Category Archives: Scripture

Scripture Studies

Submit Willingly Now or Else…

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All false gods and idols will come down including the god of self! We can willingly submit to YHVH Elohim now, or be forced to so later under his hand of judgment.

Exodus 10:3, How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? The sovereign Creator ultimately demands that everyone submits to his will and purposes. Those who refuse to do so imperil themselves. The Scriptures record that YHVH held other leaders accountable for exalting themselves against him in addition to Pharaoh—for refusing to humble themselves: Nebuchanezzar (Dan 4:19ff), Belshazzar (Dan 5:22), Zedekiah (2 Chron 36:12), Lucifer (Isa 14:13ff) and Herod (Acts 12:21–23).

Furthermore, those who put their trust in false gods will come under the judgment of the one supreme and true Elohim or Mighty One of the Bible. Elohim uses men’s false gods or idols as a judgment against sinners to help them to see the futility of their idolatrous delusions and to bring them to repentance (e.g. Isa 66:4–5; Prov 10:24). As Elohim judged the false gods of Egypt one by one and brought that arrogant nation down, he will do the same in the end days with Babylon the Great and the gods or idols of this world. We see a striking parallel between the plagues YHVH brought upon Egypt and those he will bring upon the rebellious inhabitants of earth just prior to Yeshua’s second coming. For example, the seventh plague of the seventh vial is an ultimate expression of the fierceness of Elohim’s wrath upon a rebellious and still blaspheming world (Rev 16:17–21). Seventy five pound hailstones will fall from heaven and the earth will quake beneath. There will be no hiding place from Elohim’s wrath. Additional end-time plages that replicate those of Egypt include grievous sores to come upon men (Rev 16:2), the seawater and fresh water turning to blood (Rev 16:3–4), and darkness upon the earth (Rev 16:10). After this, Babylon the Great will fall (Rev 18:2), even as ancient Egypt fell under the mighty blows of YHVH’s judgment.

Psalm chapter two summarizes the rebellious arrogance of men, and their conspiracy against the Creator to keep control of their earthly kingdoms. Elohim will laugh at them from heaven and will send his Son to judge them and to break their kingdoms in pieces with a rod of iron. Kiss Messiah the Son now and worship him if you expect to escape these judgments (v. 12)!

What gods or idols do we have in our lives that we are holding on to? Each of the plagues against Egypt was a direct strike against one of the many gods of Egypt (Exod 12:12; Num 33:4). Elohim will destroy all pretenders and imposters who dare to challenge his sovereignty. The god of self is the most powerful god we will ever face!

 

Exodus 10:1–13:16 Parashat Bo

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This is a gospel-oriented Torah study. Our goal is to connect the good news of Yeshua the Messiah (the gospel message) to its Hebraic, pro-Torah roots or foundations. The information given here is more than head knowledge. Understanding and wisdom (the right application of knowledge that is based on truth) is taught thus making biblical truth practical, relevant and applicable to your daily life. The truths of the Bible not only have the power to transform your life here and now for the better, but eventually to take you past the veil of death and into eternity.

This Torah study is subdivided in sections by topic in a magazine format thus making it easy to watch at several sittings.

May you be blessed as you watch this video.

For a free, printable adult and youth Torah study guide on this Torah portion (parashah), please go to http://www.hoshanarabbah.org/parshiot.html

 

Blog Scripture Reading Schedule for 1-29 Through 2-4-17

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION:

Parashat Bo — Exodus 10:1 – 13:16
Haftarah — Jeremiah 46:13-28
Prophets — 1 Kings 1:1 – 7:51
Writings — Psalms 106:1 – 110:7
Testimony — Luke 11:14 – 13:35

Our new Scripture Reading Schedule for 2016-2017 is available to download!

Most of this week’s blog discussion points will be on these passages. If you have general comments or questions on the weekly Scripture readings not addressed in a blog post, here’s a place for you to post those. Just use the “leave a reply” link below.

The full “Read Through The Scriptures In A Year” schedule, broken down by each day, can be found on the right sidebar under “Helpful Links.” There are 4 sections of scripture to read each day. One each from the Torah, the Prophets, the Writings, and from the Testimony of Yeshua. Each week, the Torah and haftarah readings will follow the traditional one-year reading cycle.

Weekly Blog Scripture Readings for 1/29/17 through 2/4/17.

 

What Are We to Make of President Donald Trump?

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Like everyone else, I’ve been watching the Donald Trump phenomenon ever since he miraculously won the US presidential election in November 2016. Since then, I’ve been asking myself, what’s next for America and the rest of the world, and how does this all fit into end times biblical prophecy?

As I’ve been pondering these questions, I have positioned myself as a watchman on the proverbial wall while following the news, listening to Bible teacher-pundits’ assessment of the situation, and, most importantly, asking YHVH for wisdom and guidance to discern correctly from heaven’s perspective the times and seasons in which we are living.

Frankly, what right-minded individual can’t be excited about the actions that Donald Trump has taken since becoming the president? Things like cutting funding for abortion, appointing many Christians to key positions in his cabinet, taking a strong stand to protect America’s borders, limiting or cutting off immigration from terrorist nations, reducing strangling governmental regulations against business, encouraging an America-first policy regarding energy production and manufacturing, and the list goes on.

In light of the anti-American, new world order, globalist agendas that have hurt America and Americans from failed trade and economic policies to expensive foreign military entanglements and adventuristic policies, and the rise of the anti-Christian and  Elohim-hating, anti-biblical left that has all but taken over large segments of our country, I never believed that anything could slow down this tidal wave of evil.

For these reasons, Trump has given me reasons to be greatly encouraged and to be optimistic. But, and there’s always a but, I refuse to park my brain in a vacant spot and throw caution to the wind in favor of unbridled optimism based more on emotion than on reality unlike some of my colleagues in the ministry are doing.

My gut tells me that we’re simply in a reprieve from YHVH Elohim’s judgment against America and the rest of the world. Unless my understanding of end times Bible prophecy is totally off, the Book of Revelation tells me that there will be a Babylon the Great New World Order, antichrist, Luciferian system in place, which will control all or most of the world, and which Yeshua will destroy at his second coming. Period.

If we’re in a reprieve, then what must we do during this respite from YHVH’s final end times judgments? Yeshua told us what to do: Occupy until he comes! What does this mean? It should go without saying: Draw closer to Yeshua. Repent of sin. Put on holiness and righteousness. Do the great commission by preaching the gospel in every way you can. Be a river of life to those around you by praying for them, sharing the gospel and meeting others at their point of need as Yeshua did. Finally, support through prayer, help and finances those who are doing these things. There are many ways to participate and many levels of participation depending on one’s resources, means and abilities. Inactivity is inexcusable in Yeshua’s eyes. Everyone can do something, or else  our King and Master calls us an unprofitable servant.

How long will this reprieve last? This has not been revealed to me.

Satan and his followers will not easily let go of the gains they have made over the past few decades when it comes to world domination. They are ruthless in their goal to accomplish their evil agendas and will stop at nothing—even assassination. I am praying for President Trump’s physical protection (and hopefully you are too), and then asking YHVH what I can do to be a better servant to get the gospel out during this respite. Hopefully you’re doing the same thing.

Another thing that is against President Trump is the instability (to put it mildly!) of the current economic system—nationally and globally. The fundamentals are still very weak. Those of you who are astute observers understand what I’m talking about. These factors can’t be overcome much less changed overnight. They are well entrenched and endemic. We didn’t get here overnight, and we won’t get out of this mess easily, quickly or painlessly. So buckle your seat belts. Think austerity!

Although I like what I see so far with Trump, it’s still very early in the game and only time will tell.

No, Trump is not the Messiah; he’s just a man. But YHVH Elohim is in charge and uses men for his purposes and glory. May this be the case with Donald Trump, those around him and the rest of us as well.

Below, I have a link to a video that best explains my views on the current situation. I personally know Norm Franz and have followed his ministry since the late 90s when he was just coming into an understanding of the Torah. You will find it instructive and balanced.

Occupy until Yeshua comes and (sorry for the cliche) let’s make hay while the sun shines!

Norm Franz—Can Trump Really Save The US Economy?

 

Nuggets from Parashat Va’eira

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The Word of Elohim is like apples of gold in a picture from of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

YHVH’s People to Be Spared From His Wrath—Not Tribulation

Exodus 8:22; 9:4, 26, Set apart the land of Goshen. YHVH separated the children of Israel from the Egyptians in that he spared them from the last seven plagues. What does this teach us about the judgments of Elohim? The Israelites were made to go through the first three plagues only. Do YHVH’s people ever experience trials and tribulations? (Read Deut 8:2–5; 2 Tim 3:12; Heb 11, the entire chapter; Rev 7:9–14.) Do the saints need spiritual refinement in order to help them become the chaste bride of Yeshua who is without the spot and wrinkle of sin? (Read Eph 5:27; 1 Cor 3:9–17.) The saints may go through tribulation, but they will not have to experience Elohim’s wrathful judgments unto death upon a wicked world (1 Thess 1:10; 5:9 cp. Rev 6:17; 7:2–3). Other examples of the saints going through tribulation, but then being delivered before Elohim poured out his final wrath upon the wicked include Lot in Sodom, and Noah at the flood.

Exodus 8:23, I will make a difference. As YHVH intensifies his judgments on a nation to get that nation’s attention, he, at the same time, will highlight his true servants by affording them special protection from the judgments. He delivered both Noah and Lot from his severe judgments upon the surrounding heathen rebels. This will occur in the end times when YHVH will allow some of his servants to escape his judgments (Ezek 9:4; Luke 21:36; Rev 7:4; 9:4).

Exodus 10:23, But all the children of Israel. YHVH protected the children of Israel from the most severe plagues that fell upon Egypt (Exod 8:22; 9:4, 6; 10:23; 11:7; 12:13). Similarly, YHVH spared Noah and Lot from the utter destruction that fell in their days. In the last days, YHVH will protect his Continue reading →

 

Nuggets from Luke 9—Some Things to Think About

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It is my hope and prayer that these spiritual gold nuggets or pearls from Luke chapter nine, which are examples from Yeshua’s life, will bless your day and help to energize your upward look and to focus on the big picture, heavenly perspective on life.

Luke 9:1–2, Gave them power. (See also Luke 10:19.) Spiritual power and authority over demons and sickness is manifested in no greater way than when exercised in conjunction with the preaching of the gospel. It is here on the ragged edge between the kingdoms of light and darkness that YHVH wishes to demonstrate his power most through his servants in an effort to draw outsiders into his spiritual kingdom. Healing from sickness and deliverance from demonic powers is a great enticement for those on the outside to become part of YHVH’s kingdom where they will experience freedom resulting in joy,  peace and hope.

Luke 9:41, Faithless and perverse. Faithlessness and perversity go hand-in-hand with the ability to cast out demons and to heal the sick. To the degree that one is faithful to and has faith in YHVH and his Word and is in sync with it is the degree to which will be able to exercise power over demon spirits and sickness.

Luke 9:46–48, Be greatest. The passions of the flesh like a weed with a deep taproot are always ready to rise up even after the most spiritually elevating moments. That’s why Yeshua urges his disciples to stay humble like little children, so this won’t occur.

Luke 9:49–50, He who is not against us. Yeshua is so beyond and above man-made barriers, delimitations, cliques, labels, denominational constraints and the like. We must always endeavor to emulate the magnanimous heart of Yeshua and give credit where it is due regardless of whether the other party is of our particular stripe and flavor or not. YHVH is always one to judge individuals according to righteous judgment by looking at the heart of the matter, and not simply at the outward appearance of things, which is often deceiving and belies the true nature of a thing.

Luke 9:51–56, Steadfastly set his face. Yeshua’s disciples must discern the spiritual times and seasons. Yeshua was steadfastly determined to go to Jerusalem to fulfill his spiritual destiny, and was thusly disinclined to be distracted by side issues including ministry opportunities that would present themselves to him while en route to Jerusalem. His disciples failed to recognize the importance of his mission and its goal, and were thus offended when the Samaritans failed to give Yeshua the attention they felt he as a dignitary was due. It, however, was not YHVH’s will for Yeshua to become sidetracked in the Samaritan village, and, as such, it was no problem for Yeshua to pass it by without having his feathers ruffled by their cold reception, since it didn’t matter anyway, for Yeshua was on a more important mission.

Luke 9:56, But to save. Everything Yeshua did imparted the spirit of life to those around him. The spirit of death didn’t taint anything he did. If he spoke harshly, corrected or rebuked anyone, it was done out of love and for the greater good of pulling down those spiritual strongholds that were causing death, so that the light of life and truth could pierce and sweep away the darkness thus allowing spiritual life to be birthed in its place. Let us follow his example in all that we do say and think and in all of our encounters with those around us.

Luke 9:58–59, The Son of Man. Yeshua was detached from nearly all earthly cares, so that he could exclusively focus on his divine mission to redeem men. Had he been burdened with having to care for a wife, children, a home and the other typical things humans have to deal with to sustain their lives, it’s unlikely that Yeshua would have been able to fulfill his mission. If we want to follow Yeshua, bigger and more (physically-speaking) isn’t necessarily better, for it demands time and effort to maintain, which takes one away from following Yeshua unreservedly and without the strings of this physical life hold us down.

Luke 9:62, Looking back. Followers of Yeshua must be forward-looking, and not longing for the things of the past life such as the children of Israel who longed for the food of Egypt, or Lot’s wife who longed for her home and family members left behind in Sodom.

Stay tuned, there are more nuggets to come…