Articles

Burial or Cremation? - In our modern culture which is deep in the throws of a recession, it is often more convenient and costs less to have a loved one cremated rather than buried. This may be the harsh reality that many face, but is it the best option from a Biblical standpoint?

Dual Covenant Theology and Second Chance Theology: Alternate Paths of Salvation? - Dual Covenant Theology is a teaching which professes eternal salvation through two Covenant paths. The first path centers around the everlasting Covenant given to Avraham (Genesis 17:13) and participated in today by Jews who keep the Law of Moses. The other path for those who are not Jewish (or converted to Judaism) is through Jesus and Christianity. Without going into too much detail, most of us see some tremendous problems with this type of theology.

Freedom and the Do-Ability of the Torah - In the early years of my journey, I was consistently taught that keeping Torah as a lifestyle was not a valid way to respond in love to Yeshua. Today, I’ve come to know differently. I have come to know that we can’t come close to Yeshua’s perfection in keeping Torah, but even so, the commandments are very “do-able,” not out of compulsion, but rather in love, out of response to His grace.

Journey of Truth - Four Steps to Salvation in the Tanakh - What are the steps to Salvation? Is there a Biblical process one must engage in before salvation can occur?

King of the Jews - Everything HaShem had promised – the blessings and the curses that we’ve been reading about – all this has come to pass because of God’s love for His people. At a time long ago, He promised restoration and revival in the Land and among His chosen ones. We see this happening today! In fact, everything Adonai has said to the Jewish people has come to pass.

Messianic Orthodoxy - From the beginning of established religion, there has always been a group; or groups, who consider themselves orthodox, or “more orthodox” than the rest. And then there are those who are not as concerned with the orthodoxy published by established religion, rather viewing themselves as “Biblically orthodox” or orthodox according to some other religious standard. What should we know about “orthodoxy” when it comes to Messianic Judaism?

Never Give Up - Having been in ministry for many years, I’ve seen people throw in the towel – discontinue fellowship, because of a (perceived) insurmountable relational strain. Nothing is insurmountable with G-d! And like Ya’akov we must never give up!

Organized Religion: A Jewish Messianic Perspective - Over the years I’ve heard many people say that the reason they don’t go to synagogue is because of religion. They cite “organized religion” as the culprit for why they don’t go to congregational gatherings on Shabbat. I’ve also heard similar statements for other non-Biblical faith expressions. Thousands of people seem to be experts on organized religion but have never practiced it, while still others adamantly reject any form, formality, or structure that these organized assemblies entail. Are the traditional models of religious structure in Judaism and Christianity outdated?

P-I-G Positive? - Back in 2001 NBC began airing a very popular TV reality program called "Fear Factor." Fear Factor began to captivate a large viewing audience due to very creative physical challenges that involved having contestants eat certain things that most people would consider repulsive: bugs, insects, certain anatomy of different animals, etc. The show proved that most contestants (most people for that matter) will put anything into their mouth, cash reward or not . . . and swallow, without a second thought for the Bible and what God would have to say. My intention in writing this paper is to demonstrate that the Bible is very clear that certain creatures in the animal world are not meant for human consumption.

That I May Dwell in the House of the L-rd Forever - The hope of Israel and the hope of the world is a shared hope of ultimate redemption through the sacrifice of Yeshua. His once-for-all atonement seals us in the Book of Life now and in the world to come. I believe this is what King David referred to when he prayed that he (David) would “dwell in the House of the L-rd forever” (Psalm 23:6b).

The Davidic Lineage of Yeshua - Yosef (Joseph) is not Yeshua’s (Jesus') biological father – he is His step-dad, so how can Yeshua – or better, the gospel of Matthew claim Davidic lineage if Yosef is not his natural father?

The Golden Calve(s) of Modern Times - Whenever one attempts to “do religion” based on their own ideas, in effect, that person is rejecting G-d and may as well be shaping his/her own “golden calf” ...Perhaps this is a strong indictment on many in the believing community today. But here’s the good news: Even though this struggle is part of our human existence, it does not have to end with ultimate and repeated failure.

The Messy Part of Messianic Judaism - Computers have made all kinds of information electronically available at the click of a button. And the more one surfs the internet for Messianic teachings and congregations, the more one will be exposed to various doctrine – views of every sort that are, frankly, way off the beaten path of common sense and sound Biblical teaching. Which begs the question: what is “sound” teaching (doctrine) when it comes to Messianic Judaism, and why isn’t “common sense” common across the board?

The Sacred Name - With this writing, I offer my perspective on why any particular spelling (with vowels) or attempts at pronunciation of the Sacred Name YHVH, has historically missed the point. We all agree that the main focus should never be about us; rather, it’s about Him. It’s about the integrity of His Name – not ours.
I intend to provide a valid perspective that when one speaks in the Name of God, it is not the literal pronunciation of the Name that is most important. What matters most is the character, attributes, purpose and meaning behind the Name. This understanding is essential to who He is – it’s the basis of our relationship with Him, and amounts to “Halacha 101” as we represent HaShem to the Jew first, and also to those who are not Jewish.
The Smoking Fire-Pot and Flaming Torch of Genesis 15 - This article looks at Genesis chapter 15 and the possible symbolism behind the covenant HaShem enacted with Avraham. The covenant here involves the promise of a specific parcel of Land to Avraham and his progeny.

The Turning Point - Some bible students are quick to point to the Jerusalem Council in Acts chapter 15 as the watershed event that changed the whole landscape of a gentile’s orientation to Torah. Was this the “turning point” that set many believers against living a Torah lifestyle? Or is there another event that might explain – or help to explain the church’s shift away from Torah, even leading some into complete antinomian (anti-Law) ways?

Until Heaven and Earth Pass Away - In Matthew 13:24-30, Yeshua provides a Midrash to His listeners using wheat and tares as His analogy. As in all of history, the “tares” (unbelievers) are growing together with the “wheat” (believers). A tare is much more difficult to distinguish when it is growing right in the midst of the believing community. However, due to the limitations of our humanity we cannot identify the source or motive, only doctrine and behavior.

What Does the L-rd Require of You? - “To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with G-d.” What exactly are we to understand from these words?

Will the Real Yeshua Please Stand Up? - Have you ever wondered about the divine relationship between Yeshua and the Father? God is One but we're consistantly told that there is a "three-in-one" relationship that includes the Ruach. How can this be? Taken from a forum question, we will explore the Biblical perspective.