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More than Hype ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | September 14, 2025 1 John Series, Part 1: More than Hype 1 John 1:1-4 ---------- EPISODE SUMMARY In the opening message of a new series on 1 John, Michael Shockley introduces us to the incredible journey of John the Apostle - from a barefoot boy splashing in the Sea of Galilee to the last living eyewitness of Jesus Christ. Through the colorful backstory of "Johannan" (John's Aramaic name), discover how a hot-tempered fisherman's son became known as the "Apostle of Love." This message establishes that our faith isn't based on hype, legend, or secondhand stories, but on the real, tangible experiences of people who lived with Jesus daily for three years. John's opening verses in his first epistle emphasize what he personally heard, saw, looked upon, and touched - making the case that the Gospel is more than hype, more than history, but the very Life of Jesus living in believers today. Core Message: The Gospel is more than hype, more than history — it's The Life of Jesus in us. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Story of John the Apostle - Born as "Johannan" in Bethsaida, son of Zebedee and Salome - Growing up as a fisherman with calloused hands and stormy nights - Transformation through John the Baptist's preaching and baptism The Call to Follow Jesus - John the Baptist pointing to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" - The moment John's spiritual compass found "true North" - Jesus choosing both John and James as disciples despite their rough edges - The nickname "Boanerges" (Sons of Thunder) for their fiery tempers - Jesus' correction when they wanted to call down fire on Samaritans John's Special Relationship with Jesus - Being part of the inner circle with Peter and James - Witnessing the Transfiguration and Jesus' glory shining like the sun - Sitting beside Jesus at the Last Supper, asking bold questions - Being the only disciple to stand at the foot of the Cross - Receiving the personal mission to care for Mary, Jesus' mother From Death to Resurrection - John's heartbreak at Jesus' death, not understanding the promise of resurrection - Sprinting to the empty tomb on Easter morning - Seeing and touching the Risen Christ for forty days - Receiving the Great Commission to spread the news worldwide - Becoming "a man on fire for the mission" after Jesus' ascension A Life of Persecution and Ministry - Multiple arrests and beatings for preaching the Gospel - Watching his brother James become the first apostle martyred - All other apostles dying violent deaths for their faith - Moving to Ephesus to father the local churches - Writing the Gospel of John to record previously untold stories Exile and Final Years - Surviving execution by boiling oil through divine protection - Exile to the rocky island of Patmos for his continued witness - Receiving and recording the visions that became the Book of Revelation - Returning to Ephesus in frail old age but with powerful words - Writing three epistles recognized as Holy Spirit-breathed truth The Credibility of the New Testament - Written by eyewitnesses and those who interviewed eyewitnesses - Composed within decades of the actual events, not centuries later - Authors gained no earthly advantage - only persecution and death - Hundreds of people could have disputed fabricated details - The ultimate test: would you die for something you knew was false? The Reality of Jesus as "The Word of Life" - John's emphasis on tangible, physical experience with Jesus - Not debating an idea but introducing a Person he knew intimately - God becoming physical reality because humanity couldn't reach God - The Life and Salvation of Jesus "manifested" - made real and obvious - Jesus putting on humanity, sandals, and walking dusty roads The Purpose of John's Writing - To share what he literally saw and heard with his own senses - To bring others into fellowship with Jesus and the family of believers - To continue the declaration started by all the apostles - To help people connect with Jesus and avoid doing life alone - That readers' "joy may be full" - complete joy found in Jesus Modern Eyewitnesses and Testimonies - We may not have literally seen Jesus like John did - But we can testify to His miracles and power in our lives today - Brokenness made whole, addiction overcome, selfishness transformed - Bitterness replaced with forgiveness, anxiety with unexplainable peace - The biggest miracle: people coming out of darkness into Light Understanding Joy That Is Full - Joy isn't dependent on pleasant circumstances or material possessions - People with easier lives often complain more than those with struggles - Family and good things bring limited joy that can be broken - True joy cannot depend on what we have or what happens - Fullness of joy CAN be found in fellowship with Jesus ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "The Gospel is more than hype, more than history — it's The Life of Jesus in us." "The compass needle found true North." "Jesus wasn't like any Rabbi Johanan had ever known." "The Kingdom of God would be built with love, not vengeance." "Only the one who did not run from death escaped death." "The Son of Thunder became the Apostle of Love." "He outran Peter to the tomb, outlived all the others, and outlasted exile to bring you this message." "Joy cannot depend on what we have or what happens. It depends on Who Jesus Is." "Just like a healthy plant drops seeds that are able to sprout and grow new plants, a healthy believer spreads the seed of The Good News." "I have seen Jesus. I have heard Him. I have touched Him. And it changed me forever." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: 1 John 1:1-4 - Key Theme: Eyewitness testimony to the reality of Jesus Christ - Historical Context: John writing as the last living apostle - Emphasis: Physical, tangible experience with Jesus ("heard," "seen," "looked upon," "handled") - Purpose Statement: Fellowship with God and complete joy in believers - Connection: The Word of Life manifested in human form ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You Question Whether Jesus Really Existed: - Consider the historical evidence from multiple eyewitness accounts - Remember these weren't legends written centuries later - The apostles gained nothing earthly and died for their testimony - Ask yourself: would you die for something you knew was false? - Examine the transformation in the lives of the eyewitnesses If You Feel Like Your Faith Is Just Ideas or Rules: - Understand that Christianity is relationship with a Person, not a system - Know that Jesus became physically present because we couldn't reach God - Remember that faith is about knowing Jesus personally, not just knowing about Him - Allow the reality of who Jesus is to transform your daily experience - Let His life live in you rather than trying to follow external rules If You Feel Alone in Your Spiritual Journey: - Recognize that fellowship is a core purpose of John's message - Church isn't just a Sunday event but a family of believers - Connect with people who know your name and walk with you through struggles - Don't try to do life alone - God designed us for community - Find or create spaces where genuine spiritual fellowship can happen If Your Joy Feels Incomplete: - Understand that joy doesn't depend on pleasant circumstances - Remember that even good things like family have limitations - Don't base joy on what you have or what happens to you - Ground your joy in who Jesus is rather than temporary things - Seek the fullness of joy that comes through fellowship with Jesus If You Haven't Shared Your Faith Recently: - Ask yourself why you don't feel a nudge to share what you've experienced - Remember that healthy believers naturally spread the Good News - Consider what Jesus has done in your life that others need to hear - Be an eyewitness to His power and miracles in your own experience - Share your story of transformation and hope with others ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Maybe you've always thought of Jesus as just a historical figure, a good teacher, or even religious hype. But John's testimony calls us to something far greater - a personal encounter with the Living Christ. The same Jesus who walked dusty roads, ate with tax collectors, calmed storms, and rose from the dead is available to you today. Not as an idea to understand, but as a Person to know. Not as history to study, but as Life to experience. The little boy who splashed in Galilee became an old man who could say, "I have seen Jesus, heard Him, touched Him, and it changed me forever." Today, Jesus offers you the same life-changing encounter. Will you let His life live in you? ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Have you moved beyond seeing Jesus as just a historical figure or religious concept to experiencing Him as a living Person? What testimony do you have of His work in your life that others need to hear? The Gospel is more than hype, more than history - it's the Life of Jesus available to live in you today.
I remember standing on the edge of the Judean wilderness, where the rocky cliffs fall sharply into dry wadis, and the silence feels heavier than words. As a tour guide, I often see visitors surprised by the vast emptiness of this land—no shade, no streams, only desert winds and the relentless sun. In the Western imagination, a desert is often a place of desolation and abandonment. But in the Semitic mind, the desert was not a place to fear—it was a place of encounter. In the Western world, silence is often seen as the absence of sound, a void to be filled with activity, music, or words. But in the Semitic world, silence carries weight and depth—it is not emptiness but presence. For our ancestors in faith, silence was not simply the lack of noise but the fertile ground where God's word could take root and bear fruits. Today's Aramaic word is ܫܬܝܩܘܬܐ (Shtiqotho), meaning “silence” or “stillness.” It comes from the root sh-t-q, which implies both quietness and attentive waiting. In Hebrew, its cognate shetīqāh carries the same idea. But in Aramaic, silence was not passive—it was active listening, a disposition of the heart that makes space for divine encounter. This is why early Syriac monks described their discipline of silence not as withdrawal but as “guarding the tongue so the heart can speak.” To practice Shtiqotho was to allow the soul to lean into God's whisper. Consider Habakkuk 2:20: “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence (הַס) before Him.” In Aramaic thought, this was not a command to stifle yourself but an invitation to reverence. When Yeshua stood before Pilate, accused and mocked, His silence was not weakness but profound testimony. His Shtiqotho revealed His authority and trust in the Father's plan. Likewise, in 1 Kings 19, Elijah did not find God in the earthquake or fire but in the qol demamah daqqah—the “still small voice,” which an Aramaic hearer would understand as the voice that is only discerned in silence. Now consider your own life. In Western culture, we often equate faith with constant speech—more prayers, more songs, more activity. But perhaps God is calling you into Shtiqotho , to rest from endless striving and rediscover that He is God in the stillness. When you embrace holy silence, you are not withdrawing from God but drawing nearer to Him. In silence, anxieties settle, distractions fade, and your spirit begins to hear the gentle leading of the Shepherd. Silence does not diminish faith—it sharpens it. So today, allow yourself a few moments of Shtiqotho. Step away from noise, resist the urge to fill every gap, and let God's voice speak into your stillness. It is in the quiet spaces that transformation often begins. And if you would like to continue exploring how Aramaic words unlock the richness of Scripture and reshape discipleship. www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
The Wilderness: Midbaro (Dbar) I remember sitting in the desert near Jericho, watching the sun set over the Jordan Valley. The land seemed endless, dry, and silent, and I thought of the generations who wandered here prophets, exiles, and pilgrims who learned that life in the wilderness was not wasted time but the very place where God reshaped His people. To the Western mindset, a desert is a barren land to be avoided, a symbol of emptiness and lack. But in the Middle Eastern imagination, the desert is the classroom of God, a place of encounter, purification, and transformation. The wilderness strips away distractions until you hear only the voice that matters. Today's Aramaic word is midbaro (Dbar), meaning “wilderness” or “desert.” Its root d-b-r carries multiple shades of meaning, including “to lead” and even “to speak.” This linguistic overlap is not accidental: in the Semitic world, the desert is where God leads (dbar) and where God speaks (dabar in Hebrew). The wilderness is not silence but the very theater of divine revelation. For those shaped by Greek or Western thought, revelation is often tied to temples, libraries, or polished sermons. But for the prophets of Israel and the early followers of Yeshua, revelation often came in the lonely windswept valleys of the desert, where the only sound was the whisper of God. Consider Deuteronomy 8:2, where Moses reminds Israel: “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness (בַּמִּדְבָּר / bammidbar) these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character.” In Aramaic, the word dbar would have resonated deeply—it was not just the place of testing but also the place of voice, the arena where Israel learned dependence and covenant faithfulness. Yeshua Himself chose the dbar—forty days in the Judean wilderness—to confront the Adversary and to affirm His identity as the beloved Son. For Him, the wilderness was not an accident but a preparation. Judean Wilderness near Jericho Now think of your own journey. You may see seasons of dryness, silence, or waiting as wasted time. Western culture tells you that productivity and success are the only measures of meaning. But in God's eyes, your dbar seasons are sacred. These are the places where distractions are peeled away, where old idols are burned off, and where your ears learn to recognize the Shepherd's voice. If you are walking through a wilderness right now, do not despise it. The dbar is where God both leads and speaks, where He forms your character so that you can carry His presence with strength into the promised land of your calling. So today, embrace your wilderness moments as holy ground. Do not rush past them or curse their silence. Instead, listen—because the desert is not empty, it is filled with the voice of God. He is leading you in your dbar, and He will speak to you there. If you want to continue exploring how Aramaic words open Scripture with new light and meaning, I invite you to journey deeper at www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com #AramaicWisdom #BiblicalHebrew #MiddleEasternChristianity #TwinsBiblicalAcademy #JesusThroughMiddleEasternEyes #SemiticRoots #DailyDevotional #DesertFaith #JudeanWilderness
Acts 21:27-30 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.) 30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. From All Directions Acts 22:1-10 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?' I asked. “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. “ ‘Get up,' the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' Don't forget where you came from. Don't forget where GOD brought you from. Acts 23:1-11 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God's high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” Don't miss the moment. Don't miss GOD IN the moment. 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Don't underestimate where you might go. Don't underestimate where GOD might take you.
We cannot expect people to believe the story the Bible tells unless the Bible is a credible witness. Our Bibles are a translation based on thousands of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic manuscripts. Those manuscripts are not the original texts written by the author, but were copied by countless scribes. This process the Bible has undergone […]
John 5:1-9 NIV 1 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,Ezekiel 47:1-9 NIV 1 The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.
Have you ever wondered if the Book of Revelation was meant to be a riddle for today's readers, or if its mysterious symbols actually made perfect sense to the early church? In this episode of Seek Go Create, host Tim Winders welcomes back theologian Leo De Siqueira to unpack the language, history, and meaning behind Revelation's most puzzling images—like the beast, Babylon, and the infamous 666. Together, they challenge modern assumptions, reveal surprising insights from the Aramaic text, and explore what John's visions truly meant for his first-century audience. If you're ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about Revelation, this conversation is for you."Heaven and earth becoming one—that is the revelation and the culmination of Christ's victory." - Leo De Siqueira Access all show and episode resources HEREAbout Our Guest:Leo De Siqueira is a theologian and author renowned for his in-depth, three-part commentary series on the book of Revelation. His scholarship focuses on understanding Revelation within its first-century context, highlighting the significance of the Aramaic language and the victory of Christ. With academic training in Hebrew and Greek, Leo leverages his linguistic expertise to unearth subtle nuances within biblical texts, bringing fresh insight into the prophetic literature. He is recognized for challenging traditional interpretations and promoting a holistic, historically informed approach to Scripture. Reasons to Listen: Discover how understanding the original Aramaic language and first-century context radically changes the meaning of key themes in Revelation—beyond what most modern interpretations offer.Get myth-busting answers to hot topics like the rapture, 666, the Beast, and the rebuilding of the temple—explained in a way that challenges long-held beliefs with historical and biblical evidence.Explore why the prophetic imagery in Revelation resonated deeply with its first audience, and how those symbols connect to the bigger story of life, death, and hope in the Bible—possibly reshaping your whole perspective.Episode Resources & Action Steps:Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Leo De Siqueira's 3-Part Commentary Series on Revelation - Leo references his own three-book series that dives deeply into Revelation from a first-century, Aramaic, and historical context. (Book titles include in part: "Dawn of Eternity.")Bible Translation Software - Leo mentions using Bible translation tools for studying Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts to gain greater nuance and understanding.Historical Writings of Josephus - While not discussed in detail, both Leo and Tim reference the historical accounts of Josephus, especially regarding events surrounding 70 AD, making his works a core supplemental resource.Action Steps for Listeners:Re-examine Your Understanding of Revelation - Instead of interpreting Revelation strictly through modern lenses or one-verse doctrines, approach it as first-century listeners would by considering language, historical context, and Jewish prophecy.Explore the Historical and Cultural Context - Read Leo De Siqueira's commentary series or similar resources that incorporate Aramaic texts and first-century Jewish perspectives to broaden your understanding of Revelation's symbolism and meaning.Dig Deeper into Biblical Languages and History - Use Bible translation software or online courses to explore passages in their original languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic) and consult historical sources like Josephus for context around New Testament...
Have you ever wondered if the Book of Revelation has been misunderstood for generations—or if we've been reading it with the wrong lens altogether? In this engaging episode of Seek Go Create, Tim Winders sits down with Revelation scholar and author Leo De Siqueira to challenge fear-based interpretations and explore the true context of Revelation. Together, they unpack the clash of covenants, the pivotal events of the first century, and why understanding early church history could transform how you see the Bible's most mysterious book. If you've felt intimidated, confused, or even disillusioned by Revelation, this episode will open your eyes to a hopeful and restorative message hiding in plain sight."It's unfair to just dissect a book of the Bible and argue to defend it—there's a huge narrative in play with a lot of mystery." - Leo De Siqueira Access all show and episode resources HEREAbout Our Guest:Leo De Siqueira is a theologian, linguist, and author recognized for his deep scholarship on the Book of Revelation. Approaching scripture through the lens of Aramaic—the language of Jesus—and situating his interpretations in first-century historical context, Leo uncovers a hopeful and victorious message that challenges traditional, fear-based readings of Revelation. With four books to his name, including a detailed series on Revelation, Leo's work is extensively researched and footnoted, blending academic rigor with accessibility. His insights offer listeners a fresh perspective grounded in history, original language, and a broad understanding of God's restorative narrative.Reasons to Listen: Discover a Fresh Perspective on Revelation: Leo De Siqueira unpacks the historical and cultural context of the first century, challenging the fear-based interpretations many grew up with and revealing a more hopeful, restorative message.Unravel Overlapping Covenants: Learn about the fascinating 40-year period when both the Mosaic and New Covenants were active—an insight that completely reshapes how we understand biblical prophecy and the New Testament's urgency.Get Real Answers with Historical Evidence: The episode dives deep into overlooked historical facts, including firsthand accounts (like Josephus) of the destruction of Jerusalem, and connects them to prophecies—raising new questions about what Revelation really meant to its original audience.Episode Resources & Action Steps:Sure! Here are the resources and action steps mentioned during this episode of Seek Go Create with Leo De Siqueira:Resources Mentioned:Books by Leo De Siqueira: Specifically, “Revelation: Dawn of This Age” (the first book in his Revelation series). Tim also refers to Leo's other books that explore early church history and the historical context of Revelation.Book: "Rethinking the Dates of the New Testament" by Jonathan Bernier: This book is directly mentioned as a valuable resource for understanding the early dating of New Testament writings and is recommended by both Leo and Tim.Writings of Early Church Historians & FathersJosephus' historical accounts (especially surrounding the events of AD 70), Eusebius' "Church Histories"General encouragement to look at early church fathers (disciples of the disciples) for a clearer message on early Christianity.Action Steps for Listeners:Reframe How You Approach Revelation: Start...
A Sermon for St. Bartholomew's Day Acts 5:12-16 by William Klock St. Bartholomew the Apostle. He's pretty much a mystery. As far as the New Testament goes, Matthew, Mark, and Luke list him as one of the twelve. Beyond that, we have nothing. His name, Bar tholomais probably means “son of Tolomai”, but it may actually be his given name since when Matthew, Mark, and Luke want to refer to someone as “son of So-and-so” they use the Greek way of doing it not the Aramaic “bar So-and-so”. Since John never mentions Bartholomew, but does mention Nathanael, some think that the two are the same. I don't find the argument very convincing. Various stories and legends describe him going off to evangelise India or Pontus or Armenia, amongst other places. When I consider sources and dates, I think the story of him taking the gospel to India is probably the most likely. Almost without a doubt he was martyred for proclaiming Jesus the Messiah—probably flayed and maybe then beheaded. He was an apostle—one of Jesus' hand-picked messengers sent to herald the good news—so what we can confidently say is that that's exactly what he did and that he probably died, very painfully, for the sake of his Lord. But since there are no scripture passages that tell us about him, our Epistle and Gospel today are simply passages that tell us about the apostles in general. So with that, I'd like to look at our Epistle —Acts 5:12-16. Here's, again, what Luke writes: Many signs and wonders were done by the hands of the apostles amongst the people. They were all together in Solomon's Porch. None of the others dared to join them, though the people spoke highly of them. But more people, a crowd of both men and women, believed the Lord and were added to their number. They used to bring the sick into the streets and place them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on them as he went by. Crowds gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing people who were sick or troubled by unclean spirits. All of them were healed. One Saturday morning back in my computer tech days I found a woman sitting in her car outside the door when I showed up to open the store. She was from out of town and afraid that if she waited to call until we were open, there wouldn't be time to fix her computer the same day. So she just showed up. And she had a box of doughnuts by way of apology—or bribe—really a little of both. So I got to work on the computer and the doughnuts while she watched and talked to me. They were really good doughnuts and I told her and she told me she'd made them herself. In fact, she owned a little doughnut shop in a tourist town an hour away. And she told me how she got started. There was only one place in town that sold doughnuts, but they didn't make them. Their doughnuts were delivered from the city and were a day old—at least—by the time they were served. She opened up a little place in a converted camping trailer selling doughnuts and coffee to the tourists, but the coffee shop that had been there forever had a corner on the coffee and doughnut market, plus a primo location to catch the tourists. She was about to call it quits, when the owner of the garden shop across the street from the coffee shop came to see her. The garden shop and the coffee shop were in some kind of spat and the owner of the garden shop decided to invite this woman to park her trailer in their parking lot. See, the tourist industry there was all about tulips. People would come to see the tulips and the reason that old coffee shop was in such a good location was because the place across the street—the garden shop—sold tulip bulbs from the local growers. People came to see the tulips, then they went to the garden shop to buy bulbs, and finally ended up across the street for coffee and doughnuts. But coffee and doughnuts in the parking lot of the garden shop was more convenient than coffee and doughnuts across the street. It helped that her doughnuts were better and that they were fresh. So pretty soon all the people were crowding around her trailer for doughnuts instead of going to the old mainstay across the street. And, of course, the coffee shop owner wasn't happy. He went to the town council and tried to have “mobile restaurants” banned from town—an early version of today's restauranteurs trying to ban competition from food trucks. It didn't work and this woman who'd brought her computer in eventually won the doughnut war. That's a bit like what's going on in Acts 5. Pay attention to the fact that this is Acts 5. This is right at the beginning of the story. These are the days and weeks just after Pentecost. And if Peter and James and John had gone back home to Galilee and done these signs and wonders, they would have drawn crowds just like Jesus had done there, but being so far away from Jerusalem, they probably wouldn't have drawn the ire of the Jewish religious authorities. The Pharisees, of course, were always there scowling and scolding, but the Pharisees weren't the gatekeepers. They were just a popular interest group. But Peter and the other apostles didn't go back to Galilee. They stayed right in Jerusalem. Not only that, but Luke writes that they were meeting together in Solomon's Porch. Solomon's Porch was a great colonnade on the eastern side of the outer court of the temple. So the apostles would go to the temple to worship, but they would also spend their days gathered together, preaching, and doing signs and wonders in the outer court. This was where all the people were coming and going and it was probably near the house where the serving priests lived. It was a busy place. The temple wasn't a church, but what the apostles were doing would be a bit like coming to church and then hanging out afterward on the front porch or in the rectory garden. And the crowds would gather. Some of them stopped to listen or to be healed on their way to or from the temple proper, but many people were coming just to hear the teaching of the apostles. Many people were coming, just like they'd come to Jesus, because they'd heard that Peter and the others were casting out demons, giving sight to the blind, and healing the lame. And I fully expect that Peter was repeating several times a day the same thing he preached on Pentecost—about Jesus fulfilling the promises of the old covenant and making a new and better one. They'd set up a doughnut stand right in front of the established coffee shop that had been there forever. And they were selling delicious, fresh doughnuts while the coffee shop was still trying to sell day-olds delivered yesterday. So you can understand that this raised the ire of the Jewish authorities. The apostles weren't just tweaking the noses of some Pharisees in backwater villages. They were—you might say—stealing customers from the religious authorities and doing so right on their front porch. And let's talk about the healings that were happening, because I've noticed that we're very, very, very, very prone to taking passages like this out of context. It's not just that the apostles were working a multitude of healing miracles. It gets pretty weird. Luke says that people would even lay out their sick loved ones just so Peter's shadow would fall on them and they'd be healed. Every last one of them, Luke seems to be saying, was healed. The part about Peter's shadow seems kind of over-the-top. I can't help but think of various medieval stories of people being healed by the relics of saints or people stealing Baby Jesus' diapers off Mary's washline and being healed by them. And yet Peter's shadow isn't the only weird thing like this in Acts that we might be tempted to doubt. Luke also tells us later in Acts that people would take Paul's handkerchiefs and use them to heal the sick. And there are people today who think that stuff like this should be the norm always and everywhere. There are scammers sending out vials of holy water or oil as a cure-all and televangelists who will wave their jackets at a line-up of people and claim they've been healed. And if you don't experience miracles like this in your own life or in your own church, well, they'll shame you and tell you that you lack faith. A few weeks ago someone sent me some commentary about a new “worship” song that came out of one of those sorts of places. The song calls for revival and courage and strength and faith, which are all good things and all things the church today often lacks, but then the heart of the song is a prayer for a new Pentecost. They don't see the sort of miraculous happenings today that we see in Acts 5 and they think that what we need is another Pentecost. What they're saying is that the modern church—or at least mainstream churches that don't do the things they claim to do—lack the Holy Spirit. And I cringed. That's no different than saying that because some Christians still walk in sin, we need Jesus to die again. No. A thousand times, no! Just like Jesus death and resurrection, Pentecost has already happened. It was a one-time event. We don't need another one. What we need is to live as the people, as the community, as the church born that day when God poured out his Spirit. And, in some cases, we need to read scripture better so that we don't set unrealistic expectations. Remember, Brothers and Sisters, miracles are acts of God, not acts of men and women. If God wants us to see miracles, nothing is going to stop him. If he could act through a pagan prophet like Balaam, he can act through even the most lukewarm Christian. Maybe the problem is that we've misunderstood what God was doing through the apostles in the book of Acts. Remember that context is everything, so let's look at this story about the apostles in context. When Jesus had risen from the grave a few week earlier, he inaugurated God's new creation. He was the firstborn of the resurrection. God's new life went out like a shockwave from the empty tomb on Easter. And that new life, that new creation met the disciples of Jesus on Pentecost. And God wanted it be clear, he wanted the world to see that in Jesus and in this new covenant people who identified with Jesus, his kingdom, his new creation was being born. And so, first with Jesus and then with the apostles and those first believers, God did amazing things so that no one would or could mistake what was happening. Remember the people in the gospels, people like Nicodemus who said to Jesus, “No one can do the things you do unless he's from God.” Jesus' signs and wonders validated his messiahship. And now, as we get into Acts, we see that God wanted to make sure that when those first Christians started telling people the good news that Jesus had risen from the dead and that new creation had begun, they had his witness, they had these signs and wonders to go along with their preaching and their actions. But it's wouldn't be like that forever. Miracles would stop being noteworthy if they happened all the time. We really need to pay attention to the big biblical story here. Miracles aren't a common thing in that story. They cluster around the times when God does something new. Think of the exodus from Egypt. The biggest cluster of miracles in the Old Testament is found in the Exodus: from the burning bush, to the plagues sent on Egypt, to the parting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh's army, to the water from the rock and the manna in the wilderness. But it doesn't stop there. That generation knew miracles like no other. They saw the Lord in the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, leading them to the promised land. They knew the bronze serpent Moses raised up. They knew the miraculous battles won for them by the Lord. And when they marched into Canaan, the Lord dried up the Jordan. He won their battles and toppled cities like Jericho. And it happened so that Israel would powerfully know his goodness and his glory and then pass that knowledge to future generations. And, too, the Lord did these thing so that the nations would take note. The God of Israel is powerful and glorious and cares for his people. He's unlike any other god. But then take note: those future generations were expected to know the goodness and the faithfulness and glory of God, not through ongoing daily miracles, but through the witness of their fathers and through the scriptures. And, too, each new generation bore in its flesh the sign of circumcision, the sign of God's covenant with them and of his faithfulness. And every year the families of Israel gathered together and ate the Passover and participated themselves in the glorious events of the Exodus. The Lord took his people from the witness of miracles to the witness of what we might call the common means of grace. Miracles convinced a people who didn't know the Lord to trust and obey him. But the covenant people who then knew him, who lived with him in their midst, who had his word, who bore his covenant sign and ate his covenant meal—they didn't need miracles to know the Lord was worthy of their trust and obedience. And, Brothers and Sisters, the Lord followed exactly this pattern in the new exodus. Jesus' ministry and then the ministry of the apostles were full of the miraculous. Jesus himself and then the Spirit are the evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness and glory, but as Jesus led his people—not this time into Canaan, but into his new creation—he made that new creation manifestly real as he made all the sad things of this world become untrue, as he undid the real-world consequences of sin and death and as he showed how he had defeated the devils at the cross. In the book of Acts God shows the world very dramatically what the church is—that it is the beachhead of his kingdom, his new creation in the world. His church is the new covenant community, the temple in which he now dwells, the steward of both his Spirit and his gospel who will spread his new creation wherever it—wherever they—wherever we—go. Acts is about God's formation of his new people. Consider that the passage just before our Epistle today is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. It's telling that people will think miraculous healings should be everyday occurrences, but I've never heard anyone suggest that God striking down people who lie to the church should be just as ordinary. If it were, we'd have a lot of dead faith-healers. But we shouldn't expect that to happen. The Lord only needed to strike down a couple like Ananias and Sapphira once. The point isn't that this is what happens to people who lie to the church. The point is that this one frightening miracle should—and I think it has—reverberated down through the generations with the message that God expects holiness of his people. Acts 5 begins with that call to holiness and it makes it very plain that a church that lacks holiness, even if it isn't literally struck dead, will die. Jesus will take away its lampstand. We've seen that through history and we see it today. So, after establishing that holiness is an essential characteristic of the people of God (and not, that's what much of Exodus is about as well), Chapter 5 then continues with these signs and wonders done by the apostles to back up their proclamation that in Jesus new creation has begun. Again, the church doesn't ordinarily need miracles to show God's new creation. We show the world God's new creation as we live the fruit of the Spirit, as we bring the reconciling power of the gospel to broken people and broken relationships, and as we work to bring things like mercy and justice and life to a sin-broken world. But in those early days, the Jewish authorities could say that's just what they were already doing. So God gave better doughnuts to the apostles. And that's then followed by the arrest of the apostles by the temple authorities. They were angry because they'd set up a doughnut shop on their front porch and were stealing their customers. Just as they'd crucified Jesus to say, “He's not really the Messiah,” they have Peter and the others arrested to send the message, “Despite their miracles, these men are frauds. Don't believe them when they claim to be a new temple. That's blasphemy!” But do you remember what happened? That night as the apostles sat in their jail cells an angel appeared, set them free, and sent them back to the temple court to keep preaching the gospel. The next day the priests met to decide what to do with the apostles. They sent for them to be brought from the jail and that's when the guards reported they were gone. And that's when someone came running into the council chamber saying, “Look! The guys you arrested and put in prison are right now in the temple preaching.” It's God, again, backing up his newly established church with miracles. When he raised Jesus from the dead, he overturned the false verdict of Pilate and the Jews and this time he overturned the false verdict of the priests and validates the good news Peter was preaching. And the apostles took it to heart. They kept preaching and preaching and preaching—in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and eventually to the world—and all but John were martyred. They were killed for their faithful proclamation of Jesus. But they knew the same God who had raised Jesus from the dead would one day raise them. Death had no more power over them than the demons or sickness or prison doors. And their story was told through the generations of Christians to come: to Christians in Rome, to Christians in pagan nations, to Christians living under Communism, to Christian missionaries who gave their lives to proclaim to the good news to hostile people. They didn't need to experience miracles first hand. Just as Isreal knew the stories of the first exodus from Egypt, these Christian brothers and sisters knew the stories of the second exodus from sin and death. And as Israel bore God's covenant sign of circumcision and celebrated the Passover and remembered God's goodness and faithfulness and glory, so those Christians bore themselves the sign of baptism and celebrated the Lord's Supper and not only knew the goodness and faithfulness and glory of God, but they also knew—as we should too—that we are the embodiment of God's new creation, we are the stewards of his Spirit and his gospel, we are the beachhead of God's new creation. Miracles or not, what we need to remember is that the power to defeat the enemies of God is the power of his gospel and the power of his Spirit. It always has been and it always will be. Let's pray: O almighty and eternal God, who gave your apostle Saint Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love that Word, and both preach and receive it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Send us a textGUEST: JOSH BARZON, author, graphic designer, and content creator On X: @JoshuaBarzonThe claims of Scripture are far above and beyond any other book—inspired by God, without error, unchanging, unfailing. In a word, supernatural.The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:20-21: “know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”Or how about Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Put together, God directed the authors what He wanted to communicate and God's Word powerfully accomplishes God's desires in the human heart.Now consider that the 66 books of the Bible were authored by 40 men over a span of 1500 years in three languages (Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic) on three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe). The original manuscripts written by these 40 authors no longer exist but thousands of full or partial copies of the original books do exist. Nearly 25,000 copies of the New Testament alone exist. Compare that to Homer's Iliad with only 2000 copies. The existence of so many copies of Scripture allows them to be compared to each other to authenticate accuracy. In other words, more copies results in more certainty.The Bible has also been translated from its original languages into hundreds of languages, with dozens of translations and paraphrases in the English language alone—King James Version, Geneva Bible, New American Standard, English Standard Version, New International Version, and on and on.Taking all this into consideration, is the Bible we have in our English language today an accurate representation of what the authors of Scripture wrote or has there been significant loss of the text during its transmission from original manuscripts? And what about the many English versions—are they fully trustworthy to be considered the Word of God?Josh Barzon has done much research on the transmission and translations of the Bible. He was born in the Middle East and now lives in America, working as a content creator, graphic designer, and author of The Forgotten Preface: Surprising Insights on the Translation Philosophy of the King James Translators.He joins us to discuss the supernatural Scriptures and how God has preserved His Word precisely over the centuries so that can know when you read the Word of God, you can know you are hearing from the God of the Word.
Friday, 22 August 2025 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Matthew 12:35 “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus called the Pharisees vipers' offspring, telling them that from the surplus of the heart, the mouth speaks. He next explains the result of that, saying, “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects good.” The word ekballo, to cast out or eject, is used. It is more forceful than “bring out,” such as in the NKJV. The meaning then is that the goodness of a good man wells up inside him until the point where goodness simply exudes from him, being ejected under its own pressure. The words here show us that Jesus' words in Matthew 9:17 are a comparative statement intended to make a point. In responding to being called “Good Teacher,” Jesus said – “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Jesus was making a comparison of goodness in relation to God. Likewise, Jesus is here making a comparison between people. One is good in relation to others. Because he is, good things will be ejected from him. This is certainly a comparative statement, because even a good person can get frustrated or fed up, and something not so good will come out of his mouth. However, his character in general is one that demonstrates an inherent goodness in relation to others. Likewise, Jesus says, “and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects evil.” This is a person who is comparatively evil. The things that come out of such people, welling up and being ejected into their regular conversation, will be evil. But even such “evil” people can say something nice. Jesus is referring to their general character. To get the sense of such a person, all one needs to do is turn on the TV and watch people arguing from a political standpoint. Those on the left will spew forth invectives, call out for illegal activities to be condoned, rage against goodness while embracing those who do truly wicked things, etc. To them, morality is defined by theft and murder, not hard work and self-sufficiency. Those who pray to God are an offense who must be silenced. Because of their character, evil proceeds from them like a well under pressure. In opening their mouths to speak, the evil gushes forth. Life application: In Luke 6:45, the same words are spoken by Jesus in His sermon to the people, but there are differences – Matthew - “The good man, from the good treasure of the heart, he ejects [ekballo] good, and the evil man, from the evil treasure, he ejects [ekballo] evil.” Luke - “The good man, from the good treasure of his heart, he hauls [propheró] good, and the evil, from the evil hauls [propheró] the evil. For from the heart's surplus, it speaks – his mouth.” In Matthew, different words concerning the motion of what is in the heart are used. One says to eject while the other uses a word meaning to bear forward. A good single word to get the intent would be to haul. Also, in Matthew, the thought about the heart's abundance came in the preceding verse, whereas Luke places it afterwards. Other slight variations in the Greek exist as well. So the question may be asked, “Which is the original and which one has an error?” Or the statement may be made, “See, there is a contradiction in the two accounts.” When you are faced with such a question or statement, how will you respond? A suitable explanation is that both can be correct. This could be for various reasons. The first is that it is assumed that Jesus was originally speaking in Aramaic. Different people will write what they heard in Greek in different ways. Likewise, the change in order of what is said may be a part of that translation process. Therefore, such changes would be expected. But what if the person says, “But even the context of what is said is different! One is to the Pharisees and one during a sermon!” Is this a contradiction? Not at all! How many times have you repeated a point that is true in your life? Jesus was preaching and proclaiming. He probably stated the same truth innumerable times that are not recorded, along with those that are. He may have changed the structure of His words, chosen different words, and spoken these things in a multitude of contexts. If the narratives were identical, those who want to tear apart the Bible would (and do!) say that the accounts were simply copies and the events belong to one source. Thus, there are not three different testimonies to Jesus' work. If they have any differences, the accusation that there are contradictions immediately arises. Don't let such things bother you. Be prepared to show these people the folly of their thinking. From there, drop the argument. Some people wouldn't be content if God spoke the word of Scripture personally. Wait... He did! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 Lord God, we trust that You have given us a word that carries Your intent for us to know and understand what You desire for us. Help us to be diligent in reading it and contemplating it all the days of our lives. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.
In the West, birthdays are often a personal spotlight candles, gifts, and applause for one more lap around the sun. But here, in the land where the Scriptures were breathed, time feels different. In the Aramaic and Hebraic world, the day you were born is not just a date to repeat every year. it's the moment God appointed you to step into His unfolding story. I have spent much of my life leading others through the Holy Land land showing pilgrims the stones, the olive trees, the paths of Yeshua. But now, the Spirit is guiding me through the inner terrain of my own soul. There are fields inside me that need to rest, Old vineyards needing song again. I hear the shofar not with my ears, but in my chest. A blast of mercy. A call to begin again. For more video teachings check our Academy www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Send us a textThe profound difference between servants and heirs forms the foundation of this powerful exploration of spiritual inheritance. Through a careful examination of Galatians 4, we uncover the transformative truth that God's children are recipients of inheritance by promise rather than by works.What does it mean to be named in God's will? We dive deep into the reality that before we even knew God, He had established us as heirs of His inheritance. This inheritance isn't something we earn through law-keeping but something we receive simply because the Father has named us in His testament. The law, though good and perfect for its purpose, served as a schoolmaster to prepare us for receiving this inheritance—not as the means to obtain it.The moment that changed everything came when "the fullness of time" arrived and God sent His Son, born of a woman and under the law. Christ's mission? To redeem those under the law's condemnation so we might receive adoption as sons. This remarkable truth reveals how God adopts His own children back from the guardians and tutors who prepared them, bringing them fully into their rightful place in His family.Many believers struggle to grasp the fullness of what Christ accomplished. His perfect righteousness becomes ours—not just the removal of sin, but the positive imputation of His holiness to our account. When we cry "Abba Father" in both Aramaic and Greek, we declare that God's fatherhood extends to all believers worldwide, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile and establishing one family of faith.If you've wondered about the relationship between God's sovereignty and human choice in salvation, or struggled to understand your position as God's child, this message will bring clarity and comfort. Join us as we discover the freedom that comes from knowing we are no longer servants but sons and daughters—joint heirs with Christ of everything the Father has promised.Support the show
Many people consider Jesus to be a great teacher and preacher, but few actually realise just how incredible and multilayered His teachings actually were.In this episode of Expositors Collective, Mike speaks with Dr. Peter J. Williams, the principal of Tyndale House in Cambridge, and the chair of the International Greek New Testament Project. He is also a member of the ESV Translation Oversight Committee, and the author of several books, including: Can We Trust the Gospels?Dr. Williams' latest book is called The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher, in which he examines Jesus' teachings in the Gospels and shows how we know that these teachings truly do originate with Jesus, and that they show an incredible awareness of, and connection to the Old Testament in a way that would have triggered the memories of the first listeners, and which contains layers of meaning for us as readers today. Peter also gives insight into fruitful evangelism, unlocking of knowledge and some of the ways that Tyndale House can help ordinary preachers like us! Dr Peter J. Williams is the Principal and CEO of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he received his MA, MPhil, and PhD in the study of ancient languages related to the Bible. After his PhD, he was on staff in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge (1997–1998) and thereafter taught Hebrew and Old Testament as an Affiliated Lecturer in Hebrew and Aramaic at the University of Cambridge and Research Fellow in Old Testament at Tyndale House, Cambridge (1998–2003). From 2003 to 2007 he was on the faculty of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he became a Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Deputy Head of the School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy. Since 2007 he has been leading Tyndale House. Dr Williams is also an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Oversight Committee of the English Standard Version of the Bible. He assisted Dr Dirk Jongkind in Tyndale House's production of a major edition of the Greek New Testament and his book Can We Trust the Gospels? (Crossway, 2018) has been translated into 13 languages. His latest book, The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher (Crossway), was published in October 2023.Resources Mentioned:Tyndale House - Exceptional research by people serious about Scripture: https://tyndalehouse.com/ Peter J Williams speaks on the surprising genius of Jesus at the Southern Baptist Seminary Gheens' Lectures 2023 in Louisville, USA. https://tyndalehouse.com/explore/videos/the-surprising-genius-of-jesus/Recommended Episodes: Amy Orr-Ewing: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/apologetics-persuasion-and-evangelism-amy-orr-ewing Frederick Dale Bruner: https://expositorscollective.org/expositors-collective-podcast/pastoral-and-scholastic-earthiness-frederick-dale-bruner/Kieran Lenahan: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/scripture-memorization-and-spiritual-formation-with-kieran-lenahanAmy Orr-Ewing : Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the nextExpositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive eventdesigned to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of allexperience levels.
#42 The Allegory Story (Quickened Seeing Becomes Intimate Knowing Of Father—Aramaic Style)
Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָהhttps://www.lovegod-ministries.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.
Atonement! It's one of the central ideas of Christianity, and is absolutely essential to Christian theology... so what is it? You might be surprised to know that throughout Christian history, atonement has meant many very different things. On this week's show, we'll discuss the twists and turns this idea has taken, as influential thinkers have grappled with the idea of the atonement of Jesus. Then, it's time to get lost in translation! Very few of us have put in the effort to actually learn to read ancient Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic, and the ones who have are just a bunch of show-offs (lookin' at you, McClellan!). So if we want to read the Bible, most of us are stuck with translations. But here's the thing: a Bible translation is WAY more complicated than people might think! It's a shockingly in-depth process, where thousands of decisions have to be made, and those decisions can deeply impact the meaning that gets transmitted. Yes, we're talking about choosing how to render a certain phrase or ancient idiom, but it's more than that. They have to choose which source text to use! There are competing source texts! It's a mess. ---- For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Have you ordered Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book The Bible Says So yet??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#41 The Allegory Story (John 14–Aramaic Style—No Man Comes Unto The Father But By Me)
Pastor Cana's summer sermon series continues with Acts 6:1-7, which sees the early church prioritize care for Aramaic-speaking widows over Greek-speaking widows. The disciples call this injustice out and select leaders to oversee the task. Loving our neighbors can mean caring for those most in need while trusting God's abundance.
Ana Otero “Magdalene Tree of Life” Aramaic–Hebrew Mystical Teachings of Mary Magdalene Join us for a profound exploration of the Tree of Life as revealed through the sacred consciousness of Mary Magdalene. Rooted in the mystical traditions of Aramaic and Hebrew wisdom, this talk unveils a feminine, embodied pathway through the Sefirot—illuminated by Magdalene's role as a transmitter of hidden gnosis, a vessel of Shekhinah, and a living Temple of the Divine.
In this episode of The FLOT Line, host Rick Hughes explores why accurate Bible teaching depends on understanding the original languages of Scripture—Hebrew, Aramaic, and koine Greek. He stresses the importance of a well-qualified pastor who can rightly divide the Word of God and warns against false teaching driven by emotion, tradition, or personal agenda. Rick explains how the Christian life must be grounded in doctrinal truth, spiritual growth, and a divine viewpoint—free from manipulation or distortion.Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/words-matter-6ce6e9
What is the original Gospel? Dale Allen Hoffman, is an author, teacher, mystic, and a preminent scholar of ancient Aramaic (the original language spoken by Jesus) for over 30 years. In this episode of The Circle Dale joins us to provide insight into the original Aramaic of the following passage: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 Join us! ------------------------- For more information on setting up a life coaching sessions, breathwork sessions, the men's mastermind group, or upcoming retreats, for or a loved one, email: thebigglow@gmail.com —————------------------------------ Sept. 5-7th The Big Glow Digital Detox & Breathwork Retreat with Brian & Annie Piergrossi (With Jacob Denson, Jeff Thogmartin, Will Franchot & Giovanni Piergrossi) http://bigglowdigitaldetox.eventbrite.com ————- These episodes are ad free. Support the Circle by Becoming a Member Here: http://patreon.thebigglow Or donate here to support: Venmo @thebigglow Cashapp: @brianpiergrossi Zelle: @thebigglow PayPal: @thebigglow ----------------------------------- Link to join us live Thursdays @ 7pm est & participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86072259630 More info on me: https://brianpiergrossi.com/ All previous episodes available on YouTube: http://youtube.com/thebigglow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cfcpsY6holfobAo0dWiSx ---------------------------- #daleallenhoffman #brianpiergrossi #christianmysticism #gnosticism #newage #quantumphysics #ecumenism #ecumenicalorderofchrist #mysticism #contemplativechristianity #nondualchristianity #contemplation #thomasmerton #stfrancisofassisi #stfrancisassisi #christiandeconstuction #thewaythetruththelife #fundamentalistchristianlty #thecircle
Linguistic Threads Across Sacred Scrolls When we speak of the Hebrew Bible, many assume it was written exclusively in Hebrew. But the truth is far more textured—woven with threads of Aramaic that reflect not only linguistic evolution, but also the historical upheaval and cultural interaction that shaped the Jewish people. Aramaic was not merely a language of exile; it became a vessel through which Scripture was preserved, interpreted, and proclaimed.
Send us a texta link to my web page https://www.bookclues.comA link to 4PM Media https://4pmmedia.com/What happens when God breaks out of the church walls we've confined Him to? Author Philip Martin invites us into this provocative question through his collection of Catholic short stories titled "Ephaphatha" – an Aramaic word meaning "be opened."Martin weaves together elements of Southern Gothic and magical realism to create stories where divine mercy and justice intersect with everyday life. Drawing from his experience as a Catholic theology teacher, he understands that while truth may be black and white, people are wonderfully complex. This complexity demands more than simple doctrinal statements – it requires stories that speak to the heart."Falsehood is not attractive," Martin observes during our conversation. "It might be comfortable, but it's not attractive." This insight drives his storytelling approach, one that recognizes today's young people as "fertile soil" thirsting for authentic truth rather than comfortable lies. Through tales of hands breaking through church walls, mysterious healings, and unexpected divine encounters, Martin creates narrative spaces where readers can experience what happens when God refuses to stay confined to Sunday mornings.The discussion extends beyond literature to explore the interconnection between truth, beauty, and goodness – transcendental qualities that have traditionally guided Christian understanding of reality. When truth is abandoned, beauty inevitably suffers as well. Conversely, beauty can serve as a powerful pathway back to truth, making aesthetically rich storytelling a particularly effective evangelistic tool in our visually-oriented culture.Listen now to discover how Catholic fiction speaks to modern hearts and minds through the timeless power of story. Whether you're interested in faith, literature, or simply compelling narratives, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on how stories can transform lives in ways straightforward facts never could.
Watch the Sneak Peek of this Support Team Study - The Aramaic Dialect of Jesus: Part 2, Nehemia and Dr. Kim Phillips continue their conversation, showing us the power of multispectral imaging in recovering ancient texts, the names Jesus and … Continue reading → The post SNEAK PEEK! Support Team Study – The Aramaic Dialect of Jesus: Part 2 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.
Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָהhttps://www.lovegod-ministries.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.
Join our engaging BraveMaker Podcast conversation -- Making Short Films: VIRGIN and STEADY.Welcome our guests:Ramone Menon, a filmmaker from Bangalore, India, currently based in Los Angeles, California. Ramone has crafted a niche in genre cinema, particularly horror intertwined with social commentary. His film "Virgin" adds to his portfolio of thought-provoking films that challenge traditional narratives. His works have been showcased at major film festivals worldwide, including the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival and others such as LA Shorts and Brooklyn Horror.Joey Rogoff, Founder and Executive Producer at JoRo Productions. Starting with a strong foundation in social media content that captivated millions, Joey has pivoted to producing narrative films that aim to leave a mark on its viewers. His inaugural narrative project, 'Guardian Angel,' set the stage for his production house and was followed by the critically acknowledged 'Steady.'Brian Yuran, Partner at JoRo Productions and a recognized writer-director. Brian has a history of creating films that resonate deeply with audiences. An alumnus of the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University, he has consistently brought to life stories that explore the human condition through unique lenses. His latest project, 'Steady,' featuring Tate Donovan, explores the redemptive power of new relationships formed under unusual circumstances.In-Depth Look at the Films:VIRGIN directed by Ramone Menon, brings a daring reimagining of the nativity story set against a backdrop of horror. The film, which premiered at FilmQuest, delves into the psychological and supernatural elements that might have surrounded the historical event, using a blend of Aramaic dialogue to enhance authenticity.STEADY, co-directed by Brian Yuran and Joey Rogoff, portrays the life of Cody, a teen struggling with personal demons, who finds guidance and friendship in Kasey, a former boxer facing his own battles with Parkinson's disease. This film not only navigates the challenges they face but also highlights their journey towards mutual healing and empowerment.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTokFacebook#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #PatrickCaligiuri #TVProduction #BehindTheScenes #ContentCreator #Filmmaking
Image via Joan Sutter / Shutterstock. Here’s the rundown from this great moment on The Patrick Madrid Show. So, a young caller named Ezra from Naperville, Illinois, jumps on the line and asks: “Um, hi, Mr. Madrid… Did Jesus ever have a last name?” Great question, Ezra! Patrick jumps in with his usual mix of smarts and warmth. Short answer: No, Jesus didn’t have a last name like we do today. Longer answer: Back in Jesus’ time, people were identified by who their dad was or where they were from. So instead of “Jesus Christ” like it’s a last name, He might’ve been called “Jesus bar Joseph” — which literally means “Jesus, son of Joseph.”(Bar means “son of” in Aramaic.)
Next Level Soul with Alex Ferrari: A Spirituality & Personal Growth Podcast
There's something profoundly liberating about peeling back the layers of history and finding the raw, untamed wisdom beneath. On today's episode, we welcome Neil Douglas Klotz, a scholar and mystic whose journey into the Aramaic roots of Jesus's teachings unveils a radically different understanding of the man, his message, and the world he lived in.The Jesus many of us have encountered is a product of centuries of translation, political maneuvering, and cultural adaptation. The blue-eyed, English-speaking figure who stands at the center of Western Christianity is a far cry from the Aramaic-speaking mystic who roamed the hills of ancient Palestine. Neil Douglas Klotz takes us back to the beginning, to the words that Jesus actually spoke, words that vibrate with an entirely different rhythm than those found in the King James Bible. “If you read ‘spirit' in the New Testament,” he says, “just put ‘breath' over that word, because that's what the Aramaic also means.”It is in this forgotten wisdom that we find a Jesus who wasn't simply demanding belief but rather inviting participation.One of the most profound mistranslations, according to Klotz, is the oft-quoted phrase “believe in me.” In Aramaic, the more accurate translation is “believe like me.” This shifts the message entirely—Jesus wasn't asking for blind devotion but instead urging people to embody faith in the way he did, to step into the divine flow as he had.The Aramaic worldview, Klotz explains, did not divide existence into rigid dualities. There was no separation between body and soul, breath and spirit, heaven and earth. The kingdom of heaven, Jesus said, is not some far-off celestial domain but something “within and among” us. The words for “within” and “among” are the same in Aramaic—suggesting that the divine is not a place to go but a way to be, something alive in the interconnected web of existence.And what of hell? Another grand misunderstanding, says Klotz. Jesus never spoke of a fiery pit of eternal torment but rather referred to Gehenna, a literal burning trash heap outside of Jerusalem. The idea of an eternal damnation was a much later addition, a political tool used to control through fear. The Jesus of Aramaic tradition wasn't threatening souls with punishment—he was urging people to purify their burdens, to release what weighs them down, to transform their suffering rather than be consumed by it.Even the crucifixion, Klotz suggests, is layered in mystery and translation errors. The idea of Jesus returning, he argues, is not about a second coming in the clouds but rather about a recognition of Christ's presence in one another. “We will see Jesus in each other and in nature,” he says. “That's the Second Coming.” Perhaps the greatest tragedy of organized religion has been its insistence on externalizing the divine, when all along Jesus was saying: It's here, now, inside you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.
Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָהhttps://www.lovegod-ministries.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #220 - The Aramaic Dialect of Jesus: Part 1, Nehemia brings back Dr. Kim Phillips to discuss Gospel texts written in a form of Aramaic very close to what Jesus would have spoken, the … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #220 – The Aramaic Dialect of Jesus: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.
Send us a textThe last half of Hebrews 10 contains a bold and timely message: because of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, believers now have full, confident access to God!This is a major turning point in the letter. After 9.5 chapters of deep theological teaching, the author of Hebrews pivots from doctrine to application. The message is bold and timely: because of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, believers now have full, confident access to God. No longer restricted by an earthly temple or mediated by a human priest, we can draw near to God directly—boldly, sincerely, and with full assurance of faith. The author lays out a threefold exhortation: draw near to God, hold fast to our hope, and stir up one another to love and good works.AFFILIATE NOTE: I first studied biblical Hebrew remotely through the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew (or even Aramaic or Greek), check out their courses using the affiliate link below. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of God's Word!
Todaywe're continuing in Luke 23:32-34. These three verses introduce us to Jesusbeing on the cross at Golgotha. This is one of the most special passages ofScripture in the Bible. All the Bible in the Old Testament points to this time,and all the time after this, points back to this time. This is the center andfocal point of eternity. This is where God Himself, who has taken on humanflesh, dies on a cross for all humanity. Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, camefor this very purpose and hour. Even while Jesus is suffering one of the mostcruel and painful deaths a human can experience, He is expressing compassionfor other Ithad been prophesied in Isaiah 53:12 that the Suffering Servant would be "numberedwith the transgressors". Jesus Himself mentioned this passage on Hisway to the cross in Luke 22:37. This is fulfilled by the fact that twocriminals were crucified with Jesus, men who were robbers according to Matthew27:38. The Greek word means "one who uses violence to rob openly," incontrast to the thief who secretly enters a house and steals. These two men mayhave been guilty of armed robbery involving murder. Lukepoints out in verse 33 that Jesus “was crucified in a place called Calvary”.The name Calvary comes from the Latin calvaria which means "askull." (The Greek is kranion, which gives us the English word cranium,and the Aramaic word is Golgotha.) The name is not explained in the NewTestament. The site may have resembled a skull, as does "Gordon'sCalvary" near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. Or perhaps the namesimply grew out of the ugly facts of execution. There are many who believe thatJesus was crucified and buried in a place in Old City Jerusalem that today is knownas the “Church of the Holy Sepulchre”, which is one of the most visited touristsites in all the world. At Gordon's Tomb, the guides always remind us that thewhether the place is there or at the church site, the main thing is that Jesuswas crucified. OurLord was crucified about 9 a.m. and remained on the cross until 3 p.m.; andfrom noon to 3 p.m., there was darkness over all the land (Mark 15:25, 33).Jesus spoke seven times during those six terrible hours: "Father,forgive them" (Luke 23:34). "Todayyou will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). "Woman,behold your son" (John 19:25-27).(Thenthe three hours of darkness when Jesus is silent) "MyGod, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46) "Ithirst" (John 19:28). "Itis finished!" (John 19:30) "Father,into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). Lukerecorded only three of these seven statements, the first, the second, and thelast. Our Lord's prayer for His enemies, and His ministry to a repentant thief,fit in well with Luke's purpose to show Jesus Christ as the sympathetic,compassionate Son of man who cared for the needy. Whilethey were nailing Him to the cross, He repeatedly prayed, "Father, forgivethem; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Not only was Hepracticing what He taught (Luke 6:27-28), but He was fulfilling prophecy andmaking "intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). Wemust not infer from His prayer that ignorance is a basis for forgiveness, orthat those who sinned against Jesus were automatically forgiven because Heprayed. Certainly, both the Jews and the Romans were ignorant of the enormityof their sin, but that could not absolve them. The Law provided a sacrifice forsins committed ignorantly, but there was no sacrifice for deliberatepresumptuous sin (Ex. 21:14; Num. 15:27-31; Ps. 51:16-17). It is possible thatit was our Lord's intercession that postponed God's judgment on the nation foralmost forty years, giving them additional opportunities to be saved (Acts3:17-19). Christ'slove and compassion is still being expressed today giving us ample time torepent and be saved. Godbless!
Dave Brisbin 7.13.25 How many times have you asked God for a sign? Desperately cried out for any toehold you could get on some certainty…imploring, making bargains. Great scene in the movie Bruce Almighty, begging for a sign but too focused on his pain to see all the signs along the road until he's finally stopped in his tracks, forced to admit his loss of control. Art imitating life. When religious authorities ask Jesus for a sign, he refuses, calling them an evil generation—bisha in Aramaic—literally unripe, unready, unprepared. He knows as with almighty Bruce, no sign will be enough to convince them of anything until they are prepared to see. Except for the sign of Jonah. We all know Jonah: God asks him to preach to the people of Nineveh but he hates them so much, wants to see them burn, that he runs away aboard a ship only to be swallowed by a great fish. He camps in the fish for three days, until he can finally admit his loss of control. Ironically, Jonah is the only Old Testament prophet who successfully preaches a people to repentance, but when God spares the city, Jonah is not happy. This is why he ran away. He knew his God, the extent of God's love and compassion. But his own love was still tribal. His God should not be their God. God's love should not extend to those he hated. The descent of his three days in the belly of the beast brought him to the gates of Nineveh, but he'd need another descent before he could extend his love all the way to the enemy. This is the way of it. No sign will ever be enough to overcome our human fears and need for tribal certainty. But the sign of Jonah, descending deep enough, long enough to implode our narrow view of life and love, is the only way to become free enough to see a greater expanse. Whether through external trauma and loss, or internally through intentional spiritual formation, if we're willing to surrender to the beast, we still won't find certainty—that's impossible. But in stripping off illusion, the reality of love extending everywhere, filling every crack, can convince us our borders are artificial, our tribes too small, and our identity defined only in each other.
Welcome back to season eleven with Aramaic Word of the day: "Laahana" which means My Vacation or my Rest i pray you are enjoying these short in depth aramaic words that shaped first century mindset of the early followers of Yeshua and deepen our understanding for Today by learning the aramaic language The Western word “vacation” comes from Latin vacare “to be empty, free.” In the Western world, vacation often means:"Stopping work so I can rest, escape, or entertain myself." In Aramaic, we don't say “vacation.” That's a modern word, born from the idea of escaping work, escaping responsibility, escaping noise. But in our tongue, the word is (Laahna). It means rest, yes but not the way the West imagines it. Laahna is soul-rest. It's not absence of work. It's the presence of stillness. Not a schedule-free week, but a heart returned to rhythm. You see, Westerners plan their “vacations” like military operations: flights, hotels, bucket lists. They miss what our ancestors knew: real rest begins inside. Laahna is what Yeshua did on the seventh day not because He was tired, but because He was satisfied. But in the Eastern (Semitic) mindset, the concept of “vacation” is not absence of duty, but presence of restoration, purpose, and inner stillness. As a guide from the Judean hills and the alleyways of Jerusalem, I've walked with many pilgrims well, they call themselves “tourists.” They come with cameras and checklists, ready to “see the Holy Land,” but often miss something far holier: rest. I've watched travelers rush through the Garden of Gethsemane, take a photo, and say, “Done!” But did they ever sit under the olive trees and breathe? Did they let the silence speak? That silence is Lahna. It's what Elijah found on Mount Horeb not in the wind or the earthquake, but in the still, small voice. Laahna is restoration, not recreation. It's when your insides are aligned again. That's why Yeshua said, “Come to me, all who are weary and I will give you rest. Not a sabbatical from your job. A homecoming to your purpose. This is not simply about physical exhaustion it's about being weary in your being, tired from the weight of life, expectations, and performance. Yeshua wasn't offering a Mediterranean cruise. Yeshua was offering Laahna a rest that reorders the soul and returns you to the rhythm of Eden. I live in Texas now, in a small space with no office but back home in Jerusalem, even our stones breathe history. Even our desert has rhythm. I take the train sometimes just to write, to slow my soul down, to remember that Laahna is not about location. It's about intention. So next time you think of coming to Israel not for a vacation, but for something deeper remember Laahna. Come not just to see the land, but to let the land see you. Come not just to hear the stories, but to let your story be rewritten by sacred stillness. Because the Holy Land doesn't just want your footsteps. It wants your quiet. It wants your confession. It wants your transformation. Think of it as a Laahna moment. A pause not of emptiness, but of presence where the land doesn't just receive you, but recognizes you. You don't come here merely to see ruins or landscapes. You come to be seen by olive trees that have outlived empires, by waters that have heard the whispers of prophets, by hills that still hold the echo of Yeshua's footsteps. In the West, we “go on vacation” to escape. But in the East, we withdraw to return. To withdraw, like Elijah to the cave. Like Yeshua to the wilderness. Like monks to the Judean cliffs where the silence isn't empty, it's full of God. So come not to walk where Jesus walked but to walk with Him again, in your own inner desert. Let the stories of Scripture stop being museum pieces and start becoming mirrors where your soul sees what it forgot. Finally my prayers to you let Laahna not vacation be your guide. Not rest from work, but return and rest Laahna to what you were made. The Land is waiting for you in 2026, and i pray i will be your guide. you can check my Signature tour by going to my website twinsbiblicalacademy.com see you soon!
Pastor Vera McEwen is incredibly excited to give an open welcome to all at Love God Ministries! An online community where all truly are welcome, Pastor Vera embodies the Love of Christ through witness and discipleship. She founded Love God Ministries because conversations with people revealed a need for a community of believers where it does not matter how you look but recognize that you are a child of God.Pastor Vera has been teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Word of God for over 30 years. Her primary emphasis is spreading God's Love by providing pastoral care, preaching God's Loving Word, teaching God's Light-Filled Word, and implementing God's Living relational group architecture via in home communities.She is currently reviewing the prospects of a doctorate in religious studies with an emphasis on Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic as encouraged by her professors at seminary. In addition to her vocation as Pastor she ministers as a certified professional and personal coach.With God's help, she implements 1 Thessalonians 5.11, motivating people to be and do their very best by building one another up. Pastor Vera is a joyous, ever singing sister in Christ who after years of being pursued by God, stopped running and answered the call, halleluiah, הַלְלוּיָהhttps://www.lovegod-ministries.org/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.
In the Middle Eastern mindset, to follow a master is to imitate his very essence. But in the Western world, you often separate knowledge from life. A teacher gives you information. A student takes notes. But in the world of Jesus, a Rabboni gives you himself. That's why Mary didn't cry out “Rabbi!” or “Jesus!”She said: With the tears of recognition. With the intimacy of a disciple who had once been lost—and now was found in His voice. This one word captures a universe of longing, grief, hope, and reunion. When was the last time you didn't just study Jesus, but called out to Him as your Rabboni? When was the last time you let His presence find you, like He found Mary by the empty tomb? Let today be that day. Call Him Rabboni not with your head, but with your heart. Mary's cry in the garden still echoes today. She didn't just see Him. She knew Him. Learn more at
Welcome to season eleven Aramaic Word of the day: "Enasha" (Human, Man) I remember standing on the Southern Steps of the Temple, where the original stones still hold the dust of generations. The sun was dipping low over the Mount of Olives, and the group grew quiet. A young man in my tour asked me, "Do you really believe Jesus walked here?" I turned and placed my hand on the warm limestone.“He didn't just walk here,” I said. “He waited here. He breathed here. He was a man—like you and me.” Then I told him to say this word in Aramaic to repeat after me: (Enasha) This, I told him, “is what He became.” In Aramaic, enasha doesn't just mean "man" or "person." It speaks of mortal humanity not the noble, dignified crown of creation, but the vulnerable, dependent, relationally exposed creature. In Psalm 8:4 – “What is man that You are mindful of him?” The Hebrew and Aramaic (Enosh) both imply fragility, even woundability. Daniel 7:13 – “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man; "bar enosh” (Son of Man) and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.” This is not merely a title of authority, but a profound paradox a human figure exalted to the clouds of heaven. It's as if Yeshua is saying: “To be truly human is the path to divine nearness.” When I look into that young man standing at the southern steps, I told him of how easily life can be lost, we are weak human beings. We are not machines. We are not ideas. We are not gods. We are enasha—we bleed, we laugh, we forget, we need one another. And in that frailty, we reflect the image of the One who made us. The Western mind says: “Stand tall.”The Aramaic heart whispers: “Fall on your knees, and you will stand higher than ever before.” In the Western mindset, being human often means being autonomous, rational, and self-made. Identity is rooted in individualism "I think, therefore I am." Manhood is tied to strength, agency, and control, and success is measured by how much one can achieve or conquer. The ideal human is one who stands tall, independent, and unshaken. Weakness is something to overcome, and vulnerability is often hidden. In this view, to be human is to rise above fragility, to master oneself and the world. But in the Middle Eastern, Aramaic way of seeing, to be human (Enasha) is to be dependent, relational, and grounded in community. You are not a soul in isolation but a soul in covenant. Manhood is not about dominance, but about humility, responsibility, and the ability to carry others. Identity is not discovered alone, but received through belonging: "I am known, therefore I am." Weakness is not shameful it is the sacred space where Yeshua meets you. In this view, to be human is not to rise above the dust but to remember that you are dust, and still deeply loved. We westernize Yeshua so quickly make Him untouchable, distant, doctrinal. But if you stand here long enough, on these Southern Steps, and let the silence speak… you'll remember: He was Human enasha. Not in disguise. Not pretending. Not Superman with a robe.He was tired. Hungry. Misunderstood. Tempted.And still, He trusted the Father. That's what true humanity is. The same elohim who formed Adam from dust chose to become dust to walk these steps so we would never again walk alone. welcome to the southern steps were jesus walked and taught scripture, then i thanked the young man in my group for his question, and then we continued our day back to the hotel. For more in depth teachings this is the link below: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com/academy
Midrash (מִדְרָשׁ)—from the Hebrew root ד־ר־שׁ (darash), “to seek, inquire, interpret”—is not merely commentary. It is a living dialogue with the sacred text, seeking not only what it says, but what it does, and how it continues to speak. In the Aramaic mindset, where language reveals reality through action rather than abstraction, Midrash becomes a performance of the Word, an interpretive drama within the covenant community. In this way, Midrash is both interpretive theology and spiritual excavation, where each layer of the scroll reveals another layer of the soul. Two Levels: Covert and Overt Midrash We can divide the midrashic interpretive strategies in Qumran into two functional categories—overt and covert—based on their level of disclosure and hermeneutical transparency. For More Teachings check our online Video Academy: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Welcome to season eleven Aramaic Word of the day: Noura — Fire. As a Middle Eastern guide shaped by the ancient stones of Jerusalem, I often stand by a campfire in the Judean hills and watch the flames dance alive, unpredictable, and warm. That fire, in Aramaic, is Noura. But it is not just physical heat or chemical reaction. No In our world the Semitic world Noura is presence. It is life, purification, judgment, revelation, and divine encounter. Noura as Manifestation In the Bible, Noura is how God appears not in abstraction, but in relational intensity. Think of Exodus 3: “The bush was burning with fire but it was not consumed.” Noura is theophany - God made visible. But Western thinking? It reduces fire to a thing. An element. A force to be studied, measured, and controlled. Fire in science labs. Heat on thermostats. A survival tool. In our world, fire is not tamed it is encountered. Noura as Purification In Semitic thought, Noura purifies. Daniel's friends in the furnace (Daniel 3) weren't burned they were cleansed. Fire revealed their faith and the presence of the divine Fourth Man walking with them. Fire is not punishment; it is refinement. Western theology often frames fire as hellfire, destruction, and fear. “You will burn if you fail.” But the Aramaic heart sees Noura as the flame that refines gold, not the one that destroys straw. Fire tests. It does not torment. It reveals. Noura and Light The root of Noura is also tied to light. The fire of God gives vision. In Psalm 119, the word is a lamp to my feet that's Noura guiding the soul through darkness. In Western thought, light is often symbolic of knowledge illumination of the mind. Think Enlightenment, progress, reason. But in our Semitic walk, light is relational clarity, not just cognitive. It's how you see God, not just how you learn facts. In Aramaic, to have Noura is not to know more it's to walk closely. Noura in the Heart When the disciples walked with Yeshua on the road to Emmaus, they said: “Did not our hearts burn within us?” (Luke 24:32). That is Noura not intellectual persuasion but heart ignition. A Middle Eastern man does not say, “I agree with your argument.” He says, “My heart burns.” That's how we know truth—by inner fire. In contrast, Western thought often seeks truth through cold logic and philosophical systems. But our ancestors knew: if the truth does not burn, it is not yet alive. My brother, my sister have you experienced Noura? Not just the warmth of emotion, but the fire that reveals, refines, and invites you closer? Ask yourself: Is the Word just ink on a page, or is it fire in your bones? Is your theology cold, or does it set hearts ablaze? My hope is this:That you no longer fear fire, but welcome it.That the presence of Noura in your life would not consume you,but illuminate the face of the One who walks beside you in the furnace. Please always remember that the fire of God is not against you. It is for you. Come closer to the fire in your heart. For more in depth studies check our website: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Welcome to season eleven Aramaic Word of the day: Malkutha — Kingdom As your guide through the streets of Jerusalem, I don't just point out ruins. Show only churches and archeological sites. I help people to remember the world Yeshua walked, the language He spoke, and the Kingdom He proclaimed. And today, I want to walk you into one of His most powerful words: Malkutha — Kingdom. In Aramaic, Malkutha doesn't just mean a realm or a place. It's the reign of Goaad made visible not in walls or palaces, but in the way we live, love, and listen. When Yeshua stood on the Mount of Olives, just behind me, looking toward the Temple, He wasn't dreaming of taking back political control. He wasn't interested in a crown of gold.He was revealing a different kind of kingdom one that starts within you, not on top of the mountain. Again when I guide pilgrims from the West specially on the mount of olives and when i speak about the kingdom of God and the temple mount and his reign, I often see this difference unfold before my eyes. The Western mind wants structure. It wants to define the Kingdom where is it? Who's in charge? What's the system? It thinks like Rome: build it, measure it, enforce it. But here in the East in the Semitic world of the Bible we don't define the Kingdom, we experience it. I have questions from the pilgrims from the West: “Where is the Kingdom?”In Jerusalem: “Who is the King and is He welcome at your table?” They want answers Now they want to understand and have fact. Also in the West: “What are the boundaries?”In the East: “What is the relationship?” Then i answer them from scripture That's why in Luke 17:21, Yeshua says: "The Kingdom of God does not come with observation... behold, the Kingdom of God is within you." He was speaking like a Galilean rabbi, not a Greek philosopher.He was drawing from the well of intimacy, not institution. Then i give them this example As a guide, my life is not about showing people pretty views, it is about bearing witness to the Kingdom in action. When I walk the Via Dolorosa with guests. When I lead prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane. When I share bread with strangers at the Damascus Gate. That's Malkutha the Kingdom becoming flesh again in us. It's not something we wait for. It's something we live. And we either reveal it or resist it by how we treat the poor, the enemy, the orphan, and yes, the tourist too. So today, my friend, whisper the word: Malkutha. Let it roll gently from your tongue like olive oil from a press. And ask yourself: “Is the King just a belief in my head? Or is He reigning through my hospitality, my forgiveness, my courage, my joy?” Here in Jerusalem, we don't ask where is the Kingdom? We ask: Are you letting it break in, like light through an ancient window? from your home from your heart. Yeshua's kingdom is not far it is as close as your next act of love. it is inside you, you do not need to search for it outside or in Jerusalem or in the temple or in any place. It is you! i pray that you are encouraged today and the Aramaic word of the day touched your heart. For more in depth teaching www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion from Tractate Berachot 5B, building on the previous episode's exploration of the three divine gifts given to the Jewish people through suffering: the Torah, the Land of Israel, and the World to Come. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that these gifts require immense effort and perseverance, using the analogy of running a marathon to illustrate that acquiring Torah, for instance, demands complete immersion and overcoming challenges, not innate talent alone. He shares stories of great sages like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, who achieved greatness through persistent struggle, not effortless brilliance. Addressing the Land of Israel, Rabbi Wolbe firmly asserts its divine allocation to the Jewish people, as promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, citing Rashi's commentary on the Torah's opening to underscore its eternal significance despite historical disputes. The episode delves into the concept of "afflictions of love," exploring Talmudic stories of sages like Rabbi Chia bar Abba, Rabbi Yochanan, and Rabbi Elazar, who faced illness but were revived through mutual support, highlighting the necessity of external help to overcome personal afflictions. A key story involves Rav Huna, who lost 400 barrels of wine to vinegar due to withholding a sharecropper's due, illustrating the principle of midah k'neged midah (measure for measure). After accepting correction, Rav Huna's loss was miraculously reversed, showing divine communication through afflictions. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by stressing that afflictions are purposeful messages from God to redirect and refine us, urging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for growth and connection to Hashem. The episode ends with a Q&A, affirming that God communicates clearly through tailored actions, encouraging introspection to understand and act on these divine messages.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on June 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 4, 2025_____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Torah, #Resilience, #Israel, #Struggle, #DivineGifts, #Suffering, #Support_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the discussion from Tractate Berachot 5B, building on the previous episode's exploration of the three divine gifts given to the Jewish people through suffering: the Torah, the Land of Israel, and the World to Come. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that these gifts require immense effort and perseverance, using the analogy of running a marathon to illustrate that acquiring Torah, for instance, demands complete immersion and overcoming challenges, not innate talent alone. He shares stories of great sages like Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, who achieved greatness through persistent struggle, not effortless brilliance. Addressing the Land of Israel, Rabbi Wolbe firmly asserts its divine allocation to the Jewish people, as promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, citing Rashi's commentary on the Torah's opening to underscore its eternal significance despite historical disputes. The episode delves into the concept of "afflictions of love," exploring Talmudic stories of sages like Rabbi Chia bar Abba, Rabbi Yochanan, and Rabbi Elazar, who faced illness but were revived through mutual support, highlighting the necessity of external help to overcome personal afflictions. A key story involves Rav Huna, who lost 400 barrels of wine to vinegar due to withholding a sharecropper's due, illustrating the principle of midah k'neged midah (measure for measure). After accepting correction, Rav Huna's loss was miraculously reversed, showing divine communication through afflictions. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by stressing that afflictions are purposeful messages from God to redirect and refine us, urging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for growth and connection to Hashem. The episode ends with a Q&A, affirming that God communicates clearly through tailored actions, encouraging introspection to understand and act on these divine messages.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on June 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 4, 2025_____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #Torah, #Resilience, #Israel, #Struggle, #DivineGifts, #Suffering, #Support_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org ★ Support this podcast ★
Welcome to season eleven Aramaic Word of the day As an Israeli guide who's spent years walking the dusty roads of ancient Galilee and praying beneath the arches of many monasteries, I often pause when I hear Western believers speak of the "Holy Spirit." They say Spirit, and I nod but my heart whispers: Ruḥa You see, in the Aramaic world of Jesus, Ruḥa isn't just “spirit” the way the Western, Indo-European mind understands it as something abstract, immaterial, or metaphorical. In the West, shaped by Greek dualism and Enlightenment rationalism, “spirit” is often divorced from breath, body, and movement. It becomes a concept something to analyze, categorize, and sometimes, to doubt. But in the Semitic world — in Aramaic — Ruḥa is breath. It is wind. It is life itself. Ruḥa comes from the verb (raḥ) to blow, to exhale, to cause movement. Every time someone in ancient Israel said Ruḥa, they were speaking of something felt the stirring of a breeze across your skin, the warm exhale of a mother over her newborn child, the final sigh of a man at death, and the first gasp of a baby at birth in the Aramaic mindset, Ruḥa is never separated from action. It's not a distant, ethereal presence it is the invisible that moves the visible. Like the wind over the Sea of Galilee, it cannot be seen, but its power is always known by what it stirs. Now compare this with the Western idea. In Indo-European thought take Latin spiritus, or Greek pneuma we begin to move toward abstraction. Spiritus is elevated, intellectual, something more philosophical than personal. The body is often seen as separate or even lesser. But in Semitic thinking, and especially in Aramaic, there is no separation between the breath of God and the life of a human. The two are intertwined. God's Ruḥa animates us moment by moment. That's why when Yeshua breathed on His disciples in John 20:22 — “And he breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit” the Aramaic understanding is not metaphorical. It is literal. The breath of the risen one is the Spirit. He didn't give them a “doctrine of pneumatology.” He gave them His Ruḥa His presence, power, and nearness in breath. Let me tell you something I've learned from standing in the prayer caves of the Judean desert in Qumran. If you quiet your soul enough, you can feel the Ruḥa there not because it's emotional, but because it's reeal. The Aramaic word doesn't ask, “What is the Spirit?” It asks, “Where is the Spirit blowing?” And that question implies a sacred responsibility: to move with it. Reflect and Breathe My question for you, my friend:Are you walking with the Spirit like an idea, or like a breath? Are you analyzing God or inhaling Him? My hope is that as you learn the language of Jesus, you learn to breathe again with Him. Slowly. Deeply. Without rush. Because Ruha is already within you. All you have to do is listen for the wind. That was the Aramaic word of the Day, for more in depth Aramaic words check our website www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
Send us a textAre Christians still under the Law of Moses? Should followers of Jesus today keep Torah commandments like the Sabbath, dietary restrictions, or temple sacrifices? In this episode, we take a clear and careful look at what the Bible teaches about the Mosaic Law, its purpose, and its fulfillment in Christ. We'll explore how the Old Covenant law reveals God's character, why it was given to Israel, and how the New Covenant changes everything for believers today.Whether you've wrestled with Torah-observant teachings or are simply curious about how law and grace fit together, this study in biblical theology will give you a solid foundation grounded in Scripture.We'll answer:What does “the law” mean in the Bible?Was the law meant for everyone?Do Christians need to obey Old Testament commands?How does Jesus fulfill the Law?What role does grace play in the life of a Christian?Affiliate Note: I first studied biblical Hebrew remotely through the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew (or even Aramaic or Greek), check out their courses using the affiliate link below. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of God's Word!