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The study of the Bible in its historical context - with a focus on the archaeology, history, geography, customs , culture, and even the languages of the ancient Middle East. WE ask what did they understand THEN - the original intent of the Lord - so that we can expand and enrich our understanding NOW and thus become true disciples of Adonai Yeshua as in John 8:31-32.
Episodes
Saturday Apr 12, 2025
Saturday Apr 12, 2025
Palm Sunday is a key holy day in the church. It marks the start of Passion Week. It also is a remembrance of Jesus' "triumphal" ride into Jerusalem. But, did this happen on a Sunday? It seems from the resources we have that the earliest date of the celebration of Palm Sunday is from the 4th century. That is close to 300 some years after Jesus ascended to heaven. That is a big gap.
This session will show that there is evidence to suggest a real possibility that Jesus did ride into Jerusalem on a Sunday. If this is the case, however, putting this event back into its historical context may challenge our long held traditions. However, as we examine the archaeology, the history, and the ancient customs of those days we will find it strengthens our doctrine - it strengthens our walk of faith.
This is session 1 of a four part series on archaeology and the Passover. Watch for the other three lessons coming soon.
One of my teachers and now a friend, Dr. Carl Rasmussen, professor emeritus of Bethel University, scholar and Bible historian extraordinaire, has an awesome website called Holy Land Photos. I am linking you to one of 100's and 100's of collections he has gathered of pictures of religious and archaeological sites across the Middle East. Here is the link to the collection of pictures of the Mt. of Olives. I know you'll love and it'll add to your study in this four part series.
Link - https://holylandphotos.org/browse.asp?s=1,2,6,19,451
Who is this guy, Rev. Ferret? (John & Robin at the airport on their way to the Middle East again)
What's his background? Why should we take time to listen to him? Here's a link to check out his background - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Session Two coming soon
"The Palm and the Lamb"
Why did Jesus ride in on a Sunday? What's the big deal? What does it mean for me today? Just wait!!
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Link to Rabbi Jonathan Cahn's video lesson entitled "The Easter Bunny Heresy" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be7F4xVOKDQ
Link to Joel Kramer's awesome video to answer the question where was Jesus crucified? Was it near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or near the Garden Tomb and the bus station also known today as "Skull Hill" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufVXZBrbSsU&t=163s
The schedule of Bible study podcasts (audio and video) for the time of Passover.
One lesson per day starting on April 12th through April 20, Resurrection Sunday. All lessons can be accessed at 8 a.m. April 12 - 20 at the website - www.LightofMenorah.org Remember. Consider downloading the lessons. You can find the download button at the end of each podcast before you actually hit the play button.
LESSON 1 APRIL 12
Did the Triumphal Entry of Jesus happen on a Sunday? Could it have been a Monday? Does the TORAH hint at this event? What year did this happen, 33 A.D. (traditional man made date) or 30 A.D.?
LESSON 2 APRIL 13
The TORAH in Exodus 12 commands fathers on a precise day of the month to find the perfect male lamb that would be sacrificed by each father on 4 days later. Jews then in Jesus’ day know this. Is there some connection to “Palm Sunday” and this Torah law?
LESSON 3 APRIL 14
The first Passover meal occurred in Egypt in 1446 B.C. It seems the Lord used the Passover meal and certain key elements as a polemic against the gods of Egypt. Once we get it, it has huge applications for us in the pagan culture we live in today.
LESSON 4 APRIL 15
Some argue that Jesus’ Last Supper was a Passover Seder. Some say the Last Supper had no connection to a Seder. But Jesus’ Last Supper was the night before the evening when the Hebrews were to have the Passover meal. On top of that Jewish sources shows unequivocally shows there was NO Seder in Jesus’ day. There was a Passover meal but not a Seder.
LESSON 5 APRIL 16
God comes to us and provides the WAY back to Himself via the Cross and the Lamb of God. As Paul teaches without the Resurrection all is meaningless. So, this was the plan of the Lord from ages past. It was now FINISHED. The beginning was completed. The Resurrection was the End of the Beginning.
LESSON 6 APRIL 17
There is no Bible verse that says that Jesus is the Passover Lamb! If your Bible says He is the Passover Lamb it is a proven mistranslation. Jesus is the Lamb, He is the Lamb of God. There is a significant difference between the Passover Lamb and the Lamb of God. It is critical that we understand the difference. It is critical to see that יהוה Yahvay, the Lord, used the 1st Passover as a model for the Passover of Messiah.
LESSON 7 APRIL 18
There is no garden of Gethsemane. No way. But, there is a Gethsemane. Gethsemane is a Greek word that comes from the Hebrew. Wait till you see what a Gethsemane actually is!
LESSON 8 APRIL 19 (three short videos)
The Bible says in ENGLISH that יהוה Yahvay, Adonai the LORD, hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Huh? How can that be? Did God take away Pharaoh’s free will? The problem is the text in English. A great credible Jewish scholar, a Hebrew scholar, shows that the LORD did not harden Pharaoh’s heart. The LORD gave Pharaoh one chance after another. יהוה Yahvay never took away his free will. Video 1 is 27 minutes and video 2 is 14 minutes and video 3 is 19 minutes.
LESSON 9 APRIL 20
The Passover of Jesus was the End of the Beginning. The way was open again back to the Father. Through the Cross our sins can be totally forgiven and our debt to sin paid if we have Jesus as Lord. But, God connects the Resurrection, the End of the Beginning, to the feast of Shavuot or Pentecost. We’ll see that Shavuot or Pentecost is the Beginning of the End – it is the time of the Wheat Harvest.
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
There are four purposes to the podcast teaching series on the Torah. There are two studies, this one on the book of Exodus and a second on the book of Genesis. The four purposes can be found at this link – https://www.dropbox.com/s/aczx1wpcwk730up/FOUR%20GOALS%20MAY%2016%202021.pdf?dl=0
A major purpose is to listen to THE VERY WORDS OF GOD when Jesus said …
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.”(Joh 5:39)
Jesus said this between 24-30 A.D. and in those days there was no New Testament. So, those first disciples, like the 120 who were on the Mt. of Olives the day Jesus ascended to the Father, all they had was the Hebrew scriptures, the Old Testament (nothing “old” about it), and this is what they used to change the world; they used the Old Testament to proclaim the Gospel, the Kingdom of the Lord, the crucifixion and resurrection of Messiah, they used it to testify about Jesus, who He is and why He came. Just read what Stephen said before he was murdered in Acts 7 - all his scripture references are from the Hebrew scriptures. Therefore, if this is the case, we should “see” Jesus in the Old Testament.
In those days 24-30 A.D. the primary books of the Hebrew scriptures were the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers , and Deuteronomy. And we ask ourselves the question again and again, how did they “see” Jesus, how did they hear the Torah that testifies of Him? That is one of the main purposes of this podcast Bible study series.
In this lesson focusing on Exod. 4:17-23 we read that Israel is God’s son, His first born son. This is so amazing. For us this reminds us of another son of God, His ONLY begotten son, Yeshua, our Lord, Jesus. How are Israel and Yeshua connected? It is almost as if you can’t take Israel out of Jesus and you can’t take Jesus out of Israel. They are intimately connected. Just consider a few verses in Isaiah that talk about Israel. God’s servant that also clearly mean Messiah, Jesus, God’s servant.
Isa_41:8 "But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,
Isa_44:1 "But now listen, O Jacob, My servant, And Israel, whom I have chosen:
Isa_44:21 "Remember these things, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant, O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.
Isa_45:4 "For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me.
Isa_49:3 He said to Me, "You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My glory."
And then we come to Isaiah 53 and we read about the ONE who has the following characteristics …
He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isa 53:3-6)
Is this “servant” of the Lord? Is this Israel? But wait a minute. Let’s study Isaiah 53 very closely and we find …
But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. (Isa 53:10-11)
Check out this amazing chart. It was created by "Jews for Jesus" and it supports the concept that Israel and Jesus are the SERVANT OF יהוה YAHVAY.
The servant of the Lord is Israel. The Bible says it. But, the servant of the Lord is the ONE in Isaiah 53 who is Jesus. How can Jesus be the servant when the servant is Israel? How can the servant be Israel when the servant is this suffering one, Jesus? How can Israel be God’s first born son when God’s ONLY begotten son is Jesus? It seems that you can’t take Jesus out of Israel nor Israel out of Jesus.
Come and join us. Be like one of those disciples in 24-30 A.D. who lived by obeying John 8:31-32 and studied Torah to see that all scripture testifies of Jesus. In this lesson we will again see how the Torah testifies of Yeshua HaMasiach, Jesus the Messiah, Jesus the Christ in these dramatic events of the Exodus.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
What did the people do in Sodom and Gomorrah that made God to decide to totally annihilate them and their cities? What sin is so grievous, serious, or grave that God will not back down from bringing down His wrath? This is a heavy concept to think about. What adds to the seriousness of this lesson is Abraham finally got God to say He’d spare the cities if 10 righteous people could be found. But, think about it. What if 10 could not be found but only 9 or 8 or 5? Now what? The righteous would suffer God’s wrath with the unrighteous if 10 could not be found. There’d be no “rapture” for them.
So, what is the line in God’s eyes that we dare not cross? Is there a line such that there is no escape, no “rapture?” Perhaps in the midst of experiencing God’s wrath for us we’d be like the Hebrews in Goshen – we’d be miraculously protected by the Lord. Perhaps the Lord would do the same for the 9 or 8 or 5 righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah if 10 righteous could not be found. But, this is only speculation. We don't know.
The people in Sodom and Gomorrah did not know they crossed the line. They did not have God’s instruction which is the meaning of Torah. It does not mean law! They did not realize the heaviness of their evil actions in the eyes of Adonai. Sometimes I wonder if today if we too think we are OK and have not crossed the line such that God will bring down His terrible wrath. Hmm, I wonder. Just consider one aspect of our culture. Since Roe vs. Wade over 62,000,000 babies have been murdered due to abortion in the USA. 62 million!! Haven’t we heard that …
There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers. (Pro 6:16-19)
62 million innocent babies have been murdered and this is something that God hates. Is this the line that if we cross it Adonai says “enough?”
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
(John & Robin somewhere in the Middle East)
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Moses finally tells the Lord he does not want to do this task that Yahvay gave him; Moses does not want to return to Egypt and go to Pharaoh and tell Pharaoh, this man who is said to be a god, that God, the only God, demands Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. As we put the Bible into its historical context and consider what was going on in Egypt at the time we would whole heartedly agree with Moses. I think we’d feel the same way if we clearly understood Moses’ circumstances as it relates to the Egyptian culture in the 15th century B.C.
The Lord, however, no matter the objection, has an answer for Moses. God picked Moses and the Lord will not let Moses off the hook. But, as we read in Psalm 23:1 in Hebrew and in English …
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Mizmor LayDaveed Yahvay Ro’ee Lo Echsar.
The Hebrew word Echsar comes from the word חסר Chaseer H2537 and it has the picture concept of being diminished, getting to the end and having nothing left, being defeated, being left without. But, God is the Shepherd of Moses and us. He brings us into His sheepfold and as His sheep, as the ones given our good works after being saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-10), we are never without; we have all we need to do that which the Shepherd has given Moses to do or us. And just as the Jewish scholars saw that Moses was a mirror image of the coming Messiah and that the Messiah is reflected in Moses and as Messiah sent His disciples out two by two, so too does God, the Lord, send out Moses with Aaron two by two. Yes, we can understand Moses and his not wanting to go back to Egypt and do this task. We get it. But we also see that God always has everything planned and in place so that His agenda happens. This was true for Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Ruth, David, Jesus, His disciples, and us. Paul teaches us this attribute of the Lord true in the 15th century B.C. and today as we read in Rom. 8:28 …
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
FERRET IN AN ANCIENT TOMB IN HIEROPOLIS - CENTRAL TURKEY
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Who is Avram? Avram means exalted father. Later God changes his name to Avraham – the father of nations.
Who is this guy? Why does God pick him? It is interesting to note that Paul teaches us that God first gave the Gospel of the Kingdom to Avraham and, also, for any of us who are in Christ, we are descendants to Avraham! Huh? How are we son and daughters of Avraham and Sarah? From Paul we are getting the idea that somehow Messiah Jesus and Avraham might be connected somehow. How? Perhaps it is in the answer to the question of why did God pick Avraham?
The rabbis make up stories or state their views or opinions as MIDRASH – מִדְרָשׁ or according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Midrash was initially a philological method of interpreting the literal meaning of biblical texts. In time it developed into a sophisticated interpretive system that reconciled apparent biblical contradictions, established the scriptural basis of new laws, and enriched biblical content with new meaning." The words in bold are critical. Midrash of the orthodox rabbis sometimes changes the meaning of the Bible text so that the rabbis views and opinions override the Bible text to satisfy their own views. So, one must be careful to study the midrashim of the rabbis since it can lead to misleading ideas of the meaning of the Bible text. One must be extra careful when listening to a teacher who quotes the rabbis and their midrashim as “gospel.”
But in a midrash of Genesis the rabbis seemingly came up with a story (a form of a midrash - a way to explain a "hole" in the Bible text or an unanswered question or unexplained concept) to perhaps explain what Avraham was like so that God saw this and picked him. The story in unhistorical and unbiblical but is cute. It can’t be taken as truth but it is a story that seems to say to us that whatever God saw in this guy must’ve been apparent in Avraham’s life earlier on. Here’s the story …
R' Hiyya said: Terah was a manufacturer of idols. He once went away somewhere and left Abraham to sell them in his place. A man came and wished to buy one. "How old are you?" Abraham asked him. "Fifty years" was the reply. "Woe to such a man," he exclaimed, "you are fifty years old and would worship a day-old object!" At this he became ashamed and departed.
On another occasion a woman came with a plateful of flour and requested him, "Take this and offer it to them." So he took a stick, broke them, and put the stick in the hand of the largest. When his father returned he demanded, "What have you done to them?" "I cannot conceal it from you," he rejoined. "A woman came with a plateful of fine meal and requested me to offer it to them. One claimed 'I must eat first,' while another claimed 'I must eat first.' Thereupon the largest arose, took the stick and broke them." "Why do you make sport of me," [Terah] cried out, "have they then any knowledge?" "Should not your ears listen to what your mouth is saying," [Abraham] retorted. (Midrash Beresheet 38)
It is a fun story, a fun midrash. But it is certainly made up, not true, and unbiblical. However, it makes a point. Avraham knew that stone idols are not gods probably before God picked him. That makes sense.
Here's a link to a credible Jewish website - The Jewish Virtual Library. Here you can read about Avraham and some of the "traditions" and midrashim associated with Avraham. Link - https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/abraham
But, it doesn’t answer the question, why Avraham? What was it that God saw in him to pick him? The answer is explosive and must be grasped if you are a true disciple of Jesus enduring the chaos and evil of these days.
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
FERRET - PERGAMUM THEATER - BERGAMA TURKEY
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Shown below is the Psalms reading schedule for the month. I also have below that the calendar for the month of Nissan. We will read the Psalms for the month of Nissan.
Also, here’s some info from Hebrew4Christians. It describes the typical Biblical day and week and month. Just as an fyi though, the Hebrew month is both Lunar and Solar.
(Accessible from www.Hebrew4Christians.com under Holidays)
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Moses does not want to return to Egypt and do what the Lord God wants him to do. In this lesson we study Exod. 4:1-12 and hear Moses’ second, third, and fourth objections. In the next lesson we will finally get to Moses’ fifth objection and it will be clear in his own words that he does not any part of this. Would you?
One objection Moses brings up on this lesson is he can’t speak very well; it seems Torah is implying he may have a speech problem. It can not be proved if Moses did have a physical impairment or stuttered. Those are only opinions. Putting aside speculation we see Moses has an excuse but God has the answer. What is significant about this part of the events we are studying is at this exact part of the events at the burning bush, Moses is declared God’s prophet.
At this point I wanted to make sure we study the real definition of a prophet of God. Today Christians say a prophet is one who foretells the future only. I hear this over and over again on the TV or the radio where we here about the end times, the rapture, and that prophets predict the future. This is not Biblical. A prophet, if one studies the Bible very carefully is simply God’s spokesman, one who proclaims God’s word. Better is to say a prophet as per the Bible is one who PROCLAIMS the words given by God or one who PREDICTS if God commands the prediction. So a prophet will predict and foretell the future. It is NOT their major duty as God's spokesman (or woman!). Consider the answer to the question of who or what is a prophet from Judaism 101 …
What is a Prophet?
(Accessed 4/18/2021 @ https://www.jewfaq.org/prophet.htm)
Many people today think of a prophet as any person who sees the future. While the gift of prophecy certainly includes the ability to see the future, a prophet is far more than just a person with that ability.
A prophet is basically a spokesman for G-d, a person chosen by G-d to speak to people on G-d's behalf and convey a message or teaching. Prophets were role models of holiness, scholarship and closeness to G-d. They set the standards for the entire community.
The Hebrew word for a prophet, navi (Nun-Beit-Yod-Alef) comes from the term niv sefatayim meaning "fruit of the lips," which emphasizes the prophet's role as a speaker.
A prophet is not necessarily a man. Scripture records the stories of seven female prophets, listed below, and the Talmud reports that Sarah's prophetic ability was superior to Abraham's.
According to some views, prophecy is not a gift that is arbitrarily conferred upon people; rather, it is the culmination of a person's spiritual and ethical development. When a person reaches a sufficient level of spiritual and ethical achievement, the Shechinah (Divine Spirit) comes to rest upon him or her. Likewise, the gift of prophecy leaves the person if that person lapses from his or her spiritual and ethical perfection.
The greatest of the prophets was Moses. It is said that Moses saw all that all of the other prophets combined saw, and more. Moses saw the whole of the Torah, including the Prophets and the Writings that were written hundreds of years later. All subsequent prophecy was merely an expression of what Moses had already seen. Thus, it is taught that nothing in the Prophets or the Writings can be in conflict with Moses' writings, because Moses saw it all in advance.
The Talmud states that the writings of the prophets will not be necessary in the World to Come, because in that day, all people will be mentally, spiritually and ethically perfect, and all will have the gift of prophecy.
So here in Exodus 4 Moses is told he will be given words to speak to Israel and to Egypt. Moses is now a prophet. It isn’t what Moses is but what he does that makes him a prophet.
For the most part Moses is the greatest prophet ever in the Hebrew scriptures. However, God gives his spokesman, Moses, words to speak that are a prediction. Moses influenced by the Lord predicts the coming of the Messiah in Deut. 18:15-18. Messiah will be like Moses and Moses will be like the Messiah. We have a mirror image.
A great website to study our Jewish roots is www.Hebrew4Christians.com. At this website one can find an awesome detailed article that the Bible relates Moses and the future Messiah. The Jewish rabbis caught it and we learn from them. Here’s the link to the article. Link - https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Articles/Like_Moses/like_moses.html
In this lesson I mentioned a picture I found on the internet which is a great way to show how the Bible connects the first redeemer, Moses, to the ultimate redeemer, Messiah Jesus, to each other. See the picture below. The verses verifying each of the statements are easy to find and is a worthwhile task for you.
I also mentioned a vidcast available from Light of Menorah. This video lesson entitled, “The Mirror of Passover,” a video lesson going into this connection in a deeper and more complete way. It is clear, God is saying to us that the Exodus and the Passover and the Lamb of God and the Cross are intimately connected. We can not have one without the other. Here’s the link to the video - https://lightofmenorah.podbean.com/e/truth-nuggets-21-mirror-of-passover/
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link -
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
In Genesis chapter 17 we study some amazing things. First, as in the previous lesson, lesson 36, we study the NEW covenant of circumcision, in Hebrew, Brit Meelah בְּרִית מִילָה. And it is a NEW covenant but it seems to also be related to the NEW names Avram and Saree are given by Yahvay, the Lord. Avram (exalted father) is now Avraham (the father of many nations and Saree (my princess) is not Sarah (princess – she will not just be the princess of Avraham but the princess of many nations). Both of them share in the plans and agenda of the Lord.
There’s more. In this lesson in chapter 17 we now hear God update His promise to Avraham that He first made in chapter 12 …
Gen 12:2 And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing;
And then again in chapter 15 when we read …
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." Abram said, "O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir." Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir." (Gen 15:1-4)
God promises Avraham will have descendants. He will have many descendants. Avraham and Sarah probably thought this would happen through the accepted manner then through the maid servant, Hagar (see lesson 34) since Saree and Avram both knew they could not have kids at their age. But, God had to help Avraham and Sarah understand that His plan was Avraham and Sarah would have a son. This is a NEW plan. God didn’t specify this earlier but now we read …
Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. "I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." (Gen 17:15-16)
So, this indeed is a chapter of NEW things! It reminds us that all this leads to the NEW covenant in Jerusalem in Jesus. We are NEW creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Moreover, this chapter 17 is connected to us and we see Paul teach us a NEW perspective of who we are. We believers we are sons and daughters of Avraham as Paul teaches (Gal. 3:7 and in 3:29).
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy? Why listen to him?
Link for background on our teacher, Rev. John Ferret - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
In this podcast Bible study we are on Exodus 24. This chapter in Exodus is not filled with amazing events or miracles. It is not a chapter that is necessarily memorable like chapter 20 and the giving of the Ten Commandments or like Exodus 40 when God actually came down the first time to dwell among His people in the Tabernacle. But, Exodus 24 is amazing in its own right. For example there are two verses that challenge us right from the “get go” and seem to provide contradictions to the Bible. They are …
and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank. (Exo 24:10-11)
They saw God? Huh? This is impossible. God says …
But He said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" (Exo 33:20)
Or what about these two verses written by the disciple John …
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (Joh 1:18)
No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. (1Jn 4:12)
So in Exodus 24 the word says that they saw God but by God’s own words this can’t be along with the words in John’s Gospel and in his letter of 1st John. So, what is going on? How can this be?
In this lesson we will again consider the Hebrew of Exod. 24:10-11. We will find that there are two separate words that are translated as “they saw.” Taken together and the fact that Hebrew words have no definitions like English words, the result is they did NOT SEE God. What they experienced as a VISION. The Hebrew is exact and precise. We will get into this in detail in the lesson.
These verses in Exodus 24 are a clear example that simple Bible reading does not make us “BIBLE LITERATE.” I have heard one pastor say to me that he urges his congregation to read the Bible using the schedule of reading the Bible in a year. You can find this as this link - https://bibleinayearonline.com/ This pastor’s goal was to help his congregation become Bible literate. In his church there are no Bible studies. The only teaching is just the pastor’s sermon on Sunday for 40 minutes or so. The problem is just reading the Bible once or twice completely and listening to a sermon once a week does NOT make one Bible literate. As one trusted scholarly source has commented …
- Knowing how to study the Bible is important, because determining the meaning of Scripture is one of the most important tasks a believer has in this life. God does not tell us that we must simply read the Bible. We must study it and handle it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). (From GOTQUESTIONS.org link https://www.gotquestions.org/study-the-Bible.html)
- The Bible is a book that is not merely for reading. It is a book for studying so that it can be applied. Otherwise, it is like swallowing food without chewing and then spitting it back out again—no nutritional value is gained by it. (From GOTQUESTIONS.org link https://www.gotquestions.org/why-read-Bible.html)
So the real definition of BIBLE LITERACY is … (numbers relate to the links o the references below)
Biblical literacy refers to a person's ability to understand and apply the Bible, including its overarching story, key characters, events, themes, and literary elements. It's about comprehending the Bible's message and how it relates to one's life and faith. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Here's a more detailed explanation: [1, 3, 4]
- What it entails: Biblical literacy involves more than just knowing Bible stories; it's about understanding the Bible's core message, its historical context, and its relevance to contemporary life. [1, 3, 4]
- Why it matters: It's seen as a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship, equipping individuals to engage with their faith more deeply and to understand God's character and will. [2, 4, 5]
- How to cultivate it: Biblical literacy can be cultivated through consistent Bible reading, study, and reflection, as well as engaging with trusted resources and teachers. [2, 5, 6]
- Beyond the basics: It also involves understanding the different literary genres and forms within the Bible, such as poetry, prophecy, and history, and how they contribute to the overall narrative. [3, 7]
- Examples: The Bible Literacy Project provides a course that uses a textbook, "The Bible and Its Influence," to teach the Bible narrative and its impact on history, literature, art, and culture. [8]
- Current trends: The Church of God International reports a decline in Bible reading engagement in the United States, with statistics showing a drop from 50% in 2011 to 38% in 2024. [9]
[1] https://www.logos.com/grow/biblical-literacy/
[2] https://youthministry360.com/blogs/all/cultivating-biblical-literacy-in-student-ministry
[3] https://women.lifeway.com/2022/07/07/the-reference-desk-unpacking-biblical-literacy/
[4] https://bibleengagementproject.com/en/Blog/Why-It-Matters/Biblical-Illiteracy
[5] https://www.crossway.org/articles/lets-talk-about-our-bible-literacy-problem/
[6] https://www.worldimpact.org/blog/4-simple-steps-to-increase-your-bible-literacy/
[7] https://e360bible.org/blog/understanding-literary-context-in-the-bible/
[8] https://www.bibleliteracy.org/
[9] https://www.cgi.org/news-and-events/2024/8/8/decline-in-bible-reading
There is no problem with urging people to read the Bible. I congratulate that pastor I knew to urge his congregation to read the Bible. However, this pastor as all pastors are to GO and make disciples. This means Bible reading and study as a necessary component of any discipleship program.
I try and read the Bible regularly, especially the book of Psalms. But, that is not the end of the process. We as Christians, we as true disciples of our Lord Jesus, MUST live our lives with the constant focus of increasing our BIBLE LITERACY as outlined above. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn brought this up in his book, “The Book of Mysteries.” These are short 5 minute devotionals for each day. Here’s one on what it means to be a disciple …
(“The Book of Mysteries,” Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Frontline Publishers ©2018)
The message is simple. Are you a disciple of Jesus? As a Christian you must be His disciple which means you are to learn – learn from Him, learn His word. A disciple is to be striving to be Bible literate.
If you remember God’s last command when He was among us was to GO and makes disciples. A disciple (talmeed in Hebrew from the Hebrew for learning) in Jesus’ day was a learner from their rabbi, their Torah master. Jesus said to go make disciples not converts. Make us into TALMEED, learners. The implication of Jesus’ words is that we are disciples of Jesus, we are His talmeed and He is our RABBI, our Torah Master. We want to be like Him and want to live to teach others what He taught us. We are to be BIBLE LITERATE. We are to be like those who modeled it for us 2000 years ago, the first. TALMEDEEM (plural) or disciples of Jesus.
(Check out this excellent article by the renowned Bible historian Ray Vander Laan on what is means to be a disciple in Jesus' day - https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/rabbi-and-talmidim)
For them in Jesus’s day STUDY OF GOD’S WORD was considered the HIGHEST FORM OF WORSHIP. One great scholar of our Jewish roots of Christianity was Dwight Pryor. He has gone on before us to be with his rabbi, his Lord, our Lord Jesus. But Dwight Pryor was an awesome teacher and a highly credible and recognized Bible historian and scholar. He wrote an article on Bible study in Jesus’ day. Here’s the link to that article - https://webbpage-hnpv.com/yavo/1_4_Pryor_HighestWorship.html On top of that here’s a link to his audio series THE HIGHEST FORM OF WORSHIP - https://www.jcstudies.store/the-highest-form-of-worship/
Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?
What's his background? Why should I listen to him? Check his background at this link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ortnret3oxcicu4/BackgrndTeacher%20mar%2025%202020.pdf?dl=0