More about Kingdom of Heaven

Entrance to the Eternal Kingdom: 2 Peter 1:5-7 in its Jewish Context

Explore the process of spiritual self-improvement as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7, in light of Jewish thought. Learn how Jewish sources provide step-by-step outlines for personal growth, and delve into the importance of the pursuit of holiness and entrance to what Peter calls "the Eternal Kingdom."

Books mentioned:

The Pool of Bethesda

Why is the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda a sign, and why did Yeshua tell the man to break the Shabbat by carrying his mat? Take a trip to first century Jerusalem in the text of John 5.

Endurance and Perseverance

One mussar theme pervades Yeshua's teachings, but it defies the typical categories of middot (traits) taught by the mussar masters. This instruction for life is the defining theme of Yeshua's message to Israel: Endurance and Perseverance for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Concealed Miracles

God's concealed miracles are with us every day, but he desires to reveal them to us. In the future, everything that has been concealed with be revealed. A story in Midrash Tanchuma from Parashat Chukkat illustrates the concept of God's hidden miracles that are constantly with us.

Vision of the Kingdom

The Bible says, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint." But what is the vision? Here's a talk on the vision behind Messianic Judaism for All Nations and how it differs from other forms of Judaism and Christianity. This teaching presents "the big picture" in the context of a discussion on Jacob's blessings over his sons at the end of the book of Genesis.

The Reason Why (It's Too Jewish)

Where would Jesus go to church? Everyone knows that Beth Immanuel Messianic Synagogue is "too Jewish," but is it too Jewish for Yeshua and the Apostles? This second teaching in the series "It's Too Jewish" tries to get to the bottom of the problem of "too Jewish" and explain the kingdom-based rationale behind a traditional "orthodox-styled" Messianic Jewish syangogue. At the same time, we consider the need for a more culturally adaptable expression of our faith for the other seven billion people on planet earth.

The Land I will Remember

I have three questions about Leviticus 26:42:

Why are the names of the forefathers presented in reverse order in Leviticus 26:42?
Why is Jacob's name spelled with an vav?
And why does it say HaShem will remember his covenant with Abraham and Jacob, but regarding Isaac, the Hebrew does not use the word "remember."

This teaching demonstrates how the land of Israel is an important part of the final redemption and the coming of the kingdom. The blessings in Bechukotai are prophetic descriptions of the land of Israel in the Messianic Era.

Inheritance of Jacob

The Sabbath Keeper is promised to "feed on the heritage of Jacob your father" (Isaiah 58:14). What is the "heritage of Jacob" and what is the relationship to Sabbath keeping? This teaching, a discussion of Isaiah 58:13-14 from Shabbat Vayeitzei 5777, wanders like a strange dream in many directions.

The Seventh Trumpet

The seventh trumpet blows, signaling the big event when the day of wrath collides with the rage of nations. The temple on earth opens and the ark of the covenant is revealed. The kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of Hashem and his Messiah. In this study of Revelation 11:14-19, the seventh trumpet blast initiates a process whereby the kingdom will be established.

And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. (Numbers 10:35)

Sukkot and the Journey's End

How about a little seasonal teaching to enjoy while sitting in the Sukkah? A short teaching about the signifiance of Sukkot, the meaning of the Sukkah, Gog and Magog, the Talmud's view of Gentiles keeping Sukkot in the kingdom, and the festival's relationship to the all of the other festivals and the coming Kingdom of Heaven.