The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 2

Changing the Name of God

This week (Sept 23) on Shabbat Night Live, the Greeks needed to change a few things when Christianity came their way. They needed a Greek god, a Greek Jesus, and less of anything in the Bible that was Hebrew — including the name of YeHoVaH.

Dr. Miles Jones shares where this came from and how the Name has changed since the original inscriptions at the Exodus.

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section, and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:00) What is the relevance of what Lipkin refers to as the Zionist-Christian world with regard to the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism in the West? Might this dynamic become a bulwark against sectarian conflict, or will it simply enlarge the focus of resurgent antisemitism that has arguably taken its place in Western nations?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) Similarly, how can this vast community of believers be viewed as more prescient than many secular political leaders or brokers of information with regard to the dangers of radical Islam? How do the auspicious intelligence failures that preceded the attacks of 9/11 demonstrate the comparable risks of dismissing both spiritual prophecy and the passions engendered by theocratic movements?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How does the resistance of the academic community to such concepts as the invasion of the Hebrews into Canaan demonstrate a pervasive unwillingness to justify the history of the Jews? How does this entrenched attitude betray an element of political motivation that has resulted in a reluctance to conduct such common practices as thoroughgoing surveys of this region?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) How does the discovery of the foot imprint in the environs of the West Bank demonstrate an ironic assimilation of ancient Egyptian symbolism of conquest for the Hebrews’ claim to the Promised Land? In light of Deuteronomy 11:24, how can this be viewed as part of a larger pattern that is illustrated by persecuted individuals and subjugated peoples who become vindicated through the will of YeHoVaH?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Similarly, how does the further discovery of sites of worship and processional routes within these foot-shaped structures underscore the fundamental orientation of the ancient Hebrews toward ceremonial in their devotion to YeHoVaH? What eventual effect might this recognition have upon many denominational churches that strive to adopt contemporary, secular structures and imagery in the name of relevance?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) As suggested earlier, the Hebrews’ appropriation of their slave masters’ imagery may serve as an illustration of divine approval for their ancient settlement. How does this also demonstrate the weakness of “woke” politicized arguments that accuse Western Civilization of cultural theft from oppressed peoples?  Should the foot symbolism be viewed as thievery, borrowing, or influence?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) How does the linguistic distinction between the “heavy” or “hardened” heart of Pharaoh suggest the continuity of YeHoVaH’s plan for our salvation? How has the former phrase’s connotation of eternal punishment been allowed to encompass the importance of affirmation of belief and obedience, as expressed by David in Psalm 95 or by Yeshua’s words to his disciples in Mark 8:17-19?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) How does an awareness of the historical and geopolitical context of many biblical narratives serve to answer the challenges of agnostic scholars who would dismiss such figures as Moses or Josiah as fictional creations? Why are such secular paradigms as outlawry, military conquest, and imperialism essential to our recognition of the plausibility of scripture and the profundity of our doctrine?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Similarly, how does the prospect of an ancient Israelite colony on the eastern side of the Jordan River call into question the received notion of Palestinian sovereignty in this region, one that continues to roil the peace process in Israel and the West Bank? Could Gilead and the Golan Heights conceivably become sites of renewed Jewish influence, or are they destined to remain flashpoints in a seemingly endless conflict?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 54:00) If indeed the cryptic words of Deuteronomy 29:15 refer to an absent faction of Israelite settlers who preceded Moses into Canaan, how does this interpretation underscore YeHoVaH’s desire for unity among his disparate children? How might the establishment of modern Israel as a gathering of Jews from throughout the world and its unexpected survival in the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973 be justly viewed as a prophetic fulfillment of this text?
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Four Keys to Discovering Your Purpose

YeHoVaH will never do what you can do, but he will be there to help you achieve the things that are beyond your limits when you have exhausted all your resources.

Have you ever asked yourself, “what am I doing here?”

Every human being who is mindful of an eternal destiny has asked himself this question at least once during his existence. And the search for an answer often determines the meaning of our daily lives.

When we first hear or read about Moshe’s life, we do not expect its major events to unfold at the advanced age of eighty. Now, if we try to get into the mind of this man during his first forty years of life, we might find him wondering why his life was so different from those of his enslaved brothers. This was, for him, a time of abundance, comfort, pleasures, achievements, and recognition – virtually everything that a person would like to obtain in life.

But when he wanted to stop being a spectator and become proactive – by defending a slave and killing his assailant – his life turned into a nightmare. He became a fugitive; he abandoned everything and lived in a strange land, and dedicated himself to taking care of his father-in-law’s herds. It seems that he was fed up with wealth and power, and had no desire to possess them for himself.

And so he lived for 40 years, seemingly completing his mission in life. But YeHoVaH had other plans: He called him and commissioned him to free Israel from slavery, and thus he became a person whose influence remains throughout the world to this day.

Here are four keys that will help you discover why you are here.

First of all, keep in mind that YeHoVaH will never do what you can do, but he will be there to help you achieve the things that are beyond your limits when you have exhausted all your resources. In other words, you must do everything that is within your capacity to find the solution for a troubled situation, one that is legal and complete, and then YeHoVaH will step in.

Secondly, you must do whatever task you have at hand – whether a job, chore, or even a recreational activity – to the best of your best ability and with the best possible attitude. It is the way to grow, to discover the true meaning of things. When you move lazily, with annoyance, and with a negative attitude, you are eliminating the possibility of discovering new capabilities. Most likely, when Moshe “had” to learn to herd his father-in-law’s sheep, he did so with an affirmative attitude – it is evident that this work allowed him to develop areas of his life that were later useful in “shepherding” the nation he was in charge of.

Third, you need to preserve in your mind and heart the concept of YeHoVaH’s full sovereignty. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:29-30). This is how Yeshua expressed it, and that was what sustained him during his time on earth, allowing him to fulfill his mission. When you accept this truth and fully trust it, then your heart finds rest. After all, you can be sure that “He who is with you is greater than he who is in the world” and “If YeHoVaH is with you . . . who can be against you?”

Fourth, you should live only one day at a time, leaving the future in his hands because “He cares for us.” Yeshua’s teachings were repetitive regarding this: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, each day has enough trouble of its own” and “Give us today our daily bread” are words that compel us to a total dependence on our creator in our day-to-day lives. The system in which we live seeks to manipulate our fears by selling us insecurity at every step; that’s why we pursue life insurance, health insurance, savings for old age, burial, etc. But we cannot foresee all future eventualities that are only in the hands of our Father. Therefore, understanding the concept of his sovereignty is vital to answer the question raised at the beginning: What am I doing here? Recognizing that YeHoVaH has absolute control will allow you to develop your dependence on him, and thus, you will be led by his providence. And though his path for you remains imperceptible, you will still fulfill the plan that He needs you to carry out. That is the reason why he gave you existence and why he has taken care of you until now.

This life is not to seek our own goals and satisfactions; it is to carry out the Eternal Plan designed by YeHoVaH, in which he wanted to give us participation, wonderfully combining our interests, talents, and circumstances with his eternal purpose: to restore order throughout the universe, submitting all things to his command.

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 1

Discovery at Jacob’s Altar

This week (Sept 16) on Shabbat Night Live, the story of the Exodus seems straightforward to most people. But to serious students, there are dead ends and gaps in the narrative that leave us with unanswered questions.

Israeli resident and tour operator Aaron Lipkin embarked on a mission to solve the mysteries of the Exodus — but he had no idea where his curiosity would lead him! Hear, in his own words, why this ONE discovery may change archaeology forever!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:00) How does the urban settlement of Samaria demonstrate the enduring resonance of the Six Day War of 1967 as a watershed event of the past century? How do the ongoing controversies regarding this decades-old conflict suggest the unfolding of YeHoVaH’s providence regarding the Hebrews and their proprietary rights to this region?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) Why is the utilization of folktale or traditional narrative by biblical scribes to explain events in the Book of Genesis continually weaponized by skeptics as ostensible proof of the Bible as mere fiction? Why is the symbolic use of language in a pre-scientific age, such as allegory or epic similes, usually justified and defended by scholars for every culture but our familiar Judeo-Christian civilization?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How does the academic notion of objectivity when applied to a non-scientific subject like spirituality serve to undermine the integrity of such immaterial phenomena as family relationships, especially those that are grounded in religious belief and the practice of worship? Why has the notion of Intelligent Design aroused such vehement opposition within the scholarly community, despite its abstraction?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) How does the politicization of education in the United States demonstrate the weakness of academic disbelief with regard to continuing discoveries in the Near East that support biblical narratives? How does this ironic example of “objectivity” indirectly reveal the hypocritical agenda of the academic establishment that is aimed at destabilizing the integrity of Western values?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Why do the various categorizations of academia – historical period, political dynasty, or narrative genre – tend to collapse upon the discovery of ancient sites such as altars? Why does this verification of sacrificial worship result in a cumulative verification of events and personages that compels a re-evaluation and redefinition of received ideas, to the chagrin of the educational establishment?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) Similarly, how do such findings underscore the contemporary political divisions over Israel’s legitimacy as a sovereign state? How can such a challenge to the entrenched deference among many scholars toward the Palestinian claim serve to threaten not only the academic world, but also the geopolitical dimension involving Israel’s relationships with its Arab neighbors and its alliances with other Western nations?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) How does the particular practice of wet-sifting in archeological excavation serve to illustrate the providential nature of the discovery of ancient biblical sites? How can we discern the revelation of divine truth in the unearthing of even minuscule evidence of the Hebrew presence in the midst of such crude attempts at prevention as restricted access and vandalism?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) Similarly, what is arguably the greatest significance of the discovery of the Mount Ebal Amulet? How is its proto-alphabetic provenance and its pre-paleo Hebraic reference YHW underscored by the almost alarming repetition of “cursed” within its text?  Can this be interpreted with justification as an ominous warning to those who would deny the biblical account of its geographical location or profane its sacred purpose?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Why is the possible vindication of the Hebrew presence in this region, along with its deity, language, and scriptural narrative, greeted with such apprehension and opposition by the academic establishment? Aside from the prospect of a revision of received knowledge, what essential weakness within the intellectual ethos of many scholars is exposed by a discovery such as that upon Mount Ebal?

Behind the Scenes with Michael Rood – Episode 2

This week (Sept 9) on Shabbat Night Live, Luke and Kayte Abaffy’s interview with Michael Rood for their groundbreaking documentary, The Way, brought the story of countless believers around the world who have traded Easter ham for Passover lamb and Sunday church for Saturday Sabbath.

Behind The Scenes with Michael Rood presents, for the first time, the raw footage of that interview — if you appreciate Michael Rood’s amazing teachings, you’ll love this candid and endearing series!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section, and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 17:00) How has our present-day mass media been a mixed blessing for contemporary believers who seek to evangelize to the greatest possible extent? What is the most effective spiritual strategy for grappling with the outpouring of hatred that is often directed at religious broadcasters by atheist organizations and individuals who utilize and exploit the same types of media?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 21:00) How does the pervasive ignorance of many Gentile believers of the history and diversity of modern Judaism serve to impede their own understanding of Yeshua’s teaching regarding spiritual authority? How have many otherwise curious and searching members of the faithful been misled by an ill-informed approach to salvation based upon a superficial reliance upon expressions from the New Testament which lack proper historical context?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 25:00) Similarly, why do many professed Christians casually shift their denominational loyalties in the course of their faith lives yet shun any awareness or deference toward the Jewish Feasts as part of their ethos as believers? How might this be viewed as contempt for the past as well as an example of Western culture’s persistent skepticism toward perceived superstition?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 29:00) As with the distinction that is maintained by most evangelical Christians between the Old and New Testaments, how is their common failure to recognize the demarcation of the Torah as the Five Books of Moses a serious impediment to the practice of their faith? Can this syndrome be tenably viewed as one of willful ignorance, or of remnant antisemitism?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 33:00) Similarly, how have many professed believers failed to take seriously the imperative of Jeremiah 1:10 to “root out and to pull down” corruption in Judeo-Christian culture?  Has this been a function of cynical and mercenary figures within the clergy who fear losing illicit profits, or of the lingering stereotype of this eloquent prophet as histrionic and melodramatic?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 39:00) Why has the maintenance of faith life continued to be difficult for believers who are confronted with accusations of being “legalistic” or “judgemental” in the mere practice of their worship, despite our constitutional right of religious freedom? How has the notion of obedience become so politicized over recent decades as to give rise to an organization such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 43:00) Similarly, how has the principle of altruism – a fundamental tenet of all designations of Christianity – also become finessed and even redefined in such a way to benefit those with self-interest? How does such a reductive and materialistic approach tend to distract the faithful from true empathy toward those who are less fortunate in such matters as health or persecution?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 47:00) How can the possibility of growing within one’s faith be viewed as arguably the greatest challenge posed by YeHoVaH to his creation? How does our free will, combined with our vulnerability toward sin, offer us the opportunity to worship and practice our faith, but also the bounden duty to exemplify that faith in our actions to such an extent that we achieve genuine spiritual formation rather than merely paying lip service to a poorly-understood creed?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 51:00) Apart from historical accuracy, why is it appropriate that Michael Rood should adopt the vestments of Mordecai in his teachings from Israel? How is this figure from the Book of Esther, who is largely unfamiliar to many evangelical Christians, uniquely poised to serve as an example of vindication of the Hebrews and of YeHoVaH’s providence for those who have yet to learn the significance of the Feast of Purim?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 53:00) Despite the politicization of public discourse regarding genocide – whether historically verified or feverishly imagined by members of the radical fringe – what are the plausible reasons for the upsurge in anti-Israel sentiment over the past decade? Are the Jews and their nation yet again in genuine danger of becoming the Western world’s scapegoats, or are we witnessing a decadent antisemitism that will soon lose expression?

Behind the Scenes with Michael Rood – Episode 1

This week (Sept 2) on Shabbat Night Live, we go behind the scenes! Several years ago, Luke and Kayte Abaffy interviewed Michael Rood for their groundbreaking documentary, The Way, a story of countless believers around the world who have traded Easter ham for Passover lamb and Sunday church for Saturday Sabbath.

Behind The Scenes with Michael Rood presents, for the first time, the raw footage of that interview — a special, two-episode series that gives you a real-life glimpse of the man behind the ministry!

Watch the episode — included on this blog post.

While you watch, consider the questions below. The timeline for each discussion topic in the video is noted on each question. Post your answers in the comments section and let’s get some discussion going!

  1. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 18:00) Why is the dedication of one’s life to serving YeHoVaH in some capacity, whether personal or professional, such a challenge for many believers? How does the simplicity of prayer underscore the complexity of defining, developing, and maintaining a private apostolate when there is no guarantee of its effectuality in a hostile and sinful world?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 21:00) Why has the enduring popularity of Fiddler on the Roof as musical and film, along with the source stories of Sholem Aleichem, nevertheless made little impact upon the spirituality of many professed Christians? Has this been a function of residual antisemitism, which is still prevalent, or evidence of an unwillingness to explore the genuine Hebrew ethos of scripture?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 25:00) Controversies continue regarding the politicization of our nation’s military, particularly regarding its growing egalitarianism toward gender and the practice of Islam within its ranks. How might the deterioration of hierarchy and discipline here be attributed to an absence of Judeo-Christian spirituality in training and in recognition of Just War Theory in military ethics?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 29:00) How do Yeshua’s words against the Phariseeism of his own times tend to resonate in today’s heavily materialistic and agnostic world? How can his demarcations of arbitrary and man-made legalism be viewed as precursors of the growing power and personality cults of present-day leaders, such as political figures, captains of industry, and presumptive medical experts?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 33:00) Alternatively, how do Paul’s admonitions to his readers assume greater contemporary significance when situated within the contexts of Temple worship and maintenance of the Feasts, as designated by the Torah? What is the most potentially damaging aspect of disseminating these texts as mere aphorisms without this framework for believers who attempt to evangelize?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) How do ongoing debates regarding the validity of the modern-day Jewish calendar serve to dramatize the challenge facing all believers who attempt to fulfill their duties as priests, prophets, and kings? Why is a crucial factor like the ancient reckoning of time so often ignored or treated in an arbitrary manner by many Christian denominations?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) Similarly, how have examples of biblical miracles such as the raising from death of Lazarus (John 11) and the daughter of the synagogue leader (Luke 8) been trivialized or dismissed as mere folklore or even propaganda by both believers and agnostics? How can the faithful strive most effectively to reconcile belief in divine power and the empiricism of science when faced with the Simon Magus figures of our own age?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 44:00) What could be the likely cultural impact of a revisionist view of Yeshua as a truly masculine and provocative public figure, one who challenged hypocritical authority and advocated a recognition of the Laws of Moses and a return to principles of obedient worship? Could such a conception inspire greater unity among today’s denominational Christians, or instead serve as an example of the “sword of division” (Matthew 10:34)?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 49:00) What is the unforeseen danger of the popular academic trend toward graduate degrees in divinity studies? How might otherwise devout or curious lay professionals develop skeptical or ill-defined conceptions of doctrinal elements within scripture, which could ironically weaken rather than enhance their secular apostolates within the working world?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 55:00) In light of Israel’s perseverance as a major player on the geopolitical stage, along with the ongoing relevance of its centrality in biblical archaeology, how might its prominence lead to a reconciliation of the divisions within modern Judaism? Would such a development most likely be initiated through political diplomacy and international trade, or through evangelical efforts among gentiles?