1 Peter 2

Why does Peter refer to the readers of his first epistle as "Strangers" and "Aliens"? Answering this question provides insight into the rift between Peter and Paul, the controversy over Acts 15, and the Gentile disciple's obligations to the commandments of the Torah. 

If the wages of sin are death, that means that death pays for sins. But what if the person who dies is sinless? This teaching, part two of a two-part discussion, presents the material from the article titled “The Suffering Tzadik: How Does the Death of the Messiah Bring Atonement?” in Messiah Journal 107 by D. T. Lancaster and Toby Janicki. 

How does the death of Yeshua atone for sins? The New Testament assures us that it does without explaining how. This teaching, part one of a two-part discussion, presents the material from the article titled “The Suffering Tzadik: How Does the Death of the Messiah Bring Atonement?” in Messiah Journal 107 by D. T. Lancaster and Toby Janicki. 

What did the liturgy and prayers of the early disciples of Yeshua sound like? Clement's epistle to the Corinthians concludes with a majestic prayer with strong parallels to Jewish liturgy. This lesson and the contents of the prayer include material pertinent to the modern political divide as Clement teaches us how to pray for government officials. Download the oriignal class handout in the PDF attachment below.

"How could I sin againt God," Joseph asks. This teaching zooms in on Joseph's God-centered optimistic persepctive and emphazises "bitachon," the art of trusting God for the good as we learn to walk with God. 

What does it mean that “the one who has loved another has fulfilled the Torah” (Romans 13:8). What commandments are incumbent upon a Gentile disciple? If the Gentile disciples are not “under the Torah,” then to what are they obligated? Paul addresses this question in Romans 13 and lays out some overarching principles and specific examples. This audio file, recorded in January of 2014, has poor quality audio but great content.

What about the Jewish people who rejected the Messiah? Did God "harden" their hearts? Why did they stumble over Yeshua, and what were the implications? Did the Messianic promises fail? Romans 9 is a pivotal passage for understanding Paul's theology regarding Messiah and Israel. This teaching takes the most difficult chapter of the Epistle to the Romans head on from a Messianic Jewish perspective.  

So then he has mercy on whomever he wils, and he hardens whomever he wills. (Romans 9:18)

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. What does the Torah have to say about the decision? This teaching offers a kingdom-perspective on the controversy with a discussion on Parashat Shoftim, the establishment of courts of law and a judicial system, and the authority of the government.