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Discover how the foundational commandments and principles in Genesis still speak to every believer today. In this Sabbath Lounge teaching, we walk through key passages in Genesis and highlight the basic instructions that Christians of all backgrounds can agree on—faith, obedience, covenant, Sabbath, and righteous living. We also explore how “Christians follow Torah – Torah Genesis Edition” connects the front of the Book to the rest of Scripture, showing how these early commandments lay the groundwork for the gospel and the life of a disciple of Yeshua/Jesus. Whether you are new to Torah or simply want a deeper understanding of Genesis, this study will help you see the unity of Scripture and why these early commands matter for believers now. Grab your Bible, follow along, and let's test everything together in the Word. Keywords: Sabbath Lounge, Genesis commandments, Genesis principles for believers, Christians and Torah, Torah Genesis edition, Bible study Genesis, universal biblical principles, commandments in Genesis, Old Testament foundations, Torah observant Christian, Sabbath teaching Genesis. Find more information below: www.sabbathlounge.com https://linktr.ee/Sabbathlounge
Discover how the foundational commandments and principles in Genesis still speak to every believer today. In this Sabbath Lounge teaching, we walk through key passages in Genesis and highlight the basic instructions that Christians of all backgrounds can agree on—faith, obedience, covenant, Sabbath, and righteous living. We also explore how “Christians follow Torah – Torah Genesis Edition” connects the front of the Book to the rest of Scripture, showing how these early commandments lay the groundwork for the gospel and the life of a disciple of Yeshua/Jesus. Whether you are new to Torah or simply want a deeper understanding of Genesis, this study will help you see the unity of Scripture and why these early commands matter for believers now. Grab your Bible, follow along, and let's test everything together in the Word. Keywords: Sabbath Lounge, Genesis commandments, Genesis principles for believers, Christians and Torah, Torah Genesis edition, Bible study Genesis, universal biblical principles, commandments in Genesis, Old Testament foundations, Torah observant Christian, Sabbath teaching Genesis. Find more information below: www.sabbathlounge.com https://linktr.ee/Sabbathlounge
Yom Shabbat Service - 7 Tevet, 5786 / December 27, 2025 Parshat Vayechi - He lived Torah: Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12
Yom Shabbat Service - 30 Kislev, 5786 / December 20, 2025 Guest Speaker: Eric Painter Parshat Miketz - At the end Torah: Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7
Yom Shabbat Service - 23 Kislev, 5786 / December 13, 2025 Parshat Vayeshev - He settles Torah: Genesis 37:1-40:23 Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8
Yom Shabbat Service - 9 Kislev, 5786 / November 29, 2025 Parshat VaYeitzeh - He went out Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-14:10
Shabbat Service - Cheshvan 24, 5786 / November 15, 2025 Parshat Chayei Sarah - Sarah's life Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31
Shabbat Service - Cheshvan 3, 5786 / November 1, 2025 Parshat Lech-Lecha - Get yourself out Torah: Genesis 12:1-17:27 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27-41:16
Shabbat Service - Tishrei 26, 5786 / October 18, 2025 Parshat Bereshit - In the beginning Torah: Genesis 1:1-6:8 Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5-43:10
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK TWELVE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 103-104 Vayechi “and he lived” Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 70-75 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: John 1-6 Scripture Memory: Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
WEEK TWELVE: WEEKLY READING Page 103-104 Vayechi “and he lived” Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 70-75 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: John 1-6 Scripture Memory: Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
WEEK TWELVE: WEEKLY READING Page 103-104 Vayechi “and he lived” Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 70-75 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: John 1-6 Scripture Memory: Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12Rejoice and be very glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
We come now to the life of Abraham, a new Adam figure called to leave the land of his fathers and go to the land God would show him.
This is the latter-half of the story of Abraham, in which we see Yahweh change his name and he will face his greatest test on Mt. Moriah.
What makes the first eleven chapters of Genesis so foundational for Christians? How do they form the identify of ancient Israel? These are just some of the questions we try to answer in this first Sunday School lesson on the first five books of the Bible.
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK ELEVEN: WEEKLY READING PAGE 103 Vayigash “and he drew near” Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 64-69 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 19-24 Scripture Memory: Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins (emphasis mine).” Matthew 4:19 “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
WEEK ELEVEN: WEEKLY READING Page 103 Vayigash “and he drew near” Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 64-69 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 19-24 Scripture Memory: Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins (emphasis mine).” Matthew 4:19 “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
WEEK ELEVEN: WEEKLY READING Page 103 Vayigash “and he drew near” Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 64-69 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 19-24 Scripture Memory: Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins (emphasis mine).” Matthew 4:19 “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK TEN WEEKLY READING PAGE 102-103 Miketz “at the end of” Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 7-12 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 58-63 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 13-18 Scripture Memory: Lamentation 3:22-24 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; His compassions do not fail. 23They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 24‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’”
WEEK TEN: WEEKLY READING PAGE 102 Miketz “at the end of” Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 7-12 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 58-63 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 13-18 Scripture Memory: Lamentation 3:22-24 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; His compassions do not fail. 23They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 24‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’”
WEEK TEN: WEEKLY READING PAGE 102 Miketz “at the end of” Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 7-12 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 58-63 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 13-18 Scripture Memory: Lamentation 3:22-24 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed; His compassions do not fail. 23They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 24‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’”
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK NINE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 102 Vayeshev “and he dwelt” Torah: Genesis 37:1–40:23 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 1-6 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 52-57 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 7-12 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 53:3-6 “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised, and we did not esteem him. 4 Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
WEEK NINE: WEEKLY READING Vayeshev “and he dwelt” Torah: Genesis 37:1–40:23 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 1-6 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 52-57 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 7-12 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 53:3-6 “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised, and we did not esteem him. 4Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. 6All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
WEEK NINE: WEEKLY READING Vayeshev “and he dwelt” Torah: Genesis 37:1–40:23 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 1 Samuel 1-6 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 52-57 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Luke 7-12 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 53:3-6 “He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from him; he was despised, and we did not esteem him. 4Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. 6All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK EIGHT: WEEKLY READING PAGE 100-101 Vayishlach “and he sent” Torah: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Ruth 1-4 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 45-51 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark16 - Luke 1-6 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
WEEK EIGHT: WEEKLY READING Vayishlach “and he sent” Torah: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Ruth 1-4 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 45-51 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark16 - Luke 1-6 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
WEEK EIGHT: WEEKLY READING Vayishlach “and he sent” Torah: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Ruth 1-4 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 45-51 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark16 - Luke 1-6 Scripture Memory: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK SEVEN: WEEKLY READING PAGE 101 Vayetze “And he went out” Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 16-21 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 39-44 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 10-15 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; then will your barns be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Malachi 3:10-12 “Bring all the tithes into the store house, that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts. 12 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.”
WEEK SEVEN: WEEKLY READING Page 101 Vayetze “And he went out” Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 16-21 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 39-44 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 10-15 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; then will your barns be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Malachi 3:10-12 “Bring all the tithes into the store house, that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts. 12Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
WEEK SEVEN: WEEKLY READING Page 101 Vayetze “And he went out” Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 16-21 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 39-44 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 10-15 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; then will your barns be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Malachi 3:10-12 “Bring all the tithes into the store house, that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it. 11I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground, and the vines in your field will not fail to bear fruit, says the Lord of Hosts. 12Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Hosts.
Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 9-15 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 32-38 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 3-9 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 9-15 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 32-38 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 3-9 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK SIX: WEEKLY READING PAGE 100 Toldot “Generations” Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 9-15 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 32-38 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Mark 3-9 Scripture Memory: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, be cause he trusts in You.”
Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 1-8 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 25-31 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 25-28; Mark 1-2 Scripture Memory: Psalm 119:9 “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word... 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK FIVE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 100 Chayei Sarah “The life of Sarah” Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 1-8 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 25-31 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 25-28; Mark 1-2 Scripture Memory: Psalm 119:9, 11 “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word... 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Judges 1-8 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 25-31 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 25-28; Mark 1-2 Scripture Memory: Psalm 119:9 “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word... 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
WEEK FOUR: WEEKLY READING Vayera “And He appeared” Torah: Genesis 18:1-22:24 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 19-24 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 19-24 Scripture Memory: Psalm 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters .3He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare 99 Scott & Sandy Boyd a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
WEEK FOUR: WEEKLY READING Vayera “And He appeared” Torah: Genesis 18:1-22:24 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 19-24 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 19-24 Scripture Memory: Psalm 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters .3He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare 99 Scott & Sandy Boyd a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK FOUR: WEEKLY READING PAGE 99 Vayera “And He appeared” Torah: Genesis 18:1-22:24 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 19-24 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 19-24 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 19-24 Scripture Memory: Psalm 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters .3 He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
What’s Next: Section Two WEEK THREE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 99 Lech Lecha “Go forth, yourself” Torah: Genesis 12:1–17:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 13-18 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 13-18 Scripture Memory: Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful, and you will be wise.”
WEEK THREE: WEEKLY READING Lech Lecha “Go forth, yourself” Torah: Genesis 12:1–17:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 13-18 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 13-18 Scripture Memory: Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful, and you will be wise."
WEEK THREE: WEEKLY READING Lech Lecha “Go forth, yourself” Torah: Genesis 12:1–17:27 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: Joshua 13-18 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Psalm 13-18 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Matthew 13-18 Scripture Memory: Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may act carefully according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way successful, and you will be wise."
Welcome to Day 2544 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2544 – Old Testament Orientation – What is the Old Testament? Putnam Church Message – 01/05/2024 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 1: What is the Old Testament? Last week was the final Sunday of 2024, and our focus was to press forward with a message titled “A Christ-Centered Perspective on the New Year.” This week, we are starting a new series called Old Testament Orientation. Unlike a deep dive into a particular book, this series will be a mile wide and a foot deep. We will take on the mindset of an ancient Israelite and God's plan of redemption for humankind. We will invest the first quarter of 2025 covering an Old Testament Orientation, and the second quarter of 2025 with a New Testament Orientation. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence with hearts eager to learn and grow. As we begin this journey through the Old Testament, help us to see Your story of redemption, love, and purpose. Open our minds to understand, and let our hearts be transformed by Your Word. Guide this time together, and may all we do glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Introduction What is the Old Testament? For many, this question stirs thoughts of thick genealogies, ancient laws, or confusing prophecies. Yet, the Old Testament is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of God's grand story. It sets the stage for the New Testament and introduces us to the God who creates, redeems, and sustains. I like the tagline that The Bible Project uses. The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. In both of our series, we will connect this unified story. (Tapestry) The Old Testament is like a vast tapestry, each thread holding a unique story that contributes to the overall masterpiece of God's plan. When we study it, we uncover the deep emotions of loss, hope, and faith. It teaches us that even during the most challenging times, like the Israelites in exile, God's presence is a promise of restoration and love, urging us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. This message will cover three key aspects: The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament How the Old Testament Was Preserved The Authority and Relevance of the Old Testament Today Let's dive in, not just to gain knowledge, but to deepen our relationship with the Author behind the text. The Authorship and Structure of the Old Testament The Challenge of Anonymous Authorship Most Old Testament books do not name their authors explicitly. For example, Moses is traditionally considered the author of the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), yet his name does not appear in the opening verses. This anonymity reflects the communal and oral culture of the ancient Near East. Story Illustration #1: Imagine a group of people passing down family stories at a campfire. Each storyteller adds vivid details, but the heart of the story remains the same. Similarly, the Old Testament emerged from a culture that valued the collective preservation of truth over individual credit. Story Illustration #2: Consider a seasoned storyteller sitting by the fire, narrating tales of ancient...
Parshat Miketz - At the end Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
Parshat Va Yishlach - He sent Torah: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21
Parshat Va Yeitzeh - He went out Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-14:10
The God of the Living: Lessons from Jesus and the Sadducees: Preparing Now for Eternal Life We've all heard the phrase, . . . . . . “Life is too short; you better enjoy it.” We often use it as a reminder to embrace the fleeting moments of life—whether by traveling, tasting new foods, or seeking out experiences because, as the saying goes, “you won't live forever.” But as Christians, as children of God, we are called to see beyond this. Yes, life is short, and we should cherish it. But we also know that eternal life is long, and we must prepare for it. While we enjoy the blessings of this earthly life, we must not lose sight of the life to come—life eternal. The Sadducees Did Not Believe in the Resurrection In today's Gospel, we encounter the Sadducees, a group who rejected key beliefs central to the faith. They denied the resurrection, life after death, and the existence of angels. Their arguments stemmed from their strict adherence to the five books of the Torah—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—claiming these scriptures made no mention of resurrection. When the Sadducees approached Jesus with questions about the afterlife, He directly addressed their misunderstandings. He affirmed the reality of the resurrection, stating that those deemed worthy would rise and live eternally. He also affirmed the existence of angels, explaining that in the resurrection, people will be “like angels,” no longer bound by earthly institutions such as marriage. God of The Living Jesus emphasized that God is “not the God of the dead but of the living,” referencing the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who live on in God's presence. He challenged the Sadducees to interpret the scriptures more deeply, showing that the promise of resurrection and eternal life is woven throughout God's Word. As we reflect on this teaching, Jesus reminds us of a vital truth: while we prepare to commemorate His first coming (Advent and Christmas), we must also prepare for His second coming. The life we live now is a preparation for eternity. Let us embrace the joy and beauty of this short life while keeping our hearts and minds fixed on the eternal life to come. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: The God of the Living: Lessons from Jesus and the Sadducees: Preparing Now for Eternal Life ----------------------------- Image: French Painter: James Tissot: 1886 Jesus with the Jewish Leaders ----------------------------- Gospel: Luke: 20: 27-40 First Reading: RV 11:4-12
Parshat Lech-Lecha - Get yourself out Torah: Genesis 12:1-17:27 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27-41:16
Torah: Genesis 22:1-24 Prophets: Jeremiah 31:1-19
Torah - Genesis 21:1-34 Prophets - 1 Samuel 1:1-2:10