The Minor Prophets for Today
The lack of emphasis and familiarity with the Trei Asar is unfortunate, because their message is every bit as relevant today as it was when these prophets first announced their words to the Jewish people.
Recovering God’s Design pt. 2
The Bible was written in a world very different from our own. Its authors lived in cultures that thought, spoke, and viewed the world differently from how we do today. Yet many of us instinctively approach Scripture as though it were written directly to twenty-first-century readers. As a result, we sometimes miss important details and occasionally misunderstand the author’s intended message. The good news is that there is a way to read Scripture that can greatly enhance our understanding.
Judaism at the Crossroads: From Ancient Walls to Digital Halls – A Journey Through Time – Part 2
The Evolution of Judaism: From Jesus’ Time to Today
Let us continue to explore the world of Judaism and its evolution throughout history. For the uninitiated Gentile Christian, it’s not uncommon to assume an equivalence between Yeshua Jesus’ faith and practice and that of contemporary Jewish people, but is that accurate? How does Yeshua’s Jewish experience we read about in the Gospels compare with modern Judaism? Has Judaism changed much throughout its history, or has it remained fundamentally the same? What might the future of Judaism hold?
What are the Jewish Fall Holidays?
Many ask each year: What are the Jewish Fall Holidays or Biblical Holidays? Here is an overview from a messianic perspective:
In Leviticus 23, we read about three holidays, commonly referred to as the “fall feasts.” The underlying fact that we should always keep in mind is that Scripture clarifies that these special seasons are not merely “Jewish” holidays—they are the Lord’s! In the opening of that chapter, Adonai clearly states: “Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, and tell them: These are the appointed moadim of Adonai, which you are to proclaim to be holy convocations—My moadim” (Lev 23:3/TLV).
What is the Counting of the Omer? Are You Preparing for His Power and Presence?
Starting from the second night of Passover, the Bible encourages us to all become “Pentecostals” by initiating a forty-nine-day minor festival culminating on the Day of Pentecost—“Pentecost,” meaning “fifty.” The first fruits festival, known as “The Counting of the Omer” or simply “The Omer,” marks a culmination of three unique historical events and has enormous significance in the life of a disciple of Yeshua – Jesus.
Tishrei: The Month of Renewal in the Hebrew Calendar
God renews creation. Tishrei’s festivals all focus on the person praying, waiting, and relying upon the Lord. Consequently, this month’s other name (Ethanim meaning “strong”) makes perfect sense, as “they who wait for Adonai will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE: Tisha B’Av, The 9th of Av
What is the saddest day in Jewish History?
The most solemn day on the Jewish calendar is Tisha B’Av—the ninth day of Av. It is a time for mourning as a community. On (or around) this day throughout history, many calamities have befallen the Jewish people. Consider some of these dark episodes…
The Birth of the Church: Community and Mission
The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 as the “birth of the Church.” This language ostensibly implies the start of something new. However, we should be cautious of such terminology lest we fall into the trap of “replacement theology.” The Pentecost event in Acts was not a replacement of Israel but rather the renewal of covenantal relationship and purpose with a radical expansion.
You Will Receive Power and You Will Be My Witness
A Fire that Will Not Die “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses…Acts 1:4,5,8 – The Resurrected Lord spent forty days with His disciples, preparing them to set the world on fire and carry out the Great Commission. However, He did not immediately send them out. Instead, He told them that they needed to wait and pray. While they knew the Father and spent years getting to know Yeshua, they would now need to receive and get to know the Ruach (the Hebrew word for “Spirit”).
Black Fire on White Fire | Shavuot, Pentecost and the Word
Shavuot / The Sinai event was several things wrapped in one; perhaps most significantly, the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. In recounting the giving of the Law at Pentecost, Moses said, “Adonai came from Sinai and dawned on Bnei-Yisrael from Seir. He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came from the holy myriads— blazing fire for them from His right hand.” (Deuteronomy 33:2). Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), also known as Pentecost, is the traditional Jewish celebration of the reception of the Torah. It occurs seven weeks or fifty days after the feast of Passover, hence its name (the Greek word Πεντηκοστή – Pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth”)
