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?

Celebrating Verna Beth “Mama” Rood

Michael Rood’s mother, Verna Beth “Mama” Rood, completed her earthly race on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9:15pm. We call her “Mama” because she was a mother to not only Michael Rood, but everyone here at A Rood Awakening! International.

Verna Beth’s mission was to love everyone she encountered. She poured out hugs and smiles to brighten everyone’s day and freely gave sage advice — not to mention, she wasn’t afraid to offer motherly correction when needed, LOL!

That’s why we loved her so much. Many of us here at A Rood Awakening! International have come from across the country or across the globe to help bring Michael’s message to the world. In many cases, our mothers are far away or no longer with us. Verna Beth filled the gap and brought some much-needed “Mama” into our lives.

Several years ago, we experimented with providing lunches to the staff to help aid workday efficiency, and Verna Beth became our “executive chef.” Joking that it was her first real job, she prepared delicious, homemade meals for 25+ staff members every single day — in her 70s! She was very serious about caring for everyone’s nutritional needs.

Verna Beth was equally serious about rules. After hours one day, Michael Rood’s daughter, Sara, came in to drop off a package at the ministry. When she opened the door, the security alarm went off; suddenly Sara realized she didn’t have a code to cancel it. With the alarm screeching and the security company threatening to dispatch police, Sara quickly called “Grandma” (Verna Beth) to use her code. Verna Beth answered the call but said she unable to accommodate Sara’s request. Perplexed, Sara asked Verna Beth if it was because she couldn’t remember the code, to which Verna Beth replied, “No, I remember my code. But I was told by the HR department that I was never supposed to tell my code to anyone — so I can’t give it to you!”

As funny and endearing as it was, it confirmed the truth everyone loved about Verna Beth: No one messes with Mama Rood!

Verna Beth leaves a large and wonderful family to celebrate her life including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We especially want to think of Michael right now. In addition to fighting his stroke recovery battle, this self-described “Mama’s boy” is now mourning the loss of his mother, whom he loved very, very much.

Please comment below to leave a prayer of strength and comfort, an encouraging note for Michael, or even a funny story about Verna Beth if you knew her. Thank you!

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Why We Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving… or is that Happy “Squanto” Day? Squanto, a first nations American Indian did not start out “happy.”

Squanto was taken captive and sent to England as a slave; he eventually became a believer because his master was a Christian.

Squanto came back to the United States (before it was named as such), when the separatist pilgrims had landed. The pilgrims were praying to Almighty God to help them survive. It was then that Squanto who came to their aid, speaking English he had learned overseas, rescuing them from certain disaster

This is why we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It is a day of thanksgiving to God.

At this time, we ask you to join us in thanking YeHoVaH, to God Almighty, for what he has allowed us to do in this nation. We are the nation that is reaching out to around the world with the message of our Messiah, Yeshua.

We have been endowed with such prosperity in this country and empowered with laws that enable us to benefit at tax time by giving to ministry. We are asking you at this time, before the end of the year, to give to A Rood Awakening.

The Almighty has equipped us to bring the gospel of the Kingdom, the very gospel that changed Squanto’s life, to the world. That gospel is changing people’s lives in every nation, in every culture, in so many languages.

But we need your help to continue on with this message.

If you have been blessed by this ministry, we ask you to remember us, and to give bountifully at this time. We need this, not for our own sakes, but because we need to get the message out to the world.

Join us before December 31st. Write that check. If we’ve been a blessing to you, then thank YeHoVaH. Thank God Almighty, and this Thanksgiving, remember A Rood Awakening.

THANK YOU – Your donations keep Michael Rood on the air! 
Click the button below to give your tax-deductible gift, or give by phone at 888.766.3610.

DONATE HERE

REPORT ON CHINA: Your Donations At Work

In China, I presented “The Gospel of the Kingdom”, a presentation that took 13 hours each of 3 times that I gave it (including line-by-line translation courtesy of Paul Hsieh of Kingdom for Jesus). It was so electrifying to the audience there because they had never heard the TRUE Gospel. Not to mention, it’s not taught in American Christianity, either! In churches today, we’re told “sweet baby Jesus” stories, but nobody is teaching what Yeshua taught!

I realized as I was teaching this in China, that America needs “The Gospel of the Kingdom” presentation, too!

As you know, I‘ve been going to churches in my local area, recently. I’ve been going to Sunday School classes, men’s Bible studies and all. What I’ve discovered is that the true understanding of Yeshua’s ministry and what the Gospel of the Kingdom is all about is simply gone! People here in America don’t even know what the “gospel” really is when they speak of it. So, I am on a mission to take what I presented in China and present it here in America. Then, once it’s completed in English, we can do it in Spanish, and any other language. I’m determined to do it because it’s WORTH IT! And something that’s worth it means it’s not free.

It takes funds to do these types of things. It took funds to develop this and present it in China — and YOU made that happen! You helped to change hundreds of lives.

In fact, there were literally hundreds of people lined up at a book signing we had for the new, Chinese version of “The Mystery of Iniquity”, a book I wrote many years ago in English. I signed more books in that one session than I ever did for the English version! There’s a real revival at stake, and it’s our job to facilitate it… because WE in America have the means to do it. In America, we have such abundance, but it’s not for us to keep. It’s intended to be used for the Kingdom

We in America are to be the financiers of these missions. That’s why we have the abundance in this country. As you step out in obedience with your finances, YeHoVaH will keep on multiplying it so that you can do even more. That’s the way the biblical economy works.

I want to thank you for standing with us to help us get this message out. Your reward is building in an account for eternity — keep building it! Stand with us… THANK YOU!

Click here to Fund Michael's Message

How to be an Ambassador

Every year at A Rood Awakening International, we produce hundreds of hours of video. Our teachings cover the basics of the Bible, the deep, complexities of scripture, and everything in between. After our programs have aired on various networks, they are then posted to sites like YouTube, free of charge, for the world to watch.

This is only possible because of the people who have stepped up and joined our Ambassador Club.

The Ambassador Club is made up of people who commit to give $100 each month. This faithful giving every month allows us to fulfill our commitment to our broadcasters. It allows us to reach the world, because we know the costs for putting quality programming on the air will be covered. All additional costs are covered by those who feel led to give a one-time donation to the ministry.

Several years ago, I was a speaker at The Prophecy Club. Everyone who came to the event gave $7 to attend. At the end of the event, everyone gave again as they were led. Now, you don’t have to travel to an event like that to come see us. We choose to put our teachings on the internet so you can access them freely.

We come into your home every week, rather than you coming to us — but, just like those folks gave $7 to attend The Prophecy Club, if everyone gave $7 each time, they tuned in to the YouTube channel, our needs would be met.

Joining the Ambassador Club is a great way to ensure that this ministry’s needs are being met.

Your $100 donation every month through The Ambassador Club keeps us on the air on current networks and allows us to plan for more. If you make at least $1,000 a month, a $100 donation is a tithe, and that tithe could make a significant difference in someone’s life.

Today, we’re asking you to make a commitment. Commit a modest $100 a month to the Kingdom. Your reward is on the sea of fire and glass.

Thank you for helping us help you, to help the world.

 

Your donations keep Michael Rood on the air! 
Click the button below to give your tax-deductible gift, or give by phone at 888.766.3610.

Become An Ambassador