have the testimony of Yeshua. If he is agree with Yahweh's children then we need to know how to battle with him when he attacks.
If we are in a spiritual battle who in the world are we battling with? Who is Satan? Where did He or it come from? What about demons? Learn that the Bible really does speak of battling with spirit beings in this first lesson which serves as a foundation for the two to follow on spiritual warfare.
What does it mean to be an antichrist? Can a person lose true salvation? Does Yahweh really have a Son? These questions are answered in this message and much more is discussed in this last installment in the assurance of salvation series.
What does it mean to love the world? What doesn't it mean? This message takes a look at balancing our lives with the current culture while at the same time never compromising the commandments of Yahweh.
We can know that we have eternal life if we love the brothers and sisters in Yahweh. Our true family are those that do the Father's will (law, instructions) and we should love them with much more than our words.
There is a way you can know for sure that you really know the Savior - by keeping His commands. If you are a person who is always telling others that you know Him (you may tell it, sing it, shout it, etc...) but you do not keep His commands, you are a liar.
While the one who is born again doesn't live a sinful lifestyle, they still recognize that they have the ability to commit sin and do commit sin. They are nothing apart from the grace and mercy of the Father.
If we say that we have fellowship with Yahweh yet we live a lifestyle that is contrary to what He stands for, we lie and do not the truth. We must be walking in the light.
This series of messages is devoted to the assurance of salvation. How is it that one can know they are saved from the wrath of a holy Mighty One? thing is for sure, unless a person is born again, they will not be a partaker of the kingdom of Yahweh.
If someone asked you what sin was what would your answer be? Have you ever heard someone say that sin is missing the mark or doing bad things? Listen to learn why these answers are incomplete.
Sermon Update 6.25.21. What does Scripture mean when it says "Yahweh is love"? What is love anyway? It's important that we allow the text to speak for itself rather than trying to add in any philosophical or cultural definitions. Love is a powerful thing; to distort it is detrimental.
Sermon Update 7.18.21.In some Bibles the "Thine is the kingdom" benediction is missing at the end of the Lord's Prayer. Why do these Bibles leave it out? Is the devil in the details? Listen to learn some points concerning Biblical textual criticism, as well as some pointers in talking to King James Only proponents.
Sermon Updated 6.18.21. The law of Yahweh is wonderful and true, but it's also true that we've all broken His law. Our relationship with Yahweh is based upon His compassion towards us not on how good we are. If He dealt with us as we deserve we'd be put to death on the spot. Listen to learn of His love for His children.
Sermon Update 5.4.21. When we pray, "Our Father... lead us not into temptation," does that mean Yahweh does sometimes lead us into temptation? What exactly is it we are praying for? Life is a series of tests, and we are to pray for spiritual victories throughout. We can't expect to win the battle on our own. We need a helper.
Sermon Update 4.27.21. This lesson falls on the heals of my Daily Bread and Forgiveness sermon (in the Sermon on the Mount series). I look more at the idea of Yahweh repaying us in return of how we treat others, and then I move into the issue of people walking in unrepentance. It's sometimes taught that we have to forgive others even when they don't repent, but is this proper?
Sermon Update 4.20.21. We are to ask Yahweh to supply our needs and be thankful for all that He gives us. This is a daily thing, and so is forgiveness. We must have a genuine sense of indebtedness to Yahweh, seeing He has forgiven us of so much and been a compassionate Mighty One. This should flow over into our interactions with our neighbor. We should be just as forgiving toward them as Yahweh has been toward us.
Sermon Update 3.21.21. I use this lesson to give a brief overview of the series and then I go into answering some questions and objections I've received. What about the blessings of Deuteronomy 28? Doesn't the modern symbol of a snake on a pole suggest sorcery? Are we just teaching people to pop pills instead of living healthy? All this and more is touched on.
Sermon Update 3.14.21. Is it a lack of faith if we seek a doctor for our healing? What about modern medicines? Does Yahweh work through medication, or does He only want us to pray to Him for our betterment? What about mental health and vaccinations? Listen to hear answers to all of these questions, and more.
Sermon Update 3.12.21. Sometimes Christians say or think that we really shouldn't grieve but rejoice when a believing loved one dies. Is that the proper response? Are we allowed to feel sad or destitute when bad things happen? Is it better to feast or to mourn?
Sermon Update 2.20.21. Why is a baby born still? Why do people have life altering or ending accidents? Why do we get old and die? These are million dollar questions for the believer, but the Scripture does not leave us entirely in the dark. Listen to learn about creation's subjection, as well as two testimonies that will help you endure life's trials and pain.
Sermon Update 2.5.21. Is it always the Lord's will for sick people to be healed? Listen to learn about some things that are rarely talked about in much of Christianity. Faith doesn't always mean victory. You can lose a battle and still be a person of faith.
Sermon Update 1.28.21. What are we praying for when we pray for the Kingdom? Is the Kingdom now or future? Listen to learn about what Yeshua preached, and what we are awaiting as believers in Yahweh and His Son. It's gonna' be worth it all some beautiful and happy day.
Why is it that so few parents teach their children about Yahweh and His laws, yet so many teach their children how to celebrate "holidays" that find their origin in the worship of false gods? What do you really know about Halloween?
Sermon Update 1.21.21. This lesson begins the exegesis through the Lord's Prayer. When we pray, we come before the Ultimate Authority in heaven and earth. We are to speak humbly and respectfully, acknowledging Him as our Creator and adopted Father. We are also to pray that His name be honored as holy, which means our Father has a proper name, and we are to use it and proclaim it to others.
Sermon Update 1.14.21. Growing up as a Christian, you hear all kinds of different prayers and ways of praying. I think it's best to listen to what Yeshua said in regards to how to pray and how not to pray. Prayer is a human speaking to the Almighty, and Yahweh isn't looking for flash and eloquence. He wants humility and contriteness.
Sermon Update 1.12.21. As servants of Yahweh and followers of Yeshua we are to practice righteousness, but we must be careful that we aren't doing so just so other people will see us and think well of us. Righteousness is best practiced in secret, just to please the Father. Our Father who sees us being humble will reward us, sometimes openly.
Sermon Update 1.5.21. When we love our enemies we show forth that we are the children of Yahweh. There is no great reward in loving or greeting someone that loves you. Heathens do that to each other. The reward comes when we do something out of the ordinary, loving those who do not love us. This sermon encourages us to show kindness to everyone, so that even when they speak negatively about your beliefs, they still will not be able to say that you are unkind.
Sermon Update 12.29.20. There have been people throughout Israelite history who read the Torah, and concluded that they should love their neighbor, but not their enemy. Yeshua of Nazareth came along in the first century and told everyone to love their enemies, and do good to people that hate you. Why? What was the purpose in this, and does the Torah actually teach us to love our enemies?
Sermon Update 12.22.20. As followers of Yeshua, we are supposed to be different. How are we supposed to be different though? What actions make us different? This lesson focuses on humility, kindness, peace-making, and love. When evil comes our way, instead of responding with more evil, we must overcome that evil by doing good.
Sermon Update 12.15.20. Here lies a verse that is often used as solid proof that Yeshua taught something different than Moses. Under the law, an eye for an eye was an established form of punishment. What about under the ministry of Yeshua? Did Yeshua uphold an eye for an eye? What in the world did he mean when he told us not to resist evil? This lesson is of great importance, as it will help you greatly in your discussions with those who seek to do away with the law of Moses.
Sermon Update 12.14.20. How did Yeshua's view of oaths contrast with the Pharisees? What did it mean to swear by heaven, or Jerusalem? Our words should be something that people can count on. People of character keep their promises. Listen to learn how important it is that we say what we mean and mean what we say.
Sermon Update 12.7.20. When I was a teenager in church, a pastor of mine told me he resigned from a group because they were going to require him to swear an oath. Should we swear in the name of the Creator? Is it blasphemous to do so? This lesson mainly walks through the Torah and looks at what Yahweh has to say about oaths. It's important to lay this ground-work before moving into what Yeshua was speaking against in his teaching.
The Bible says that a man cannot send away his wife except for fornication. Most people interpret this exception clause as an exception in which a man is allowed to divorce his wife. This is not the correct understanding of the exception.
Sermon Update 8.20.20. Did Yeshua change the law on divorce (in Deuteronomy 24) when He spoke His words in Matthew 5:31-32? This message centers in on understanding the difference between two words that are commonly viewed as synonymous.
Sermon Update 8.11.20. There are Christians in the world today, and Churches as a whole who do not believe there is any valid reason for a Christian to get a divorce. Some go so far to say that if a Christian gets divorced and remarried, they are living in adultery. This view comes from a rejection of the law that Yahweh gave to Moses, and a failure to see that we do not live in a perfect world.
Sermon Update 8.4.20. What did the Law of Moses teach about divorce? By comparing a text in Deuteronomy with Yeshua's words to the Pharisees, we begin to see a clear picture of the reason for divorce, whether or not divorce was ever allowed, and how the male-female relationship was at times abused.
Sermon Update 7.28.20. When the Pharisees asked Yeshua about divorce he answered their question with a question. He wanted them to see that they had missed an entire teaching section in the Torah, about marriage. Listen to learn what the phrase "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh" means.
Sermon Update 7.22.20. Have you ever studied what the Bible says about marriage, divorce, and remarriage? How do you approach the issue? Have you made an attempt to look at the issue from all angles and even from the perspective of others who may be a different situation than yourself? Make sure to visit our sermon section on Divorce and Remarriage to continue this study.
Revelation 14:9-13 is sometimes used by others to teach an eternal conscious torment for those destined to Gehenna. This message looks at the background of this passage as well as examines the Christological teaching of the substitutionary atonement.
There is a spirit being called the Devil and Satan, and he does have angels that follow him. These angels once fell from a position in the heavenly realm and are now doing demonic work among the children of men. There is something unique about these beings as they pertain to the lake of fire.
Sermon Update 7.13.20. As with any teaching, there will always be objections. I don't cover every objection to annihilation (or conditional immortality) in this lesson, but I cover some of the main ones I've had presented to me. For example: what do we do with the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus? Listen to find out.
Sermon Update 7.6.20. Does the book of Acts teach that Yeshua went to hell when he died? What happens to humans who die? This lesson challenges the commonly held view that righteous people go to heaven above at death, and unrighteous people go to hell below at death. What the Bible has to say about death may surprise you.
Sermon Update 6.27.20. In this lesson I focus on the Old Testament, because this portion of the Bible usually gets dismissed in the discussion of this topic. What does the OT teach us in regards to the final punishment of unbelievers?
Sermon Update 6.20.2020. I begin a series within a series here, and look at a word that Yeshua has used three times thus far in his “Sermon on the Mount.” What is hell? Is it a real place? Do unbelievers who die go straight to the flames and burn there conscious, without end? I begin answering these questions and more in this lesson. Make sure to go to our sermon section on HELL to continue this study.
Sermon Update 6.13.20. How did Yeshua's view of adultery challenge the scribes and the Pharisees? Listen to learn that whatever it is that is keeping you held down to sin must be let go of before it is everlasting too late.
Sermon Update 6.6.2020. The scribes and Pharisees were great at obeying the letter of the sixth commandment. Where they lacked was the heart, spirit, and intent of the sixth commandment. Yeshua peeled back this command in order to show the problems we all have in our day-to-day life of interacting with others. We should be careful in what we think and say.
When a topic is presented in a sermon or in writing there will inevitably follow objections. Sometimes these come in the form of a question or also as a comment. I have encountered (it seems) numerous objections to the belief that holds the Sabbath to be determined by the lunar cycle. This lesson answers many of these objections.
Sermon Update 5.30.2020. Do we have the ability to keep every commandment in the Torah (law)? Listen to learn about various applications of the law, and also how our behavior must be better than a Pharisees if we desire to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon Update 5.23.2020. Let's take a look at the smallest of the commandments, and what it might mean when Yeshua talks about the "least in the kingdom of heaven." This sermon also centers in on the word break in Matthew 5:19, asking the question, "Is this the best possible way to translate the Greek word luo into English?" A lot is covered in this teaching.
Is mercy and blessing only found in the New Covenant? If you were to speak such words to King Hezekiah he would undoubtedly proclaim your error. He may even begin to explain to you of the mercy and blessing He and the nation of Israel experienced during the Old Covenant.
Feast keepers often look upon unleavened bread as symbolizing purity and truth and leavened bread as symbolizing malice and wickedness. While there is truth in this there is much more to the story as it pertains the the symbols and meanings of each type of bread.
The Apostle Paul, writing to a New Covenant church admonishes them to observe the festival of unleavened bread. Why then are so many preachers today admonishing people to NOT observe the festival?
A controversy exists among feast keeping groups as to when the Passover lamb was sacrificed. Was it at the beginning of the 14th day of Abib or during the afternoon of the 14th?
Sermon Update 5.15.20. What did Yeshua mean when he said he came to fulfill the law? This sermon also examines the phrase "heaven and earth" in Matthew 5:18, and looks at what is meant by jot or tittle (KJV) in light of the law.
Sermon updated 5.8.20. In this lesson, I go into some opening remarks on setting our heart to obey Yeshua's command to not think he came to destroy the law. I also deal with some common misconceptions of what it means to fulfill the law and the prophets.
Sermon updated 5.1.20. In this lesson we look at how practicing the characteristics listed in Matthew 5:1-12 has a great effect and influence on the world we live in. Christians keep the world from spiraling into utter chaos. We will be tempted to fit in more than we should, but we must resist that temptation, all the while being kind and courteous in hopes of more souls coming to the Messiah.
Sermon Updated 4.24.20. In this lesson, I cover what it means to be a merciful peacemaker, and how purity in heart is not possible outside of the power of Yahweh. I also talk about how that living like Yeshua lived will bring persecution on one's life.
Sermon Updated 4.22.20. In this lesson, I look at the common, casual teaching method of Yeshua, and what it means to live a blessed, happy life. Happiness for the child of Yahweh is not based on life's circumstances.
John 5:18 says that Yeshua broke the Sabbath. Do you believe this text? If so, what do you really think it means? Did Yeshua violate the laws of Almighty Yahweh?
John 5:18 says that Yeshua broke the Sabbath. Do you believe this text? If so, what do you really think it means? Did Yeshua violate the laws of Almighty Yahweh?
This question has been asked to me numerous times, however, I've never been asked the question about any of the other 10 commandments. Why is this, and does it truly matter?
This question has been asked to me numerous times, however, I've never been asked the question about any of the other 10 commandments. Why is this, and does it truly matter?
Yahweh does have a way to measure time. Be assured, His new year is not in line with the current Gregorian new year. Learn how Yahweh's new year is calculated as well as the origin of the January new year.
Is the new moon determined by the visible crescent or the conjunction? For that matter, how in the world could the ancients have known when the conjunction of the moon took place?
It is so very easy to see the faults or shortcomings of others while at the same time overlook our own problems.
Whatever we put into our bodies is what we become, both physically and spiritually. Challenges people to starve out certain things and feed upon others.
With Yahweh nothing is impossible, yet the Bible does teach us that there are certain things that Yahweh cannot do. What do we make of this?
Should we seek for a calendar that is strictly solar or strictly lunar? Does the Bible let us know much about this subject?
How does a person keep the New Moon? Lesson taught at a lunar sabbath gathering in Chattanooga, TN.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
A two night debate between Michael Bugg (Messianic Rabbi) and Erich Matthew Janzen (MNC) on the issue of the Deity of Christ.
Sermon Updated 2021. The text that gets brought up and discussed the most around Christmas (among Christians) is probably Jeremiah 10:1-5. You've likely seen memes on social media saying Jeremiah 10 condemns the Christmas tree, and you've probably seen or heard others say, "No, it's about an idol?" Who is right? This lesson briefly reviews what we've covered in this series, and then spends some time dissecting what is taking place in the Jeremiah text.
Sermon Updated 2021. Does anyone really know when Yeshua was born? Why was December 25 chosen? What about a Sukkot birth? What does history have to teach us? This lesson answers all these questions and more, encouraging everyone to take a more balanced look at both Scripture and history.
Sermon Updated 2021. Before moving into the theories for the December 25 date the scene in first century Israel needs to be set. There were actually two winter feasts celebrated in and around Israel in the first century. What were they, and what was their significance?
Sermon Updated 2021. This lesson is the introductory to a series on the holiday known as Christmas. I discuss my beginnings with looking into the holiday, the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke, the Ante-Nicene Church Fathers, and the idea that Yeshua was born at Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).
In this final installment in the modesty series, I look at a few objections that are usually given from others who feel that Yahweh doesn't really care or look at our outward appearance. I also deal with some particulars that are rarely dealt with.
Many people who feel women should not wear pants base that teaching on a passage of Scripture found in Deuteronomy 22:5. But what was in Yahweh's "mind" and the minds of His people when He originally gave this law? Should a woman never put on a pair of pants?
We learn so many truths from simply going back to the book of beginnings. Among these truths is the one concerning modesty. The reason for outward modesty stems from the fall of mankind into sin. This has not changed any more than pain in child bearing or working by the sweat of the face.
A four week radio broadcast that expands upon our book on this subject. This is an overlooked topic for the most part in Christendom today and we need to bring it to the forefront. These lessons were originally taught in 2007, but have been re-taught in 2013.
Robert Wirl of Yahweh's Philadelphia Truth Congregation and Matthew Janzen of Ministers of the New Covenant have a friendly discussion on the issue of the New Moon. The issue centers in on what determines a biblical new moon; the first visible crescent or the conjunction.
Robert Wirl of Yahweh's Philadelphia Truth Congregation and Matthew Janzen of Ministers of the New Covenant have a friendly discussion on the issue of the New Moon. The issue centers in on what determines a biblical new moon; the first visible crescent or the conjunction.
Who is this man from Nazareth? Should we adopt the Trinitarian model? Should we accept the Deity of Christ teaching? These questions and many more are considered in this exhaustive study.
Who is this man from Nazareth? Should we adopt the Trinitarian model? Should we accept the Deity of Christ teaching? These questions and many more are considered in this exhaustive study.
If Yeshua is not Yahweh shouldn't we find areas where the two do not share certain characteristics? What do we do with the attributes that are shared by the Father and the Son? Do we just ignore these Scriptures?
Yeshua is Elohim, but what does this phraseology actually mean? There is no doubt that Thomas referred to him with the Greek title Theos (stemming from the Hebrew elohim) in John 20:28. Did this mean that Thomas believed Yeshua to be the second person of the Trinity?
Trinitarian theologians are often quick to point out both Hebrews 1:8 and Hebrews 1:10-12 to teach that Yeshua is Yahweh, the second person in a Triune God. Have you ever taken the time to carefully exegete the entirety of Hebrews chapter one?
What did Yeshua mean when he said I and the Father are one? Were they both the same person? Also, are there others that can be classified under the heading "God" in Scripture? Is there only one Elohim or are there other Elohim?
There are actually verses printed in English Bibles today that can be proven to be interpolations into the text of Scripture. When we remove these verses we are not taking away from Scripture, we are only removing what has been improperly added.
This is a very simple sermon containing various passages in Scripture that separate the Son from the Father. They are two distinct beings that can communicate with one another. We must believe that Yahweh has a Son.
The Bible teaches us in many places that Yeshua is at the right hand of Yahweh. Will he always be at Yahweh's right hand? What even does this mean? Will there come a day when the Son will cease to exist? Is the Son just a role the Father plays?
Many people that lived during the ministry of Yeshua believed he was the Son of David. Where they wrong? If Yeshua is the Son of David, then how does David call his descendant Master? Father's do not generally call their son's Master, do they?
Sometimes when you tell people that The Almighty s one they quickly say that this just means He is unified or that the three person of the Trinity are one in essence or substance. Is this how Yahweh is one? This lesson also covers two vital New Covenant passages.
When someone hears that you do not believe Yeshua is Yahweh Almighty they automatically think that you are degrading him. They assume that you believe he is "just" a man, or a good man, or a prophet. Such is not the case.
Who is this man from Nazareth? Should we adopt the Trinitarian model? Should we accept the Deity of Christ teaching? These questions and many more are considered in this exhaustive study. This is only the first of a thirteen part series on the subject.
Listen to this series to understand the significance of defining a term properly. This study also considers the claim that the term Christian is pagan in origin.
Listen to this series to understand the significance of defining a term properly. This study also considers the claim that the term Christian is pagan in origin.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
A series devoted to the Biblical teaching of giving in the area of offerings, charitable gifts, giving to the ministry, and tithing. Please listen, for this is a subject mentioned regularly by ministers today, but rarely if ever is the subject taught on.
This begins (September 2015) a re-teaching of a sermon series I did back in 2004 concerning tithes, offerings, and charitable gifts. I'm just replacing the old sermons with the new ones. In this lesson I look at the example Yeshua left us of how he took care of his ministry, financially.