MBM-UK - Weekly studies

Continuing our study, we discuss the departure of Jacob from Laban. We discuss how stealing is connected with idolatry and how atheism is a form of self-worship.

This week we look at the continuing expansion of Jacob's family. We begin with the foundation of 12 and how this number is not only relevant to the number of sons that Jacob has but how it permeates history, nature and the universe. We discuss technologies of the time, how that applies to our world today, and how the will of GOD supercedes all of the methods that we might use to advance our own fortunes through our knowledge and understanding.

This week we look at the change in Jacob after his dream about the ladder and the covenant GOD makes with him. We discuss the importance of the number 12 and how this is the point where the fruition of the previous covenant promises begin to come to life. We also touch on the principle that covenant promises don't necessarily mean an easy ride in life, but that their fulfillment is based on the giver more than the receiver.

This week we begin the Torah portion Vayetze - "And he departed". Our discussion looks at the dream of Jacob and the ladder which is referred to in John's gospel. We look at the contrast of departing and leaving and how that informs the way we walk toward the challenges and adventures before us despite what may have brought us to the place of choosing.

This week's study is a continuation of the chapter that speaks of the blessings over Jacob and Esau. We look at the nature of the blessings and how they are fulfilled. We also discuss the character of Esau and the connection with the goats of Yom Kippur and the sheep and goat judgment of Matthew 25 and Revelation 20

This weeks discussion is recorded at our Rosh Chodesh service. The discussion looks at some of the questions around what seems a very negative and controversial passage. Part of the discussion included a video from the teaching of Aleph Beta - here is the link: https://alephbeta.org/podcasts/book-like-no-otherGenesis 27 is not all it seems and the discussions reflect this.

This week we discuss Isaac and the famine during his time in Gerar, the land of the Philistines. We continue to show how he, as the first part of the covenant made between Abraham and HaShem also encounters hostility and rejection in the land of the Philistines during the time of famine even though he brings blessing thorugh the provision of water and food. We also discuss how the land dispute in the land today described as Palestine is no different from the sort of dispute seen in Chapter 26 and how jealously and envy can cause a loss of blessing from GOD by rejecting the vehicle of His covenant blessings.

In this study we look at the final part of Chayei Sarah and the beginning of Toldot (the life of sarah and Generations). We see how the women of this era feature as arbiters of the covenant promises, and as vessels of the continuation of the promises made by GOD to ensure the lineage of Abraham to Messiah and how that also features for the physical descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, as well as the spiritual descendants who are shaped through faith in Messiah Yeshua and the teaching of Tanakh led by the Ruach Hakodesh.

This episode was recorded at the monthly Rosh Chodesh gathering and contains elements of the Shabbat Service. Our discussion covers a number of topics relating to the work of Eliezer, the nature of the work of the servant in accordance with the will of the master and obedience.

This week we begin the new parsha Chayei Sarah and we discuss the importance of Abraham's choice of the Cave of Machpelah and how Abraham and Sarah are the template of faith that we are to set as an example for our daily lives.

This week we look at the pivotal event in the scritpures; The Binding of Isaac. We discuss, following on from last week, how this moment in biblical history links directly to the sacrifice of Yeshua as the other part of the near-eastern covenant exchange of sons, made in Genesis 15. We look at how all the biblical festivals are hinted at in the passage and some of the lessons that we might learn about faithfulness and obedience in the face of seeming tragedy.

This week we look at the three events in the passage and how they interlink. We also discuss the implications of how they link to Paul in the book of Galatians and the importance of the near eastern covenant regarding the exchange of sons. We also see how this is a continuation on the theme of "seeing" in Parsha Vayera.

This discussion was recorded as part of the group Rosh Chodesh meeting. We discuss the protection of Sarah, the compassion of GOD and the prayer of the prophet in Abraham and Yeshua as they heal and bring life to the those they encounter.

In the study this week we look at Lot and his origin story to see how it applies to us now and the similarities between him and Abraham. We also discuss what the account of Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us today and in the future.

Our study this week features the first encounter of Abraham and Sarah in their new roles as custodians of the new covenant. We discuss how the announcement of Isaac as the archetype of this covenant along with Abraham and Sarah echo throughout history and into our future, showing how GOD has and will bring about further redemption in the world through Messiah and the continuing fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham.We also discuss the role of intercession by the believing community on behalf of the people we know, not just believers, but all humanity in accordance with the character and nature of GOD as shown in the 13 Attributes of Mercy set out in Exodus 33.

This week we look at the ratifying of the covenant, and the instruction of circumcision.We discuss the impact of this upon Gentile believers and its connection to the crucifixion of Yeshua. We also discuss the change of name for Abraham and Sarah and whether uncircumcised Gentiles are allowed to celebrate Passover who are followers of Yeshua as Messiah outside of the existing traditional Jewish framework.

Our discussion this week looks at Hagar and the circumstances of her relationship with Abram and Sarai.We consider the idea of how we can turn covenant promises from GOD into commandments that we enact ourselves while not fully considering the outcome of our actions.

This week's study looks at the Covenant made with Abram concernng the Land. Even today this still stands and awaits its completion. We also discuss why Abram is chosen and what is the catalyst of that choice and the importance of Abram as an example to us stated in Romans 4

This week we discuss the parsha Lech Lecha. This is a follow on from our Rosh Chodesh discussions. We continue to look at Abraham as the person that Adonai chooses to not only communicate the message of salvation and covenant, but also how Abraham chooses Adonai over the corrupt systems of the world at that time which were orientated toward idolatry and tyranny.

This week we discuss the creation of the 70 nations from the sons of Noach, the Tower of Babel and the importance of understanding how we are not to be enslaved to a system that views humanity as a commodity to be traded.

This week we look at the sons of Noach. We discuss how entering into a new world would be like and what are the things that are brought from the old world into the new. We look at the cursing of Canaan and how the drunkeness of Noach, the offspring of Noach's sons all connect to Acts 2 and the day of Shavuot.

This week we discuss the end of the Deluge and the beginning of the renewed era of mankind through Noach. We discuss the importance of the covenant of the rainbow and how that has been used today to promote a movement that is one of the prime causes of the Deluge in the first instance. We also discuss how this moment in biblical history destroys many of the arguments being made today regarding the viewpoints of the environmental movement.

In this study we discuss the preconceptions that we might have because of our current day environment, and how that influences our understanding of the events around the Deluge. We also discuss the importance of why the time in the Ark is specified so exactly and how it impacts events in the future.

Our discussion this week looks at the beginning of the instruction to Noach to build the Ark. We discuss the principle that not all commandments make sense to us but they may be essential to our survival. Our purpose is obedience to the instruction so that the Creator's will is fulfilled. This is the first part of our discussions about the how the events of Noach impact our undertstanding of the two Hebrew calendars that work within each other and how they both work toward the establishing of the Messianic Kingdom.

This week we discuss the reasons behind Cain's actions and how they impact the rest of his life and his lineage. We look at the contrast of Cain's lineage to the lineage of Seth and how would we react if in the same position as Cain.

This week we look at the story of Cain and Abel. We discuss how even though the commandments have not been codified as they were at Horeb, the actions of humanity are still subject to their rule as they are an inherent part of the nature of Adonai and all of His Creation.

This week we look at the spiritual importance of Shabbat, not just as a break in the week's proceedings, but discovering how it is root of spiritual clothing or nakedness.We compare the places where the "taking" of something that was forbidden is associated with Shabbat and how slavery and loss of privilege to enjoy the provision of GOD begins with this major event at the beginning of mankind's relationship with the Creator, Creation and each other.

If the Torah is the instruction manual showing how and how not to remain in relationship and blessing with the Father, then the mitzvot/commandments are the steppingstones toward sanctification.Our new series begins to look at the Mitzvot, the commandments as they are set out in each of the first five books of Torah following the 3 year Torah cycle. Maimonides sets out 613 commandments. As we will discover, this is only part of the story as we also look at how these were set out not just in Tanakh but also the Apostolic writings.

In this episode that was recorded on the afternoon of Yom Kippur 2024/5785, we discuss how Yom Kippur and Pesach are connected. We also look at why the Yovel/Jubilee is declared at Yom KIppur and the connection that makes with what is known as the most solemn day on the Hebrew calendar and how we as Messianic believers approach the Fast.

In the final study of the series in the Trei Asar - the 12 Prophets, we look at the ministry of Elijah, John as Elijah and Elijah as one of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11. We discuss the similarities and differences and what they speak of for us today regarding Israel, the believing communtiy, the church and the future prophetic events.

As we approach the end of our studies in Malachi and the 12 Prophets we look at chapter 3 and the mission of the messenger of Adonai as he precedes the arrival of Messiah and Messianic Kingdom.

This week we look at the second part of chapter 2. We discuss how verses 10-12 shed light on Genesis 38 and the importance of the principle of death to self each day and the resurrection life that comes after each hardship we encounter and that in doing so we cause the work of Messiah to become far more than just about eternal life in heaven after physical death on earth. We look at our role as priests in the world and the call on our lives to examine ourselves as we seek to be living sacrifices acceptable to the Father.

We do a short recap on the previous and consider the 9th commandment in the context of the believing community and how it testifies regarding the nature and character of the Father and His Messiah, Torah and the world. We also discuss the mercy of the Father in the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples in order to prevent the Jewish leadership of its time leading the people into further idolatry. We discuss how all these things impact Israel and the believing community in our present age.

In this study we discuss the opening verse looking at how the word propheccy has been misunderstood by the believing communities over and the implications of what an "acceptable sacrifce" is in the context of the Kohen, the believing communities and the nations.

We start our study of the last of the 12 Prophets with an overview of the writings. We discuss the opening verses that have caused controversy over time and look at the importance of the covenant that they refer to. We give a brief overview of the book of Malachi and how it moves backwards and forwards through time.

In the final part of our Zechariah study, we look at the climax of the prophet's words speaking of the Messianic age, the instruction to all nations to attend the Feast of Tabernacles and the correlation with events in history that give us insight to the events that will culminate in the establishment of the Throne of David in Jerusalem, particularly in light of current events.

This week we continue our study of Zechariah looking specifically at chapter 13 and in particular verses 6&7 and how they relate to the betrayal of Yeshua not just by Judas but by the Church community that does not accept the ongoing covenant made by GOD with Israel and its people.

This week we continue looking at Zechariah 12. We discuss how chapters 12, 13 and 14 are a complete unit and the connections with the season of Pesach and the book of Leviticus.

This week we begin to look at one of the most important prophecies about Israel, Jerusalem and the Messianic Kingdom.Our discussion begins with looking at the Torah Portion Tazria and then Zechariah. We discuss the need to understand symbols and the close association with Pesach in the prophecy. We also look at how chapters 12, 13 and 14 are all one part of the same declaration together.

This week we look at Zechariah chapter 11. We discuss the correlation of the events with those found in the gospels regarding the betrayal of Messiah Yeshua, his identity as the shepherd identified in Zechariah and how the events in Zechariah also point to the current events in Israel and the future outcome as the prophecy unfolds.

This week we conclude last week's study on Zechariah 10 but also discuss Purim in the gospels and connection of the book of Esther with the Messianic Kingdom

In this study we begin to look at the role of Messiah as the nation of Israel is restored and the Messianic Kingdom is established. We also discuss the Ruach HaKodesh and how the word and spirit must work in concert with each other to bring about the reality of the Messianic Kingdom in this world and the world to come.

This week we conclude chapter 9 of Zechariah. We discuss the nature of the prophecy through time and how there are still events that need to complete the words that have been recorded in the 12 prophets. We also discuss the description of the triumphal entry of Messiah into Jerusalem and the continuing hope that remains for the completion of Messiah's mission. We look at how current events are associated with the description of events elsewhere in scripture helping us to discern the times we are in. This episode is recorded in two parts, the first being a discussion with the wider group and the second part as a recorded conclusion to the study.

This week we begin to look Zechariah 9, specifically verse 1 and we see the continuing narrative regarding the restoration of Jerusalem, Israel and establishing of the Kingdom of Messiah. We discuss the connection of this verse to the vision of Paul on the Damscus road and how it ties in with Zechariah 9 and Amos 3.

This week we return to the book of Zechariah and start to look at chapter 8. This is a turning point in the book as it looks to a future that speaks of the establishment of the rule of Messiah in Jerusalem. We look at the opening verses describing how HaShem speaks about His favour returning to the Land, the people and Jerusalem as the seat of the throne of David. We look at how these events have not been fully fulfilled in history and how they describe the future that is to come.

This week we look specifically at Zechariah 7:12. We discuss the importance of this verse for today's believing community and the lesson it needs to learn from the history of the exiles. We also look at how the word Torah is the "implanted word" spoken of in the book of James and its hidden meaning speaking of Messiah Yeshua, the Father and the Spirit of GOD.

In this study we look at chapter 8 of Zechariah. We discuss how the dating of visions in scripture corresponds with the Torah portion and its content in giving a framework to understand the content and context of the vision itself. This next series of visions corresponds with the Torah portion Toldot/Generations.

This week we look at the vision of the four chariots, the final vision given to Zechariah on the 24th of Shebat. We discuss the consistency of idiom that is carried through bible prophecy and the hope that we see in the events that are still to unfold.

This is a short piece about a few verses in Romans 11 that need to be understood in light of the present world view of Israel.Hopefully a stepping off point for further study!

This week we explore the 5th chapter of Zechariah and the 3 strands of the revelation shown to him. We discuss how the nations come under scrutiny and the influence of commerce in the world that leads to the pagan system tracking back to the days of Babel. We also discuss the difference between Israel and the Gentile nations regarding the revelation and acceptance of Messiah Yeshua in parallel to the story of Joseph.

This week we study Zechariah chapter 4, the vision of the Menorah. We discuss how this is a continuing vision on the 24th of Shevat and the contrast between the night that Zechariah first sees compared to the light of the Menorah. We also discuss the parallels of Messiah Yeshua with Zerubbabel and he prefigures the arrival of Yeshua as the foundation stone of the Temple made without hands that will ultimately destroy the power of the nations.