Podcasts about levitical

What does Scripture really say about tithing—and does it still apply to Christians today?For some, the tithe feels like a doorway to trusting God's provision. For others, it's a source of guilt, confusion, or even division in the church. John Cortines joins us today to help us take a fresh, biblical look at this ancient practice.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.When Giving Becomes a Math ProblemWhat starts as a simple question—“How much should I give?”—can easily become a spiritual trap. When our focus shifts to calculating the exact percentage, we risk turning generosity into a math problem instead of an act of worship. The joy of giving fades when we treat it like a transaction rather than a response of gratitude.For some believers, tithing has been a beautiful first step toward trusting God with their finances. But for others, it's become a burden—tied to fear, guilt, or even manipulative teaching. Some have been told that unless they give precisely ten percent, they'll miss out on God's blessing or fall under His curse. That kind of legalism replaces grace with anxiety.True biblical giving isn't about hitting the right number—it's about having the right heart. When we give freely and joyfully, we reflect the generosity of the God who first gave everything to us.Tithing in the Old TestamentEven before the law, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek as an act of honor to God's priesthood. Jacob vowed to give a tenth as well, though his promise was conditional—“If You do this, God, then I'll do that.”Under the Mosaic law, the tithe became more formalized. In fact, there were three tithes in ancient Israel:The Levitical Tithe – to support priests and temple service.The Festival Tithe – to fund feasts and communal worship.The Charity Tithe – to support the poor and vulnerable.When combined, these amounted to roughly 23% annually, far more than the simple 10% most people imagine. A clear-cut 10% tithe wasn't exactly what it looked like in Scripture.What About the New Testament?Here's where things get interesting. The tithe is central in modern Christian stewardship, but in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles never use it as a framework for giving.The word tithe does appear four times—but only incidentally. Jesus even rebukes those who tithe meticulously while neglecting “justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).Instead, the New Testament presents a new model: gospel generosity. Giving becomes voluntary, sacrificial, joyful, and regularly practiced—not a legalistic percentage, but a reflection of the heart transformed by grace.Five Timeless Principles From the TitheAlthough Old Testament tithing laws don't bind Christians today, there are five beautiful principles we can carry forward:Give to Christ as Priest and King. Just as Abraham honored Melchizedek, we honor Christ by offering our first and best to Him.Give faithfully to the local church. Supporting the ministry and those who shepherd us reflects the heart behind the Levitical tithe.Celebrate God's goodness. The festival tithe reminds us to set aside resources for joyful remembrance—not funded by debt, but by gratitude.Care for the poor. The charity tithe points us toward compassion and generosity for those in need.Use 10% as an ancient benchmark—not a rigid rule. Ten percent may not be a legal requirement, but it remains a helpful starting point for generosity. It's simple math, and maybe that's why God made it easy to remember.The Heart of True GenerosityHere is a striking contrast between two real-life givers.Jack tithes confidently, convinced that God guarantees material blessing in return. “My income will never go down,” he insists.Cindy, meanwhile, gives 9% and feels guilty for “falling short.” Yet her home is open to foster children, and she serves faithfully at church.If Jesus were in the conversation, it's clear who He'd affirm. The heart of giving isn't about a perfectly calculated percentage—it's about love, humility, and faithfulness.Ultimately, tithing isn't about meeting a quota but recognizing that everything belongs to God. The Old Testament giving system was complex, and if anyone claims you'll be ‘blessed or cursed' based on a fixed percentage, be cautious—that leans toward prosperity teaching.Instead, New Testament passages such as 2 Corinthians 8–9 and 1 Timothy 6, as well as Jesus' own words in Matthew 23 and Luke 11, emphasize grace, humility, and joy in giving.The truth is that every dollar belongs to God. We don't give to get a blessing—we give because we've already received the greatest one: salvation and adoption into God's family. That's the essence of biblical stewardship. It's not about meeting a percentage—it's about meeting the Person who gave everything for us.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 56 and hoping to retire in about four years. I have a 401(k) worth approximately $150,000, around $50,000–$60,000 in savings, and one rental property that generates a small monthly income. My home and vehicles are paid off, and most of my income now goes into savings. I want to make smart financial decisions for the next few years—especially when it comes to investing for retirement. I don't want to work forever and miss out on enjoying life. What steps should I take to prepare for this?I would like to follow up on the question the last caller had. My relatives typically live into their mid-70s or 80s. Given that, do I really need to build up a large IRA to have a comfortable retirement?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Clouds of Glory." Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14 ESV: “Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, and stored the silver, the gold, and all the vessels in the treasuries of the house of God. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast that is in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up. And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. The cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles. And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions, and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.” Additional Notes: To Fan the Flames of Revival in the Temple: Come to church excited and expectant Play your part Get out of the way and let God move Sermon Topics: God's Presence, Revival If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org. Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 04:00 - 2 Chronicles 5:1-14 ESV 06:59 - Clouds of Glory

Continuation of Zechariah study (chapter 2). Connection to previous teaching on the Feast of Tabernacles—God's appointed times foreshadow His redemptive plan. Emphasis: Jesus is the only perfect role model; all others fall short. Key Vision: The Measuring Line Zechariah sees a man measuring Jerusalem. Message: Jerusalem will expand beyond walls, inhabited with abundance. God Himself promises to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and glory within it. Points forward to the New Jerusalem (Revelation) where God is the light and dwelling place. Prophetic Themes God's Set Times & Plan The feasts are God's appointments, not just Israel's. Fulfilled in Jesus' first coming; final fulfillment awaits His return. God's plan is global: from a lamb for one (Isaac) → family (Passover) → nation (Levitical priesthood) → whole world (Christ). Judgment on Nations Nations opposing Israel touch “the apple of God's eye” and will face judgment. Zechariah links closely with Revelation and Daniel: warnings of Babylon (world system) and call to “come out” from it. America and modern nations risk falling into Babylon's errors of pride, wealth, and forgetfulness of God. Messiah's Coming & Millennial Kingdom Jesus will dwell among His people; many nations will join the Lord. Three main judgments: Judgment Seat of Christ – believers' works judged, not salvation. Sheep & Goats Judgment – survivors of tribulation separated (Matthew 25). Great White Throne – final judgment of unbelievers. Natural people will survive into the Millennium; children born then must choose Christ. Some will still rebel, even with direct access to Jesus. Millennial Realities Long life restored; judgment executed swiftly by Christ ruling with a rod of iron. Feast of Tabernacles continues during the Millennium—nations refusing to honor it will suffer drought. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years, then released briefly to deceive again, before final destruction. Warnings & Applications Human rebellion: Even in perfect conditions with Christ present, some will still reject Him—showing the depth of human pride and sin. True justice: God's judgment is righteous, unlike human corruption; He sees hearts and thoughts. Modern relevance: America, like Israel, risks judgment by forgetting God, trusting in wealth, and opposing His purposes. Encouragements Believers' sins are covered and forgotten in Christ—salvation brings complete forgiveness. History and prophecy confirm God's sovereignty: His Word and His promises always come to pass. Psalm 2 reminds us: though nations rage, God laughs at their plans. Christ will reign as King of Kings. Closing Prophecy read from 2020: America missed her day of visitation; the world is descending toward its appointment with the Creator. Urgent call: Prepare for God's appointments, trust Christ fully, and remain faithful. Ended with the Lord's Prayer.

Our study opens with a look at Civil War between Rehoboam and Judah vs. Jeroboam and Israel (931-910 BC). 1 Kings 12:1 We read that Rehoboam went to Shechem, “for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” Shechem was an historic site for the nation from about 500 years early when Levitical priests recited the blessings and the curses from Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Shechem is the city near these two mountains.  In verses 3 and 4 we read that Jeroboam challenges Rehoboam. Reheboam goes to 2 advisory boards. One was the elders that had served under his father, Solomon.  They gave him wise direction. 1 Kings 12:7 - they said that if you serve the people and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants. (Wise advise - to be a servant leader. It is also a prophetic view of who Jesus would be - Jesus is our Servant King - our suffering servant) The second group of advisors was Rehoboam's young friends. 1 Kings 12:13-14 says they tell him to be tougher with the people. Reheboam decided to take the advise of his young friends, but when he tells the people he will be even tougher on them than his father was, the result is that the Israelites - the entire northern part of the kingdom rebels against Reheboam and he had to escape to Jerusalem.  Will there be civil war or will there be an uneasy peace? We read in 1 Kings 12:21 that when Rehoboam arrives in Jerusalem, he gathers Judah together and the tribe of Benjamin to go to war against Jeroboam and the rest of Israel so that he can regain the entire kingdom of his father Solomon. But then God intercedes giving a word to Shemaiah a man of God: 1 Kings 12:23-24 “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.'” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered.” Reheboam listens to the words from the prophet Shemaiah and there is an uneasy peace established between the splintered nation. However, we read in verses 26-27 that Jeroboam's response to the peace was fear that his people - the northern part of the kingdom - would again give their allegiance to Reheboam King of Judah, Solomon's son.  So Jeroboam has two golden calves made - one is put in the northern part of his kingdom and the other calf is placed in the southern part of Israel and he tells the people that it's too much to go up to Jerusalem to worship, so here instead are your gods. And the people did worship these golden calves and it says in 1 Kings 12:29-30 that it became a sin. And the nation begins to turn away from God. Jeroboam led them astray and did not do as God had requested of him when he was given the prophetic word of his kingship over Israel.  Pastor shares the archeological discovery of the Altar of Dan where one of the golden calves had been set up. A sad testimony to how the nation was led astray and away from God. We learn the importance of following God and listening to His voice. Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE. View live or on demand: https://www.awakeusnow.com/tuesday-bible-class Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Yom HaKippurim: Understanding Atonement Through Yeshua Yom Kippur reveals the essential nature of atonement that extends far beyond simple forgiveness. The Hebrew word kaphar means "to cover" or "to cancel," demonstrating how Yahweh intervenes in the natural law of cause and effect where sin leads to death. This sacred day addresses both guilt and shame through two distinct processes: kappara (atonement for moral wrongdoing) and tahara (purification from uncleanness). While guilt relates to specific acts and can be removed through confession, shame affects our entire being and requires cleansing. The Levitical service prefigures Yeshua's perfect work as our High Priest. Aaron had to first make atonement for himself before serving others, but Yeshua needed no such preparation. He entered the heavenly Holy of Holies with His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us. Our observance of Yom Kippur through fasting and self-examination acknowledges that we cannot provide our own atonement. Instead, we gratefully recognize what Mashiach has accomplished, enabling us to draw near to Yahweh's presence and walk in the freedom that true atonement brings. Check it out Watch on Youtube:    https://youtube.com/live/zanFEisV1bM - be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel for updates and new teachings: www.Youtube.com/theruachlife    and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ruachministries If these have been a blessing to you please consider donating to help us continue to put these teachings out. You can donate at https://www.ruachonline.com/donate     If you like this video and would like to know more about Ruach Ministries International you can check us out on many venues: website: www.RuachOnline.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuachMinistries Twitter: @RuachTweets Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/Ruach YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/theruachlife Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruachminintl Podcast Hub, Main site: https://stone2flesh.podbean.com/ iHeart  https://ihr.fm/3VmLpyt Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3PXP8Bp  Amazon Music https://amzn.to/3jnsqX2 Spotify https://spoti.fi/3C71u4i Google Podcasts https://bit.ly/3jrcTp7 & Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Ruach

Jesus has a more excellent ministry than the Levitical priests because 1) he as a more excellent sacrifice, 2) a more excellent location, 3) a more excellent duration and 4) a more excellent intercession.

Hebrews 7:11-28 Jesus is completely unlike the Levitical priesthood, needing no replacement, never interrupted by death, and not never needing to first deal with his own sin.

The sermon, centered on Malachi 2:6–7, presents a theological reflection on the sacred calling of pastoral ministry, emphasizing that godly leadership is divinely ordained and rooted in both truth and character. It traces the continuity from the Levitical priesthood to the New Testament church, showing how Jesus fulfills the shadows of the Old Testament as the eternal High Priest who intercedes for believers. The core qualifications for pastors—accurate teaching, moral integrity, and a life marked by peace and uprightness—are presented not as mere standards but as essential marks of a messenger of the Lord of hosts. The message calls the congregation to support their new pastor not only through prayer and financial stewardship but through deep relational investment, recognizing that his spiritual leadership is vital for the church's mission to be a light to all nations. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that the church's strength lies not in human effort but in God's faithful guidance, as seen in the appointment of Aaron Pendergrass as the Lord's chosen shepherd.

Jewish converts might wonder if they are really safe without going to the Levitical priests at the Temple. The point here is to show that Jesus is a legitimate priest—not in the Levitical order, but in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus is the legitimate, promised priest who really is able to deal with our sin and bring us into the presence of God. We can have great confidence and comfort—and must not drift away from him.

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 7:11-28. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/ksd7dbf5gjpwrrh/Hebrews_07_11-28.pdf/fileThe visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/4n511hew6n6qdtm/Hebrews_07_11-28_SLIDES.pdf/fileTopics covered: Review of how Melchizedek prefigured Christ -- The inadequacy/insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood -- The perfection of Christ's priesthood -- Christ, as priest, chosen directly by God -- The power of Christ's "indestructible life" -- Christ's permanent priesthood -- The absence of promises about the afterlife in the Old Testament -- The "better hope" through Christ's priesthood -- The perfect reconciliation with God that we have through Christ.For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

Jewish converts might wonder if they are really safe without going to the Levitical priests at the Temple. The point here is to show that Jesus is a legitimate priest—not in the Levitical order, but in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus is the legitimate, promised priest who really is able to deal with our sin and bring us into the presence of God. We can have great confidence and comfort—and must not drift away from him.

Main Idea. When God's people reject their King's rule, moral chaos rules and the weak have no refuge. Question. How do people live when they reject God as their king? 1. The Depths of Depravity (19:1–21:24) A. Corruption in Gibeah (19:1–30) B. Civil War in Israel (20:1–25) C. Condemnation of Benjamin (20:26–48) D. Compromise in Benjamin's Restoration (21:1–24) 2. The Desperation for a King (21:25) Deut 17:14–20. 14 “When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,' 15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.' 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. 18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. What does life look like under the good and kingly rule of Jesus Christ? Justice is assured for all Women are honored and protected Men are called to sacrificial protection Forgiveness flows to all

The sermon emphasizes the enduring importance of maintaining a vibrant spiritual fire, drawing parallels from Levitical instructions regarding the altar's flame. It underscores the need for consistent nurturing of faith through daily engagement with scripture and prayer, recognizing that while personal struggles may occur, God's presence and transformative power remain accessible. The message encourages listeners to actively participate in revival and to seek a renewed commitment to God, acknowledging that a visible manifestation of faith can inspire others and contribute to a broader spiritual awakening, ultimately celebrating the grace and acceptance offered through Jesus Christ.

A Sermon for the Feast of St. Matthew St. Matthew 9:9-13 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 by William Klock “As Jesus was leaving that place, he saw a man called Matthew sitting in the toll booth.” I expect that Matthew was just itching to get to this part of the story as he wrote his gospel account.  It's nine chapters in, roughly a third of the way.  But he knew that the Gospel is about Jesus, not Matthew.  Still, he was excited to tell people how he had met Jesus.  Up to this point, Matthew's been telling us about walking around Galilee preaching good news and doing all the Messiah things that made the good news real and tangible to people.  He's been across the Sea of Galilee where he cast a multitude of demons out of a man and now he's back and on his way home to Capernaum.  And that's how he meets Matthew.  Matthew's a tax- or a toll-collector and here he is, sitting in his tollbooth next to the road.  I suppose there must have been some kind of gate.  Matthew would get up from his stool, go out to the road, and collect the toll from everyone going from Point A to Point B and from Point B to Point A.  And everyone who went by grudgingly handed over their money.  And they grumbled.  And probably not a few people had some choice words for Matthew.  Because everybody hated tax collectors. I was racking my brain this week trying to think of an example from our world that would explain just how much people hated tax-collectors and why and it's hard to think of a modern equivalent.  That was a different world.  No one likes a tax-collector, because no one likes paying taxes.  But in First Century Judaea there was way more to it than just people not liking paying taxes.  The local Roman government decided how much they would need to run things and then they'd farm the collection of taxes out to the highest bidder.  And, of course, the tax collectors had to make a living themselves, so they'd pad their collection.  But they weren't just getting by.  Tax collectors were notorious for using their position to enrich themselves.  And the local council or governor didn't care just so long as they got their cut of the revenue.  It was bad enough and common enough that when the rabbis wrote about tax collectors, they typically lumped them together with thieves.  And it only made it worse when the tax collectors were working for the Romans.  We don't know if Matthew was working directly for the Romans or for some local Galilean authority, but at the end of the day it didn't really matter.  At some level the Romans were in charge of it all and tax collectors were thieves doing their dirty work. But there's more to it than that.  We think of Matthew, padding his toll collecting and getting rich by stealing from people whom he's got over a barrel and we think he's a pretty rotten guy.  That's an awful thing to do.  That's a scummy way to make your money.  But for the Jews there was another layer, something deeper to what made it so horrible, what made them hate someone like Matthew so much. Let me try to explain.  So, if you or I hear about a thief—or maybe a crooked tax collector skimming off the top—we just think, “That's a bad person”.  If we found out that this thief had been baptised and grew up going to church and Sunday school, we'd think something like, “I guess he forgot everything he was taught as a kid.”  Maybe if it came out he was an active warden or elder or deacon in his church, then we might start to think about what he'd done as a betrayal not just of his faith, but of us all.  Here's a guy who professed faith in Jesus, but betrayed that faith by doing something really sinful.  And maybe that gets us closer to how Matthew's fellow Jews would have thought about him.  Because Matthew was circumcised.  Matthew was part of the covenant community.  Matthew was marked out as one of the Lord's people.  And Matthew knew their story.  Matthew knew all about the Lord and how he had delivered his ancestors from Egypt.  Matthew knew all the great things the Lord had done in the centuries that followed.  We can kind of excuse some people today.  We all know people who were baptised, but they were never really taught the faith, their parents never really took them to church, now they're grown up and say they're an atheist, and the sinful lifestyle they live kind of makes sense in light of all that.  But that wasn't Matthew.  That wasn't anyone in Israel.  Everyone knew what it meant to be God's people.  There were no atheists.  They all knew that God hates sin.  They knew what it meant to be the people who lived with God in their midst.  They knew that you had not only to be holy to enter God's temple, but that you also had to be pure.  That's what set them apart from the pagans.  Matthew knew all of this.  Even if he he'd had rotten parenting, everything and everyone around him would have reinforced all of this. And he rejected it.  Maybe he chose this life on his own.  Maybe he inherited the job from his father who inherited it from his father.  That probably would have made it easier.  But whatever the case Matthew chose to live a life in apposition to everything his family, his people, and his nation stood for and he chose to do it right in the midst of them.  Imagine an Amish boy who decides he doesn't want to be Amish anymore.  Usually they leave and go to live in the outside world, but imagine this Amish kid decided to stay in his close-knit Amish town, but he struts around in fancy clothes, whips around town in his Porsche, and throws wild parties with loud music at his house on the weekends.  And everyone would be horrified at him.  That's Matthew, a tax-collector in Israel. But it gets worse.  Or at least I think it does.  Not everyone would agree with me on this part.  Mark and Luke, in their Gospels, refer to Matthew by the name of “Levi”.  Christian tradition has mostly understood Matthew and Levi to be the same person, but to make this connection is not without its difficulties.  One of those difficulties is that it was pretty rare for a Jewish person to have two Aramaic names.  A Jewish name and Greek name?  Like Saul of Tarsus who is also known as Paul: that's common.  But usually if someone with an Aramaic name has a second Aramaic name, it's because their given name is common, like John or Judas or Joshua, and the second name—maybe the name of his father—distinguishes him from other guys with the same name.  But neither Matthew nor Levi were common names.  No one was likely to confuse this Matthew with another Matthew.  But the one instance in which we see men with two Aramaic names is when they come from prominent families.  It wasn't uncommon for these men to be known by their family names.  And I think that's what has happened with Matthew.  Mark and Luke remember him as “Levi”—his family name—but Matthew went by his given name.  Because the family name Levi mean that they were a Levitical family.  And this made things all the worse for Matthew.  The tribe of Levi were the priestly family.  They were the ones who served in the temple.  They were the ones who acted as mediators between the Lord and his people.  Israel was a holy people, but the Levites were a holy tribe within that holy people.  Consider that one of the duties of the Levites was the collection of taxes.  They collected the tithes of Israel.  Those tithes were their livelihood.  And they collected the temple tax, to pay for the upkeep of the Lord's house.  But Matthew had become a tax collector of another kind, not one dependent on the Lord and the faithfulness of his people, but a man who fleeced God's people in collusion with the pagans. Brothers and Sisters, that was Matthew sitting in his toll-booth.  A wealthy traitor not only to the Lord, but to his people and to his family and to his calling and despised by everyone.  I fully expect there were days when Matthew longed to get out of the mess he was in.  In theory he could have made everything right and returned to the Lord, but to do that he'd have had to make restitution.  I don't think Matthew would have even known where to begin.  And so he stayed in his toll-booth, he kept his riches, and he threw parties for other tax collectors and sinners—because they were the only people who would associate with him.  And every day he became a little bit more dead inside. And then, this day, along came Jesus.  Matthew knew perfectly well who Jesus was.  Everyone in Galilee was talking about Jesus.  If nothing else, Matthew would have heard about his miracles, but I expect he'd heard about his preaching, too.  Maybe Matthew had even stood at a distance a time or two in Capernaum to hear Jesus preach.  Matthew knew that in Jesus the God of Israel was doing something.  But Matthew stayed at a distance.  Because Matthew knew he was a traitor to his God and to his people and to his covenant.  As attractive as Jesus and his message were, it was not for someone like Matthew. Brothers and Sisters, how many people around us feel just like that?  They're sinners.  They feel the weight of it and would love for it to be gone.  They've got some vague knowledge of Jesus.  But they'd never come to church.  A coworker once said to me, “Church is for holy people, not for people like me.”  They see no way out. And now Matthew sees Jesus approaching his gate.  Maybe he thought, “This might be the Messiah.  I should really cut him a break instead of ripping him off like I do everyone else.”  And that's when, he writes in verse 9, Jesus “said to him, ‘Follow me.'”  And he just says, “And he rose up and follow him.” I have to think there was at least a little bit more to it than that.  But those words, “Follow me” were ultimately what did it for Matthew.  No Pharisee, no scribe, no lawyer had ever come to Matthew and said, “Follow me, Brother.  Let me help you get out of your sins.”  They paid his extortionate toll, dropping their coin in the toll-box and being extra careful not to touch it or anything else that Matthew had touched.  They sneered at him—if they looked at him at all—called him “traitor”, and went on their way.  But this Jesus, this man in whom the God his fathers was so clearly at work doing something new, Jesus smiled and invited him to join in what he was doing. Brothers and Sisters, sometimes that's all it takes.  Matthew had seen God's glory on display in Jesus, but he didn't think it was for him.  He just needed to hear that, yes, in fact it was for him—for everyone, but especially for people like him.  That was actually part of the new thing Jesus was doing.  Without Jesus, reconciliation with is people was hopeless.  He was a toll-collector.  How could he ever make things right with everyone he'd ever stolen from?  How could he even make a good faith effort?  But in those words, “Follow me,” Jesus offered Matthew forgiveness.  Jesus bypassed the temple, because he is the new temple himself; he bypassed the priests, because he is our new priest; and he bypassed the sacrifices and the law of restitution, because he is the full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of Israel and the whole world.  Jesus simply held out forgiveness and reconciliation to Matthew.  All Matthew had to do was leave his tollbooth behind—that's repentance—and follow Jesus.  And, Matthew says, that's just what he did.  “He rose up and followed him.” He “rose up”.  I think Matthew chose that language deliberately.  It's resurrection language.  When he decided to trust Jesus—and that's just what it was: trust and loyalty and allegiance—he was raised up out of his sin, he was raised up out of his alienation from God and from his people, and he was given his life back.  And not just given back his old life, Jesus gave him something even better.  He lifted Matthew up out of the life this evil age of sin and death and gave him a taste and a promise of the age to come, of new creation, of the Holy Spirit, and of the fellowship with God that his people had been so longing for. And, too, Jesus restores to Matthew his birthright as a Levite.  As the Levites mediated the Lord to his people, so Matthew now brings the good news about Jesus to his people.  In verse 10 he immediately takes us to his house.  “When he was at home,” he writes, “sitting down to a meal, there were lots of tax-collectors and sinners there who had come to have dinner with Jesus and his disciples.”  Other tax collectors and sinners were the only people who hang around with Matthew.  Matthew knew that some of them felt the same way he did.  They were traitors to the Lord and traitors to his people.  They were hopelessly lost sheep.  There was no way out.  But Matthew had found it—or, rather, the way out had found him.  And so he invites his friends to meet Jesus.  They'd heard and seen him doing amazing things.  Like Matthew, they'd been on the fringe.  If the priest and Levites—not to mention everyone else in Israel—condemned them and kept apart from them, the Messiah certainly wasn't for them.  But here he was and Jesus was saying the same thing to them that he'd said to Matthew: “Follow me.”  And, I expect, at least some of them did.  And Jesus and the disciples rejoiced with those people because they knew that heaven itself was rejoicing too. But there were always the Pharisees.  Matthew writes that when they “saw it, they said to Jesus' disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?'  But Jesus heard them.  ‘It isn't the healthy who need a doctor,' he said, ‘it's the sick.  Go and learn what this saying means: “It's mercy I want, not sacrifice.” I haven't come to call upright people, but sinners.'” Like Paul says in our Epistle today, there was a veil over their eyes.  The Pharisees were sick in their own ways, and Jesus exposed their sickness by going to the tax-collectors and sinners.  When they complain about it, he quotes the words the Lord had spoken to Isaiah.  We heard those words last week when our Gospel was the parable of the good Samaritan—Hosea 6 turned into a story.  The problem was that the people lacked the heart of God.  The sinners devoted to their sinning, the greedy tax-collectors ripping everyone off, and the Pharisees too—almost everyone in Israel—was far from God.  His absence from the temple all those years was a metaphor for Israel's problem.  Even those who were devoted to the law and who were “religious” about their tithing and their sabbaths and their diet and their sacrifices, were no closer to God than the prostitute or the tax-collector.  And so Jesus came to the sinners with God's mercy—because they so desperately needed it—and he gave it to them in front of the watching scribes and Pharisees and all the “upright” people in Israel so that they could see that they needed to learn that same mercy and know it themselves. It was that mercy that reached Matthew.  It was that mercy that reached Paul and lifted the veil from his eyes.  And it was that mercy, made manifest in Jesus, that both Paul and Matthew proclaimed.  It was this mercy that's at the centre of the Gospel that Matthew wrote to his people.  And it's this same mercy that Paul preached.  In today's Epistle from 2 Corinthians 4, he writes that it's this mercy that drives him forward despite all the obstacles.  “The ‘god' of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they won't see the light of the gospel of the glory of the Messiah, who is God's image.”  So what's the solution?  Paul writes, “We don't proclaim ourselves, you see, but Jesus the Messiah as Lord…because the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts, to produce the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah.” Brothers and Sisters, Paul—and Matthew, for that matter—knew that it wouldn't be gimmicks or tricks or fancy speaking or trying to make God's word palatable to sinners that would lift the veil from the eyes of unbelievers.  It would be the proclamation of the good news about Jesus.  That light—the glory of God in the face of the Messiah as Paul describes it—that light met Matthew in the darkness of his tollbooth.  That light met Paul on the road to Damascus.  And it lifted the veil.  It dispelled the darkness.  It cast out the ‘god' of this world who enslaves us to sin and death and makes us to think there's no hope of escape.  The light of the glory of God revealed in the good news of Jesus the Messiah is the answer and the only answer.  It's our hope and our only hope.  We too often try those other things.  We water down God's word to try to make it less offensives.  We try gimmicks or we try programmes.  But Brothers and Sisters, we should know better.  The Lord has promised that one day the knowledge of his glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and that will happen because and only because his people have been faithful to proclaim his glory revealed in Jesus the Messiah who died and rose again. Brothers and Sisters, don't be afraid.  Don't question whether it'll work or not.  If the light of the gospel could tear down the veil that once had you blinded, if it could break the chains of sin that once bound you, it will tear down the veils that blind and it will break the chains that bind the rest of the world.  Just proclaim it.  Jesus has died and Jesus has risen, not just for you or for me or for holy people, but for sinners—for everyone.  He holds out his hand to us wherever we are and invites us to leave it all behind, to follow him, and to rise to new life. Let's pray: O almighty God, whose beloved Son called Matthew from his tollbooth to be an apostle and evangelist: Set us free from the chains of our sins to follow and to proclaim your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (09/17/25), Hank answers the following questions:Is the 666 in Revelation connected to the 666 talents of gold in 1 Kings 10:14? Mark - Vancouver, BC (0:51)Is it biblical to make a faith promise to give money to missions? Greg - St. Louis, MO (4:31)What is your opinion of Radical by David Platt? Is he a Word of Faith teacher? Lila - Sallisaw, OK (7:33)Why don't Christians keep the Levitical laws? Martin - Edmonton, AB (15:11)What is the biblical view of divorce? How do you counsel friends going through marital problems or seeking a divorce? Emmanuel - Vancouver, BC (19:14)What are your thoughts on Mike Murdock? Can you elaborate on the “seed faith” offering? Cynthia - Memphis, TN (23:04)

This message was given by Pastor Dan Greenfield during Orwell Bible Church's morning service, September 7, 2025.This survey of Hebrews 9:1-10:18 shows that Christ's ministry involves a better sacrifice than the Levitical sacrifices.You can download this outline to follow along and take notes. 

7For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,2and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.3He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. 4See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!5And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers,[a]though these also are descended from Abraham.6But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.7It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior.8In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives.9One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,10for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Jesus Compared to Melchizedek 11Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?12For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.13For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.14For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,16who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.17For it is witnessed of him, You are a priest forever,after the order of Melchizedek. 18For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness19(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,21but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: The Lord has swornand will not change his mind,You are a priest forever. 22This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,24but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.25Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[b]those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.27He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.28For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

A Levitical Awakening – Returning to the Heart of Davidic WorshipThe first step of a Levitical Awakening is when we realize our assignment:​ To minister to God first.​ To host His presence.​ To carry His glory.Worship is not about performance; it's about surrender. Levites were set apart for the Lord's presence. And friends, so are we.Reflection: “Am I ministering to God first, or am I trying to minister to people without Him?”www.worshipingmusician.org

In this Bible Study we walk through all of Leviticus 16 in which we study the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur (יום כיפור). The Day of Atonement was (and still is) the most holy day for all of Israel, although it was celebrated differently in Moses' day from how it is today. We will talk about the foundation of this Holy Day, as well as what a scapegoat is (and who/what is Azazel).OUTLINE:00:13 - Personal update. Why am I wearing a bowtie?02:37 - What is my job as a Bible teacher?03:25 - Reading of Leviticus 1610:30 - Leviticus 16.1 - Nadab & Abihu - Aaron's sons who died in Chapter 10.13:11 - Overview of the tabernacle set up, including the outer courtyard, the bronze altar, the wash basin, the candlestick, the table of show bread, the altar of incense, the curtain (or veil), the holy place, the holy of holies (or most holy place), and finally the ark of the covenant. 15:37 - What is the Day of Atonement?17:05 - What was the sin of Nadab & Abihu?Watch the full study of Leviticus chapter 10 on Nadab & Abihu.https://youtu.be/ds7kyDHUq0w20:00 - Leviticus 16.3-5 - the animals mentioned for the sacrifice for the day of atonement.21:38 - Leviticus 16.6-10 “Scapegoat.” What is the Scapegoat? Who is Azazel? Is Azazel a demon? Why is there a discrepancy between translations of the Bible? The Hebrew word: עֲזָאזֵל ʿăzā'zēl (Azazel), the Greek translation (from the Septuagint) is ἀποπομπαῖος (apopompaios), meaning "the one sent away" or "scapegoat.”32:07 - Jesus is our scapegoat! See verses Isa 53.5-6 and Heb 10.10.34:13 - Yom Kippur (יום כיפור). A look at the most holy day for Israel, during Moses' day, during the first and second temple period as well as today (under the rabbinic law). Yom Kippur is still celebrated today; in 2025, it is on October 1 sundown - after nightfall on October 2. For full details of Yom Kippur traditions practiced by Jews today, visit:https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-Is-Yom-Kippur.htm38:46 - Conclusions; a reading of Hebrews 10.1-25. Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of the Levitical law.Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgJoin the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

The profound mystery of Christ's redemptive sacrifice unfolds through an illuminating study of Isaiah's ancient prophecy. Isaiah's vivid portrayal of the Messiah as "a tender plant" and "a root out of dry ground" reveals both Christ's divine origin and human nature. Though possessing no extraordinary appearance to attract followers, His mission carried an extraordinary purpose. The prophecy details how He would be "despised and rejected," with people turning away as they might avoid an unpleasant stranger—a heartbreaking foretelling of humanity's response to divine love.What makes Christ's sacrifice truly remarkable is its voluntary nature. Scripture emphasizes that "he poured out his soul unto death" willingly, bearing "our griefs," "wounded for our transgressions," and "bruised for our iniquities." This wasn't reluctant martyrdom but a deliberate choice made with full awareness of its cost. The magnitude becomes staggering when we consider its scope—not merely for believers but "the sins of the whole world."Through exploring Hebrews, we contrast the temporary Levitical priesthood with Christ's eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek." Unlike temple priests offering repeated sacrifices, Jesus made one perfect sacrifice "once for all." His perfection—being "holy, harmless, undefiled"—made Him the only suitable sacrifice, establishing a "continual and perpetual intercessor" for believers.Our response to this sacrifice should be overwhelming gratitude, compelling righteous living. To continue in willful sin after understanding Christ's work is to "trample on His blood." Yet for those who stumble, genuine confession and repentance bring cleansing through His blood—covering not just past sins but future failures of the truly repentant heart.The choice remains simple: accept Christ's payment and live accordingly, or reject it and face judgment. The magnitude of His sacrifice demands nothing less than complete devotion. How will you respond to the one who willingly bore the weight of all humanity's sin?"Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response"Support the showThank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms:Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/Website: ourfathersheart.orgPodcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/shareTwitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheartYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheartMay God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Waiting is not a waste.”~Mark Vroegop (author Dark Clouds, Deep Mercies, pastor, president of TGC)“In the waiting, in the searchingIn the healing, in the hurtingLike a blessing buried in the broken piecesEvery minute, every momentWhere I've been or where I'm goingEven when I didn't know itOr couldn't see itThere was Jesus.”~Zach Williams (Southern Rock artist), feat. Dolly Parton “Waters never part, until our feet get wet.”~Petra (Christian Rock group) “Life doesn't discriminateBetween the sinners and the saints.It takes and it takes and it takesAnd we keep living anyway.We rise and we fall and we break.And we make our mistakes.And if there's a reason I'm still aliveWhen so many have died,Then I'm willing toWait for it,Wait for it."~Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr in Lin Manuel-Miranda's Hamilton “The waiting is the hardest part.”~Tom Petty (Rock artist, 1950-2017) SERMON PASSAGEJoshua 3:1-3, 3:9-4:3 (NIV)Joshua 3 1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. 2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp, 3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it….” 9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” 14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.Joshua 4 1 When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, 2 “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, 3 and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, from right where the priests are standing, and carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.”

Hosts Pastor Rico Basso and Guest Pastor Bill Penna Question Timestamps: Yvonne, Facebook (2:46) - What are your thoughts on those that claim to have had some kind of heavenly experience or have met Jesus? Tom, VA (6:18) - If God knew the devil would be the way he was, why would he create him? Juan, NJ (10:42) - Did Noah know the Levitical laws? Why was Cain afraid of others trying to kill him when it was just Adam, Eve, and Abel? Should we agree with dispensationalism? Scott, NY (17:54) - When and why did the early church start having priests? Dee, TN (23:05) - Is it possible for a born again believer to voluntarily give up their salvation? Tyrone, MS (35:48) - How should I address a disagreement with a relative, where they forgave me for my part, but I feel like I'm still owed an apology? Lisa, NY (41:37) - What will happen to teachers that walk away from the faith and lead others away? Theresa, NJ (46:43) - When a Christian married couple has an argument, is it the husband's responsibility to seek resolution and pray for the situation? Natasha, NY (50:44) - Where did Cain's wife come from? Why is the book of Maccabees not in the Bible? Afuha, AZ (53:25) - Can a believer live sinning however they want after they are saved? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

The sermon explores the profound implications of John 1:12, asserting that receiving Jesus grants individuals the right to become children of God, a transition distinct from Old Testament covenants. Drawing on passages from John, Galatians, and Hebrews, the message highlights the reconstitution of Israel and the blossoming of new realities in the New Testament, including the abolition of the Levitical priesthood, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus Christ as the ultimate temple. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that while the world often rejects this transformative grace, those who receive Jesus are welcomed into God's family and inherit His kingdom.

A High Priest called by God- How could Jesus qualify as our high priest if He was of the line of Judah and not the Levitical line? Jesus was called by God to be our ultimate high priest just as Aaron was called by God to minister to Israel as the first high priest.

Tuesday, 19 August 2025   Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:32   “And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the coming” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that every sin and blasphemy would be forgiven men, but the “Spirit blasphemy” will not be forgiven men. He now continues and builds upon that thought, saying, “And whoever if he should speak a word against the Son of Man.”   Such was to be expected. Here is a Man who lived a poor existence, was from Nazareth, something looked down upon, was the Son of a carpenter, and who probably did these labors Himself, who had argued with the Pharisees about the dietary laws, who had healed on the Sabbath, etc.   Everything about Him was not what one would expect of the Messiah, even if He had a group of disciples around Him and His teachings were interesting. It is obvious they were interested in Him and what He was up to because they kept popping up in accounts recorded in the gospels, inspecting Him and His movements.   But because He didn't fit their notions about a Messiah, they spoke against Him and what He did. Eventually, they would rid themselves of Him by having Him crucified. These things were forgivable, as Jesus notes, “it will be forgiven him.”   It is certain that being complicit in Jesus' death was pardonable. This is evident from the appeals of the apostles after the resurrection –   “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36   This thought is reiterated in Acts 4 when Peter addresses the “rulers of the people and elders of Israel.” Even after their actions against the Son of Man, they could still obtain mercy and forgiveness. However, Jesus continues, saying, “But whoever, if he should speak against the Holy Spirit, not it will be forgiven him.”   The words “speak against” are to be taken as parallel in meaning to the “Spirit blasphemy” of the previous verse. It is the point that is highlighted for these people to understand the consequences of such words. Mark provides additional understanding of what Jesus is referring to with the words, “because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.'”   The men accusing Jesus were ascribing the work of the Spirit to an unclean Spirit. Jesus logically defended why this could not be the case and that He must, in fact, be casting out demons by the Spirit of God. This is the issue. With that now understood, those who understood the Source of His power would have to concede the argument and accept the authority of the Spirit in Christ's works.   To continue in such accusations would be to speak against the Holy Spirit. At what point God determined this threshold had been met, such a person's fate was determined. There would be no forgiveness “neither in this age, nor in the coming.”   The point of the Levitical sacrifices was to obtain forgiveness for transgressions under the law. There are instances where it is noted that forgiveness would not be granted to people under the law. One example is found in the sons of Eli in 1 Samuel 3. Another is found in Isaiah 22:12-14.   In both cases, there was a complete abandonment of God. The Spirit was spoken against as if being ineffectual in the lives of these people through their words and actions. In the coming age, which appears to be referring to the age after Christ's resurrection, it is the Spirit who seals a person for salvation.   This “age” cannot be speaking of the state after death. One's life determines one's state before God. It cannot be speaking of the final age where all saved humanity will be glorified. The eternal state of man will be set at that time. To limit it to the millennium is too narrow a focus for the intent of Jesus' words. Therefore, the age He refers to would be the time after the law is fulfilled and abolished.   To reject the calling of the Spirit upon one's life is a life action that can be equated to speaking against the Spirit. To deny Christ and His power to save, a power evidenced and validated by the resurrection, is to deny the only hope one has of being saved. There can be no forgiveness for this.   Only God can restore man to Himself. To deny this is to deny what God in Christ has done. To do so can be equated to saying Christ had an unclean spirit. Otherwise, it would be obvious that the narrative concerning Him is true. If it is true, it would mean God had ordained Him to be the Author of salvation.   Life application: The door to forgiveness and salvation in Christ remains open until one's final breath. After that, man must face judgment. Some people will never hear the message and will die apart from God. Some will hear and not believe for whatever reason. However, they may at some point believe and be saved.   Others will hear the message and never accept it. The Spirit cannot work in the life of such a person. There can be no forgiveness for such a denial of what God has done. Jesus is the necessary key to understanding the words of this verse.   His resurrection is the proof of the Spirit of God's power to save all men –   “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:1-4   “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:9-11   Lord God, help us to be about the business of sharing the good news concerning forgiveness through the shed blood of Christ. May You guide us as we talk to others so that our words will be effectual in leading them to a right understanding of what You have done. Yes, Lord, help us in this. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

THE SECRET TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE (Acts 3:1-21) Today's message is about the miracle of the healing of a man that had been crippled from his birth.  When this man was born, and his father and mother took him and examined him, they noticed that something was not quite right with the little baby's feet: his anklebones had not developed, nor his little feet. Somehow, they were not made whole, like feet should normally be for a little baby.  And this little boy never learned to walk. When other boys would go out to skip, run, and play, he couldn't. Later on, when other men went to work, there was no work that he could do. All that they could do was to take this man every day and put him down there at the gate to the temple, the gate that was called Beautiful. He had his little tin cup there, and as people would come and go to worship, he would cry out, “Baksheesh! Baksheesh! Alms! Help the poor! Help the poor!” And people would drop their pennies and their coins into his tin cup. Day after day, that is the way he lived. People would come and go, and he was right there at the gate of the temple.  And here is this man just outside that Beautiful Gate, because he cannot enter through it.  That is because Levitical law said that a deformed man could not enter past that gate.  So, here he was, on the wrong side of a beautiful life. He is just outside the gate, and he's crippled. Now, if you want a beautiful life, then I want you to picture yourself on the wrong side of the gate. Picture yourself, spiritually, as a cripple—unable to walk the walk of God, unable to work the work of God, unable to enter into the worship of God—on the wrong side of the gate. Picture a new life. Picture a gate gloriously beautiful.  Picture yourself on the wrong side of that gate, and you can't enter in without a miracle. I want you to picture the Lord Jesus Christ who was in Simon Peter that day. I want you to picture Him coming by you today and looking down at you, and I want you to picture today Jesus reaching down to you with a nail-pierced hand, taking you by your right hand, raising you up, spiritually giving you a lift that will last, and giving to you the power to enter in through the gate to the ports of God.  That is what this miracle is all about. God wants to give you a new life, today. He wants to make something beautiful of your life.  Click on the play button to hear a message on the secret to a beautiful life. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.

August 17, 2025Thesis IV The preaching office is not a special state in opposition to or holier than that of ordinary Christians, as was the Levitical priesthood; rather, it is an office of service. Thesis V The preaching office has the authority to preach the Gospel and administer the holy Sacraments, as well as the authority of spiritual judgment. 

While the Levitical priests in the Old Testament offered repeated sacrifices to atone for sin, their work was never complete. Jesus, however, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice—once for all—securing eternal redemption for those who trust in Him.He is not a distant or detached mediator. Jesus understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us with compassion and power.Join us as we explore the beauty and depth of what it means to have Jesus as our Great High Priest—perfect, compassionate, and eternally sufficient.

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by David Schrock (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Preaching and Theology at Occoquan Bible Church and Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology (Indianapolis Theological Seminary, Boyce College, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) to discuss the Levitical covenant from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key points of the Levitical covenant and how it fits in the larger storyline of Scripture.ResourcesThe Levitical Covenant (Parts I,II, and III) by David SchrockMaking Sense of Melchizedek Through the Framework of Progressive Covenantalism by Matthew EmadiThe Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God by David SchrockKingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Stephen Wellum and Peter GentryGod's Kingdom through God's Covenants: A Concise Biblical Theology by Stephen Wellum and Peter GentryChrist from Beginning to End: How the Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ by Stephen Wellum and Trent Hunter

Episode Title: Hebrews: A Letter to the Drifting (Part 7 of the Melchizedek Series)   Host: Rod Thomas   Date: Tuesday, August 5th, 2025   Episode Summary: In this episode, Rod Thomas continues the Melchizedek series with Part 7, titled "Hebrews: A Letter to the Drifting." Rod delves into the Book of Hebrews, exploring its profound messages and themes. He emphasizes the significance of Yahoshua (Jesus) as the ultimate High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, surpassing the Levitical priesthood and the old covenant worship system.   Key Points Discussed:   Introduction and Updates: Rod greets the audience and provides updates on the ministry's upcoming missions trip to Kenya, focusing on helping widows and orphans and spreading the Gospel 1. He expresses gratitude for the audience's support and prayers 1. Dramatic Opening Monologue: Rod sets the stage with a dramatic monologue titled "The Throne and the Veil," highlighting the significance of the Book of Hebrews 2. Main Teaching: Rod introduces the main teaching, focusing on the Book of Hebrews and its message to the drifting believers 3. He discusses the historical and spiritual context of the Book of Hebrews, emphasizing its relevance to modern-day believers 4. Rod explores the themes of Yahoshua's exaltation, the Melchizedekian priesthood, and the renewed covenant 5. Key Themes and Messages: The superiority of Yahoshua over angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood 6. The concept of Yahoshua as the eternal High Priest and mediator of a better covenant 7. The importance of understanding the Book of Hebrews in its historical and cultural context 8. Conclusion: Rod concludes the episode with a preview of the next installment in the series, encouraging listeners to continue their study of the Book of Hebrews 9. He expresses his hope that the teachings will inspire and bless the audience 10.   Call to Action:   Listeners are encouraged to support the ministry's missions trip to Kenya through prayers and financial contributions. Donations can be made through the Qumran Family Foundation's website 1.   Contact Information:   For more information and to support the ministry, visit [http://qumranfamilyfoundation.org](http://qumranfamilyfoundation.org).

7-27-25 AM 'The Deformation of the Church'Sermon Text: Judges 17-18Theme: A cross section of the covenant community - a family, a priest, and a tribe -drift away from true religion into idolatry.I. The corruption of an Israelite family.II. The corruption of the Levitical priesthood.III. The corruption of a tribe in Israel.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

In this chapter there is more information from Yahweh on the requirements for the trespass offering and how it is to be made. God also made a provision for the Levitical priests so that they may benefit from their service to the Lord and His people. (With some rules)

In this chapter there is more information from Yahweh on the requirements for the trespass offering and how it is to be made. God also made a provision for the Levitical priests so that they may benefit from their service to the Lord and His people. (With some rules)

In this chapter there is more information from Yahweh on the requirements for the trespass offering and how it is to be made. God also made a provision for the Levitical priests so that they may benefit from their service to the Lord and His people. (With some rules)

7:51 - Did Elijah send a letter from heaven? / 11:51 - Are people looking down on us from heaven? / 17:27 - How do we know who the Bible is referring to in some hard to read sections? / 29:55 - Why did men and women have different standards of cleanliness in Levitical law? / 42:13 - Who is the whore of Babylon in Revelation? / 52:06 - Where is the Church in the end times?

Support The Ministry: https://patreon.com/thechurchsplit Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DNCPKRQVTBD5E Order My Book: https://a.co/d/1vjiC16 The Network: https://onelifenetwork.org/ Join us for an engaging interview with Phil Bray, the author of Leviticus on the Butcher's Block: Making Head or Tail of the Bible's Toughest Book. As a qualified butcher from Sydney, Australia, Phil brings a fresh and fascinating perspective to the often-challenging Book of Leviticus. In this conversation, we dive into how his hands-on experience in the butcher shop offers unique insights into the ancient Levitical sacrificial system, atonement, and the theological significance of this pivotal book in Scripture. From the smells of herbs and barbecue to the sounds of sharpening knives, Phil's vivid storytelling makes Leviticus accessible, relatable, and even fun! Discover how his journey from aspiring fantasy writer to butcher shaped his passion for biblical studies and led to this one-of-a-kind exploration of sacrifice and holiness. We'll explore key themes from his book, his thoughts on how Leviticus points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, and why this often-overlooked book is vital for Christians today. Get the Book: https://a.co/d/iINVO39 Follow Phil's Work: Check out his short, engaging videos on Leviticus at YouTube.com/@Leviticus_is_fun Learn More: Visit www.ubiquitousleviticus.com for a sneak peek into Phil's book and insights! Don't miss this deep dive into the heart of Leviticus with a butcher's perspective! Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more thought-provoking discussions on faith, Scripture, and theology. #Leviticus #PhilBray #BiblicalStud

By the sin offering, God made a way for sinners to cover certain sins. But Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, takes away ALL our sins. The blood offerings of the Levitical sacrifices could not get you into heaven but, Christ said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to […]

By the sin offering, God made a way for sinners to cover certain sins. But Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, takes away ALL our sins. The blood offerings of the Levitical sacrifices could not get you into heaven but, Christ said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to […]

The purpose of Levitical law was not to introduce arbitrary and oppressive religious rules onto the people of Israel, nor was the purpose of Levitical law to stroke God's ego with intensive worship requirements.  No, the purpose of Levitical Law was to give mankind a definitive definition for sin, sanctify the nation of Israel, and usher in the advent of the Redeemer – the One who would provide the means for man to fulfill God's will.  In this week's podcast, we will do an overview of the 5th Dispensation – the Dispensation of the Law.

Send us a textThe divine orchestration of God's redemptive plan reveals itself through perfect timing and meaningful connections. The Holy Spirit's arrival wasn't a random event but a carefully positioned fulfillment of ancient promises exactly 50 days after Christ's resurrection.This teaching takes you on a journey through four significant Levitical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23, showing how each one foreshadows crucial aspects of salvation history. The Passover, fulfilled when Christ died as our perfect sacrifice; the Feast of Unleavened Bread, representing the sinlessness that made Him a suitable offering; the Feast of First Fruits, pointing to His resurrection; and finally, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), marking the Holy Spirit's powerful descent.What makes this study particularly illuminating is the revelation that God wastes nothing in communicating truth to His people. Every detail in Scripture carries meaning and purpose "down to every jot and tittle." When we understand these connections, we gain profound insight into how the Old and New Testaments form one cohesive narrative of redemption.The advent of the Holy Spirit represents not merely the fulfillment of prophecy but the inauguration of a new era where God's Spirit works in what the teacher describes as "a more illustrious manner" than in Old Testament times. Rather than temporarily empowering selected individuals, the Spirit now permanently indwells all believers.This teaching challenges us to become "arduous students laboring to uncover God's truth" rather than casual readers of Scripture. When we recognize these divine patterns, our appreciation for God's wisdom and sovereignty deepens substantially. Discover how seemingly disconnected biblical events actually reveal an intricate tapestry of divine purpose and perfect timing.Support the show

The Levitical priesthood couldn't bring perfection, but Jesus did. Though not from the priestly tribe, He offers complete transformation, not just religious routine.

Tuesday, 1 July 2025   For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. Matthew 11:13   “For all the prophets and the law, until John, they prophesied” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told those with Him, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens, it is forced, and forcers, they seize it.” Now, He continues, saying, “For all the prophets and the law.”   The word “for” is given to explain the previous verse. The coming of Jesus as Messiah, which signified the coming of the kingdom of the heavens, was prophesied in advance. It was the great anticipation of the people. This is so obvious from Scripture that even the Samaritans understood it –   “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming' (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.' 26 Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.'” John 4:25, 26   With such high anticipation, when John came on the scene proclaiming that the kingdom was at hand, the people rushed towards the news, forcing themselves into the body of others desirous of obtaining the promise.   As for the term, “the prophets and the law,” it is a thought repeated eleven times in the New Testament. However, this is the only time it mentions the prophets first. The reason for the change is that Jesus is focusing on John's prophetic ministry first and foremost.   The law anticipated the coming of the Messiah in an almost innumerable number of times in types and shadows. It also has explicit references to Him, such as the Prophet noted in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.   However, Moses was a prophet as well as the lawgiver. It is the words of the prophets, including the giving of the law, that anticipated the coming of the Messiah. That line of prophets is referred to by Jesus next, saying, “until John, they prophesied.”   Jesus is clearly stating that the role of the prophet heralding the coming of the Messiah ends with John. Prophecies continue in the New Testament, but the words pointing to Jesus' coming find their termination with John.   In Revelation 11, it says –   “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Revelation 11:3   These two witnesses of the future will testify to the Messiah who has come. They will be a witness to Israel and the world at large that what is recorded about John here is the truth. His prophecies and proclamations focused on the entrance of the new dispensation that was about to be revealed.   Life application: In the book of Hebrews, the author provides minute detail concerning the effects of Jesus' work. He is so specific and so pinpointed in his words that it is incredible that people who read the book cannot seem to grasp what is being conveyed.   For example, the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents call what Jesus did a “renewed covenant,” not a New Covenant. The implication, followed by explicit teaching by them, is that the Law of Moses is renewed and adherents must abide by it.   In Hebrews 7 (for example), the author clearly teaches against such a ridiculous thought –   “Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies: ‘You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.' 18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:11-19   This is one of several examples of the clear and precise teaching by the author that completely refutes the heresy of Mosaic Law observance. The words are black ink on white paper, and their intended meaning will be evident to anyone willing to pick up the book and read it.   The law prophesied of its own termination. The prophets referred to that coming day multiple times. John called out that the time for Messiah to come had arrived. And yet, here we are, over two thousand years later, missing the mark on who Jesus is and what He accomplished! Pay heed to the word. For those who find Jesus, it is life. For those who find law observance (because they failed to heed what is said), there will be condemnation.   “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4   Lord God, how can our world be so filled with Bibles, the most published book in all of human history, and yet be so illiterate in what it says? Help us to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to read, study, and understand this precious gift. May we not be negligent in seeking out its glorious pages that tell us of Jesus and what He has done for us. Amen.

Who was Korach, the Levitical antagonist who rose up and tried to lead a rebellion against Moshe…and against God Himself? What was his true agenda, and what can we learn from him, and his remarkable, 'out of this world' punishment of being swallowed up by the 'mouth of the earth?' Join Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman in this week's episode of the Jerusalem Lights podcast as they discuss Korach, a man who was swallowed up by his own ego, becoming an eternal symbol of how self-deception becomes a fall, too late, into self-awareness....Due to technicalities related to the current circumstances we were unable to record our weekly podcast in its usual format. Also in the closing moment of the podcast, Rabbi Richman lost electrical power and was unable to sign off in the usual manner. Apologies! _________Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support the work of Jerusalem Lights, Inc., a USA recognized 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization to enable these productions to continue and grow:PayPal: infojerusalemlights@gmail.com or: https://paypal.me/JerusalemLights?loc...In the USA: Jerusalem Lights Inc. Post Office Box 16886Lubbock Texas 79490In Israel: Tel. 972 54 7000395 Mail: PO Box 23808, Jerusalem IsraelSubscribe to our newsletter at https://www.rabbirichman.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel:    / jerusalemlightsrabbichaimrichman  Follow us on Facebook:   / rabbichaimrichman    / 282440396475839  

God's covenant with the Levites is often overlooked in treatments of the biblical covenants. Studies will often jump from the Sinai Covenant to the Davidic Covenant, but the truth is that the Levitical and Davidic covenants are inseparable and mutually interpreting in terms of their prophetic contribution to the Old Testament's messianic revelation and its fulfillment in Jesus.

Have you ever witnessed a complete miscarriage of justice? The trial of Jesus stands as history's most profound example of how power, jealousy, and fear can corrupt even the most sacred institutions.As the high priest grows increasingly frustrated with contradicting testimonies against Jesus, he finally asks directly: "Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus's unflinching response—"I am"—provides exactly what they wanted: grounds for execution. The high priest tears his garments (itself a violation of Levitical law) and declares no further witnesses necessary. What follows reveals the cruelty behind religious facades as guards blindfold Jesus, beat him mercilessly, and mockingly challenge him to "prophesy" who struck him.Meanwhile, Peter's story unfolds in heartbreaking parallel. The disciple who hours earlier had sworn he would die before denying Jesus now crumbles before a servant girl's questioning. His three denials culminate in cursing and swearing that he "does not know this man." When the rooster crows and Jesus catches his eye across the courtyard, Peter breaks down in bitter tears. Yet this failure doesn't define his story—Jesus later restores him completely, showing that our worst moments don't disqualify us from God's purposes.The religious leaders, having condemned Jesus for blasphemy, shrewdly change tactics when bringing him before Pilate. Knowing Roman authorities wouldn't execute someone for religious claims, they reframe the charges as sedition: "This man claims to be a king." Throughout these manipulated proceedings, Jesus maintains remarkable composure, speaking only when necessary and embracing the path that leads to our redemption.This ancient narrative mirrors how both secular authorities and religious establishments often deny Christian faith a fair hearing today. The world doesn't understand the profound importance of what happened that day—when the truly innocent One willingly accepted judgment so that we might go free.How might your perspective change knowing that Jesus faced injustice so completely yet without abandoning His mission of love? What does it mean that He doesn't discard us when we fail him like Peter did?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Chapter 15 depicts the (successful) procession of the Aron to Jerusalem. The account in Sefer Shmuel (Book of Samuel ch.6) is so passionate. Our chapter is so technical, filled as it is with names and roles of the Levitical families. Beyond Chronicles' seeming obsession with names, what drives our chapter differently to the narrative in Shmuel?

SummaryAre you hesitant to come to God with your real struggles? Do you carry shame, doubt, or fear into prayer? In this powerful message from Next Gen Friday on the Taking the Land podcast, we hear an anointed sermon that dismantles the lie that access to God is for the elite or the worthy.

Christ's Sacrifice Once for All: Is the Levitical Priesthood Replaced? addresses one of the most misunderstood issues in New Testament theology. Did Yeshua's once-for-all sacrifice abolish the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system? Many say yes—but Scripture tells a different story.In this episode, we examine what the Book of Hebrews really says, and how the apostles, prophets, and Yeshua himself viewed the priesthood and sacrifices. We also unpack how animal sacrifices functioned on an earthly level, and how Messiah's sacrifice functions on a heavenly level—removing any contradiction between them.

Pastor Jahanna Fredricks explains how Jesus, like Melchizedek, was appointed by God as our eternal high priest—offering Himself once for all—unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins first. Through His obedience in suffering, Christ secures complete forgiveness and brings us into direct fellowship with our Heavenly Father.