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In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Day 103 from the "Gate of Remembrance" in the Orchos Tzaddikim, emphasizing how servants of a king perform tasks with utmost speed, focus, and dedication—turning off distractions and channeling all their energy into fulfilling the king's needs. He draws parallels to serving Hashem, urging listeners to approach mitzvot with the same intensity: expressing gratitude meticulously, performing actions with grace and diligence, and investing in the highest quality items, like the finest menorah or mezuzah, as a true expression of love for God. Using the analogy of carefully selecting flowers for a spouse rather than grabbing anything haphazardly, Rabbi Wolbe stresses that mitzvot are not mere obligations but profound demonstrations of devotion, done lovingly and wholeheartedly without shortcuts or indifference.He categorizes mitzvot into three aspects: those of the heart, performed purely for Hashem without ulterior motives; those involving the entire body, such as physically engaging in prayer (Shuckling) or shopping for Shabbos to immerse oneself fully; and physical actions like shaking the lulav or sitting in a sukkah, which still require intentional focus beforehand. Rabbi Wolbe highlights the Talmudic teaching to expend up to a third of one's resources on perfecting a mitzvah, promising divine rewards far exceeding the investment when done sincerely. He warns against performing mitzvot for social recognition or personal gain, insisting all deeds be dedicated solely to Hashem's name.Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 13, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Mitzvahs, #Love, #Devotion, #Dedication, #Gratitude, #Sincerity, #DivineWill ★ Support this podcast ★
A place of remembrance- After crossing the Jordan, the children of Israel camped at Gilgal and kept the Passover for the first time while in the promised land. Gilgal became a place for fresh consecration and surrender before the Lord, remembering God's goodness and faithfulness.
Our weekly Men Shiur has begun delving into how our Middot affect us and how to grow from it. We hit some amazing stories and concepts concerning gratitude. Also I am a bit more relaxed and loose by the Men class than other speeches so this maybe a bit of a ride!
Episode 22 of Ask Away dives into kosher, mikvah, and customs, with 18 questions from Benjamin (NY) and in-person queries. Rabbi Wolbe addresses antisemitism's rise as a call to prioritize Temple/exile awareness, urging discomfort for closeness to Hashem. Key themes:Kosher Details: Spleen/liver differences, roasting liver, gid hanasheh (sciatic nerve) removal, fish blood rinsing (1:03–3:03, 39:54–40:37, 1:06:47–1:07:20).Mevushal Wine: Pasteurized kosher wine safe for non-Jew touch; non-mevushal fine sealed, invalid post-opening if touched (20:50–26:24, 39:09–39:54).Mikvah: Pools valid with 40 se'ah rainwater (biblical for women); showers/bathtubs for men (tisha kavim); blessings for women/utensils (al hat'vilah), not men; conversion TBD (42:45–56:58).Shabbos Candles/Prayers: Personal requests OK (18 minutes early); general prayers (e.g., Sim Shalom) fine, but no specifics on Shabbos—use intent (31:52–36:38).Dishwasher: Separate or hand-wash; hot water transfers taste (33:03–34:43).Organ Donation/DNR: Living OK (mitzvah); post-mortem complex; DNR permissible if pain excruciating, after rabbinic consult (18:35–20:47).Hasidic Dress: Emotional inspiration (Baal Shem Tov); uniqueness (Tzitzis' free strings); don't judge—focus on Chessed (Hatzalah example) (3:04–16:13).Behab (Fasting): Custom post-Pesach/Sukkot for atonement (lashon hara); uncommon, sunrise to stars (1:03:33–1:05:02).613 Mitzvot: 248 positive (limbs), 365 prohibitions (days); total 613—no sequence significance (58:40–59:07).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #73) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 12, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Traditions, #Law, #DietaryLaws, #Liver, #Blood, #Clothing, #GoldenAge, #Salt, #Mikvah, #Conversion, #Tefillin, #Shabbat, #Mitzvah, #Gratitude ★ Support this podcast ★
Episode 22 of Ask Away dives into kosher, mikvah, and customs, with 18 questions from Benjamin (NY) and in-person queries. Rabbi Wolbe addresses antisemitism's rise as a call to prioritize Temple/exile awareness, urging discomfort for closeness to Hashem. Key themes:Kosher Details: Spleen/liver differences, roasting liver, gid hanasheh (sciatic nerve) removal, fish blood rinsing (1:03–3:03, 39:54–40:37, 1:06:47–1:07:20).Mevushal Wine: Pasteurized kosher wine safe for non-Jew touch; non-mevushal fine sealed, invalid post-opening if touched (20:50–26:24, 39:09–39:54).Mikvah: Pools valid with 40 se'ah rainwater (biblical for women); showers/bathtubs for men (tisha kavim); blessings for women/utensils (al hat'vilah), not men; conversion TBD (42:45–56:58).Shabbos Candles/Prayers: Personal requests OK (18 minutes early); general prayers (e.g., Sim Shalom) fine, but no specifics on Shabbos—use intent (31:52–36:38).Dishwasher: Separate or hand-wash; hot water transfers taste (33:03–34:43).Organ Donation/DNR: Living OK (mitzvah); post-mortem complex; DNR permissible if pain excruciating, after rabbinic consult (18:35–20:47).Hasidic Dress: Emotional inspiration (Baal Shem Tov); uniqueness (Tzitzis' free strings); don't judge—focus on Chessed (Hatzalah example) (3:04–16:13).Behab (Fasting): Custom post-Pesach/Sukkot for atonement (lashon hara); uncommon, sunrise to stars (1:03:33–1:05:02).613 Mitzvot: 248 positive (limbs), 365 prohibitions (days); total 613—no sequence significance (58:40–59:07).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #73) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 12, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Jewish, #Traditions, #Law, #DietaryLaws, #Liver, #Blood, #Clothing, #GoldenAge, #Salt, #Mikvah, #Conversion, #Tefillin, #Shabbat, #Mitzvah, #Gratitude ★ Support this podcast ★
Jesus declared he would not eat the Passover again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. Dr. John explores this final Passover meal, unpacking the symbolism of the four cups, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs that point forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He reveals why Jesus had overwhelming passion for this meal—it was both the last before his suffering and a preview of the greatest celebration to come, yet shadowed by Judas' betrayal.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weather will be, what the stock market will do or how our job interview will turn out, we can adjust accordingly. In this 10-message series, Dr. John Neufeld teaches on Jesus' words and actions from Luke 21-22. Jesus points to the end of the age and describes what will be. While He doesn't answer our question of "When?", Jesus tells believers how to be ready. If we live as prepared people, the timing of Jesus' return will not catch us off guard.
This Sunday, Pastor Blake teaches about God's deliverance of His people through the first Passover. In this moment, we see His justice, mercy, and power on full display, which points us to Christ, our true Passover Lamb, who brings freedom and life to all who trust in Him. Want to watch a version of this message? Check out our live broadcast archive at www.declarationchurch.net/live.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem for Passover the people wanted a lion, but what they didn't realize was they needed a lamb.
The prophets warned that the day of the Lord would be darkness, not light—so why would anyone desire it? Dr. John connects Jesus' second coming teaching with the necessity of Passover, examining the dark conspiracy to kill Jesus, Satan's entrance into Judas, and the mysterious preparations for the meal. He reveals that just as ancient Israel needed the blood of the lamb to escape judgment, we need the greater Passover Lamb before the day of the Lord can be good news rather than terror.The End of the Age: Our desire to see into the future is more than curiosity. We want to know what will happen so we can be prepared. If we know what the weather will be, what the stock market will do or how our job interview will turn out, we can adjust accordingly. In this 10-message series, Dr. John Neufeld teaches on Jesus' words and actions from Luke 21-22. Jesus points to the end of the age and describes what will be. While He doesn't answer our question of "When?", Jesus tells believers how to be ready. If we live as prepared people, the timing of Jesus' return will not catch us off guard.
November 9, 2025. Fr. Tyler's homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Enjoy! Gospel John 2:13-22 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.
Starting with the last mishnah (on the bottom of 56:) - the offerings of the first-born, the tithes, Passover sacrifice, and more... in terms of what is eaten by whom. Starting with the first-born and the tithing - where the Gemara finds a source for the details and time frame of these offerings. The sages in these discussions are earlier - Tannaim, not Amoraim - and Rabbi Tarfon himself is a kohen. Which makes him more familiar with the details, perhaps. And Rabbi Yossi HaGelili has some questions for him. With a comparison to the piece-offering. Also, why the Passover sacrifice was eaten only at night and only until midnight (or the midpoint of the dark of the night). And it's another dispute between Tannaim - in this case, Rabbi Elazar ben Azariyah and Rabbi Akiva.
Just as Canadians pause on Remembrance Day to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom, Joshua 5:10 records Israel's own “Remembrance Day” — the Passover — a sacred reminder of God's deliverance. In this message, we trace the Passover from its first celebration in Egypt to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Through His sacrifice, death passes over all who place their faith in Him. As the church remembers through communion, we are called to never forget the God who saves, delivers, and remains with His people.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.
Shocking truth: Being a "good person" won't get you to heaven. In this eye-opening sermon, discover why salvation is by faith alone—not works—through the stories of Passover, Red Sea, and Rahab in Hebrews 11. Using a powerful classroom test analogy, Pastor Brandon reveals how Jesus already aced the test and offers to put His perfect score on your report card.If you've ever felt:"I'm not good enough"
Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God? Pastor Clayton King explores Passover and the New Covenant of Christ's blood. Jesus, our once-for-all atoning sacrificial substitute, makes our everyday relationship possible. Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God? Pastor Clayton King explores Passover and the New Covenant of Christ's blood. Jesus, our once-for-all atoning sacrificial substitute, makes our everyday relationship possible.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Might be back on the ropes,Might be down in the ring,Oh, Death, you're a fighter,But you've lost all your sting.So the more that you hit meThe more you can't win.You can knock me down, drag me out,But ring the bell for one more round.I'll get up again, ‘cause this is not the end.”~“This Is Not The End” by The Grey Havens “God never fumbles the ball. If he turns it over to the other side for a few downs, it's because he knows a better way to win.”~John Piper, pastor and author “What would it mean for Christians to give up that little piece of the American Dream that says, ‘You are limitless?' Everything is not possible. The mighty kingdom of God is not yet here. What if ‘rich' did not have to mean ‘wealthy', and ‘whole' did not have to mean ‘healed?' What if being the people of ‘the gospel' meant that we are simply people with good news? God is here. We are loved. It is enough.”~Kate Bower in Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved “This is the most precious answer God can give us: wait. It makes us cling to him rather than to an outcome. God knows what I need; I do not. He sees the future; I cannot. His perspective is eternal; mine is not. He will give me what is best for me when it is best for me.”~Vaneetha Rendall Risner in The Scars That Have Shaped Me SERMON PASSAGEActs 12:1-24 (ESV) 1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. 18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there. 20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,Jesus went up to Jerusalem.He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,as well as the money-changers seated there.He made a whip out of cordsand drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,and spilled the coins of the money-changersand overturned their tables,and to those who sold doves he said,"Take these out of here,and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,Zeal for your house will consume me.At this the Jews answered and said to him,"What sign can you show us for doing this?"Jesus answered and said to them,"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."The Jews said,"This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,and you will raise it up in three days?"But he was speaking about the temple of his Body.Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,his disciples remembered that he had said this,and they came to believe the Scriptureand the word Jesus had spoken.
In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his exploration of the laws of salting (kashering) meat and poultry to remove prohibited blood, covering Halachot 15–28 from Siman 36. He details specific preparations for various animal parts, including the head (cut and salted inside/outside), bones with marrow, legs (hooves trimmed), heart and lungs (cut open), liver (requires roasting over fire after cutting and rinsing, not just salting), spleen (membrane removed), intestines, stomach (milk drained), and eggs found inside birds (salted separately and considered meat). Additional rules address meat left unsalted for 72 hours and singeing birds post-feather removal. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of witnessing a heart harvest during a medevac flight, reflecting on the miracle of the human body and daily gratitude to God. The episode concludes with a preview of immersing non-Jewish utensils in a mikvah and an invitation for listener questions.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #22._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #70) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 9, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #KosherFood, #SaltingMeat, #Blood, #HumanBody, #Miracle ★ Support this podcast ★
This sermon continues the study of the Ten Plagues, examining plagues six through ten (Exodus 9-11). It moves from the boils and hail to the climactic 10th plague, the death of the firstborn. The message connects the plagues to God's judgment on the gods of Egypt, their prophetic fulfillment in the book of Revelation, and the urgency it creates for our own lives.Scripture ReferencesExodus 9:8-9: The plague of boils.Exodus 9:18-21: The plague of hail, where some Egyptians "feared the word of the Lord" and were saved.Exodus 11:4-7: The announcement of the final plague, the death of the firstborn.Revelation 8:7-8: The end-times judgments echoing the plagues (hail, fire, blood).James 4:14: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."2 Corinthians 5:10: The judgment seat of Christ for believers.Revelation 20:11-15: The Great White Throne judgment for unbelievers.Philippians 1:21-23: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."Key PointsThe Plagues Get Personal The plagues intensify and become more personal. They began by attacking Egypt's economy (Nile, livestock), but the sixth plague, boils, is the first to directly attack human flesh. God is "turning up the volume" of His revelation.God's Heart: An Invitation in Judgment Even in severe judgment, God offers a way of escape. During the plague of hail (Plague 7), God gives a warning to bring livestock inside. The text explicitly states that some of Pharaoh's servants "feared the word of the Lord" and were saved, showing God's desire to rescue anyone who will listen.The War on Gods: Defeating Ra The plagues were a systematic humiliation of Egypt's gods. The ninth plague, darkness, was the most significant. It was a direct assault on Ra, the sun god, who was the chief deity. Since Pharaoh was seen as the human embodiment of Ra, this plague was a total humiliation of both the god and the king.The Final Exodus: Plagues in Revelation The plagues of Exodus are a preview of the "Final Exodus" described in the book of Revelation. The end-times judgments use the exact same imagery: hail, fire, blood, darkness, and sores. What God did to one nation that hated Him, He will one day do on a global scale.Your Personal End Times Whether or not we are in the "last generation," every individual is in their own "personal end times." Life is a mist (James 4:14). The two most important days of our lives are the day we respond to the Gospel and the day we stand before Jesus.ConclusionThe tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, is the climax and the clearest picture of the Gospel in the Old Testament. Judgment is real and coming for all. But God provided a way out: the blood of an unblemished lamb. Those who applied the blood to their doorposts were saved.This truth gives believers a "win-win" perspective on mortality. As Kathleen Candy, a beloved member of this church, famously said while battling cancer, "Either way, I win." This echoes Paul: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."Calls to ActionAcknowledge Your Mortality: Recognize that your life is a mist and you are not guaranteed tomorrow.Prepare to Meet God: Ensure you are "covered by the blood of the Lamb" (Jesus) so you are prepared for your "personal end times."Live with a "Win-Win" Attitude: Adopt the perspective of Philippians 1:21, knowing that for a believer, death is not a loss but a gain. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
John 13:1-20English Standard Version13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”John 13:1-20English Standard Version13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Bible StudyDon't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Exodus 12:43-51, 13:3-16. Luke 22:14-23, 1 Cor 5:6-8.Sermon Notes:Introduction – Moving Forward by Looking BackIllustration: The Boys in the Boat — rowers face backward to move forward.God calls Israel to move forward from Egypt—but commands them to look back through Passover.In the same way, Jesus sends us forward in mission—but sustains us by remembering Him through Communion.Key Idea: We move forward in faith by looking back to God's saving work.I. Tactile TeachingGod teaches not just through words but through embodied practices.Sacrament: Outward sign of inward grace. Passover: Eating the lamb — tangible memory of deliverance.Communion: Bread and wine — tangible grace of Christ.Exodus 12:26–27 – Children ask, “What does this mean?”Learning by participation.Application: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)Simple signs, profound grace.II. Out with the OldFeast of Unleavened Bread—removing leaven as a symbol of leaving Egypt behind.God not only removes His people from Egypt but Egypt from His people.1 Corinthians 5:6–8 – “Cleanse out the old leaven… for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”Application: Confession before Communion clears away the “old leaven” of sin. Communion humbles, not shames; we come needy and receptive to grace.III. Assurance of Forgiveness and LovePassover: Blood of the lamb caused God's judgment to pass over His people.Communion: Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, takes judgment on Himself.“This is my body, given for you.”Application:Communion assures us tangibly that God's love and forgiveness are real.“As real as this bread and wine are, so real is God's love for you.”Moving Forward by RememberingThe life of faith always moves forward—but draws strength from looking back.Personally: Remember God's past faithfulness as fuel for trust.As a Church: In transition, look back with gratitude, not nostalgia.The Cross stands as our enduring sign of God's faithfulness.Discussion Questions:Share about your experience with Communion. Did you grow up taking Communion regularly? How do you currently experience grace through it?Compare and contrast the act of celebrating a birthday or anniversary with Communion. What are the similarities? What are the differences?Why is confession important before Communion? Do you practice personal confession?If you feel guilty over some sin, should you not take Communion that week? Why or why not? What are some reasons to refrain from taking Communion?Do you ever struggle to believe God loves you or forgives you? How might taking Communion help you?Extra ResourcesCheck out Sam Fornecker's Ridley Course - Jesus and the Jewish FeastsQuestions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester (RForrester@StAndrews.Church).
In this episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his exploration of the laws of salting (kashering) meat and poultry to remove prohibited blood, covering Halachot 15–28 from Siman 36. He details specific preparations for various animal parts, including the head (cut and salted inside/outside), bones with marrow, legs (hooves trimmed), heart and lungs (cut open), liver (requires roasting over fire after cutting and rinsing, not just salting), spleen (membrane removed), intestines, stomach (milk drained), and eggs found inside birds (salted separately and considered meat). Additional rules address meat left unsalted for 72 hours and singeing birds post-feather removal. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal story of witnessing a heart harvest during a medevac flight, reflecting on the miracle of the human body and daily gratitude to God. The episode concludes with a preview of immersing non-Jewish utensils in a mikvah and an invitation for listener questions.The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #22._____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #70) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 9, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Halacha, #Jewishlaw, #KosherFood, #SaltingMeat, #Blood, #HumanBody, #Miracle ★ Support this podcast ★
Ezra 5 tells of the work of building the house of God recommencing with the prophets of Yahweh - Haggai and Zechariah - supporting and encouraging the work. Still the attempts to frustrate the building came from Tatnai, the Governor on the other side of the river (the Jordan). The faithful Jews continued building while Tatnai's letter was sent to Darius (the Persian king). The Jews faithfully answered as to why their realm had been overturned and to their obedience to the God of heaven and the decree that came from king Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. The Jews suggested that search be made in the Chronicles of the kings of Persia to prove their claim. Chapter 6 tells us that the search was made in the house of the scrolls in Ecbatana proving the accuracy of the Jews' claim. A letter came from king Darius asking Tatnai and his people to materially support the building of the temple. Verses 15-18 report the completion and dedication of the house of God. From verses 19-22 we read of the great joy as the new kingdom of Judah kept the Passover. Let us be daily builders of God's House and let those labours bring joy to our hearts.Chapter 7 of Hosea contains some very graphic Hebrew poetry. From the rulers of the nation to the common people they were so intent on sexual depravity that they are described by the figure of a baker with an overheated oven. They had no shame for what they were doing. Another of the figures sees them as a dove that cannot make up her mind on whom to dote - Egypt, or Assyria. God wanted it otherwise and even when judgment was brought on them they didn't repent. A soft and penitent heart is always to be found among the LORD's children.In Acts 25 we are told that, when Festus was determined to send Paul to Jerusalem, the Apostle had no alternative but to make his appeal to Caesar. After a short period of time Festus conducted another hearing of Paul's matters. Festus once again sought the favour of the Jews and at this time Paul announced that he would exercise his right as a Roman Citizen to be judged by Caesar. Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice were visiting Caesarea and at this time Festus requested they hear Paul's case for Festus was struggling with the wording of the charge against Paul. Festus explained to Agrippa that to him there was no capital crime, but simply matters concerning Jewish law. With great pomp and ceremony Agrippa, Bernice and all the other dignitaries entered the judgment hall. Festus was seeking Agrippa's opinion on the nature of the charge to appear on the letter to be sent to Caesar. Chapter 26 records Paul's defence and appeal to Agrippa to embrace the Christian cause. Paul tells his audience of his fervour for the Jewish way and his concerted opposition to Christianity. But when he was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus everything changed. He told the audience of his great commission and then knowing king Agrippa to be a man who read the prophets he appealed to the king to adopt the Christian belief. Festus, being embarrassed by the situation, attempted to finish the hearing immediately by declaring Paul to be mad due to his great learning. Paul was not to be silenced so quickly and continued to ask Agrippa whether he believed the prophets. He stated plainly I know you believe them king Agrippa. At this point king Agrippa and all the dignitaries rose and left with the king stating Paul's innocence. Let us remember that we are bondslaves to our Lord Jesus Christ and as his prisoners let our testimony burn before all to whom we witness.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Is it Rapture or Tribulation (1) ? (audio) David Eells – 11/2/25 Is the Tribulation for You? Amos Scaggs - 08/03/2005 In a dream, I was at a computer and it was the mid-tribulation time period. I saw millions of people being destroyed and all sorts of catastrophes happening all over the world. I saw the Beast system in full swing, its leaders and commanders. I thought I had seen enough so I wanted to close the screen out. I kept clicking the “X” with the cursor 15-20 times in rapid succession but every time I would hit the “X” the screen would pop back up again. I was getting frustrated because I couldn't exit the page. Then a voice said, “You're Not Getting Out”. (So, no pre or mid-trib rapture) I had to sit there and watch the activities of the tribulation times. Needless to say, I was totally disappointed, and my heart sank because I thought I would escape the tribulation period. Regardless of what you have been taught or think, the Christian/Church will go through the seven-year tribulation period. Revelation in Mid-Trib of Soon Coming Rapture K. H. - 06/16/2008 (David's notes in red) In a house, I was in a living room with my mother and my sister; each of us was sitting on a separate couch. I knew that it was about in the middle of the tribulation (The timing of the rest of this dream starts at this mid-trib) and we had begun to discuss when the rapture was going to happen. My mother and sister were very insistent that the rapture was going to happen very soon, whereas I was thinking there was a little more time (past the mid-trib). As I was telling them how much more time I thought we had, the Lord showed me a picture of the earth. I then saw two or three black holes forming on the earth; it was almost like the earth looked like Swiss cheese. The Lord drew my attention to a black hole forming in the Indian Ocean between Africa and Australia as I saw the earth sucking itself up into the black hole. Simultaneously, as I saw the black hole beginning to ingest all that surrounded it, I felt like I was being sucked or pulled in the opposite direction. In that moment, I knew that it was the rapture, and the peace that surpasses all understanding came over me, and the joy of being in the presence of the Lord. As I was being taken up into the clouds, I woke up suddenly and I felt the Holy Spirit come over me very strongly, and I quickly went back to sleep. During the second 3 1/2 years of the tribulation, or mid-trib, as the world is being swallowed up by the beast from hell, we shall be increasingly swallowed up by the Kingdom of Heaven and ultimately into Heaven itself at the end of the trib. Few understand that the rapture is for those who have already learned to dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven while on Earth. Mat.24:31 And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet (We are told the rapture will be at the last or seventh trump- the seventh year of the trib.), and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.) Pre-Trib Rapture? Rick Sergent - 06/1997 THE LORD SPEAKS OF THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE THEORY I was working at International Truck Corporation in Springfield, Ohio. It was my lunch break. I was at my work desk and I had my bible when I heard the Lord say, “Go to Matthew 24.” I kind of pouted with Him and said I had read that chapter a zillion times. He said, “I WANT YOU TO READ IT AGAIN”. So just before I read it, the Lord said to me, “The pre-tribulation rapture theory is a false doctrine to lead my people astray, thinking they don't have to do or prepare for anything. My Church will go all the way through the tribulation. Some well-meaning teachers have taught this theory, but I have not taught them”. He also said, “This theory encourages laziness”. Then the words “Beginning of sorrows” went into my spirit. I knew what those words meant, and asked the Lord anyway, “What is the beginning of sorrows?” He did not respond to me with words, but automatically my eyes were fixed on some bold print at the bottom caption of some editorial notes of Matthew 24. In bold print were these words, “BEGINNING OF SORROWS”. I had read this many times, but never saw those words in that caption before. It was these words: “the transition of this age to the Age to come” ...severe birth pangs. I heard the Lord say, “I want you to read Matthew 24 just as it is, and do not read anything else into it”. When I did this, the Lord opened up my eyes, especially in verse 29: “after the tribulation of those days” and the coming of the Lord. I had asked the Lord to confirm this because it messed up my doctrine, and He told me my doctrine needed to be messed up! Since that time, the Lord has many times confirmed this to me in different ways and linked me to people with the same belief without me searching for such people. I also later did a term paper on the pre-, mid-, and post-trib in 2001 and found out that the pre-trib rapture doctrine first came into the Church in 1832! Watch the Hidden Manna For the End Times video series. WORD OF REVIVAL IN TRIBULATION Rick Sergent - 5/19/07 The Spirit of the Lord was resting heavy upon me and through me as I was at my home: He said, Much of My Church cannot discern the sky. They cannot see the storm clouds coming. They are wrapped up in their visions of grandeur. Many pastors do not want to hear warnings about great troubles coming to this nation because it threatens their vision. Some do not realize that the days of calamity will bring forth a great harvest and ministry to the lost. For the Big Harvest, I will not separate from calamities and trouble times. It will go hand-in-hand together. They hope to have their vision fulfilled during a time of prosperity, but I will allow these things to happen to America, to awaken My Church, and to shake this nation to the core of its foundation. There is coming to America a “day of trouble”, but at the same time, I will pour out My Spirit upon this nation as they cry out to Me. To My remnant that is hearing Me, I am pouring into them My power and My love. I am developing My character in them. I want you to reach out to others with My love and My compassion. I am pouring these things into you, so you can pour out of yourselves, My love, My compassion, and power into others who are hurting and in need. Be prepared to disciple and mentor My newborn babies, for they cannot walk; they are fragile and need much help. They can only crawl. Help and teach them to walk on their own. Feed My sheep so they know how to feed themselves with My Word. For I have truly called you for such a time as this. Rapture? Or Sanctification in Tribulation? Colleen Quinn - 12/22/2009 (RM and David's notes in red) In April of 1982, I was about eight months pregnant with my son, Shawn Mann, in Anchorage, Alaska. I had been praying and asking God to show me if the rapture was true or not. Shortly after that, I had this dream: I saw this huge city that was very busy with people. Out of the sky came the hand of God with a sword; He divided the city into two sections. The section on the left (goats) was much larger than the section on the right (sheep). (This is likened to God separating/sanctifying His people when they were in Egypt. The city is the world, a corporate city of nations, also called Babylon. Isa.25:3 Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.) A dark cloud was formed over the people on the left. These people were doing horrid, unspeakable things to each other. When they saw the dark cloud above them, they started reaching up to it and eating it like cotton candy. (The Holy Spirit later showed me that a lot of the dark cloud was from the TV and computers. And MSM) The people on the left became bored with doing horrid things to each other so they started going over to the section of people on the right and doing horrible, torturous things to them. (The people on the right are all who call themselves Christians. They will all be persecuted by the world in the tribulation. History always repeats, as with Rome and the early Christians. Those who are sanctified, and have faith, will escape.) God then divided the section on the right into three more sections. The first group on the right had many more people in it than the other two groups. These people had a hard time letting go of their past lives. They wanted to get to Heaven but did not want to give up their sinful ways from their past. Because they kept looking back at their past, they all turned into pillars of salt. (They looked back to the worldly ways of Sodom, like Lot's wife, in loving the present world. Jesus likened them unto the seed that fell upon the rocky ground. The seed sprang up with life, but because it had no root, it withered.) Because they had not learned to have a relationship with Jesus, they had no power to fight off the wicked people on the left. The group on the left could not get their fill of doing horrid, torturous things to the pillar of salt people. (The “pillar of salt people” are the vast majority of all who claim Christianity but have no personal faith or understanding of the Word of God, which could protect, save, heal and deliver them. These will be the persecutors of the true saints. Mat.24:10 And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another. These are the “many” or majority who, as the Laodicean church, will be spewed out of the body of Christ.) The second group had more people than the third or last group. These people appeared to have no backbone or spine. They swayed with the wind. Any doctrine that came along, they were quick to accept because, without knowing the Word well enough, they accepted whatever was preached. They were lazy and did not want to put forth effort in reading the Word or praying. (This is the church world that the righteous will leave behind. This comfy church routine of conflicting mingled doctrines, where people smile and clap for whomever and whatever is spoken across the pulpit. 2Ti 3:6-7 For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Jas.1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.) They wanted other people (especially their pastors) to do all the work for them and loved to listen to doctrines that tickled their ears (like the all-fly-away, pre-trib rapture and the once saved always saved.) and did not call them to die to their fleshly desires. Mat.16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?) These people had a little bit more power than the pillar of salt people, but they still did not have the power in their lives to combat the evil that was coming on them. (These are as the churches of Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardis, which had a little power but were exhorted to overcome their evils in the tribulations.) The third group of people was by far the fewest in number. (This is the remnant as the Philadelphia church who are to be spared “the hour of trial ... which is to come upon the whole world”.) These people had determined in their hearts to be obedient to God no matter what the cost. They denied themselves and walked in love with others. This group was the pillars of fire. They were untouchable by the group on the left. The group on the left would try to kill and destroy this group and God would translate the pillar of fire people or put His angels around them so that they could not be harmed, at least spiritually. (Rev.12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.) The pillar of fire people would go back and forth, trying to help the pillar of salt people and the people with no backbones who swayed in the wind. (These will be the anointed ones of the tribulation, like the Bride and her Man-child leadership. The early church went through its tribulation, as it is written: Act.14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.) The pillar of fire people had trained themselves to listen to the voice of God and they were used as the hand of God in the last days. (Joh.10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. They know His voice, which is His Word, because they abide in His Word. 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.) I saw in a dream of my son, Shawn, on 2/19/08, that he had this glow around him. Then it was like I went back in time and saw this river of fire. God was beckoning him to walk in the fire, and he was hesitant. God told him to trust Him and He would be with him in the fire. (Like the three Hebrews, Shawn was chosen to go through the tribulation fire heated seven times hotter than normal, but the Lord will be with him in the fire to burn off his bonds.) When he was in the fire, it was like he was being purified. He went through some things that were extremely hard and broke his heart. Every cell of his being ached and cried. Several times he begged God to stop, but he kept encouraging him to trust Him. He was using the fire to purify Shawn's heart. After he went through the fire walk, he had this glow around him, and when he talked to people, God would cause the scales to fall off their eyes and the plugs to come out of their ears. Their hearts were then tender to hear God, and they literally turned around and started walking in the opposite direction. (Shawn will help bring the revival of repentance and faith.) Less than a month later, Shawn's baby died in the womb. His wife became pregnant again, and as of now, 12/22/09, they have a healthy seven-month-old baby girl. (A sign of tribulation and bearing fruit through it to the end.) Rapture Delusion Amy Methvin (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was walking alone, really sort of feeling sorry for myself in this wilderness journey that the Lord has me in. I really wanted to find some like-minded believers to fellowship with. All of a sudden, I walked up on a group of 20 or so people who were claiming that they had the “real” right doctrine on the rapture. They were telling me that the rapture was coming any minute and that I needed to join them and be ready. I thought about it for a minute and decided that it would not hurt to just listen to their point of view, seeing as I have gone down a few wrong rabbit trails before, maybe I should be open-minded and just listen. I told them that I used to be a pre-trib believer, but was now post-trib. They again excitedly told me that the rapture would come very soon. Very shortly, I felt this shaking, and we began to slowly lift off the ground. Immediately, it was dark and I could not see anything. They all started screaming, “Yippee, Wahoo! I told you, it's the rapture!!!!!!!” We were going up, but something did not seem right to me; it seemed too slow. I tried to open my eyes but I could not. (Spiritual blindness from false doctrine.) Finally, I was able to open them, but something was over my face. I reached to pull it off. It was wrapped around my whole head. It would not let go, even though I was able to pull it slightly off of one eye. It was a huge black bat!!! Terrified, I immediately knew that we were not going to heaven as the people thought, but were being taken to hell. I immediately screamed the name of JESUS. The bat disintegrated and I began to float back down to the ground. Somewhat relieved, I knew that I had to tell my husband of the deception, so I started to scream his name. As I did, I felt my heart go into cardiac arrest. I was having a massive heart attack that I don't think I was going to survive. As I lay there, I knew I had been saved from hell, but the deception was going to cost me my life. End of dream. This seems to be saying two things. Those in the strong delusion of the pre-trib rapture believe that they don't need trial and refining through tribulation to bear fruit and enter heaven. Being blinded by this demon doctrine, they will believe this all the way through the tribulation and will take the mark, not bear fruit, and end up in hell. Also, for those who find out that it was a lie too late, it will cost them their lives, for they did not prepare to endure the trial of their faith in the wilderness because they didn't think it necessary. Because of our site, many pre-tribbers have sent me their imminent pre-trib rapture revelations for years. I tell them that this is a deception, and it won't happen but even though the timing comes and goes, and I am proven correct, they send me the next imminent pre-trib rapture revelation, and it is also proven to be a lie. No matter how many times they are lied to, they continue to believe it because it permits them to live as they like and enter heaven regardless of what the Word says. This is proof that this is a strong delusion to keep them from bearing fruit. Let's examine what the Word has to say about the Rapture from our Book, Hidden Manna – For the End Times: I felt I first should share this part of my revelation in order that the rest would be sufficiently important. For now, I would like to deal specifically with the ingathering harvest of the Church and not the First-fruits. Many disagree with the term “rapture” because it is not in the Word. The Greek word harpazo, meaning “to snatch or catch away,” is translated “caught up.” Since this is what most mean when they use the term “rapture,” it is just a sectarian spirit that would have us argue over such things. So that the majority will understand, I will use their terminology. Most agree with the Scriptures that the rapture and the resurrection happen “together.” (1Th.4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise first; (17) then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…. (1Cor.15:51) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, (52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Notice that all the dead and all the living in Christ at this time will be changed in the same moment. Therefore, if the time of the resurrection can be proven, we will know when the rapture happens. (1Cor.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. Notice that after Christ's resurrection, there is only one more complete resurrection of the righteous dead, “they that are Christ's, at his coming.” This is only speaking of permanent resurrections in the heavenly body. Since there is only one more complete resurrection and rapture, they must be at the very “end” or everybody who gets saved cannot be resurrected. This complete resurrection is to a spiritual heavenly life, not to a physical earthly life which happens all the time. (24) Then [cometh] the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. (25) For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. Notice that the last enemy that shall be abolished is death. The resurrection and rapture, which abolish death, are at the end when God will have abolished all rebellious rule over and in His people. They do not happen seven years before the end when the influence of the beast, the harlot, sin, and the world system still have some hold on God's people. Solomon said that every man is a beast (Ecc.3:18-19), meaning all unregenerate men are ruled by a carnal nature. The mark of the beast just identifies members of that corporate body. Of course, mature sons of God are ruled by a mind renewed with the Word of God. “The Harlot” identifies those who receive a seed or word that is not from Christ, their husband. Many of God's people are pledging allegiance to the world system rather than submitting to the Word. At this time, sadly, most of God's people fall into these categories. Therefore, the resurrection and the rapture, which abolish death, must be last, after the beast, harlot, and the world system no longer rule God's true people. (Act.2:34)…The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, (35) Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet. The Lord will not come until His enemies are under His feet and His elect are completely restored. (3:20) And that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, [even] Jesus: (21) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all (of God's elect) things (“things” is not in the Greek)…. When all are restored through the Tribulation, the Lord comes. Here is that one complete resurrection again. (Rev.20:4)…[I saw] the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (5)… This is the first resurrection. Notice that the saints who were beheaded, because they would not take the mark of the beast, are in the first resurrection. It was called first by John, who looked into the future from 96 A.D., which was after Jesus' resurrection. This clearly tells us that there is no resurrection and rapture before the Tribulation mark of the beast. Again there are many who are resurrected to a physical life but those who are resurrected to the heavenly life are forever. The second resurrection, called the second death in verse six, is after a thousand years and is for the wicked. Since the first resurrection is also the only complete resurrection of the righteous, it must be at the end of the Tribulation. If it were at the beginning, the great multitude that is purified during the Great Tribulation could not be resurrected. (Rev.7:9) After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…. (14)…And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Notice that the resurrection and rapture are after the Great Tribulation, which most agree is the last 3½ years. Jesus said He would raise up all of His people at the last day, which must also be the time of the rapture. (Joh.6:39) And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. (40) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. Now let's be honest, “the last day” cannot mean seven years before the last day. (Job 14:12) So man lieth down and riseth not: Till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, Nor be roused out of their sleep. The resurrection cannot happen until the time when the heavens pass away. (2Pet.3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Obviously, the heavens could not pass away or the earth burn up at the beginning or even in the middle of the seven years, or there would not be anybody here to have a tribulation! The resurrection and rapture could only be at the beginning of the last day, here called the day of the Lord, which we will see presently, is a year-long. Noah knew the Lord would come for him seven days before the flood. He was given a sign to read in his day. Some will argue that Jesus said, “Of that day and hour knoweth no one” (Mat.24:36). The tense of the verb “knoweth” is present, not future! This spoke of Jesus' day, not our day. Jesus gave us a clear type so we would know when He would come in our day when the covenant with many is made for seven years. (37) … As [were] the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. The days of Noah are only mentioned in Genesis seven. (Gen.7:4) For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth…. (10) And it came to pass after the seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. God said that “after the seven days” the flood would come and they would be lifted off. We know that those in the ark of Christ will be raptured “after the seven days.” Those seven days represent the seven years of Tribulation, as we will see in many other places. The seventieth week of Daniel prophesies the Tribulation, which will be a week of years, or seven years, just as the first sixty-nine weeks proved to be weeks of years, totaling 483 years, which led to the time of Christ (Dan.9:25-26). (Dan.9:27) And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week (Hebrew: shabua, meaning “a seven” of days or years)…. Noah's seven days also represented the seven years of the Tribulation. His tribulation preceded the flood, which also lasted for a year. It was ten days over their lunar year from the time the flood started (Gen.7:11) until the waters dried up (8:13-14). At that time, their year was a lunar year of 354 days, which God corrected with the ten extra days, bringing us up to the 365th first full day of a solar year when they stepped out of the ark. If God made the year following the seven-year solar, it stands to reason the seven years are also solar. We will see more proof. Noah's seven days also represent the seven years of the Tribulation. His tribulation preceded the flood, which also lasted for a year. From the time the flood started (Gen.7:11) until the waters dried up (8:13-14) was ten days over their lunar year. A lunar year of 12 months can be 354 or 355 days in length. This is due to the varying time it takes the moon to circle the earth, and also because the start of their lunar months was determined by new moon sightings. The lunar year during the flood was most probably 355 days, which God corrected with the ten extra days. This gives us a full 365-day solar year. If God made the year of the flood solar (representing the year of the Lord), which followed after Noah's seven days (representing the seven years of Tribulation), then it stands to reason that the seven years of Tribulation are also solar. We will see more proof of this. This last year foreshadows the wrath of God on those who persecute His people during the Tribulation. This year was also called a day. (Isa.34:8) For the Lord hath a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. Here we see that the wrath of God, also called the Day of the Lord, is also a day/year following seven days/years. Many mistake the Tribulation for the wrath, saying, “God appointed us not unto wrath” (1Th.5:9). Speaking of the Church in tribulation, Revelation 12:6 says, “the woman fled into the wilderness.” The Tribulation is a wilderness trial for the saints like the Hebrews had. As we have seen, they leave after that tribulation “at the last day” (Joh.6:40), the “day of the Lord” or “day of vengeance.” The year of wrath is God's judgment upon the wicked who were used to tribulate and purify the saints during the previous seven years. The Lord says, (Isa.63:4) For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. (6) And I trod down the peoples in mine anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. Notice that the day of vengeance was also a year, the year of the redeemed, just as in Noah's day, which was after the seven days. This is a year of wrath on the wicked who have persecuted God's people. The rapture and resurrection are after the Great Tribulation, which is the last 3½ years of tribulation! Matthew 24:21 says, “Then shall be great tribulation” and verses 29-31 say, “After the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light…and they shall see the Son of man coming….and they shall gather together his elect…from one end of heaven to the other.” The corresponding verse in Mark 13:27 says, “from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” Taken together, we see that one end of heaven is on the earth, the living, and the other is in heaven, the resurrected. We see here that Jesus is rapturing and resurrecting His elect after the Great Tribulation. After the Tribulation, the sun and moon being darkened signal the coming Day of the Lord or flood. (Act.2:20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable [day]. Notice that the sun and moon are darkened after the Great Tribulation but before the Day of the Lord. Again we see that the flood follows the Tribulation. Revelation 14 is the story of the Tribulation and the Day of Wrath that follows. (Rev.14:6) And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people; (7) and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come…. This hour of judgment is the hour that the ten kings of the beast rule in Revelation 17:12, which is also the last 3½ years of the Tribulation in 13:5. (9)…If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand, (10) he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God…. Notice that those who receive the mark during the Tribulation are threatened with the coming wrath. (11) … They have no rest day and night, they that worship the beast and his image, and whoso receiveth the mark of his name. Without taking the mark, the true saints patiently endure persecution and sometimes death in the second 3½ years. (12) Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Some saints die from refusing the mark. (13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them. Some die during the Tribulation and some “are alive, that are left unto the coming of the Lord” (1Th.4:15). Then we see the harvest of the righteous after the Tribulation. (Rev.14:14) And I saw, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud [I saw] one sitting like unto a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. (15) And another angel came out from the temple, crying with a great voice to him that sat on the cloud, Send forth thy sickle, and reap: for the hour to reap is come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (16) And he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped. Those who do not bear the fruit necessary to be in this harvest will be in the next. After the time of that rapture/resurrection harvest, we see the beginning of a year-long harvest of the wicked through the wrath of God. (Rev.14:17) And another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. (19) And the angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great [winepress], of the wrath of God. (20) And the winepress was trodden without the city, and there came out blood from the winepress, even unto the bridles of the horses, as far as a thousand and six hundred furlongs. This flood of wrath involves the last real worldwide war. Revelation chapters 15 and 16 explain this wrath, or Day of the Lord, more completely. There we see that “seven angels having seven plagues, [which are] the last, for in them is finished the wrath of God” (15:1). They had “seven bowls of the wrath of God” (16:1). These bowls of the year of wrath on the wicked follow the Tribulation of the saints. Jesus rebuked Israel for not seeing the sign of the time of His first coming. After all, Daniel gave them 483 years to the day of Jesus' birth, but they did not read the Scriptures any more diligently than the Christians in our day. Here we see by example that history always repeats (Ecc.1:9). Like Noah, Daniel knew when the Lord would come for him seven days before the resurrection, so why didn't the Israelites go in a pre-Tribulation rapture if there was one? Daniel tells us to the day when the rapture and resurrection are by giving a sign to be read in our day. (Dan.9:27) And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week (a sign to be read in our day): and in the midst of the week (mid-Tribulation) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…. As we saw, this “week” or shabua is “a seven” of years that the beast makes a covenant for. Notice in the “midst” of this Tribulation covenant, he causes the sacrifice of the burnt offering to cease. The “midst” comes after the first 3½ years of the Tribulation, which are 1260 days according to Revelation 12:6 (Notice the numbers). “The woman fled into the wilderness…a thousand two hundred and threescore days (1260).” That would make 1260 days until the burnt offering is taken away. Then we are given another count of 1290 days until the end of the Tribulation. (Dan.12:11) And from the time that the continual [burnt-offering] shall be taken away (mid-Tribulation)…there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Now we see that there are 1260 days before the sacrifice ceases and 1290 days afterward. That comprises the Jewish lunisolar seven years of the Tribulation, after which the saints enter the ark. Then we are given another count of 1335 days from the “midst of the week” until the resurrection. (12) Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. (13) But go thou thy way till the end be; for thou shalt rest (die), and shalt stand in thy lot (resurrection), at the end of the days. This resurrection comes simultaneously with the rapture when the ark lifts off. There it is to the day! The 1260 days for the first 3½ years plus 1335 days past that gives us 2595 days from the time the covenant with many is made until Jesus comes for the resurrection/rapture. So, even though no man in Jesus' day knew, once the covenant begins, we will know the day. The resurrection/rapture only appears to be forty-five days after the end of the Tribulation. In Noah's account the ark left forty days after the tribulation. (Gen.7:10)…After the seven days…. (17)…the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. There appears to be a five-day difference between the days of Noah and the days of Daniel, but actually, there is none. God, who narrated Noah's account, used solar time, as we have seen, which is actual time, to typify the seven years of tribulation. However, when He gave Daniel's account, we can see that He was using their Jewish lunisolar calendar, which was necessary then to show types and shadows. This calendar was only corrected for solar time after every six years. From the writings of Moses and the prophets, we know that they, by then, had a 360-day year. Multiply this by 3½ and you get the 1260 days of the first 3½ years. They adjusted to solar time after every six years by adding a leap month of thirty days, which would make the second 3½ years 1290 days. We can see that Daniel's figure of 1290 days above for the second 3½ years takes into account a leap month. It appears that the Tribulation will start the year after a leap month, so that six years later, thirty days will be added. This would leave one more year remaining in the Tribulation, which the Jews would not have corrected for solar time by adding five days. Since the Jews only adjusted after every six years, they wouldn't add the five days after the final (or seventh) year. This is also proven by the equation: 1260 + 1290 = 2550 but 7 x 365 = 2555. The Jews were five days short of a 365-day year. However, most of the Gentiles have these five days included in every year of 365 days. With this five-day solar correction to Daniel's account, he and Noah are in total agreement. Jesus takes His saints forty days after the Tribulation, which is 2595 days after the covenant is made. There is one more calculation before we include all of this in one chart and that is the return of the Lord with His saints. (Gen.7:11) In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. (17) And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. That was when the flood started and this is when it ended with their return. (8:13) And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year…. (14) And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dry. (15) And God spake unto Noah, saying, (16) Go forth from the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Since we have seen that the Bible says the flood of wrath is a year, this text has to agree with that. Considering that they had a 354-day lunar year at that time, if we started at the beginning of the day stated in verse 14, when the waters dried up, we would have approximately a 365-day solar year. Or, if we started at the same time on each day and they left the ark the next morning, we would have a 365-day solar year. If we subtract from the forty days that they were in the ark, we see that 325 days after the ark left, they set foot on earth (365 - 40 = 325). This brings us to day 2920 from the making of the covenant (365 x 8 years = 2920 days). On this day, as it was with Noah, the Lord appears with His wife and children. (Another symbol seen here is that the ark is Jesus in Whom the family of Noah, meaning “rest,” abided.) This is when Noah sacrificed the beasts on an altar (20) and God said He would not “again smite any more everything living” (21). This is when the Lord and His saints return to sacrifice the armies of the beasts of the nations (Rev.19:11-18). The Lord called this “a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel” (Eze.39:17). Thus, we are given the signs to read in our day that from the time the covenant is made, unto the coming of the Lord for His saints, is 2595 days and His return with His saints is 2920 days. The above figures of two witnesses, Noah and Daniel, let us know that God included no fractions of .24 in the 365-day year. The Jewish solar correction from 1260 to 1290 for six years changed their 360-day year in Daniel's account to 365 days just as in Noah's account. Why no fraction? We just had proof that judgments can affect the rotation of the Earth, changing the number of days in a year. The earthquake on December 26, 2004, off the west coast of northern Sumatra in the Indian Ocean, was said by scientists to have tilted the Earth by an extra 2.5 centimeters and sped up the rotation by some three microseconds, and much greater, and more frequent earthquakes are coming. We are told in Scripture that the earth will be struck by meteors and that it “shall stagger like a drunken man” (Isa.24:20). These kinds of judgments could easily slow the rotation. This would lengthen the days but shorten the number of days in a year, possibly by .24. I am sure this will bring to some minds Jesus' words. (Mat.24:22) And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. The primary meaning of this is that God's elect leave in the ark before the end, shortening the number of days for the “elect's sake” but not for the wicked. Perhaps there is a secondary symbolic meaning here as well. Another objection that some might have is that 1260 days does not bring us to a perfect “midst of the week.” The Hebrew word used here for midst is chatsi, and it's not used in the Bible to mean “perfect center.” “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed…And the sun stayed in the midst of heaven” (Jos.10:13), “take me not away in the midst of my days” (Psa.102:24), “the Mount of Olives shall be cleft in the midst” (Zech.14:4). See what I mean? However, 1260 days does bring us to the “midst” of the lunar days in this week. It also brings us between the lunar and solar corrected days. We see conclusively that the saints will be here for forty days of the wrath, although they are not in the wrath, for they are in the ark, which also represents fully abiding in Jesus. (1Th.5:9) For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Passover was a type of this forty-day preservation in the spiritual ark. The Passover and the Ark are both the last judgment before the saints leave Egypt as a type of the world. The Lord said to me, “During that last forty days there will be a corporate, Psalm 91, Passover of the curse for the saints.” We hear from many that the Lord will come “as a thief in the night” (1Th.5:2) in a pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church. After the judgments on Egypt (a type of the world), Israel was freed to leave at midnight (Exo.12:29-31), which is also when the wise virgins left (Mat.25:6). Then, as in Noah's Day of the Lord, the Egyptians were killed by a flood at the Red Sea. Midnight for an overwhelmingly Gentile Church is the end of one day and the beginning of a new day, the Day of the Lord, when the world is destroyed. Let us see when the thief comes. (1Th.4:16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; (17) then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (5:1) But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Here we see that the Lord's coming in the Day of the Lord is as a “thief,” but when is that? (2Pet.3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Peter tells us plainly that the thief comes not at the beginning of the Tribulation but when the earth is burned up in the last Day of the Lord! (11) Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in [all] holy living and godliness, (12) looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? We are not told to look for a secret pre-Tribulation rapture, but to live holy lives to escape the wrath of God when heaven and earth will be destroyed. (13) But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Noah lived a holy life, went through the seven days/years and escaped at the beginning of the wrath, and came down on a new earth, for the first earth was destroyed by the flood. Everything will happen according to type. (1Cor.10:11) Now these things happened unto them (Israel) by way of example (Greek: “figure or type”); and they were written for our admonition (Christians), upon whom the ends of the ages are come. God will finish His born-again creation on this morning of the seventh millennial day as He did with the natural creation. (Gen.2:2) And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made…. This morning of the seventh millennium is the seventh day for “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Pet.3:8). A morning of a thousand-year day could be years instead of hours. However, we are told that the city of God will be saved from the raging nations and the melting earth “at the dawn of morning,” which narrows the time down considerably. (Psa.46:5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God will help her, and that right early (Hebrew: “at the dawn of the morning”). (6) The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted. What we will now prove is that early at the dawning of the seventh millennium, after seven years of tribulation, at the seventh or last trump, with a great shout, the saints will enter the heavenly New Jerusalem. For proof of this, consider these promises and the type that follows. As we have seen, “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout” (1Th.4:16), and “we shall all be changed…at the last trump” (1Cor.15:51- 52). Notice that “all” will be changed at the “shout” of the “last trump.” In an attempt to make a pre-Tribulation rapture fit, some have adopted the oxymoron that there are two last trumps. However, in Revelation 10:7 the only last trump, which is the seventh, is the time in which “is finished the mystery of God.” (Rev.11:15) And the seventh angel sounded (last trump); and there followed great voices in heaven (saints), and they said, The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord…. (16) And the four and twenty elders… worshipped God, (17) saying…thou hast taken thy great power, and didst reign. (18) And the nations were wroth (Tribulation), and thy wrath came (Day of the Lord or flood), and the time of the dead to be judged (resurrection), and [the time] to give their reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear thy name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth. The last trump is the time when the Lord takes personal possession of the world, His saints are brought to heaven and given their reward, and the wrath of God is poured out on the nations who are left. Therefore, the last trump rapture is at the end of the Tribulation, in the beginning of the flood of God's vengeance, the Day of the Lord! (Isa.34:8) For the Lord hath a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. The apostate (fallen away) Christians will not escape this wrath any more than the apostate Jews escaped the wrath in 70 A.D., when the true people of God fled to the mountains, a type of the rapture. The unripe figs will be cast down at this time (Rev.6:13) and the lukewarm spewed out of the body of Christ (Rev.3:16) to partake of God's wrath. Let's see more proof of when this last trump shout comes. Look at a type, which is fulfilled on the morning of the “seventh day,” representing the morning of the seventh thousand-year day, which is where we are now. Joshua, which is Hebrew for Jesus, brought the saints out of the wilderness, representing the end of the Tribulation. Here, the Israelites came to the city of Jericho. Like heaven, it was an impenetrable fortress for mere man to enter. This was the first city of the Promised Land, representing the New Jerusalem. Here, they compassed the city “seven times.” “Times” are used for years of tribulation in Revelation 12:14,6. “A time (one year), and times (two years), and half a time (half a year)” were “a thousand two hundred and threescore days” or 3½ years. While compassing the city “seven times” they blew “seven trumpets,” representing the seven trumps of the seven years of Tribulation and resurrection/rapture. Then the saints gave a “great shout” and the wall separating them from the New Jerusalem fell. The falling of the wall represents the falling of the flesh as the saints receive their new bodies to “go up” into their Promised Land. Here it is: (Jos.6:4) And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark (before the coming of the Lord): and the seventh day (seventh millennium) ye shall compass the city seven times (seven-year tribulation), and the priests shall blow the trumpets (seven trumpets of tribulation, resurrection/rapture). (5) And it shall be, that, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn (the last trump), and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him (saints raptured around the world). From clear Biblical chronology, we have come to the beginning of the seventh thousand-year day from Adam. According to this type we are now on the threshold of the seven years and seven trumpets of tribulation, before entering the heavenly New Jerusalem with a great shout. Later this is repeated in the text but the timing is narrowed to “early at the dawning of the day.” (15) And it came to pass on the seventh day (seventh millennium), that they rose early at the dawning of the day (that is where we are now!), and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times (the Tribulation). (16) And it came to pass at the seventh time (end of the Tribulation), when the priests blew the (seven) trumpets, Joshua (Hebrew: “Jesus”) said unto the people, Shout; for the Lord hath given you the city. From this, you can clearly see that the rapture will come early at the dawning of the seventh millennium, after seven years of tribulation, at the seventh or last trump, with a great shout, as the saints enter the New Jerusalem. The Feast of Trumpets has long been thought to be the time of Jesus' return for His saints, even by the pre-Tribulation rapture multitudes. (Lev.23:24) Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest (Sabbath) unto you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation (Hebrew: “rehearsal”). This feast is a rehearsal for the rapture/resurrection, which also happens after the “blowing of (seven) trumpets” during the previous seven years. It is fulfilled on a Sabbath, which represents the seventh thousand-year Sabbath day. It is also fulfilled on the first day of the seventh month, which at least says that spiritually it will be very early on the seventh thousand-year day. However, the rapture/resurrection could also physically happen on the first day of the seventh Hebrew month, Tishri, which is our September/October. This feast is celebrated with joy and solemnity. During the daily prayer service, a ram's horn or shofar is sounded, representing the last trump. Jewish - the seven days of the creation of the world, and it is a day when God takes stock of all of His creation. Likewise, on that anniversary, God could finish His born-again creation by taking the saints early on the morning of the seventh thousand-year day. Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” in Hebrew. The Jews believe that God's judgment on this day determines the course of the coming year. This turns out to be true spiritually, for the rapture/resurrection is a judgment that determines who will go through that year called the Day of the Lord. In order to see this timing in the feasts of Israel, I want to share with you a wonderful revelation that the Lord gave me. There are four types seen in Israel's experience that give the timing for the coming days: their Time in Egypt; their Time in the Wilderness; and two types of their Time in the Promised Land. These tell the end time story of the last eight years. Earlier in the Hidden Manna book, I shared what I call the Panoramic View, in which these types tell one consecutive story when laid end to end. The people of God were saved from bondage to the Egyptians, the old man, and were baptized in the sea. Then they were tried in their wilderness tribulation to prove who would go to the heavenly Promised Land. In this view, it is clear that the people of God will not jump from Egypt to the Promised Land of heaven without going through the wilderness, as pre-tribbers believe. These four types in Israel's experience can also be seen in what I call the Parallel View, which is another fulfillment of the last eight years for the Church. Let me explain each individual type first and then we will see them in parallel. 1) [The Time in Egypt] – The judgments come upon the world in the Tribulation, as they did in Egypt, and then the saints escape to heaven as the wicked die in the flood of wrath at the Red Sea. 2) [The Time in the Wilderness] – The saints are tried in their wilderness tribulation and then escape to the heavenly Promised Land. 3) [The Time in the Promised Land] – In the Tribulation the spiritual man, as the Israelite was, will be highly motivated and empowered to take the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word” (Eph.6:17) and conquer the carnal man in the Promised Land of his own life or soul. (2Cor.4:16)…Though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. As the old carnal man is conquered we become the heavenly land of rest, bearing the fruit of the spiritual man. (1Cor.3:9) For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry (Greek: “tilled land”), God's building. (Isa.5:7) For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel…. If we walk by faith in the promises, then we take the land, and if not, then the old man takes it back and the fruit is corrupted. (Mal.3:11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before the time in the field (world), saith the Lord of hosts. (12) And all nations shall call you happy; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. Carnal Christians can lose their fruit in this world and never fully enter the kingdom. As they submit to the carnal man he wins the battle for their Promised Land, and Christ in them, Who is the spiritual man, will be crucified again. (Heb.6:4) For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5) and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, (6) and [then] fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (7) For the land which hath drunk the rain (of the Word) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected (Greek: “reprobated”) and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. Those who do not take seriously the command to drive the carnal man's lusts of the flesh from their land will be reprobated. 4) [The Time in the Promised Land] – While physical Israel had a physical Promised Land, spiritual Israel, the Church, has a spiritual Promised Land. And while the land of this world will be destroyed, the spiritual land of the life of the righteous will be healed, for like their Lord, their “kingdom is not of this world” (Joh.18:36). (2Chr.7:14) If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. In the Tribulation, the saints first conquer their flesh so that their personal Promised Land is healed. Then they become in totality the spiritual man. These, as those who go in the ark, are God's heavenly land of rest, for “Noah” in Hebrew means “rest.” As Noah went through the seven days in type, the righteous will conquer themselves in their tribulation. After the Tribulation at the last trump, the world itself becomes their physical Promised Land. (Rev.11:15) And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord, and of his Christ…. (Mat.5:5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. When this world also becomes the saints' kingdom, then they can conquer the enemies in the earthly Promised Land. The wicked will be under their feet in judgment just as it was with Noah. (Mal.4:3) And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make, saith the Lord of hosts. In the Parallel View, these four types tell one complete story of the last eight years of the Tribulation and Day of the Lord. Imagine making three transparencies of these three types and laying them on top of one another so that all three can be seen at one time. In this way, we can see the full end time story. As the judgments fell upon Egypt so they will fall on the world in the Tribulation of the saints. During this time, the saints will be sanctified by driving the carnal man from the Promised Land of their lives so the kingdom of heaven is fully manifested in them. Then, in the rapture/resurrection, they fully enter the kingdom and conquer the wicked in the Promised Land of this world in the Day of the Lord's wrath. We see from all of the types that there is no pre-Tribulation-all-fly-away rapture. God's plan is to manifest His character of patience, faith, hope, love, and perfection in the saints through the Tribulation trials. (Rom.5:3)…We also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; (4) and stedfastness, approvedness (character); and approvedness, hope: (5) and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts…. (Jas.1:2, Numeric) Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations (trials); (3) knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. (4) And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. Taking the people of God out of this world, when they are unsanctified and unregenerate, would defeat God's purpose.
We have seen how Jesus was such a great leader because he knew who he reported to, and he made sure he fulfilled his boss's expectations. Also, he knew what his mission was, he stayed focused, and he didn't try to jump through the expectation hoops of others. Jesus was always ready to celebrate, and that made him a great leader. Then one thing I really love about Jesus is he always had time for little people—every individual was important to him no matter his/her age, status, or position. Now, let's look at some additional examples of what made Jesus such a great leader. Jesus was a great leader because he was willing to look foolish to others. Do you realize great leaders throughout history have been willing to take risks with their public image, and they didn't spend their time worrying about what people would think of them? Anytime a person is primarily focused on what others think, they are handicapped because they lose the freedom to do what they think is the right and best thing to do. How do you think Noah looked when he started building the ark? Pretty foolish and stupid, don't you imagine? And when Moses told Pharoah to let his people go, he had to look like an insane person, approaching Pharoah with his threats. The great prophet Elijah had to ask a poor widow for food, which some would have considered very demeaning. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was willing not only to look foolish, but also to lose her good reputation in order to bear the Son of God. Had any of these people been primarily concerned with what the neighbors would say, none would have accomplished their God-given purpose. Jesus was not concerned about what people would think. For example, he cried over a city that was not repentant—a grown man crying. But he didn't care what people thought. His heart broke for those people. He rode a donkey in a parade, a lowly beast. Most leaders would have demanded more appropriate transportation, but he sought out a simple donkey to ride on. And, of course, the ultimate example was he was willing to go through a shameful trial and die on a cursed cross, enduring the scorn and abuse of his enemies, to accomplish God's plan. We need to consider this as we approach our jobs and duties. Are you overly concerned with what people will say or think? If so, you may miss the opportunities and blessings God has for you. It's impossible to please everyone anyway, but when we focus on pleasing God, we will please more people as well. Jesus was a great leader because he was willing to do the difficult work. Do you remember the time Jesus determined to go to Jerusalem for Passover? His disciples did not want him to go there because they knew there were people plotting to kill him, just waiting for him to arrive. They wanted to spare him that difficulty, but he knew he was supposed to be there, and he went. Also, he was willing to say no to people when necessary, though I'm sure he didn't enjoy disappointing people. Often the disciples wanted him to do one thing when he knew he should do another, and he would tell them "no.” He even said "no" to his mother and brothers who wanted to interrupt his teaching to speak to him. Jesus also said "no" to himself. Satan tried to tempt him with very enticing promises, and he had the wisdom to say "no" to the easy way out. He knew he had to discipline himself to do what God wanted him to do. Then there was Gethsemane, where Jesus came face to face with the most difficult thing he would ever do: Drink the cup of death and sin that was necessary to pay the price of redemption. None of us can even imagine how hard that was to do—to become sin for us even though he had never sinned. But he did the difficult thing because it was the right thing to do. If you and I are ever going to be effective leaders, we must be willing to do the hardest and most difficult work. Often people see those in leadership as having it easy but from my experience,
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this illuminating episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven found in Matthew 13. These seemingly simple parables reveal profound truths about God's kingdom—how it begins imperceptibly, grows irresistibly, and transforms completely. The hosts delve into what these parables teach us about God's sovereign work in both our individual spiritual lives and the broader advance of His kingdom in the world. Believers can find hope in understanding that God intentionally works through what appears weak and insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This episode offers practical encouragement for Christians who may feel discouraged by the apparent smallness of their faith or ministry impact. Key Takeaways The kingdom of heaven begins in small, hidden, or seemingly insignificant ways, but grows powerfully through God's sovereign work. The mustard seed illustrates the kingdom's visible expansion (extensive growth), while the leaven highlights its internal transformative influence (intensive growth). Both parables emphasize that God's kingdom often appears to "disappear" initially but produces outsized results through His work, not our own. These parables provide encouragement for times when the church feels weak or our personal faith feels insufficient—God's power is made perfect in weakness. God's kingdom transforms both outwardly (extensive growth illustrated by the mustard seed) and inwardly (intensive growth shown by the leaven). Cultural transformation happens most effectively through ordinary Christian faithfulness rather than flashy or provocative engagement. Christians should not despise small beginnings, recognizing that faithfulness rather than visibility is the true measure of fruitfulness. Understanding Kingdom Growth: From Imperceptible to Unstoppable The parables of the mustard seed and leaven powerfully illustrate the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom. In both cases, something tiny and seemingly insignificant produces results far beyond what anyone would expect. As Tony noted in the discussion, what's critical is understanding the full comparison Jesus makes—the kingdom isn't simply like a seed or leaven in isolation, but like the entire process of planting and growth. Both parables involve something that initially "disappears" from sight (the seed buried in soil, the leaven mixed into dough) before producing its effect. This reflects the upside-down nature of God's kingdom work, where what appears weak becomes the channel of divine power. For first-century Jewish listeners expecting a triumphant, militaristic Messiah, Jesus' description of the kingdom as beginning small would have seemed offensive or disappointing. Yet this is precisely God's pattern—beginning with what appears weak to demonstrate His sovereign power. This same pattern is evident in the incarnation itself, where God's kingdom arrived not through military conquest but through a humble birth and ultimately through the cross. Finding Hope When Faith Feels Small One of the most practical applications from these parables is the encouragement they offer when we feel our faith is insufficient or when the church appears weak. As Jesse noted, "God is always working. Even when we don't feel or see that He is, He's always working." The kingdom of God advances not through human strength or visibility but through God's sovereign work. These parables remind us that spiritual growth often happens imperceptibly—like bread rising or a seed growing. We may go through seasons where our spiritual life feels dry or stagnant, yet God continues His sanctifying work. Just as a baker must be patient while bread rises, we must trust the invisible work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the church. When we feel discouraged by apparent lack of progress, these parables assure us that God's kingdom—both in our hearts and in the world—is advancing according to His perfect timing and plan. As Tony explained, "The fact that it feels and looks and may actually be very small does not rob it of its power...in actuality that smallness is its power." God deliberately works through weakness to display His glory, making these parables powerful reminders for believers in any era who may feel their impact is too small to matter. Memorable Quotes "We shouldn't despise small beginnings. Let's not despise whatever it is that you're doing in service to God, to your family, to your churches, especially in the proclamation of the gospel... Faithfulness and not visibility—that's the measure of fruitfulness." — Jesse Schwamb "The Kingdom of Heaven is at work not only in our midst as a corporate body, but in each of us as well. God's grace and His special providence and His spirit of sanctification, the Holy Spirit is the spirit of holiness and the one who makes us holy. He is doing that whether it feels like it or not, whether we see outward progress or not." — Tony Arsenal "What cultural transformation looks like is a man who gets married and loves his wife well, serves her and sacrifices for her, and makes a bunch of babies and brings them to church... We transform culture by being honest, having integrity, by working hard... without a lot of fanfare, without seeking a lot of accolades." — Tony Arsenal Full Transcript Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 468 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. Jesse Schwamb: Hey, brother, you and I have said it over and over again. One of the incredible truths that the Bible conveys about the kingdom of God is that it's inaugurated in weakness. It's hidden. It advances irresistibly by the sovereign work of God through the Word and the Spirit. It transforms both individuals and nations until Christ's reign is fully revealed in glory. And so as we're about to talk about parables today, I can't help but think if that's one of the central positions of the Bible, and I think we both say it is how would you communicate that? And here we find Jesus, the son of God, our great savior, you know where he goes. He goes, mustard seeds and yeast. So that's what we're gonna talk about today. And if you're just joining us maybe for the first time or you're jumping into this little series, which is to say, we do know tiny series, this long series on parables, you, I go back to the last episode, which is kind of a two-parter because Tony and I tried this experiment where we basically each separately recorded our own thoughts and conversation, almost an inner monologue as we digested each of those parables, both the one of the mustard seed and then the leaven sequentially and separately. And now we're coming together in this episode to kind of talk about it together and to see what we thought of the individual work and to bring it all together in this grand conversation about the kingdom of God that's inaugurated and weakness and hiddenness. [00:02:31] Affirmations and Denials Explained Jesse Schwamb: So that's this episode, but it wouldn't be a episode without a little affirming. And a little denying it seems, 22, we should this, every now and again we pause to say why we do the affirmations and denials. Why, why do we do this? What, what is this whole thing? Why are we bringing it into our little conversation every time? Tony Arsenal: Yeah. I mean, it, it, at its core, it's kind of like a recommendation or an anti recommendation segment. We take something that we like or we don't like and we spend a little bit of time talking about it. Usually it ends up taking a little bit of a theological bent just 'cause that's who we are and that's what we do. And we use the language of affirmations and denials, uh, because that's classic, like reformed confessional language. Right? If you look at something like the, um. I dunno, like the Chicago statement on Biblical and Errancy, which was primarily written by RC sprawl, um, it usually has a, a statement, uh, of doctrine in the form of things that we affirm and things that we deny. Um, or you look at someone like Turin, a lot of times in his, uh, institutes of elected theology. He'll have something like, we affirm this with the Lutherans, or we affirm that or de deny that against the papus or something like that. So it's just a, a little bit of a fun gimmick that we've added on top of this to sort of give it a little bit of its own reformed flavor, uh, onto something that's otherwise somewhat, um, Baal or, or I don't know, sort of vanilla. So we like it. It's a good chance for us to chat, kind of timestamps the episode with where we are in time. And usually, usually, like I said, we end up with something sort of theological out of it. 'cause that's, that's just the nature of us and that's, that's the way it goes. That's, and that's what happens, like when we're talking about stuff we. Like when we're together at Christmas or at the beach, like things take that theological shift because that's just who, who we are, and that's what we're thinking about. Jesse Schwamb: By the way, that sounds like a new CBS drama coming this fall. The nature of us. Tony Arsenal: The nature of us? Yeah. Or like a, like a hallmark channel. Jesse Schwamb: It does, uh, Tony Arsenal: it's like a a, I'm picturing like the, the big city girl who moves out to take a job as a journalist in like Yosemite and falls in love with the park ranger and it's called The Nature of Us. Jesse Schwamb: The nature of us Yes. Coming this fall to CBS 9:00 PM on Thursdays. Yeah. I love it. Well, this is our homage to that great theological tradition of the affirming with, or the denying against. So what do you got this week? Are you affirming with something or you denying against something? [00:04:55] No Quarters November Tony Arsenal: I'm affirming. This is a little cheeky. I'm not gonna throw too much, much, uh, too much explanation. Uh, along with it. I'm affirming something. I'm calling no quarters, November. So, you know, normally I'm very careful to use quarters. I'm very careful to make sure that I'm, I'm saving them and using them appropriately. And for the month of November, I'm just not gonna use any quarters. So there'll be no 25 cent pieces in my banking inventory for the month. Oh. So I'm, I'm making a little bit of fun. Of course. Obviously no, quarter November is a tradition that Doug Wilson does, where he just is even more of a jerk than he usually is. Um, and he, he paints it in language that, like, normally I'm very careful and I qualify everything and I have all sorts of nuance. But in November, I'm just gonna be a bull in a China shop, um, as though he's not already just a bull in a China shop 95% of the time. So I'm affirming no corridors. November maybe. No corners November. Everything should be rounded. Jesse Schwamb: That's good too. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. No, no. Quatro November. Like we don't do anything in Spanish. No fours in Spanish. I don't know. Okay. I'm just making fun of that. I'm just making fun of the whole thing. It's such a silly, dumb enterprise. There's nothing I can do except to make fun of it. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's fair. That's basically the response it deserves. This time, we, we brought it up for several years going, it's such a strange thing. [00:06:13] Critique of Doug Wilson's Approach Jesse Schwamb: It's hard not to see this thing as complete liberty to be sinful and then to acknowledge that. Yeah. As if somehow that gives you, reinforces that liberty that you're taking it, it's so strange. It's as if like, this is what is necessary and probably we'll get to this actually, but this is what is necessary for like the gospel or the kingdom of God to go forward is that kind of attitude at times. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I will say this, I do always look forward every year to seeing what he sets on fire. 'cause the, the videos are pretty great. I'm not gonna lie. Like the video quality is, is certainly compelling. Um, and you could say it's lit is another little punny way to get at it. Uh, I, I haven't seen it this year. I mean, that's, we're recording this on November 1st, so I'm sure that it's out. Uh, I just haven't seen it yet. But yeah, I mean, it's kind of, kind of ridiculous, uh, that anyone believes that Doug Wilson is restraining himself or engaging in lots of fine distinctions and nuance. You know, like the rest of the year and November is the time that he really like holds back, uh, or really doesn't hold back. That's, that's just a silly, it's just a silly gimmick. It's a silly, like, I dunno, it's a gimmick and it's dumb and so I'm gonna make fun of it 'cause that's what it deserves. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's right. You know, I was thinking recently because as you said, the counter just rolled over. And generally this time of year I end up always watching that documentary that Ligonier put together on Martin Luther, which is quite good. And I think it does, has a fair treatment of him, including the fact that he was so bombastic and that he was very caustic with his language. And I think they treat that fairly by saying, oh, that some of the same things that we admire in somebody can be some of the very same things which pull them into sinful behavior. And there's no excuse for that. And, and, and if that's true for him, then it's true for all of us, of course. And it's definitely true for Luther. So I think this idea, we need to be guarding our tongues all the time and to just make up some excuse to say, I'm not gonna do that. And in some way implying that there's some kind of hidden. Piety in that is what I think is just so disturbing. And I think most of us see through that for what exactly it is. It's clickbaits. It's this idea of trying to draw attention by being bombastic and literally setting things on fire. Like the video where he sets the boat on fire is crazy because all I can think of is like, so if you judge me, one more thing on this, Tony, 'cause I, I, when you said that, I thought about this video, the boat video implicitly, and I've thought about this a lot since then. There's a clip of him, he sets the boat on fire and it's kind of like him sitting on the boat that is engulfed in flames looking out into the sea, so, so calmly as if it's like an embodiment of that mean this is fine, everything is fine, this is fine. Right? Yeah. And all I can think of is that was great for probably like the two seconds that somebody filmed that, but guess what happened immediately after that? Somebody rescued you by putting out the fire on the boat. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse Schwamb: It's just like insanity to presume that, encapsulating that single moment and somehow conveying that he is a great champion, pioneer advocate of things of the gospel by essentially coming in and disrupting and being caustic and that him setting thing on fire makes everything better is a mockery, because that's not even exactly how that shoot took place. Yeah. So I, I just really struggle with that, with the perspective he is trying to bring forward. Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I mean, I'm dubious whether or not there was actually any fire involved. Well, that's, I think 95% of it is probably camera magic, which is fine. Like, I don't know. That's fine. Like, I don't want Doug Wilson to burn up. That's, that wouldn't be cool either. But, um, yeah, I mean, like the fruit of the spirit is love, joy piece patience, kindness, good as gentleness, setting things on fire and being a jerk in November, apparently. And I, I just don't, I, I've never fully understood the argument. Um, and this is coming from someone who can be sarcastic and can go over the top and go too far. And, and I recognize that about myself. I've just never understood the argument that like, it's okay to be a jerk sometimes. Or, or not even just, okay. It's necessary to be a jerk sometimes. Exactly. Um, there's a difference between boldness and being a jerk. And, you know, I think, um, the people who, who know me well are gonna like fall off their chairs. I say this like, Michael Foster is actually someone who I think. Does the boldness with a little bit of an edge. I think he actually does it really well. And just like all of us, I, you know, he, he probably goes over the line, uh, on occasion. Um, and, and, but I think he does the, I'm just going to be direct and straightforward and bold. And sometimes that might offend you because sometimes the truth is offensive. Um, I think he does that well. I think where we go sideways is when we try to couch everything in sort of this offensive posture, right? Where, where even the things that shouldn't be offensive, uh, somehow need to be made offensive. It, it's just, it's dumb. It's just, um, and I'm, I'm not saying we should be nice just for the sake of being nice. I think sometimes being nice is. When I say nice, I mean like saccharin sweet, like, like overly uh, I don't know, like sappy sweets. Like we don't have to be that. And uh, there are times where it's not even appropriate to be that. Um, but that's different than just, you know, it's almost like the same error in the wrong direction, right? To be, just to be a jerk all the time. Sometimes our words and our behavior and our actions have to have a hard edge. And sometimes that's going to offend people because sometimes the truth, especially the gospel truth is offensive. Um, but when what you're known for is being a jerk and being rude and just being offensive for the sake of being offensive. Um, right. And, and I'll even say this, and this will be the last thing I say. 'cause I didn't, I, I really intend this just to be like a, a jokey joke. No quarters, November. I'm not gonna spend any quarters. Um, I don't know why I was foolish enough to think we weren't gonna get into it, but, um. When your reputation is that you are a jerk just to be a jerk. Even if that isn't true, it tells you that something is wrong with the way you're doing things. Right. Because I think there are times where, and I'll say this to be charitable, there are times where Doug Wilson says something with a little bit of an edge, and people make way too big of a deal out of it. Like they, they go over the top and try to condemn it, and they, they make everything like the worst possible offense. And sometimes, sometimes it's, it's just not. Um, and there are even times where Doug says things that are winsome and they're helpful and, um, but, but when your reputation is that you are a jerk just to be a jerk, or that you are inflammatory just to get a reaction, um, there's something wrong with your approach. And then to top it off, when you claim that for November, like you explicitly claim that identity as though that's not already kind of your shtick the rest of the year. Um, and just, it's just. Frustrating and dumb and you know, this is the guy that like, is like planting a church in DC and is like going on cnn. It's just really frustrating to see that sort of the worst that the reformed world has to offer in terms of the way we interact with people sometimes is getting the most attention. So, right. Anyway, don't, don't be a pirate. N November is still my way. I celebrate and, uh, yeah, that's, that's that. Jesse Schwamb: That's well said. Again, all things we're thinking about because we all have tendency to be that person from time to time. So I think it's important for us to be reminded that the gospel doesn't belong to us. So that means like that sharp edge, that conviction belongs to Christ, not to our personalities. So if it's tilted toward our personalities, even toward our communication style, then it means that we are acting in sin. And so it's hard for us to see that sometimes. So it does take somebody to say, whoa. Back it down a little bit there and you may need to process. Well, I'm trying to communicate and convey this particular truth. Well, again, the objective that we had before us is always to do so in love and salt and light. So I agree with you that there is a way to be forthright and direct in a way that still communicates like loving compassion and concern for somebody. And so if really what you're trying to do is the equivalent of some kinda spiritual CPR, we'll know that you, you don't have to be a jerk while you're doing it. You don't have to cause the kind of destruction that's unnecessary in the process. Even though CPR is a traumatic and you know, can be a painful event by it's necessary nature, we administer it in such a way that makes sure that we are, we have fidelity to the essential process itself, to the essential truths that's worth standing up for. Yeah, it's not a worth being a jerk. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. [00:14:37] Practical Application of Parables Tony Arsenal: Jesse, let's, let's move along. What are you affirming or denying tonight Jesse Schwamb: and now for something much lighter? So, my, my affirmation I share at the risk of it being like so narrow that maybe nobody will actually want to use this, but I actually had you in mind. Tony, I've been sitting on this one for a little while 'cause I've been testing it. And so we're, we're just gonna run like an actual quick experiment 'cause I. I'm guessing you will find this affirmation useful and will come along with me and it and might even use it, but you and I are not always like representative of all the people in the world. I say that definitely tongue in cheek. So we're a little bit nerdy. We love our podcasts and so occasionally, I don't know if this happens to you, I'm guessing it does, but I want to capture like a moment that I heard while podcast is playing on my phone. Maybe somebody says something really interesting, it's great quotes, or it's mathematical nature and I wanna go back and process it. And so generally what I do is I, I don't know, I stop it. I try to go back and listen to it real quick if I can, or maybe I can't because running, driving, all that stuff. So. When I hear something now that I want to keep, I just cry out to my phone. I have an, I have an iPhone, so I say, Siri, you could do this with Google. Take a screenshot. What happens is the phone captures an image of my podcast app with a timestamp showing of course what's being played. Then I forward this image, this is the crazy affirmation part. When it's time to be alive, I forward this image to a certain email address and I get back the text transcript of the previous 90 seconds, which I can then either look at or file into my notes. What is this email address sent it to you. Well, here's the website so you can go check it out for yourself though. Website is actually called Podcast Magic App, and there's just three easy steps there, and this will explain to you how you actually get that image back to you in the format of a transcript. And the weird thing about this is it's, it's basically free, although if you use it a lot, they ask for like a one-time donation of $20, which you know me, I love. A one time fee. So I've been using this a lot recently, which is why I've been sitting on it, but it is super helpful for those of you who are out there listening to stuff. They're like, oh, I like that. I need to get that back. And of course, like you'll never get it back. So if you can create this method that I've done where you can train your phone to take a snapshot picture of what's on the screen, then you can send it to Podcast Magic at Sublime app, and they will literally send you a transcript of the previous 90 seconds no matter what it is. Tony Arsenal: That is pretty sweet. I'll have to check that out. Um, I don't listen to as many podcasts as I used to. How dare you? I just, the I know. It's, it's crazy. Where do we even do it Feels like heresy to say that on a podcast that I'm recording. Yes. Um, Jesse Schwamb: we've lost half the audience. Yeah. Tony Arsenal: Well, yeah. Well, the other half will come next. Um, no, I, I, I just don't have as much time as I used to. I, I live closer to work than I used to and um, I'm down to, we're down to one car now, so, um, your mother is graciously giving me a ride to work. Um, 'cause she, she drives right past our house on the, the way and right past my work on the way to her work. Um, but yeah, so I guess I say that to say like, the podcast that I do listen to are the ones that I really wanna make sure I'm, I am, uh, processing and consuming and, uh, making sure that I'm kinda like locking into the content. Jesse Schwamb: Right. Tony Arsenal: So this might be helpful for that when I do hear something and I do think, like, it's hard because I use matter, which is great, and you can forward a podcast to matter and it generates a whole transcript of the entire episode, which is great. Um, but I don't often go back and, you know, a lot of times, like I'll go through my matter, uh, queue and it'll be like three weeks after I listened to a podcast episode, I be like, why did I put this in here? Right? I get that. I don't wanna listen to the entire 60 minute episode again to try to remember what that special thing was. So I just end up archiving it. So this might be a good middle ground to kind of say like, I might set, I might still send it to matter to get the whole transcript, but then I can use this service to just capture where in the transcript actually was I looking for? Um. It's interesting. I'll have to look at it too, because you can, you can send, uh, through Apple Podcast, the Apple Podcast app and through most podcast apps, I think. Right? You can send the episode with the timestamp attached to it. Yes. So I wonder if you could just send that, that link. Okay. Instead of the screenshot. Um, you know, usually I'm, I'm not. Uh, I don't usually, I'm not driving anymore, so usually when I'm listening to a podcast I have, my hands are on my phone so I could actually send it. So yeah, I'll have to check that out. That's a good recommendation. Jesse Schwamb: Again, it's kind of nuanced, but listen, loved ones, you know what you get with us, you're gonna get some, it could be equally affirmation, denial that Doug involves Doug Wilson, and then some random little thing that's gonna help you transcribe podcasts you listen to, because life is so hard that we need to be able to instantly get the last 90 seconds of something we listen to so that we can put it into our note taping at note taking app and put it into our common notebook and keep it. Yeah, there you go. Tony Arsenal: There's a lot of apps. There was actually a, a fair number of apps that came out a while ago that were, they were trying to accomplish this. Where you could, as you were listening to the podcast, in that app, you could basically say, highlight that and it would, it would highlight whatever sentence you were on. But the problem is like by the time you say highlight that you're already onto the next sentence, you now you're going back trying to do it again. And I didn't find any of that worked really seamlessly. It was a lot of extra friction. So this might be kind of a good frictionless or less friction way to do it. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I'm totally with you. [00:20:08] The Kingdom of Heaven Parables Jesse Schwamb: I mean, speaking of like things that cause friction, there's no doubt that sometimes in Jesus' teaching on the parables that he himself brings the heat, he brings a little friction in his communication. And since you and I basically did go through each of these parables, we don't have do that again on this conversation. In fact, what I'm looking forward to is kind of us coming together and coalescing our conversation about these things, the themes that we both felt that we heard and uncovered in the course of talking through them. But I think as well ending with so what? So what is some real good shoe leather style, practical application of these ideas of understanding the kingdom of God to be like this mustard seed and like this lemon. So why don't I start by just reading. Again, these couple of verses, which we're gonna take right out of Matthew chapter 13. Of course, there are parallel passages in the other gospels as well, and I'd point you to those if you wanna be well-rounded, which you should be. And so we're gonna start in verse 31 of chapter 13. It's just a handful of verse verses. Here's what Matthew writes. Jesus puts another parable before them saying The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It's the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. He told them another parable. The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flower till it was all leavened. Alright? Yeah. So Tony, what do you think? Tony Arsenal: Uh, I mean, these are so like, straightforward. It was almost, it, it felt almost silly trying to like explain them. Yeah. One of the things that, that did strike me, that I think is worth commenting too, um, just as a, a general reminder for parables, we have to be careful to remember what the parable is saying, right? So I, I often hear, um. The smallness of the mustard seed emphasized. Mm-hmm. And I think your, your commentary, you did a good job of kind of pointing out that like there's a development in this parable like it, right? It's a progression and there's an eschatology to it, both in terms of the, the parable itself, but also it comments on the eschatology of the kingdom of heaven. But it's not just that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. It's the kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sewed in his field. Right? It's that whole clause that is the, the kingdom of heaven is like likewise, the kingdom of heaven is not just like leave, it's like leave that a woman took in hidden in three measures of flour till all was leavened. So when we're looking at these parables. Or when we're looking at really any parable, it's important to make sure that we get the second half of the, the comparison, right? What are we comparing the kingdom of heaven to? You know, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a sower who sowed seeds among, you know, in three types of four types of soil. This kingdom of Heaven is like, this is like that. We don't wanna miss part of the parable because we latch on to just like the first noun, and that follows the word like, um, but I think these are great, these are great little, um, parables that in some ways are almost like, uh, compliments or ex explanations of the other parables that we're looking at too. They, they explain to us something more about what the Kingdom of Heaven is using similar kinds of analogies that help us flesh out the parables that are surrounding them. So the Kingdom of Heaven. You know, again, we always want to caution against kind of like overinterpreting, the parables, but the, the parable of the sower is talking about the seed that is sewn into the field, right? And then there's the parable of the wheat and the tears, and there's seed again. And we, we might have a tendency to sort of miss the nature of the kingdom in a certain sort of dynamic. This fleshes this out. So we might think of like the parable of the sowers, like we don't know what, what proportion is of good soil, you know, good soil versus bad. We know that there's three types of soils that are bad soils or unproductive soils and one type, but we don't know like how much of the soil is, um, like what percentage of the field is that. Similarly, like we don't know what percentage of the field was wheat and what was weeds. This is kind of reminding us that the, the kingdom of heaven is not found primarily in the, um, the expansiveness of it. Right. It's not, it's not initially going to look like much. It's going to initially start out very small. Right. And in some ways, like in both of these, it appears to disappear entirely. Right? You sow a grain of mustard seed. I don't, I've never seen a mustard seed, so, but it's very small. Obviously you sow that into the ground. You're not gonna find it again, you're not gonna come back a week later and dig up that seed and figure out where you sewed it. Um, similarly, like you put a, you put a very small amount of yeast or lemon into a three measures of flour. You're not gonna be able to go in even probably, even with a microscope. You know, I suppose if you had infinite amount of time, you could pick a every single grain of flour, but you're not gonna be able to like go find that lemon. It's not gonna be obvious to the eye anymore, or even obvious to the careful searcher anymore. So that's what the kingdom of heaven is like in both of these. It's this very small, unassuming thing that is hidden away. Uh, it is not outwardly visible. It is not outwardly magnificent. It is not outwardly even effective. It disappears for all intents and purposes. And then it does this amazing thing. And that's where I really think these, these two parables kind of find their unity is this small, unassuming thing. That seems ineffectual actually is like abundantly effectual in ways that we don't even think about and can't even comprehend. Jesse Schwamb: Right? Yeah. I would say almost it's as if it's like, well, it's certainly intentionally, but almost like offensively imperceptible. And I think that's the friction that Jesus brings with him to the original audience when he explains it this way. So again, from the top, when we said this idea that the kingdom of God is imperceptible, it's hidden, it grows, it conquers, it brings eschatological resolution. And I'm just thinking again, in the minds of the hearers, what they would've been processing. I think you're spot on. I liked your treatment of that by focusing us to the fact that there is verb and noun and they go together. We often get stuck on the nouns, but this, that verb content means that all of this, of course, is by the superintendent will of God. It's volitional. His choice is to do it this way. It is again, where the curse becomes the blessing, where it's the theology of the cross or theology of glory, where it is what is small and imp, perceptible and normal by extraordinary means becomes that which conquers all things. And so I can. Picture, at least in my mind, because I'm a person and would, would wanna understand something of the kingdom of God. And if I were in a place, a place of oppression physically and spiritually living in darkness, to have this one who claims to be Messiah come and talk about the inauguration of this kingdom. My mind, of course, would immediately go to, well, God's kingdom must be greater than any other kingdom I could see on this earth. And I see it on the earth that the sun rises. And cast light across provinces and countries and territories in a grand way. And then we have this kingdom of God, which, you know, theory, the, the sun should never set on it and the sun should never be able to shine, but on a corner of it. And it doesn't have provinces or countries, it doesn't even have continence, but it has, it encapsulates worlds. And it doesn't stretch from like shore to shore or sea to shining sea, but from sun to sun or star to star from the heavens to the earth, its extent couldn't be surveyed. Its inhabitants couldn't be numbered. Its beginning, could never be calculated because from Tard past, it had no bounds. And so I'm just thinking of all these things and then like you said, Jesus says, let me tell you what it's really like. It's like somebody throwing a tiny seed into a garden. Or it's like a woman just making bread and she puts yeast into it. These seem like not just opposites, but almost offensive, I think, in the way that they portray this kingdom that's supposed to be of great power and sovereign growth, but it comes in perceptibly and how perfect, because the one who's delivering this message is the one who comes imperceptibly, the person of Christ preaching the gospel and the hearts of believers. But that grows into a vast and global proportion, and that of course, that aligns exactly with so many things you and I have talked about in process before. These doctrines are providence and sovereign grace, that God ordains the means that is the seed and ensures the outcome, which is the tree. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I think too, um, you know, I don't, I don't know of any affinity with mustard seed in like the Old Testament law, but there's, there's a sort of a reversal of expectation here too, because although Levin is not always associated with like impurity, um, I think most Jewish listeners would immediately have a negative connotation with Levin for sure. Right? So when, when all of a sudden he's comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven it, it becomes sort of this, um, the reason Levin is so pernicious and the reason that in the Old Testament law, you know, they're, they're, they're not just not making their bread with leave for the, for the Passover. They have to like sweep out their whole house. They have to empty all their stores out. They have to clear everything out. And that's not just because like. In, in, in Old Testament, sort of like metaphors, leaven does get associated with sin, right? Uh, and that gets carried on into the New Testament, but just the actual physical properties of leaven is like, if there's any little bit of it left on the shelf or even in the air, like even on your hands, it's can spoil the whole batch. It can cause the entire batch to go a different direction than you want it to. And in a certain way, like the Kingdom of Heaven is like that, right? Um. [00:30:21] The Resilience of God's Kingdom Tony Arsenal: You hear about, um, you hear about situations where it seems like the presence of God's people and the, the kingdom of God is just, it's just eradicated. And then you find out that there's actually like a small group of believers who somehow survived and then like Christianity is thriving again like 50 years later. Um, you can't just wipe out the kingdom of heaven because it is like leaven and any small remaining remnant of it is going to work its way back through the entire batch in a way that is, uh, mysterious and is somewhat unpredictable and is certainly going to surprise people who are not expecting it to be there. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. [00:31:04] Understanding Theological Concepts Jesse Schwamb: One of the things I really picked up in your treatment of that, that kind of drew me in in a special way was, you know, we think of some theological terms. We have really, I think, strong. Rubric for processing them, and especially like their multifaceted nature. So for instance, when we think about sanctification, we often talk about positional and progressive. And those are really helpful ways to understand a concept that brings us into modeling where it's finite and precise to a degree that allows us to understand it and comprehend it with a greater degree of confidence. And knowing it's many parts, because it is many parted. [00:31:36] The Parable of the Leaven Jesse Schwamb: And I was thinking as you were talking about the leaven, how the kingdom of heaven here that is inaugurated by Christ, that comes by the power of the Holy Spirit is growth and always deny that. But what you drew out for me was I think we're definitely seeing in that this idea of the intensive growth and then of course in the. Parable of the mustard seed. It's more extensive growth and they're both important. So they're in consummate harmony. It's not just like one recapitulating the other. And what that made me think about was even as you were speaking now, this really interesting difference, you know, the woman is taking this, again, talking about the verb, there's two nouns here actually. There's like the, the proper pronoun of the woman there is the act which she's doing, which she's taking the leaven and working it as it were like into the flower. I just did like a weird motion here on the camera if you're watching on uh, YouTube. Sorry about that. [00:32:28] Practical Lessons from Bread Making Jesse Schwamb: Almost like I was giving CPR, but she's working it into this meal or this flower and the working it from within outwards and that working itself like changes the whole substance from the center to the surface of this meal. Now I was thinking about this 'cause you noted something about bed bread. Bread baking in yours. And I did actually just a couple weeks ago, make some bread and the recipe I was using came with this like huge warning. Some of the recipes are like this, where when you're using some kinda lemon, most of the time we're using yeast. You have to not only be careful, of course, about how much yeast you put in because you put in too much, it's gonna blow the whole thing up. You're gonna have serious problems. You're not gonna make the bread anymore, you're gonna make a bomb, so to speak, and it's gonna be horrible. You're not gonna want to eat it. But the second thing is the order in which you add the ingredients, or in this recipe in particular, had very explicit instructions for when you're creating the dry ingredients. When you have the flour, make a little well with your finger and delicately place. All of the yeast in there so that when you bring the dough together, when you start to shape it, you do it in a particular way that from the inside out changes the whole thing so that there's a thorough mixing. Because the beauty of this intensive change is that. As you know Tony, like there's so many things right now in my kitchen that are fermenting and I talked about before, fermenting the process of leavening something is a process of complete change. It's taking something that was before and making it something very different. But of course it retains some of the essential characteristics, but at the same time is a completely different thing. And so it's through a corresponding change that man goes to whom the spirit of God communicates His grace. It's hidden in the heart and chain begin, change begins there. You know, the outward reformation is not preparing a way for inward regeneration. It's the other way around that regeneration, that reformation on the outside springs from a regeneration that's on the inside, growing out of it as a tree grows from a seed as a stream flows from the spring or as leave, comes and takes over the entire lump of dough. [00:34:26] The Power of Small Beginnings Jesse Schwamb: It's amazing. This is how God works it. We again, on the one side we see the kingdom of heaven. That is like the manifestations of his rule in rain coming, like that seed being sown and growing into this mighty tree. It brings shade. The birds come nest in it. And that may be a reference Allah to like Ezekiel or Daniel, the Gentiles themselves. There's that inclusion. And then to be paired with this lovely sense that, you know what else, anywhere else, the power of the kingdom of heaven is made. Manifest is in every heart in life of the believer. And so the Christian has way more in religion in their outer expression than they do anybody else. Because the inner person, the identity has been changed. Now you and I, you and I harp all the time on this idea that we, we don't need some kind of, you know, restoration. We need regeneration. We don't need to be reformed merely on the outside by way of behaviors or clever life hacks. We need desperately to be changed from the inside out because otherwise we. Where it's just, I don't know, draping a dead cold statue with clothing, or all we're doing is trying to create for ourselves a pew in the house of God. What we really need is to be like this bread that is fully loving, that grows and rises into this delicious offering before the world and before God. Because if you were to cut into this outwardly looking freshly baked bread and find that as soon as you got through that delicious, hard, crispy crust on the outside, that in the inside all it was, was filled with like unprocessed, raw flour, you would of course say, that's not bread. I don't know what that is. But that's not bred. What a great blessing that the promise that God gives to us is that the kingdom of God is not like that. It lies in the heart by the power of God. And if it's not there, it's not anywhere. And that though the Christian May at times exhibit, as we've talked about before, some kinda hypocrisy, they are not essentially hypocrites. Why? Because the Kingdom of God is leavening us by the power of the Holy Spirit. That gospel message is constantly per permeating that yeast through all of who we are, so that it continues to change us. So that while the natural man still remains, we are in fact a new creation in Christ. So to start with, you know, bread and or not bread to end with bread, but to start with flour and water and yeast and salts, and to be transformed and changed is the intensive power of the growth of the gospel, which is with us all our lives, until we have that beautific vision. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I think, um, you know, to kind of take a, a pivot maybe to the practical, I think this is, this is not the point of the parable necessarily 'cause the parable. I think there's a lot that these parables have to say to us about like, personal, individual growth, but they really are about the growth of the kingdom or the, the, maybe necessarily the growth of the kingdom. I think that's there too. But really like the nature of the kingdom as this sort of like, hidden, hidden thing that then grows and creates big results. [00:37:34] Encouragement in Times of Darkness Tony Arsenal: I, I think this is a, this is a parable that should encourage us. Like absolutely for sure we should look to this and, and be encouraged because. It is not the case. Um, I know there are lots of people who wanna act as though like this is the worst time anyone has ever lived in, and everything is the worst as it's ever been. It's, this is not even close to the worst time that the church has ever existed in, um, there are, it's funny, um, we'll give a little plug. Some of our listeners have started their own new show called Over Theologizing, and, um, it, it was, it was funny listening to the second episode they had, um. Pete Smith was on there and they were saying, like, they were talking about like, how do you feel about the nature of the church? And Pete was like, it's fine. Like it's great out here. Like there's lots of churches, lots good. Like I, I think that there are pockets in our, in our world, um, particularly, you know, my, my former reference is Western World and in the United States and in some senses in, in Europe, um, there are certainly pockets of places where it's very dark and very difficult to be a Christian, but by and large it's not all that challenging. Like, we're not being actively persecuted. They're not feeding us to the lions. They're not stealing our businesses. They're not, um, murdering us. You know, like I said, there are exceptions. And even in the United States, there are places where things are moving that direction. But there are also times when the church is going to feel dark and small and, and like it's failing and, and like it's, it's weak. And we can look at these parables and say, the fact that it feels and looks and may actually be very small does not rob it of its power that does not rob the kingdom of heaven of its power. It in, in actuality that smallness is its power, right? Leave is so powerful of an ingredient in bread because you need so little of it, right? Because that it, you can use such a small quantity of lemon to create such a, a huge result in bread. That's the very nature of it. And it, its efficacy is in that smallness. And you know, I think the mustard seed is probably similar in that you, you don't need to have, um. Huge reaping of, of mustard seed in order to produce the, the crop that is necessary, the trees that are necessary to, to grow that. So when we look around us and we see the kingdom of heaven feeling and maybe actually even being very small in our midst, we should still be encouraged because it doesn't take a lot of leave to make the bread rise, so to speak. And it doesn't take a lot. And, and again, like of course it's not our power that's doing it, that's where maybe sort of like the second takeaway, the baker doesn't make the bread rise by his own like force of will, right? He does it by putting in this, this agent, you know, this ingredient that works in a sort of miraculous, mysterious way. It's obviously not actually miraculous. It's a very natural process. But I think for most of history. So that was a process that probably was not well understood, right? We, we, people didn't fully understand why Bread did what it did when you used lemon. They just knew that it did. And I think that's a good takeaway for us as well, is we can't always predict how the kingdom of heaven is gonna develop or is gonna operate in our midst. Um, sometimes it's gonna work in ways that seem to make a lot of sense, otherwise it's gonna seem like it's not doing anything. Um, and then all of a sudden it does. And that's, that's kind of where we're at. Jesse Schwamb: I like that. That's what a great reminder. Again, we all often come under this theme that God is always working. Even when we don't feel or see that he is, he's always working and even we've just come again on the calendar at least to celebrate something of the Reformation and its anniversary. Uh. What again, proof positive that God's kingdom will not fail. That even in the places where I thought the gospel was lost or was darkens, even in Israel's past in history, God always brings it forward. It cannot, it will not die. [00:41:26] Faithfulness Over Visibility Jesse Schwamb: So I wanna tack onto that by way of, I think some practical encouragement for ministry or for all believers. And that is, let's not despise small beginnings. Like let's not despise whatever it is that you're doing in service to God, to your family, to your churches, especially in the proclamation of the gospel. This is from um, Zacharia chapter four, beginning of verse eight. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, the hands of the rebel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zabel. So I love this encouragement that is for all Christians. That's one. Again, God is doing all the verbs like just. For one last time for everybody in the back. God does all the verbs. Yeah, and in so doing, because he is doing all the verbs, he may, but he chooses to start with small things because again, he is always showing and exemplifying his glory and he does this in these normative ways. It's a beautiful expression of how majestic and powerful he is. So let's embrace those things with be encouraged by them. The gospel may appear weak or slow in bearing fruit, yet God guarantees its eventual triumph. God guarantees that he's already stamped it. It's faithfulness and not visibility. That's the measure of fruitfulness. So if you're feeling encouraged in whatever it is that you're doing in ministry, the formal or otherwise, I would say to you. Look to that faithfulness, continue to get up and do it, continue to labor at it, continue to seek strength through the Holy Spirit, and know that the measure of his fruitfulness will come, but maybe in a future time, but it will come because this is what God does. It's God doing all the work. He's the one, he's essentially the characters needs of these parables, sowing the seed, working in lemon. Yeah. Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And I think, you know, like I said, the, the parables are not necessarily about individual personal growth. Um, but I, I think the principle that is here applies to that as well is I think oftentimes we feel like, um. I'll speak for myself. There are have been many times in my walk as a Christian, um, where it just feels like nothing's happening. Right? Right. Like, you just feel like it's dry and like you, you're, you know, you're, you're not like you're falling into some great sin or like you've walking away from the faith, but it just feels sort of dry and stale and like God isn't doing anything. And, um, I've only ever tried to bake bread once and it was a, it was just a terrible, terrible failure. But, um, I think one of the things that I've. I've read about people who bake bread is that there is a level of patience that has to come with it, right? Because oftentimes it seems like the bread isn't rising. It seems like the, the lemon is not doing what it's supposed to do until it does. Right? And like, if you take the bread out of the oven every couple of minutes to check and see if it's rising, it's never going to rise. It's never going to do what it's supposed to do. And, um, you know, I think that is kind of like the Christian life in microcosm too, is we, we have these spiritual disciplines that we do. We pray, we read the scriptures, we attend faithfully to the Lord's Day service. And oftentimes it doesn't feel like that's doing anything right. But it is. The Kingdom of Heaven is at work in not only in our midst as a corporate body, but the kingdom of heaven is at work in each of us as well. That's right. God's, God's grace and his, uh, special providence and his spirit of, of sanctification, the Holy Spirit is the spirit of holiness and the one who makes us holy. Um, he is doing that whether it feels like it or not, whether we see, um, outward progress or not. If the spirit dwells within us, he is necessarily making us holy and necessarily sanctifying us. Um, and and so I want us to all think about that as we, we kind of wrap up a little bit here, is we shouldn't be. I, I don't wanna say we shouldn't be discouraged, um, because it's easy to get discouraged and I don't want people to feel like I'm like, you should never be discouraged. Like sometimes the world is discouraging and it's frustrating, and it's okay to feel that, but we should be able to be encouraged by this parable. When we look at it and we remember like, this is just. This is just the parable form of Paul saying like, God glories by using the weak to demonstrate his strength. Exactly right. He, he is, his power is shown in, in using the weak and frail things of this life and this world to accomplish his purposes. And so when we are weak, when we are feeling as though we are failing as Christians, we should be able to look at this and say, well, this is what the kingdom of heaven is like. It's like a tiny mustard seed, a tiny mustard seed of faith that grows into a large tree. It's, it's like this little little spark of leave that God puts in us and it's hidden in us and it leavens the whole loaf. And that's us, right? And that's the church, that's the kingdom. It's the world. Um, God is at work and he is doing it in ways that we would not ordinarily see. Even the person who has this sort of like explosive Christian growth. That's not usually sustained. I think most people when they first come to faith, especially if they come to faith, you know, as a teenager or a young adult, um, they come to faith and they have this like explosive period of growth where they're like really passionate about it and on fire. And then that, that passion just kind of like Peters out and you kind of get into like the, the day in, day out of Christianity, um, which is not, it's not flashy. It's not sexy, it's not super exciting. It's very boring in a lot of ways, like right, it's, it's basic bread, it's basic water. It's hearing a, a person speak and it's, it's reading words on a page. But when the Holy Spirit uses those things, he uses them faithfully to finish the work that he started. Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I think that's exactly right. The spirit's work of leavening, it continues quietly, but it powerfully, yeah. And we shouldn't despise that quietness or that smallness that I think is altogether a gift of God. And again, we're talking about the one who embodies the perfect will of God, who came and condescended to his creation was like us in every eight, where every way without sin. This is the one who became, I think as Paul writes in Galatians, a curse for us. And so again, this blessedness arises out of, again, what I think is this offensive means. And if that is the model that Christ gives to us, we ourselves shouldn't despise that kinda small beginning or even despise the sacrifices we're often called to make. Or those again, I would say like offensively and auspicious kinds of beginnings. All of that is peace wise, what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And there's a beauty in that. And I would say, I want to add to what you said, Tony, 'cause I think it was right on, is this idea that's easy to be discouraged is. It doesn't require any explanation. I, I, I'm totally with you. If you were to pick up any, or go to any kind of website and just look at the headlines for their news reporting, you're going to find plenty of reasons to be discouraged and to feel melancholy. And yet at the same time when I think we, you and I talk about these things, what I'm prone to consider is what Paul writes elsewhere to the church in Corinth, where he says in two Corinthians chapter 10, we destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Being ready to punish every disobedience when you're disobey, when you're obedience is complete. And so what I think that applies to us in this particular case is understanding that this is the promise of God. Like you're saying, you and I are saying. Discouragement happens. And yet the truth is that small inauspicious beginnings in the kingdom of heaven always result in outsized gains that God never ceases to work. That he's always with us, that he's always for us. Then we do have to take captive those thoughts that lead us into kind of a disproportionate melancholy that pull us away or distract us from this truth of God, the knowledge of God, which is that he is super intending, his sovereign will completely over every molecule in the universe because this is what the Kingdom of Heaven does. And so that gives us, I think as I said last week, hope and evangelism we're storming those gates of hell we're coming for you like because there is a triumphalism in Christ that will be manifested in the final day. It's the reformed understanding of the here but not quite yet. [00:49:57] Cultural Engagement as Christians Jesse Schwamb: And like the last place that Le that leads me to like some practical, I think application is, and I wanna be careful with this, so I'm curious for your opinion. It's cultural engagement. You know, if we're thinking about this, leave permeating this dough, this tiny seed growing to overtake the garden, then I think believers should labor to continue to bring biblical truth into every sphere. So your family, your vocation, arts, politics, everything under Christ's lordship. I think sometimes that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be. As we've talked about the top of the show, really outspoken in a provocative kind of way. I think sometimes, again, that same quiet though, consistent work that the Holy Spirit does that's powerful in leavening us is the same thing that we can do with just our attitudes at work or our attitudes in our family, or our willingness to serve or our kind words. Of course, it does require us to preach the gospel using words. It also means that the power of the leaven is that quiet power. It doesn't jump outta the bread. It doesn't boast, but it is present. So maybe I'm saying Christians, let's be present, and leavening means to be present with the attitude and the mind of Christ. What? What do you think? Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I think that's, um, I think that's right on, you know, um, it, it's not quite a parable, but Christ, Christ commands his people to be like salt and light and true. Um, and, and by saying that the kingdom of heaven is like leaven, you know, like a, a measure of leaven that was hidden away in three measures. Um, he's also commanding us to be like leaven, right? And he is commanding us to be like the, the mustard seed because that is what we are. And I think, um, we shouldn't think that we can cloister off or sequester off the kingdom of heaven from the rest of culture and create like, um, I'm not quite, uh, I'm not quite to the point where I'm, I'm a transformational in the sort of like Tim Keller sense, but I do think that. We, and I don't like this word, but I'm not sure of a better, a better way to say it, but like, we like to set up these little Christian ghettos where like we, we isolate ourselves culturally into these little subcultures and these little sort of cordoned off areas of culture. Um, where we, we actually then strive to look just like the culture that's around us, right? Right. We subsection off Christian music and although it's, you know, typically it's like a decade behind the curve in terms of what music is good, we're really just doing the same music as the rest of the world. We just baptize it with Christian language. Like, I remember my, my youth pastor in high school rewrote the song closing time to Be Quiet Time. And like that was like, that was like the most Christian thing he could do at the time, was rewrite the lyrics to a song. But like, that's, that's absolutely not what cultural transformation looks like. Right. Well, cultural transformation, and maybe I'm channeling a little bit of, of Michael Foster here, what cultural transformation looks like. Is is a man who gets married and loves his wife, well, serves her and sacrifices for her, and makes a bunch of babies and brings them to church, right? Like that's, that's cultural transformation. And in our culture, like that is a very counter-cultural way to do things. It's actually very counter-cultural. There have been times when that's not particularly countercultural and there probably will be times again where it is. And actually it seems like our broader American culture is moving away from the sort of like two kids, two kids and a dog is a, is a bygone era fantasy. And now it's like two single people living in a house together with a dog. Um, you know, and, and that's not to say that that's the only way to be, to transform culture, right? That's just one example of sort of the most mundane, natural thing is actually the way that we do it. Um. We transform culture by, um, by being honest, having integrity, yes. By, um, working hard, right? Yes. Going to work, doing your job well, uh, without a lot of fanfare, without seeking a lot of accolades, um, and just doing a good job because that's what God commands us to do when he tells us to honor our employers and to be good, faithful bond servants in the Lord. Um, that is also very, uh, that also will transform culture. Um, you know, I think we think of cultural transformation and we, I think we immediately go to, for better or worse, we go to like the Doug Wilsons of the world and we go like, that guy's engaging the culture. Well, yeah, I guess in a certain sense he is. Um, or we, or we go to. The Tim Keller's of the world where they are, they're engaging culture in a different way. But I think for most of us, for most Christians, our cultural engagement is very nor like very normal and very boring. It's living a very ordinary, quiet life. Um, you know, what does Paul say? Work quiet life. Mind your own business. Work with your hands, right? Like, don't be a busy body. Um, like that's, that's actually the way that culture is transformed. And that makes perfect sense. We will have to come back and do another episode on this sometimes, but like, that makes perfect sense. When you think about how God created Adam and what he was supposed to do to transform and cult, cultivate, right? The word cultivate and culture come from the same roots to transform and cultivate the entire world. What was he supposed to do? Plant a garden, tame the animals, right? You know, bake babies. Like, it's, it's not, um, it's not. Rocket science, it's not that difficult. And again, we are all called to different elements of that. And God providentially places us in situations and in, in life, you know, life circumstances, we're not all gonna be able to fulfill every element of that. But that's where this, that's where this becomes sort of the domain of the church, right? The church does all of these things in the culture, and I don't mean the church as institution. I mean like the people who are the church. They do all of these things in very ordinary, normal ways, and that will, that will transform the culture. Um, right. You, you show me a. And this is not, you know, by God's common grace, there are lots of really nice people out there who are more or less honest and have integrity and work hard at their jobs. So it's not as that, that's a uniquely Christian thing. But you show me a, a, a person who is known to be a Christian and works hard as honest is straightforward, is kind, is charitable, is self-sacrificial in, in all arenas of their life. Um, people will notice that and they will see it as different and they will associate it with Christianity. They will as
Gerald E. Weston | Recorded August 30, 2025
Gerald E. Weston | Recorded August 30, 2025
In this second episode on understanding Kaddish from the Prayer Podcast series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ancient prayer's origins, composed in Aramaic by the Men of the Great Assembly during the Babylonian exile. Kaddish serves to bring "Hashem awareness" into the lower worlds, bypassing angelic interference since angels don't understand Aramaic. Originally just a half-Kaddish recited seven times daily by the prayer leader, it has expanded to include versions for mourners, siyum completions, and gravesides. The core purpose is Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying God's name—ranging from ultimate martyrdom (like Rebbe Akiva or Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman) to everyday acts of prioritizing God's will over personal desires, such as reciting Kaddish or making Kiddush on Shabbos.Kaddish acts as a spiritual elevator between the four kabbalistic worlds: Asiyah (action, morning blessings), Yetzirah (formation, Pesukei Dezimra), Beriah (creation, Shema blessings), and Atzilus (emanation, Amidah). It solidifies God's presence in each world before transitioning, with no Kaddish between Beriah and Atzilus to avoid interrupting redemption and prayer. Responding with full intent to "Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba" can nullify heavenly decrees by restoring sanctity removed through sin. The prayer's structure magnifies God's name across all worlds, with congregational responses affirming redemption, peace, and Mashiach's arrival. Numerical symbolism abounds: four opening words reflect God's four-letter name, 10 words spell it out further, and 28 letters/words equal "koach" (strength), emphasizing empowerment through praise.Ultimately, Kaddish empowers every individual to achieve greatness by bringing godliness into daily life, congregations, and the world. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes retraining ourselves to respond with focus, turning routine recitations into acts of profound devotion. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's dive into Pesukei Dezimra, the verses of praise that "prune" spiritual blockages._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #41) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #JewishPrayer, #Hashem, #RabbiAkiva, #Sanctification, #DivineCloseness ★ Support this podcast ★
In this Friday Thinking Talmudist episode on Talmud Bava Metzia 84b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Rebbe Elazar ben Rebbe Shimon, a sage whose body remained undecayed in his attic for 18–22 years after death due to his unparalleled righteousness—his vessel solely for Torah and mitzvot, not worldly indulgence. The Talmud recounts how his absence as community marshal prevented women from receiving halachic rulings on purity, halting procreation, echoing stories like Rav Moshe Feinstein's eight-year childless period without a mikvah. Rebbe Elazar's wife observed blood when hairs fell and a worm from his ear, which he explained in a dream as minor punishment for once failing to protest slander against Torah scholars, teaching the grave obligation to defend the righteous and halt lashon hara—worse for the listener who enables its spread than the speaker.The narrative highlights Rebbe Elazar's posthumous miracles: a heavenly voice from the attic resolved disputes, interpreted as divine inspiration guiding just settlements; his unburied body protected the city from wild animals; and a serpent guarded his father's cave until burial. Parallels include the Gaon of Vilna's perfectly preserved body and the Chafetz Chaim's gravesite preventing miscarriages, underscoring burial's sanctity over cremation, which denies body-soul reunion at resurrection. Rabbi Wolbe passionately advocates for tahara (purification rites) by the Chevra Kadisha as a profound mitzvah, preparing the deceased for heavenly judgment, and recommends Rabbi Doron Kornbluth's book Cremation or Burial? for spiritual and environmental insights.Ultimately, the Gemara contrasts Rebbe Elazar's humility and self-imposed suffering to spare Jewish pain with Rebbe Shimon ben Gamaliel's self-description as a "lion son of a fox," proving true anavah (humility) among greats like the Bnei Beteira and Yonatan ben Shaul. Rabbi Wolbe ties this to defending Torah scholars amid Israel's yeshiva draft debates—spiritual pillars merit protection like Pharaoh exempted learners—urging pride in Judaism as Rosh Hashanah approaches, crowning Hashem as eternal King with majesty far surpassing earthly royalty._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #RebElazer, #Jewishvalues, #righteousness, #burial, #slander, #LashonHara, #negativespeech, #ChafetzChaim, #humility, #Jewishidentity, #pride, #Jewishburialprocess, #divineprotection, #IDF, #Torah, #RabbiYochanan, #evileye, #Teshuvah, #Hillel, #Shabbos ★ Support this podcast ★
In this Friday Thinking Talmudist episode on Talmud Bava Metzia 84b, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Rebbe Elazar ben Rebbe Shimon, a sage whose body remained undecayed in his attic for 18–22 years after death due to his unparalleled righteousness—his vessel solely for Torah and mitzvot, not worldly indulgence. The Talmud recounts how his absence as community marshal prevented women from receiving halachic rulings on purity, halting procreation, echoing stories like Rav Moshe Feinstein's eight-year childless period without a mikvah. Rebbe Elazar's wife observed blood when hairs fell and a worm from his ear, which he explained in a dream as minor punishment for once failing to protest slander against Torah scholars, teaching the grave obligation to defend the righteous and halt lashon hara—worse for the listener who enables its spread than the speaker.The narrative highlights Rebbe Elazar's posthumous miracles: a heavenly voice from the attic resolved disputes, interpreted as divine inspiration guiding just settlements; his unburied body protected the city from wild animals; and a serpent guarded his father's cave until burial. Parallels include the Gaon of Vilna's perfectly preserved body and the Chafetz Chaim's gravesite preventing miscarriages, underscoring burial's sanctity over cremation, which denies body-soul reunion at resurrection. Rabbi Wolbe passionately advocates for tahara (purification rites) by the Chevra Kadisha as a profound mitzvah, preparing the deceased for heavenly judgment, and recommends Rabbi Doron Kornbluth's book Cremation or Burial? for spiritual and environmental insights.Ultimately, the Gemara contrasts Rebbe Elazar's humility and self-imposed suffering to spare Jewish pain with Rebbe Shimon ben Gamaliel's self-description as a "lion son of a fox," proving true anavah (humility) among greats like the Bnei Beteira and Yonatan ben Shaul. Rabbi Wolbe ties this to defending Torah scholars amid Israel's yeshiva draft debates—spiritual pillars merit protection like Pharaoh exempted learners—urging pride in Judaism as Rosh Hashanah approaches, crowning Hashem as eternal King with majesty far surpassing earthly royalty._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios to a live audience on September 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud, #RebElazer, #Jewishvalues, #righteousness, #burial, #slander, #LashonHara, #negativespeech, #ChafetzChaim, #humility, #Jewishidentity, #pride, #Jewishburialprocess, #divineprotection, #IDF, #Torah, #RabbiYochanan, #evileye, #Teshuvah, #Hillel, #Shabbos ★ Support this podcast ★
In this second episode on understanding Kaddish from the Prayer Podcast series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ancient prayer's origins, composed in Aramaic by the Men of the Great Assembly during the Babylonian exile. Kaddish serves to bring "Hashem awareness" into the lower worlds, bypassing angelic interference since angels don't understand Aramaic. Originally just a half-Kaddish recited seven times daily by the prayer leader, it has expanded to include versions for mourners, siyum completions, and gravesides. The core purpose is Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying God's name—ranging from ultimate martyrdom (like Rebbe Akiva or Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman) to everyday acts of prioritizing God's will over personal desires, such as reciting Kaddish or making Kiddush on Shabbos.Kaddish acts as a spiritual elevator between the four kabbalistic worlds: Asiyah (action, morning blessings), Yetzirah (formation, Pesukei Dezimra), Beriah (creation, Shema blessings), and Atzilus (emanation, Amidah). It solidifies God's presence in each world before transitioning, with no Kaddish between Beriah and Atzilus to avoid interrupting redemption and prayer. Responding with full intent to "Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba" can nullify heavenly decrees by restoring sanctity removed through sin. The prayer's structure magnifies God's name across all worlds, with congregational responses affirming redemption, peace, and Mashiach's arrival. Numerical symbolism abounds: four opening words reflect God's four-letter name, 10 words spell it out further, and 28 letters/words equal "koach" (strength), emphasizing empowerment through praise.Ultimately, Kaddish empowers every individual to achieve greatness by bringing godliness into daily life, congregations, and the world. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes retraining ourselves to respond with focus, turning routine recitations into acts of profound devotion. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's dive into Pesukei Dezimra, the verses of praise that "prune" spiritual blockages._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergDownload the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis episode (Ep. #41) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #JewishPrayer, #Hashem, #RabbiAkiva, #Sanctification, #DivineCloseness ★ Support this podcast ★
Dr. Camden Bucey speaks at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference, held at Lakeland Church in Gurnee, Illinois on September 27, 2025. Dr. Bucey weaves together the themes of the previous lectures into one coherent narrative centered on Christ. The address establishes that the entire grand narrative of Scripture, from the promise of the serpent-crushing seed in Eden to the apocalyptic visions of Daniel, is converging on the single, brilliant point of Christ's person and work. Dr. Bucey emphasizes that Christ's incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension constitute the central objective act of redemption and bring the era of special revelation to its completion. The focus is on Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all covenant promises and redemptive types, particularly the Passover, and the one who brings history to its appointed, glorious consummation, which is the eternal Sabbath rest of God's kingdom. Chapter Markers 00:00 - Introduction: Reformed Forum Conference and Speaker/Topic 00:23 - Bringing Together the Covenantal Threads (Eden, Abraham, David, Exile) 01:44 - Scripture as a Single, Coherent, Unfolding Narrative 03:43 - Christ's Redemptive Acts Complete Special Revelation and Close the Canon 04:37 - The Alpha Creator is the Omega Consummator: The Prophetic Sabbath Rest 05:21 - The Exodus and the Passover as Foundational Redemptive Types 06:16 - Standing at the Summit: The Lamb of God in Whom All Scripture Finds its 'Yes and Amen' 07:09 - Luke 24: Christ's Hermeneutical Key to the Canon (Law, Prophets, Psalms) 09:21 - Essential Element 1: Divine Necessity (The Greek dei - "Must Be Fulfilled") 10:44 - Essential Element 2: The Scope of Fulfillment ("Everything Written About Me") 13:39 - Essential Element 3: Christ's Work as the Fulfillment (The telos - Goal and Consummation) 17:09 - Christ as the True Passover Lamb: John the Baptist's Proclamation 20:10 - Fulfillment in the New Testament: The Eschatological Passover Meal (Last Supper) and True Exodus (Cross) 22:44 - Christ in Consummation: The Lion of Judah is a Lamb That Was Slain (Revelation 5) 24:58 - The Lamb's Worthiness and the Eruption of Universal Worship 27:08 - The Lamb's Work in Consummation: Fulfilling Eden, Abraham, David, and Passover 29:38 - Living in the Already and Not Yet: Awaiting the Final Consummation 32:43 - Living in Light of the Consummation: Witnesses, Worshippers, and Those Who Wait 35:19 - The Unchanging Goal: God Glorified in and Through the Lamb (From Garden to City) 37:32 - Eternal Worship: Joining the Praise of Heaven and Earth (Revelation 5:13) 39:04 - Conclusion
Abraham was the paragon of faith. He was also the paragon of kindness and hospitality. When he was 99 years old and only three days removed from a very painful and debilitating circumcision surgery, Abraham launched into a frenzied act of superlative hospitality to three travelers (who later turned out to be angels). These twin attributes worked synergistically. Abraham used his hospitality to advance his lifelong mission of disseminating the Name of God in the world and publicizing the Name of God to all. The Parsha is studded with other iconic episodes and narratives: Abraham's intercession on behalf of the sinners of Sodom and Gomorrah; Lot's kindness in Sodom and Gomorrah; the overturning of those cities and the rendering of Mrs. Lot into a pillar of salt; Lot's incestuous tryst with his daughters spawning the forbearer of Messiah; the birth and maturation of Isaac; the banishment of Ishmael; and of course, the Binding of Isaac. In this edition of the Parsha podcast, we study the Parsha and then take a tour backstage. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –This Parsha Podcast is sponsored by Steve Horak in honor of his wife becoming a doctor – Dr Elena Silberman Scott, and in honor of his niece Emily Silberman becoming bat mitzvah, and in honor of his granddaughter Levy Schwartz Messing's first birthday. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
Episode 21 of the Ask Away series addresses diverse questions on kosher laws, Jewish practices, and spiritual growth, emphasizing practical application and Torah sourcing. Recorded post-Sukkot, the session encourages questioning to deepen understanding. Key themes include:Kosher Laws: Blood is forbidden (Leviticus 17:11), requiring precise kashering (soaking, salting, rinsing). Glass vessels' non-absorptive nature will be clarified later. Pre-kashered meat doesn't need re-kashering when cut, and chicken hearts require special preparation (cutting, rinsing, salting). Contaminated water undermines kashering, necessitating clean water (0:42–25:27).Animal Welfare: Hunting is not Jewish; kosher animals are confined for painless slaughter (shechita). Esau's hunting skill (aided by Adam's garments) was exceptional but not normative, as Jews avoid tza'ar ba'alei chaim (5:31–9:42).Health and Hygiene: Sick animals are non-kosher due to defects (e.g., cancer), requiring post-slaughter inspection. Cockroaches can be removed on Shabbat without killing, and hand-washing reflects halachic hygiene awareness (13:24–24:29).Happiness and Gratitude: Marriage fosters selflessness, per Yevamot 62b, paralleling God's giving. Reciting 100 daily blessings cultivates gratitude, preventing entitlement. Ungrateful children given everything become miserable, unlike those earning rewards (27:06–33:14).Teshuva and Past: Embracing one's past, even with trauma, fuels teshuva and growth. Gratitude prevents “stealing” from oneself the chance to connect with Hashem (35:42–38:31).Marriage and Responsibility: Constant love and selflessness in marriage mirror God's giving. Stories of Rav Scherer and Senator Lieberman highlight prioritizing home duties, reinforcing marriage's role in personal growth (39:17–46:38).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #71) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Kosher, #Blood, #Hunting, #Poultry, #Marriage, #Gratitude, #Happiness, #Relationships, #TorahLaw ★ Support this podcast ★
Episode 197 - This episode delves into the profound significance of the Eucharist within the Catholic faith, exploring themes of humility, service, and the transformative power of participating in the Mass. The discussion highlights the connection between the Last Supper, the Passover, and the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reflecting on these mysteries to deepen one's faith and relationship with God.TakeawaysThe Eucharist is a central mystery of faith that invites deep reflection.Humility is exemplified by Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.The Last Supper signifies the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation.The table represents both fellowship and sacrifice in the Christian life.The Passover is redefined through Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice.Participation in the Eucharist transforms us into the body of Christ.The Mass is a timeless memorial that connects us to Christ's sacrifice.Our lives are called to be offered and broken for others.Understanding the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist is essential for faith.We should continually seek to make the Eucharist a new experience in our lives.Hosts - Father Sean Danda & Nathanael Rea
In this episode, A Nation Tailored in Fire, I explore a powerful teaching from Rav Avigdor Miller about how Hashem created the Jewish people with a fiery nature—stubborn, passionate, and relentless—and then gave us a fiery Torah perfectly suited to that design. Each mitzvah acts like a custom-made suit, shaping and channeling that inner fire toward holiness instead of letting it burn out of control. Our very nature, which can seem difficult or defiant, was intentionally crafted for greatness. By the end of this episode, you'll see how the Torah wasn't given to restrain the Jewish spirit—it was given to refine it and reveal its divine strength.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Explore The Art of PrayerDownload a collection of beautifully designed blessings (brachos) including Modeh Ani, Asher Yatzar, Netilas Yadayim and more. Free to download and perfect for your home by clicking here.
In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues discussing the Orchos Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous) on day 102, focusing on the Gate of Remembrance. He emphasizes daily reflections to maximize joy and happiness. The fifth remembrance highlights God's mercy in granting the Torah, which invites study, questioning, and discourse—unlike a king's letter that might provoke offense if queried. This gift encourages a pursuit of truth through endless exploration and debate.The sixth remembrance urges individuals to examine if any part of their body has transgressed divine commands, while observing how all of God's creations faithfully fulfill their purposes. Examples include animals like donkeys and horses performing their roles without complaint, the sun shining relentlessly for millennia, and ocean waves respecting their boundaries. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal anecdote from a solar eclipse in Athens, Tennessee, where daytime turned to night, prompting crickets to chirp, illustrating the precision of creation. He warns against misusing bodily organs meant for godly pursuits, such as eyes for Torah study or mouths for holy speech.The seventh remembrance compares humanity to a servant cared for by a benevolent master, fostering gratitude and humility. One should avoid arrogance or rebellion against God, recognizing life's mission to serve Him. Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Judaism, #Love, #Reverence, #Hashem, #Gratitude, #DivineGifts, #Thankfulness, #Blessings, ★ Support this podcast ★
Welcome to the wonderful world of the five levels of pleasure! We explore the difference between comfort and pleasure and how one is meant to being a focus on the pleasures Hashem has given us to enjoy in this world.
In this episode of the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues discussing the Orchos Tzaddikim (Ways of the Righteous) on day 102, focusing on the Gate of Remembrance. He emphasizes daily reflections to maximize joy and happiness. The fifth remembrance highlights God's mercy in granting the Torah, which invites study, questioning, and discourse—unlike a king's letter that might provoke offense if queried. This gift encourages a pursuit of truth through endless exploration and debate.The sixth remembrance urges individuals to examine if any part of their body has transgressed divine commands, while observing how all of God's creations faithfully fulfill their purposes. Examples include animals like donkeys and horses performing their roles without complaint, the sun shining relentlessly for millennia, and ocean waves respecting their boundaries. Rabbi Wolbe shares a personal anecdote from a solar eclipse in Athens, Tennessee, where daytime turned to night, prompting crickets to chirp, illustrating the precision of creation. He warns against misusing bodily organs meant for godly pursuits, such as eyes for Torah study or mouths for holy speech.The seventh remembrance compares humanity to a servant cared for by a benevolent master, fostering gratitude and humility. One should avoid arrogance or rebellion against God, recognizing life's mission to serve Him. Recorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 24, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Remembrance, #Judaism, #Love, #Reverence, #Hashem, #Gratitude, #DivineGifts, #Thankfulness, #Blessings, ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Vayeira, the fourth portion in Genesis, focusing on Abraham's experiences and virtues. He highlights Abraham's revolutionary monotheism and his open-tent hospitality, exemplified by welcoming guests even while recovering from circumcision at age 99. God mercifully makes the day extremely hot to deter travelers, allowing Abraham rest, yet he eagerly runs to greet three angels disguised as men. These angels deliver missions: healing Abraham, announcing Sarah's impending pregnancy, and preparing to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes humility as essential for true kindness, drawing from the Ramban's letter advising to view others as greater, fostering respect and empathy.The discussion delves into the necessity of truth (Emes) for humility and self-improvement, quoting the Chida on avoiding arrogance by honestly assessing one's flaws and gifts from God. Rabbi Wolbe explains that truth demands no compromise, unlike modern courts or even halacha (except for mezuzah placement symbolizing household peace). He stresses accepting personal shortcomings—such as overindulgence or arrogance—as the first step to repair, noting that denial prevents growth. Abraham's plea for Sodom, despite its wickedness, reflects his humble recognition of potential in others and reliance on divine gifts like persuasion.Ultimately, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that success lies in effort, not results, as per the Mishnah in Ethics of Our Fathers: one must strive without expecting to complete the task. He shares personal anecdotes, like his father's focus on best effort over grades, and urges listeners to build individual closeness to God, like the patriarchs, through daily mitzvot and truth. The episode ends with a call to sponsor content via TORCH in Houston._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Abraham, #Kindness, #Humility, #Hospitality, #Truth, #Compromise, #Effort, #Striving, #Perfection, #Dedication, #Vayera, #Mezuzah ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode of the Parsha Review Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores Parshas Vayeira, the fourth portion in Genesis, focusing on Abraham's experiences and virtues. He highlights Abraham's revolutionary monotheism and his open-tent hospitality, exemplified by welcoming guests even while recovering from circumcision at age 99. God mercifully makes the day extremely hot to deter travelers, allowing Abraham rest, yet he eagerly runs to greet three angels disguised as men. These angels deliver missions: healing Abraham, announcing Sarah's impending pregnancy, and preparing to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes humility as essential for true kindness, drawing from the Ramban's letter advising to view others as greater, fostering respect and empathy.The discussion delves into the necessity of truth (Emes) for humility and self-improvement, quoting the Chida on avoiding arrogance by honestly assessing one's flaws and gifts from God. Rabbi Wolbe explains that truth demands no compromise, unlike modern courts or even halacha (except for mezuzah placement symbolizing household peace). He stresses accepting personal shortcomings—such as overindulgence or arrogance—as the first step to repair, noting that denial prevents growth. Abraham's plea for Sodom, despite its wickedness, reflects his humble recognition of potential in others and reliance on divine gifts like persuasion.Ultimately, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that success lies in effort, not results, as per the Mishnah in Ethics of Our Fathers: one must strive without expecting to complete the task. He shares personal anecdotes, like his father's focus on best effort over grades, and urges listeners to build individual closeness to God, like the patriarchs, through daily mitzvot and truth. The episode ends with a call to sponsor content via TORCH in Houston._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #Abraham, #Kindness, #Humility, #Hospitality, #Truth, #Compromise, #Effort, #Striving, #Perfection, #Dedication, #Vayera, #Mezuzah ★ Support this podcast ★
Episode 21 of the Ask Away series addresses diverse questions on kosher laws, Jewish practices, and spiritual growth, emphasizing practical application and Torah sourcing. Recorded post-Sukkot, the session encourages questioning to deepen understanding. Key themes include:Kosher Laws: Blood is forbidden (Leviticus 17:11), requiring precise kashering (soaking, salting, rinsing). Glass vessels' non-absorptive nature will be clarified later. Pre-kashered meat doesn't need re-kashering when cut, and chicken hearts require special preparation (cutting, rinsing, salting). Contaminated water undermines kashering, necessitating clean water (0:42–25:27).Animal Welfare: Hunting is not Jewish; kosher animals are confined for painless slaughter (shechita). Esau's hunting skill (aided by Adam's garments) was exceptional but not normative, as Jews avoid tza'ar ba'alei chaim (5:31–9:42).Health and Hygiene: Sick animals are non-kosher due to defects (e.g., cancer), requiring post-slaughter inspection. Cockroaches can be removed on Shabbat without killing, and hand-washing reflects halachic hygiene awareness (13:24–24:29).Happiness and Gratitude: Marriage fosters selflessness, per Yevamot 62b, paralleling God's giving. Reciting 100 daily blessings cultivates gratitude, preventing entitlement. Ungrateful children given everything become miserable, unlike those earning rewards (27:06–33:14).Teshuva and Past: Embracing one's past, even with trauma, fuels teshuva and growth. Gratitude prevents “stealing” from oneself the chance to connect with Hashem (35:42–38:31).Marriage and Responsibility: Constant love and selflessness in marriage mirror God's giving. Stories of Rav Scherer and Senator Lieberman highlight prioritizing home duties, reinforcing marriage's role in personal growth (39:17–46:38).Please submit your questions at askaway@torchweb.org_____________The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen LernerDownload & Print the Everyday Judaism Halacha Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RL-PideM42B_LFn6pbrk8MMU5-zqlLG5This episode (Ep. #71) of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on October 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on November 5, 2025_____________Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Everyday Judaism Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-judaism-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1600622789) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3AXCNcyKSVsaOLsLQsCN1C) to stay inspired! Share your questions at askaway@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#AskAway, #Torah, #Halacha, #Q&A, #Kosher, #Blood, #Hunting, #Poultry, #Marriage, #Gratitude, #Happiness, #Relationships, #TorahLaw ★ Support this podcast ★
On the second day of Rosh Hashanah each year we read chapter 22 of Genesis, the Binding of Isaac episode. Abraham is instructed to take his beloved son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice atop Mount Moriah. Abraham does as told, only to be stopped at the very last moment. In this very special Parsha podcast episode, we explore three dimensions of this iconic event. We try to go deep and deeper as is our mandate. We begin by addressing the three times that people are described as walking together; we proceed by suggesting a new approach to the call of the angel, "Abraham, Abraham;" and we end with the curious overlap between Abraham's Binding of Isaac and Adam's banishment from the Garden. This is an episode that you will really enjoy.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
I was asked to give a Talmud class in the TORCH center. The subject matter is the obligation of a father to circumcise his son. If you want to get a bit of a flavor of the methodology and cadence of Talmud, this would be a good place to start.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!Please email me at rabbiwolbe@gmail.com with any questions or comments– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletterSUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
Willie calls in Jase and his “special set of skills” for backup in fixing a neighborhood problem. Al isn't surprised when Jase's Celebrate Recovery sermon takes an unexpected turn and transforms into a Tom Petty sing-along that brings the whole room to life. Zach manages to make even the most mundane passages in the Bible into an interesting lesson. The guys explore why Jesus chose Passover and how the earliest worship song still echoes through the story of redemption, from the Lamb to the Kingdom itself. In this episode: Exodus 15; Exodus 35–39; Matthew 20, verses 20–23; Mark 10, verse 35; John 1, verse 14; John 1, verse 29; John 6; John 8, verse 12; John 13, verse 8; John 18; 1 Corinthians 10, verses 1–4; Ephesians 2, verses 21–22; Genesis 3, verse 21 “Unashamed” Episode 1200 is sponsored by: https://duckstamp.com/unashamed — Get your all-new digital duck stamp today. It's easier than ever! https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Get PureTalk for just $25 a month. Make the switch today! https://rocketmoney.com/unashamed — Cancel unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. The average person save up to $740 a year when using all of the app's premium features! https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Chapters: 00:00-06:15 Reed's surprise worship service 06:16-12:12 Jase & Willie plan a heist 12:13-24:21 Jase turns Celebrate Recover into a Tom Petty concert 24:22-32:50 Exodus & John's Gospel are mirrors of each other 32:51-40:58 Only blood can redeem sins 40:59-49:35 The Bible's first worship song 49:36-56:27 Viewing Jesus as a Passover lamb — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A thick wall separates the world of Torah from the world outside of it. Those who are outside have no concept of the wondrous nature of that world. Even people who are Torah observant - who are Orthodox - can be totally ignorant of this most magnificent world. Even someone who is privileged to be enumerated amongst students of a Yeshiva, may be ignorant of the true world of Torah.That is how the book Alei Shur, authored by my saintly grandfather Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe begins. There's a magnificent, majestic, marvelous world of Torah, but it is guarded by a thick wall.The words "Alei Shur" (עלי שור) mean "atop the rampart." In this book, the Magnum Opus a of my grandfather's extremely voluminous literary output, offers the readers a tour on top of the ramparts of that thick wall.With the first reading of the book, readers are only asked to tread upon the ramparts and examine every part of this wonderful world. With a second reading of the book, the reader is encouraged to head down from the ramparts and to find a portal to enter into this wonderful world themselves.In this podcast we study the introduction of this fantastic book. Learning this introduction will certainly whet our appetites to be included in this tour on top of the ramparts. If you would be interested in a stand-alone podcast on Alei Shur, please email me and let me know.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Sponsorship: Please consider sponsoring a podcast by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!Please email me at rabbiwolbe@gmail.com with any questions or comments– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletterSUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★
What does it look like to worship Jesus when everyone around you thinks you're wasting your time?In Matthew 26:1-13, we see two opposite responses to Jesus. Religious leaders plot His death in secret, thinking they're in control. But Jesus knows exactly when He'll die—on Passover, according to the Father's plan. Then there's Mary, who pours out expensive perfume on Jesus in extravagant worship. The disciples call it wasteful. Jesus calls it beautiful.Mary's name means three things: rebellious, bitter, and beloved. And if we're going to follow Christ, we need to be like Mary—rebelling against evil, making people bitter with our worship, and knowing we're deeply loved by God.In this episode, we break down:* Why Jesus was in control even when His enemies thought they had the upper hand* What Mary's extravagant worship teaches us about loving Jesus* How to keep worshiping even when people around you don't understand* The connection between knowing you're beloved and living boldly for ChristIf you're facing opposition, persecution, or people who think your faith is “too much,” this message is for you.
Al, Zach, John Luke, and Christian reflect on why the Robertsons have always leaned into sometimes crude humor, especially around the dinner table. The guys explore how the graphic nature of certain parts of the Bible lends itself to a real, rich texture of humanity. They move into the story of the final plague and the Passover, where God used the death of Egypt's firstborn to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. In this episode: Exodus 10, verses 21–29; Exodus 11, verses 1–10; Exodus 12, verses 1–14, 29–36; Exodus 14, verses 13–31; Exodus 15, verses 1–2; Isaiah 2, verses 2–3; Acts 10, verses 9–16; 1 Peter 2, verses 9–10; 2 Thessalonians 1, verse 9; Revelation 21, verses 24–26; Genesis 15, verses 9–17 Today's conversation is about lesson 4 of The Exodus Story taught by Hillsdale Professor Justin Jackson. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ More about The Exodus Story: Explore God's mercy as he leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt. Exodus is a central narrative of the Bible. It recounts the moment that God reclaims Israel as his people, rescues them from slavery in Egypt, and establishes the Ten Commandments to guide their moral and religious freedom as an independent society. In “The Exodus Story,” Professor of English Justin Jackson picks up the biblical narrative where his course on Genesis ended. Join Professor Jackson in learning about the nature of God's mercy, human freedom, and the relationship between the divine and man. Enroll today to discover the beauty of God reclaiming the Israelites through his mercy and love in “The Exodus Story.” Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-04:30 Potty humor rules the Robertsons 04:31-09:38 Provocative Biblical texts 09:39-25:59 Why God hardened Pharoah's heart 26:00-31:19 The arrogance of Egypt 31:20-40:55 The tenth plague 40:55-48:58 God tells Egypt his name — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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