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?

Tim Mahoney’s Journey Home

This week (August 26) on Shabbat Night Live, you are in for a special treat — a “double header” of sorts. Filmmaker Tim Mahoney is coming out with 2 new movies, one of which will be released NEXT WEEK (Sept 2)! You’re going to get some behind-the-scenes information about these two movies in a special interview with Tim Mahoney

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 should today’s believers who are eager to learn about the history of their faith attempt to reconcile their workaday spirituality with the remnants of biblical archeology, whether they confirm beliefs or raise further questions? Aside from recognition of YeHoVaH, what is the common ground between knowledge of artifacts and an individual’s prayer life and interaction with one’s neighbor?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) In the study and teaching of YeHoVaH’s message, how does our reliance upon documentation, text, and traditional school settings provide only a partial impression of our responsibility as his followers and evangelists? Apart from providing an environment for learning the Bible, how should parents view the home as a place to explore the full range of living the divine truth within our world?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How do the ancient Israelites offer an enduring example for contemporary family members of how to negotiate such issues as abuse, personality disorders, or clinical depression, that can threaten the integrity of home life and spirituality? How might verses in Psalms or Proverbs serve to enlighten us about the command to “honor thy father and thy mother?”
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) Similarly, how do the children of Israel under the leadership of Moses continue to demonstrate our own lack of trust in YeHoVaH throughout our earthly sojourn? How can our contemporary world, with its abundant material wealth and pursuit of power, be tenably viewed as the equivalent of the vast and barren desert that threatened the Hebrews with undernourishment and an attendant loss of faith?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) Despite their own personal testament of belief in and worship of YeHoVaH, why do so many professed Christians also acknowledge the difficulty of placing their full trust in his providence and guidance? How should today’s believer cultivate this ethos of conviction and genuine dependence in both private prayer and personal engagement with our neighbor?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 36:00) Similarly, how might this unconditional trust in YeHoVaH as heavenly father be impeded by our very human but inherently flawed refusal to forgive others who have wronged us, even those who are no longer present in our lives, either through estrangement or death? How might the countless references to divine forgiveness in scripture be viewed as an admonition against the false pride of maintaining a grudge? 
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 40:00) How can the concept of “patterns of evidence” in biblical history be viewed as an archetype that transcends such categories of reference as archeology, textuality, or oral tradition? How might the diverse and conflicting theories regarding the location and significance of Mount Sinai in Judeo-Christian history ironically result in a greater recognition of the spiritual dimensions of narrative by disputing believers?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 44:00) How might the ongoing exploration of such subjects as the Exodus and the discovery of the true Mount Sinai serve to reorient the public’s attention to the ancient significance of the Sinai Peninsula and its centrality for the three major faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? How could this potentially serve as an alternative point of reference from Jerusalem for eventual peace in the Middle East?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 48:00) How might today’s believers, accustomed to advanced communication, prolonged life, and relative material comfort, be likened to the “stiff-necked” Israelites, who repeatedly complained of their predicament in the midst of divine miracles? What sort of spiritual guidance should be sought by those teachers and evangelists who must share the exasperation of Moses?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) The final sentence of Joshua 24:15 is often emblazoned by evangelical Christians as a proclamation of personal faith, yet the complete verse offers a more challenging context for such a statement. How does this passage offer a straightforward acknowledgement of free will in its presentation of choice to the believer between worship of YeHoVaH and recourse to familiar but false forms of solace?

The Goshen Experience

This week (August 19) on Shabbat Night Live, While questionable happenings emerge one after the other around the world, YeHoVaH is preparing his people for a Goshen experience in the midst of an end-time Egypt. How will we as believers get through it — and even benefit from it?

Watch the episode — included on this blog post for your convenience — David Lopez opens our eyes to some interesting opportunities!

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 should today’s followers of YeHoVaH assess and respond to the broad public advocacy of such monolithic organizations as the World Health Organization or the World Economics Forum? Even without invoking end-times prophecy or interpretation, what steps can they take to avoid hysteria or combativeness toward those who would undermine their freedom to conduct their lives according to Yeshua’s ministry?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) Similarly, how have contemporary citizens of many Western nations come to resemble those of Yeshua’s community of colonial subjects, who were forced to defer to their imperial rulers? How should today’s faithful negotiate the increasing pressure to “render unto Caesar” and to avoid the temptation of surrendering to Bread and Circuses instead of being proactive and resourceful?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) Over a century ago, H.G. Wells created an enduring science fiction scenario wherein extraterrestrial invaders were destroyed by ordinary pathogens – “the humblest things that God had [created].” How might present-day believers, faced with another pandemic, successfully undermine those within the geopolitical-scientific complex through their own homespun ingenuity and initiative, as directed by divine providence?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) Similarly, how is the one-world government reflex dependent upon the passivity and perceived helplessness of the citizenry in our heavily agnostic age? How might this momentum be disrupted and even destroyed by the inventive example of those who fully consider and enact Yeshua’s exhortation to be both “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” in their refusal to submit to the monitoring and control of all human activity?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) As the social and political upheavals of recent years recede and new elections loom, how can the rebel ethos of the United States be rediscovered by complacent citizens as a viable opposition to international pressure toward conformism? How might its Judeo-Christian component be viewed as a central, rather than marginal, element that could redefine the dynamic between the individual and the state? 
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) How might our contemporary civilization be compared to that of the Western world in the first century in terms of innovation and advancement borne out of autocracy and oppression? How are today’s believers, like the underground church of decadent pagan Rome, faced with unrealized opportunity in the form of cryptocurrency, “obsolete” media like shortwave radio, and increasing demographic mobility?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) Similarly, how does our current predicament recall the dilemma of the ancient Hebrews as they faced the prospect of fleeing a slave state with no guarantee of survival? Could the near future of Western civilization witness both a resurgence of dependence upon YeHoVaH by more resilient believers and simultaneous despair among those who have unwittingly placed more value upon the material world?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) How have the vagaries of the pandemic – enforced confinement, remote learning in schools, food shortages, increased surveillance – resulted in a defiant reawakening of our natural human desire for freedom and community? How might this unintended consequence of official control ultimately be more beneficial for resolving racial and cultural differences between citizens than coercion or propaganda?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Similarly, how have the events of the past two years exposed the destructive aspects of elitism among those in power, whether in politics, industry, or media, to such an extent that nonbelievers are finding common ground with the faithful in their recognition and assessment of evil?  How likely is a near-future scenario like that described in Jeremiah 31:34, wherein evangelization will become virtually unnecessary among disparate peoples because YeHoVaH will have “put [his] law in their minds”?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 54:00) The recent repeal of the constitutional right to abortion has resulted in further polarization between pro-life and pro-choice factions. How has this served to recall the perspective of the ancient pagan Romans, who considered life to be cheap, but who were superstitious about death?  Furthermore, how might this legislation, like the various effects of the pandemic, compel a greater awareness of the devaluation of human life as an expression of evil? 

Crisis and Crypto

This week (August 12) on Shabbat Night Live, Former Navy SEAL David Lopez teaches us the difference between cryptocurrency and digital currency — pay close attention to this episode! China’s social credit-driven digital currency will soon be the way of the West, and you need to know how it works!

Watch the episode — included in this blog post for your convenience — and learn how to take steps now to understand what it is and how to use it to your advantage before the system takes advantage of you.

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) Despite its categorical immorality, sex trafficking remains a marginal issue throughout public awareness and in the mainstream media. What is the likely outcome for grassroots and faith-based efforts in places like Haiti?  Will these apostolates produce only token success, or could they inspire the Holy Spirit to galvanize the larger denominational Christian world?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:00) How does a proactive approach to preventing the crime of kidnapping serve as a demonstration of both the pervasiveness of sex trafficking and the vulnerability of all women, regardless of race or class? What are some examples of how this particular crime has resisted politicization in public discourse and eradication through existing laws?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 24:00) How does the advent of cryptocurrency pose a challenge to the campaign against sex trafficking? In light of its controversial introduction and considerable public resistance, what is the potential for blockchain as an asset to anti-trafficking efforts?  Will this remain a viable element, or is it vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by the very same criminal factions that are targeted by their opponents?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:00) Similarly, how might bitcoin be viewed by a growing body of users as a legitimate and practicable form of currency which undermines the corporate oversight and control of money that is exercised by banks and the government? How might its utilization in opposition to trafficking be interpreted in terms of Yeshua’s imperative to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21)?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 32:00) How does the potential of sex trafficking for creating division among ostensibly monolithic groups like radical feminists or academic supporters of the BDS movement also underscore the common moral ground of both believers and atheistic materialists? How might this ironic situation be resolved through decentralized currency and unmediated communication between disparate individuals?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:00) How does the controversy over cybercurrency dramatize the dynamic between security and enterprise? How might believers who exchange civil liberties or professional advancement for social safety nets or autocratic law enforcement eventually become guilty of such sins as laziness and inactivity, indifference to the well-being of their neighbor, or laxity in worship?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:00) Similarly, how are today’s faithful vulnerable to a level of state control that is comparable to the monolithic imperial oversight of the Roman Empire during the period of Yeshua’s ministry? How does the notion of governmental “social credit” surpass the power of a stationed army or sinecured bureaucrats to undermine and degrade the personal freedoms of a citizenry?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:00) What are some examples of longstanding infrastructures that could be rendered obsolete by the adoption of a decentralized cybercurrency? How could today’s faithful, faced with the rapid loss of corporate-level protection and restriction in their workday lives, view this as an opportunity for growing apostolates, whether entrepreneurial or service-oriented?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 50:00) Aside from the dangers of politicization and its tendency to encourage differences between individuals and groups, how does cybercurrency demonstrate the principle of how anything of value may become a means of exchange, especially in times of severe deprivation? How might today’s believers begin preparation for a survival scenario that could conceivably prioritize a natural resource over something like bitcoin?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 54:00) Conversely, how might our present-day climate of controversy and alarmism indirectly encourage a rediscovery of hard cash as an antidote to the vagaries of our credit-based and corporate-controlled economy?  How might conscientious followers of YeHoVaH seek to avoid crippling debt and adopt a frugal lifestyle as an apostolate that is oriented toward “minding the pennies,” which ironically are still being coined after decades of premature eulogies?
crucified

Week 9: Time to Celebrate!

The Feast has arrived!
 
Remember, the day of Passover was the actual day of the sacrifice. So, while you are organizing, cooking, and getting ready, know that you are part of the great history of Passover.
 
This is what the faithful remnant has been doing for many, many years. Also, stop to remember that this was when the Messiah was taken in to Pilate; he was interrogated; he was beaten and mocked. Then he was sacrificed as our Passover Lamb.
 
As the sun sets and dinner is ready, the High Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins and so does the seder. Recount the glorious story of our redemption, and enjoy the company you’re with.
 
And remember, the story is not over…
 
Next year in Jerusalem!
passover-preperations

Week 8: Time to Prepare!

As the feast nears, it’s time to get serious about preparation! Make sure you have your meal all planned out and your grocery list made. Don’t forget to be mindful while you shop — don’t accidentally throw that box of crackers you usually buy into your cart!
 
Now is a good time to plan out your centerpiece for the seder as well. Some haggadahs (Passover “playbooks”) have recommendations for centerpieces that can play a role in the service during dinner, but otherwise, something pretty with flowers, lambs or candles will do nicely.
If you are having guests over for the big meal, finalize the guest list now. Plan out the seating arrangements and break out the fine china and cloth napkins.
 
After all that work, sit down to a movie night. “The 10 Commandments” and “Messiah: Prophecy Fulfilled” are great ones this time of year!
cleaning-for-passover

Week 7: Time to Clean!

Many people use Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a time to get their houses clean from top to bottom.
 
All leaven is supposed to be gone and off our property (Ex 13:7) before the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins, so this can be an exercise in detailed cleaning. Crumbs in the toaster, the old box of pretzels hiding in the recesses of the pantry, that goldfish cracker stuck in the little one’s car seat — it all needs to go!
 
Of course, you can get as intense about it as you feel led to, but the point is to take some time to consider where leaven may be hiding in your house and where things that get in the way of your relationship with the Father are hiding in your life. 
Happy cleaning!
celebrating-the-feast-of-unleavened-bread

Week 6: The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Once the night of the seder is over, there is still a week of feast left!
 
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is seven days and begins just as the day of Passover comes to a close (Note: Biblical days begin in the evening at sunset).
 
During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we don’t eat any leaven as a reminder of keeping ourselves free of sin and set apart for YeHoVaH, but there are also several other things to remember and commemorate during this week:
  • The year the Messiah was crucified, Passover was on a Wednesday.
  • The Messiah died in the late afternoon and was buried before the High Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread started that evening (when everyone had their seders).
  • He was in the ground Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights and the days of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • Then the Lord of the Sabbath was raised on the Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread!
The day after the weekly Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread is another feast called Firstfruits. This is when the firstfruits of the barley harvest are presented. When Yeshua was raised, those whose graves were opened at his crucifixion were raised and he presented them to the Father as the Firstfruits offering.
 
Firstfruits is also the day we are told to start counting the 50 days to Shavuot or Pentecost (Lev 23:15), also known as “the counting of the omer.”
 
The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a busy week with much to remember, study, and discuss. It is also a great week to do acts of service, in keeping with the example set by the Messiah at the Last Supper. The day of Firstfruits specifically is the perfect day to make offerings from what you have to those in need.
passover-and-children

Week 5: A Child’s Understanding of Passover

Children generally love to take part in special holidays. Passover is a time for great learning, togetherness, and spiritual growth. There are many ways to include children in your Passover celebration, from cooking to crafts. The most important thing, however, is sharing the powerful story behind the holiday.
 
The story of Passover is meaningful and weighty. While retelling of the first Passover is fairly straightforward, the account of the Messiah may need to be handled more delicately.
 
The Messiah’s crucifixion is hard for all of us to hear, but his sacrifice for us is of eternal significance. We must be understanding of our children’s developmental stages and personal sensitivities when we explain what happened. 
You will need to decide when to present what details of the story, depending on your particular child. Here are some of the main concepts to start with:
  • YeHoVaH sent his Son to teach us how he wants us to live and to save us from our own sin.
  • Yeshua kept YeHoVaH’s commandments and taught us to keep the commandments.
  • Some people hated Yeshua for this because they wanted to rule and control everyone.
  • Those people killed Yeshua on a cross as punishment for teaching YeHoVaH’s word.
  • We are imperfect, but Yeshua is perfect. He died for us because he loves us, and by believing in him, we are forgiven.
  • Yeshua was raised from the dead after 3 days. He is alive, and we will all live together with him eternally!
As you prepare for Passover, talk about the Passover story with your children. Involve them in the preparation, ask them questions, and let them ask questions. To better understand what they are learning, they may like to do reenactments or draw about Passover.
 
This story is one with so much history, prophecy and significance; it is a truly special one to share with children.
crucifixion

Week 4: Has Passover Been Fulfilled?

The Spring Feasts of the LORD, including Passover, have been fulfilled in the Messiah.
 
The first Passover took place back in Egypt on the night of the 10th plague. All the firstborn were to die unless their house bore the sign of a lamb’s blood on the doorposts. The lamb was to be male and perfect, without flaw. The night of the plague, all houses with the lamb’s blood were passed over, and no one inside died.
 
The people were saved by the blood of the lamb.
 
In the desert after fleeing Egypt, the people entered into a blood covenant with the Almighty. If broken, the covenant requires the death of the guilty party. We broke that covenant out there in the desert and incurred the death sentence upon ourselves.
 
The sacrifice of the Passover lamb every year was a demonstration of both our guilt and the price owed and also a picture of a substitute dying in our place. Every year the lamb died when we were the ones that deserved death.
 
When Yeshua came, he came as the Lamb of God – the ultimate Passover Lamb.
 
The rehearsal of the lamb sacrifice every year was made full and complete when the Messiah was nailed to the cross and sacrificed in our stead. We were guilty, but he was guiltless. He was perfect, without flaw. Because of this, he was the only one who could renew the covenant with the Almighty.
 
He paid the death penalty for us so that we could once again be in covenant with YeHoVaH, and we could have eternal life. We have been saved by the blood of the Lamb.