MNC Fellowship

I delve into a topic here that many never think about, and some poke fun of those who even bring it up. What is the best way to translate the Hebrew words el and elohim into the English language? What is the origin of the English word god? These questions and more are covered. 

I go over some specifics in regards to the actual, literal speaking of common words that may stem from pagan origin, and then move into tracking the various Hebrew words behind the word lord in the English Bible. Some points about the name YHWH are covered as well. 

This section begins to detail a dispute that Stephen (a disciple of the Apostles) had with some in his hometown synagogue. Stephen's wisdom, and face, showed forth that he was truly sent by Yeshua.

I begin exegeting the second part of Exodus 23:13, looking at the meaning of the Hebrew word zakar, and then asking the question of how far we go in obedience to this command.

There are commandments and there are traditions of men. We are to be strict in one, and loose in the other. I cover the Hebrew word “shamar,” and the English word “circumspect” in this sermon.

A sermon calling us to imitate the Master in his desire to see people enter a relationship with him and his Father.

Taking a look at the speciality of prophet Moshe, as well as the Torah (Law, Instructions) Yahweh gave through him. 

Yahweh has blessed you by putting someone (and probably a few someone's) in your life that is a good person. Never take that for granted. 

What the apostles of Yeshua decided to do was based off of what prophet Moses did back in his day. The leaders in a community should always carry righteous qualities and characteristics, in order to set a good example for everyone following. 

To close out this series on Pentecost I take time to answer the three most common objections I hear against the view I take. Pay attention closely because there are some key points in how to do proper Bible study in this lesson.

I take a look at some key Scriptures about the harvest timing of both wheat and grapes, showing the connection between an ancient prophecy and the Apostle Peter's preaching.

What if the numbering of the fifty days doesn't take place until after the seventh Sabbath? This lesson walks through the narrative in the book of Exodus surrounding Mount Sinai, going through several points that lead me in this direction.

I continue teaching on Pentecost here, specifically looking at what is counted as commanded in both Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I also go into some points concerning lunar vs. Saturday sabbath.

In Acts 6 we turn a new leaf. Peter has been doing a lot of preaching, but we now get into an aspect of how some important matters were handled in the early, Messianic community. Listen to learn of how the Apostles actually took their cue here from the Torah.

I focus in on the various positions throughout history among groups that have been committed to counting for Pentecost. Towards the end I talk about the position our assembly takes and why.

This sermon encourages us to not let go of the commandments that are directly from a person to Yahweh, and then goes over the four different names given to the second of the three major annual festivals in Yahweh's honor. 

The Apostles are in trouble again for spreading the message about the death and resurrection of Yeshua of Nazareth, and they almost get the death sentence, but a wise man stand up for them in their time of trouble. Listen to learn how we should be honored to be persecuted for faith in the Messiah.

In this lesson I close out the three part mini-series covering the timetable of Yeshua's death and resurrection by looking at the popular text in which he says he'll spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth. How does that fit in with a preparation day death and first day resurrection? Listen to learn about proper interpretation of Scripture, idioms in the Bible, and how we should not be throwing people into Gehenna for disagreeing on most doctrines.

The Apostles go on trial for preaching about Yeshua, specifically about indicting the Jewish leaders with his murder. They've disobeyed the ruling of the Sanhedrin, which is punishable by death according to Torah. How in the world then are they innocent in Yahweh's eyes?

I give a brief quotation from Emperor Constantine's letter to the churches after the council of Nicaea, contrasting it with Holy Scripture, and then move into understanding more about the timeline of Yeshua's death and resurrection.

As I begin to teach on the “Feast of Harvest” (Weeks, Pentecost) I talk about matters relating to the beginning of the count to this Feast. Why was Easter celebrated this year about eight days after Passover? Listen to learn how the Feast sequence pointed to the resurrection of Yeshua.

We are commanded to not have empty hands when Yahweh's Feasts roll around. What exactly does this mean? Listen to learn about both the abuse and proper use of tithes and offerings.

The Sanhedrin assembles to put Yeshua's Apostles on trial… but when they go to get them from a jail cell, they are nowhere to be found.

The Apostles, though faced with persecution, continue to teach the people about their life in Yeshua. Sometimes miracles happen in the life of the follower. Sometimes they come in the form of a heavenly messenger. 

A summarized view of how to calculate the month of Abib. The Hebrew words abib, chodesh, yerach, yareach, mēn, neumēnia, tequpha, shanah, and more are covered.

I go over one key aspect of the first, commanded, annual Festival on Yahweh's calendar. I also look at how sin creeps into our lives, sometimes unknowingly, so we should always be on guard (protect mode).

I give a brief overview of the three major, annual Festivals in honor of Yahweh, and then I look at an objection and question I've heard for a long time now. Are we allowed to keep the Feasts outside the promised land?

Many signs and wonders were being performed by the Apostles, and they were praised highly, but at the same time many of the Jews didn't want to join them. Why? This lesson takes a look at why people were context to only get into the shadow of the Apostle Peter in hopes of receiving a healing.

This is a text I was made to memorize in Christian school, but I believe it's a text that most Christians don't truly understand. Any-time is a good time to meditate (speak of, think on, memorize, etc.) Yahweh's teachings, instructions, and guidance.

I consider both the standard, Christian interpretation of this text as well as the common “Hebrew Roots” interpretation, and then walk through and give an alternate understanding. Hosea 6:6 is paramount here. It must be understood that in the realm of keeping the commandments, sometimes two commands collide and doing one is more important than doing the other.

I've had so many discussions about this over the last 27+ years, but I've never taught one cohesive sermon on it. That changes with this lesson. I give my reasons for my practice while respecting those who genuinely disagree due to their own studies. I pray my contribution here is beneficial to the on-going discussion among those practicing Torah.

I take a look at and give a Scriptural answer to this question I often receive. What does Scripture say about cooking on the Sabbath? Yes, I deal with the verse about kindling a fire.

In contrast to Barnabus' devotion to the Apostolic community, Ananias and Sapphira try to be deceptive and end up in a bad place. We should always be honest with what Yahweh has entrusted us with. Our vows should be upheld in fear and reverence.

What was the purpose behind the communal living of the early Messianic sect? When a person is fully dedicated to following Yeshua they realize that so much in this world ultimately just does not matter that much.

A general overview of keeping (guarding, protecting) the Sabbath. Towards the end I talk about exceptions to the rule and then answer the question I get asked most often when people are beginning to consider obeying this commandment. 

One of the ways a person can find out real quick how much of a blessing Yahweh's law is, is to start genuinely keeping the Sabbath. I talk a little bit about my journey to keeping Sabbath, and I also go into a little bit about being a disciple of someone.

I go over a few more details concerning the Sabbatical year (and cycle) and then I get into some practicality for followers of Yahweh today. Never try to talk yourself out of keeping a commandment. Always reason towards Yahweh's Torah, not away from it.

The apostles had been threatened by the religious leaders in Jerusalem, so what did they do? They didn't complain. They didn't give up. They prayed, and they prayed for strength and boldness. This lesson also goes over a key midrash from Psalm 2 in Acts 4.

The apostles of Yeshua are faced with a decision to listen to the instruction from the Sanhedrin or continue to preach and teach about Yeshua. When we are faced with similar decisions in our life, it is always right to listen to and obey Yahweh rather than man.

Part of Sabbath-keeping is making sure the land gets to rest along with us, but this is a bit longer of a process. Towards the end of the sermon I talk about just how serious it was to respect the land.

We are called to judge, accuse, and love, but we are called to do those things in accordance with Yahweh's instructions. For example, there is an unrighteous judgment as well as a righteous judgment. How do we know which is which? Towards the end I give an admonishment on making sure to love Yahweh and not just your neighbor.

The Torah (OT) actually teaches us to love (do good) to our enemies. I cover what exactly this means and end with a parable of sorts of how we ought to be like Yahweh is each and every day.

We must use our speech for truth rather than slander and falsehood, even when the majority of people are speaking that which is a lie. No matter how big the crowd is that is going the wrong direction, it's never right.

An introductory sermon to Exodus 23. The generality of life's ups and downs are taught, but through it all we must stay the course. Do your best to not get tired of doing good. Yeshua is waiting for you at the finish line!

The Apostles of Yeshua stand before the Sanhedrin and are ordered against speaking in the name of Yeshua. Why? Listen to learn how we should be bold for Messiah, even in the face of persecution.

A closer look at strangled meat, how animals are slaughtered today (in general), and the natural and spiritual aspect of “the dogs” in both Exodus 22 and Matthew 7. I end our study of Exodus 22 with a reminder that we want the control of Yahweh over our lives and true freedom is found in being devoted to Him.

Taking a look at how Exodus 22:31 ties into the proper slaughtering of a clean animal. I go over some pertinent parts of Acts 15 and the decision made by the elders at the Jerusalem Council.

We are not called to try and be different just for the sake of being different. Making up your own rules doesn't mean a hill of beans to the Almighty. Humbly following what He said, and not adding to or taking away from His written commands is where it's at. 

An overview of the abortion issue from a Biblical perspective, and a call to recognize its weightiness on a governmental scale.

A look at Apostle Peter's statement about what salvation in the name of Yeshua meant in its first-century, apostolic context.

I cover two more points about redeeming a firstborn son and then I give seven points of review concerning what we've covered on these commandments.