In this video on the book of Romans, we discuss Paul’s view of the gospel, the Torah (the law of Moses) and the reunification of the nation of Israel.The material presented here is totally fresh and is from a Hebraic perspective and is likely totally different than anything you’ve heard on this subject to this point. For a free, short study guide to this video, go to http://hoshanarabbah.org/blog/2014/05/28/the-book-of-romans/.
Dear Natan,
As I write to you I am currently listening to one of your lectures on Youtube.
I highly value the actual historical facts presented in your lecture. I do find the style of delivery presented severly overshadows the content. So much so I find the actual facts presented in your lecture almost impossible to hear.
Please carefully consider my comments.
The vocal intensity and volume in the delivery dramatically overshadows what is being transmitted. This is indeed unfortunate. Public speaking in any form is an art. A few acting lessons can temper the tendency to over use vocal volume as a tool to transmit knowledge.
The subject matter is all to frequently peppered with ‘editorials’ personal and otherwise on the subject matter itself. Is doing this really necessary? Is it necessary to the subject matter to know you studied French for 15 years? Likewise, how important to historical fact is it that you studied journalism or that you are not a comedian? I tuned in to hear the historical facts, not personal information. All of these ‘editorials’ and personal asides interfere with the important historical facts you are ‘trying’ to present. Note I used the word “trying”.
Many times sentences and/or half sentences are repeated. Backtracking then repeating thoughts is also too frequent. This delutes clarity for the listener. Many “uhs” as well as “and, and’s”, “the, the’s”, etc. are used during your lecture.
This usually occurs when a person is moving from their right to left brains to grasp their own thoughts while speaking.
To listeners, “uh’s”, “and, and’s”, “the, the’s” every seconf sentence is a sign of groping for information. It certainly doesn’t instill confidence in the speaker. Rather, it signals a lack of academic knowledge. Possibly some clearly written notes could help eliminate this tendency and render you a more effective speaker. For some presenters ‘ad hoc’ speaking just doesn’t work. Plain and simple.
I am so disappointed in your presentation of “How the Early Church Left its Roots.” I have waited for this subject matter for a very long time. It’s a shame because you actually know your history yet the poor delivery of the lecture overshadows this fact.
Shalom,
Danella M. .
Danella,
Thank you for your edifying and encouraging critical comments. Criticism is good for the human soul. It helps to keep one humble.
You make some very good points. I’m sorry that you weren’t able to look past the oyster of my weaknesses to pull out any pearls that might have been contained in my sermon. Yes sermon. I’m a preacher, not a college professor. Thus, the style of delivery isn’t in a lecture format per se, but is a combination of expository teaching and motivational preaching. The passion of preaching — a very biblical form of delivery — accounts for the the vocal fluctuations.
As far as the plethora of vocalized pauses and other rough aspects of my speech, I’m not a professional orator, nor am I an actor. There are already too many of those in the pulpits of America, which has contributed immensely to the spiritual decline of this nation. I’m a man of God preaching, in spite of my weaknesses the Word of Elohim the best I can by his grace ONLY! Furthermore, I don’t make my living from the ministry. I a work full time secular job as a man of the earth.
I’m reminded of the words of a couple of notable biblical characters.
Paul said of himself:
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong,” (2 Cor 12:10).
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.” (1 Cor 2:1).
“But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things,” (2Co 11:6).
It was said of Paul, the one who helped turn the world upside down with the gospel message and who wrote one-third of the New Testament:
“For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible,” (2 Cor 10:10).
And finally, the words of Amos, the shepherd and tree trimmer, ring loudly in my ears:
“Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit,” (Amos 7:14).
Blessings to you in Yeshua and thank you for watching.
Blessings Natan…I can’t tell you how helpful this teaching of Romans has been for me. Truthfully, ALL your teachings are filling me to overflowing because you explain Elohim’s Truths in such a way they are coming more alive in me. While going through a short Bible college study, I struggled with “trick questions” of justification and the law; but that was before my introduction to a deeper understanding of the Torah and it’s significance today.
As you frequently state, most Christian churches today throw out the rhetorical line, “The law has been done away with,” which I always questioned. I will listen to this again and again, reading the scriptures along with it, and I know will gain more understanding each time.
I have also prayed for the sister who felt it necessary to be so critical of your presentations. Though I am new to the shepherding arena, it is people like that who cause me to want to withdraw; though I know I can’t. It is Yah who compels me to move on in everything I do though it goes against MY flesh and will. I know it is Him giving me the strength to follow through. Your similar personal testimonies encourage me.
Shabbat Shalom
Thank you of your very encouraging and loving words. May YHVH bless you too.