Entering The Presence of YeHoVaH

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

EPISODE 2: The Bread & Light of Life

This week (August 2) on Shabbat Night Live, The furnishings in the Tabernacle had far more symbolism than most believers realize, especially the menorah and the so-called “Table of Showbread”.

In fascinating detail, Jake Hilton reveals the amazing message these two pieces of furniture deliver about the character of the Almighty and how he expects us to behave as his representatives.

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 – 08:35) What are the three Psalms that focus on seeking the presence of Yehovah?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 19:03) What was the total value of the gold, silver, and bronze used to build the Tabernacle?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:23) What was the estimated total value of the materials used for the Temple of Solomon?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 31:07) What is the significance of the table of the bread of the presence in the Tabernacle?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 34:29) What does Yeshua mean when He says, “I am the bread of life,” in John 6:35?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 40:00) What does Yeshua mean when He says, “I am the light of the world,” in John 8:12?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 45:28) What is the significance of the number seven in the context of the menorah and the Feasts and Festivals of Yehovah?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 53:37) What does the seventh and final branch of the menorah represent concerning the millennium?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 58:18) What are the seven attributes of Yehovah mentioned in Exodus 34, and how are they repeated throughout the Bible?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 1:02:56) What do the seven stars and seven golden lampstands represent in Revelation?

Charting the End: VOLUME 2, Ep 10

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FINAL EPISODE: The Synagogue of Satan

This week (July 19) on Shabbat Night Live, much of the Christian church and Jewish synagogue have the same problem — both claim to be Israel, and yet they’re not. In fact, Yeshua says they belong to the “synagogue of Satan!” What is each group missing, and how can anyone truly be “Israel”?

Michael Rood brings an answer for the end times from the beginning of the Book of the Revelation!

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 – 08:46) What does Yeshua promise to those in the congregation of Smyrna who remain faithful despite tribulations?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 14:16) What is the significance of the 10 days of tribulation mentioned in the Hebrew text of the Revelation, and how are believers encouraged to respond during this period?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 17:52) What assurance does Yeshua give believers regarding the second death and their resurrection at the seventh trumpet?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 20:52) What is the significance of the double-edged sword mentioned in the letter to Pergamos, and how does it relate to Yeshua’s words and actions?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 25:11) What were the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, and how did they affect the congregation in Pergamos?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 30:28) Why did Balaam initially refuse to go with the princes of Moab and Midian, and what was his response when they returned with more honorable princes and greater gifts?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 35:48) Why did Yehovah’s anger kindle against Balaam, and what was the role of the angel of Yehovah in this situation?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 36:54) How did Balaam’s ass save him from the angel of YAH, and what lesson did Balaam learn from this encounter?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 44:37) What was Balaam’s response to Balaak’s request to curse Israel, and how did he justify his stance?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 46:46) What significant events occurred at the three United Nations summit meetings involving Israel, and what was the outcome of each summit?

Charting the End: VOLUME 2, Ep 9

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EPISODE 9 of 10: The Doctrine of The Nicolaitans

This week (July 12) on Shabbat Night Live, in The Book of The Revelation, Yeshua tells John that He “hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans.” Who were these people? And what did they do that was so terrible?

As Michael Rood explains, “the deeds of the Nicolaitans” continue today in every Christian church and, sadly, in many Torah-observant congregations as well!

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 – 08:51) What did Yeshua instruct John to write to the seven congregations in Asia Minor?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 12:24) What did Yeshua ask James and John about their ability to endure?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:32) What did Yeshua teach his disciples about true greatness and leadership?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 21:13) What did Paul emphasize about the importance of unity among believers in his first letter to the Corinthians?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 25:24) What reward does Yeshua promise to those who overcome the deeds of the Nicolaitans?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:15) What is the significance of the doctrine and deeds of the Nicolaitans in the context of church hierarchy and its impact on moral behavior within the church?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 31:22) What did Yeshua promise to the man crucified alongside him?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 36:10) What happens during the last resurrection and final judgment according to the Revelation scroll?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 39:47) What lesson does Yeshua convey through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:41) What does Paul explain about the state of the dead and the resurrection?

Charting the End: VOLUME 2, Ep 8

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EPSODE 8 of 10: Back To The Beginning

This week (July 5) on Shabbat Night Live, in the Book of The Revelation, we read that the congregation in Ephesus had been led astray by false prophets. Who were these false prophets? Where did they come from and what were they teaching?

Michael Rood takes us back to the beginning when Paul first spoke to the Ephesians and what we can learn from their mistakes.

Watch the episode — included in 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 – 08:52) What is the significance of Apollos’ teachings in Ephesus, and how do they reflect the original message of repentance and adherence to the Torah as preached by John the Baptist?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 10:57) How did Aquila and Priscilla’s guidance enhance Apollos’ understanding of Yeshua’s ministry, and what impact did this have on his ability to proclaim Yeshua as the Messiah to the Jews in the synagogue?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:22) What does Paul’s interaction with the disciples in Ephesus reveal about the evolution from John’s baptism of repentance to the baptism in the name of Yeshua Messiah, and how does this signify a new understanding of life and identity for believers?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 19:11) In what ways did the baptism as performed by Paul and the subsequent reception of the Holy Spirit redefine the disciples’ faith in Ephesus, and how did this spiritual awakening contrast with the resistance and misunderstanding from others within the community?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 23:42) How did the failed exorcism attempt by the seven sons of Sceva, a chief priest, lead to widespread fear and reverence for the name of Yeshua, and what were the consequences for the practice of magic and the growth of the Christian faith in Ephesus?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 26:04) What economic and religious concerns did Demetrius and the craftsmen of Ephesus express regarding Paul’s teachings, and how did their reaction illustrate the conflict between traditional pagan worship and the emerging Christian doctrine?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 31:38) What role did Alexander, the son of Simon of Cyrene, play in the events at Ephesus, and how does his attempt to address the crowd relate to the broader conflict between the early Christian movement and established religious traditions?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 35:27) How does Paul distinguish between true apostles and false ones, and what consequences does he describe for those who deceitfully claim apostleship and mislead others for personal gain?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 37:10) How does Peter characterize false apostles, and what criteria does he suggest for distinguishing them from those who are truly sent by the divine?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 42:21) How does the message to the believers in Ephesus emphasize the importance of returning to their ‘first love’ and the original teachings of Yeshua, and what does this reveal about the contrast between their past pagan practices and their new life in the Messiah?

Charting the End: VOLUME 2, Ep 7

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EPISODE 7 of 10: What Happened At Ephesus?

This week (June 28) on Shabbat Night Live: When John encounters the risen Yeshua in a vision, he is given a scathing message to deliver to seven specific churches — one of which is Ephesus. Paul was instrumental in delivering the Gospel to Ephesus, so what went wrong?

Michael Rood explains the back story and why the risen Savior mentioned Ephesus by name.

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 – 05:47) How does the scroll of Revelation connect the stories of the Torah and the prophets to the revelation of Yeshua as the Messiah?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 12:19) What is the significance of Yochanan’s vision of Yeshua amidst the seven flaming lamps, and how does it relate to his role as a messenger to the seven congregations in Asia Minor?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 15:31) In the context of the Revelation, what is the significance of Yeshua commanding Yochanan to write the things that he had just seen, the things that are now, and the things that shall be hereafter, and how does this instruction relate to the message for the seven congregations?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 19:41) What is the relationship between obedience to Yeshua’s commands and the fulfillment of prophecies, as outlined in the communication to Yochanan regarding the future events leading to the establishment of Yeshua’s dominion?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 22:24) What is the role of the messengers to the seven congregations in the context of Yeshua’s vision, and how does their faithfulness relate to the responsibilities and rewards described in the Revelation?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 29:11) What are the consequences for the congregation if they fail to repent and return to their first love?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 33:35) What significant change did the Jewish tallit makers implement in their craft after it became illegal to be openly Jewish in the Roman Empire?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 36:11) How does Acts 18:6 challenge the interpretation of replacement theologians regarding Paul’s declaration to go to the Gentiles?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 38:44) What actions did Paul take that contradicted the interpretation that he would only minister to the Gentiles, and what was his reasoning for these actions?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 41:48) What was the role of Aquila and Priscilla in enhancing Apollos’ understanding of the teachings he was spreading?

Charting the End: VOLUME 2, Episode 6

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

EPISODE 6 of 10: The “Helmet” of Salvation?

This week (June 21) on Shabbat Night Live: Are we saved now or in the future? The answer is BOTH!

Michael Rood shares a step-by-step explanation of the resurrection and the things that must come to pass before Yeshua returns, including the often misunderstood “armor of God” — most importantly, the so-called “helmet” of salvation!

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 – 06:32) What is the significance of the grace and peace mentioned in the opening salutation of the Revelation scroll, and how does it relate to the teachings communicated to Titus and the experiences of the believers in Thessalonica?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 10:29) How does the ‘sea of fire and glass’ concept serve as a metaphor for divine judgment and purification, and what is its significance in the context of the resurrection and the final events described, such as the Battle of Armageddon?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 13:03) How does the belief in Yeshua’s death and resurrection shape the understanding of the resurrection of the dead, and what is the significance of the ‘Last Trump’ and ‘Yom Teruah’ concerning the events of the end times?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 16:52) What is the metaphorical significance of ‘the Day of Yehovah coming as a thief in the night,’ and how does this imagery relate to the concepts of vigilance, faith, and salvation?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 19:17) How does the concept of ‘hope of salvation’ function as a protective ‘helmet’ for believers during times of tribulation, and what role does this hope play in the anticipation of the resurrection and the ultimate judgment?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 23:39) What is the role of tribulation in the lives of believers, and how does the promise of Yeshua’s return and the subsequent judgment provide hope and comfort amidst these trials?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 28:20) How do the ‘prophetic shadow pictures’ and temple liturgy established by David reflect the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, and what is the significance of these practices in understanding the events described in Psalm 2 and the Book of Revelation?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 33:59) What are the consequences for those who reject divine authority and pursue their own path, and how does this contrast with the fate of those who put their trust in Yeshua?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 37:47) What is the importance of ‘hearing and obeying’ the words of the prophet revealed as the Messiah, and how does this principle relate to events such as the stripping of the seals from the scroll and the ensuing tribulation?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE – 41:21) How does Yochanan’s experience of exile and revelation reflect the broader theme of faithfulness amidst tribulation, and what is the significance of his vision of Yeshua as ‘Aleph and Tav’ in the context of the prophetic message he is instructed to write?

Biblical Keys To A Happy Marriage

by with 2 Comments Faith and FamilyVideo Blog

Many of the problems we face in our marriages are ultimately rooted in an unrealistic expectation of what marriage is supposed to look like.

Movies and TV shows have given us a distorted perspective that marriage will provide ultimate fulfillment. And so we demand things from our marriage that it was never designed to give. God doesn’t promise that we’ll never face difficulties in marriage. However, with a right perspective on marriage and using the tools He gives us in His Word, we can know how to handle conflict. Here are three biblical keys that can help you stay on track to a happy marriage:

Number one… Respect.

Respecting your spouse means that you value them and hold them in high esteem. Value their feelings and opinions just as you value your own. Don’t disregard what your spouse shares with you. Don’t get frustrated or angry if you don’t like what they say. Just be patient and listen.  Remember, your marriage is a picture of the Messiah’s relationship with the Church. Respecting your spouse is ultimately connected to respecting God.

Key number two… Support

Being happy in marriage requires you to take the focus off of yourself. When you are selfless and focused on fulfilling your spouse’s needs instead of striving to get what you want, you’ll often find that your spouse is more than willing to reciprocate.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” – Proverbs 11:25
Support takes many forms. The simplest and often most needed form of support is encouragement and verbal affirmation. This goes back to Respect. If you value your spouse, you’ll value their hopes, dreams, trust, and sense of security. You’ll put their needs before your own.

Key number three… Listen

Most of the problems we face in marriage happen because we don’t know how to communicate effectively. Instead of listening to our spouse and validating their feelings, we get busy formulating counter arguments and building our case against them. We listen to reply rather than listening to learn. But this response puts them on the defensive and makes it more difficult to resolve the problems.
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” – Proverbs 18:2
Spouses can get so distracted with “winning” the argument that they lose sight of the goal, which is to resolve the conflict! Marriage cannot flourish in a self-centered environment. It can’t flourish without mutual respect and support. It all boils down to this: Love your spouse more than yourself. Respect them, support them, and listen to them. And then watch as new life is breathed into your marriage!

Stick to the Plan

by with No Comment Faith and FamilyVideo Blog
After moving to Fort Mill, South Carolina from Missouri, I sat in our apartment one day and wondered, Why am I here? Do I understand God’s plan for me and what I am to do? Did I hear right from God?

From my experience, questions like these tend to follow a huge life change, like switching career paths or moving across the country. As I pondered these questions, I replayed the different adventures the Father has sent me on during my life.

I remembered the crossroads that I faced—the places where I wasn’t really sure which way to go—and the times I questioned God.

Maybe you’re in that place right now. You felt you heard from the Father that you are walking in obedience, and then all of a sudden things just don’t feel or seem right.

I have stepped out in faith many times in my life, even when it made no sense at all to anyone else. If you find yourself facing a decision that will drastically change your life, and you feel the Father is calling you to that decision, know that His plan is for your good. Jeremiah 29:11 says…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Each time in my life that I have gone against the wisdom of man and followed God in faith, He has prospered me. But I’ve also faced hardship during times of being obedient. At times, I can honestly say that I thought calamity was what He was giving me.

However, the calamity was only temporary. It brought about a stronger faith, a stronger dependency on Him. And as soon as the hardship passed, I had prospered.

I think it would be safe to say that most of us have prayed at some point, Father, make me more like You. Give me Your heart. Change me. So when you step out in obedience, do not be disappointed if He answers the very thing you have been asking for.

There will always be an adversary that will try to rob what God is doing in your life. And the plan to prosper you may look a little different than you thought. But stick to the plan and enjoy the journey!

Your Storm Will Pass

by with No Comment Faith and FamilyVideo Blog
I love to be outside in YeHoVaH’s beautiful creation. Not too long ago, I spent some time in the woods.

I was a good distance from the truck, but I didn’t realize it until the sky started to darken and I heard thunder. A storm was coming. But it was too late. I knew there was no way I’d make it back to my vehicle.”

I hunkered down in a place I felt was the safest and waited for the storm to pass. I prayed, “YeHoVaH, please watch over me and protect me.” The lightning cracked and the wind blew.

I thought a couple of times that it may be a tornado.

After a while the storm began to pass, each crack of thunder quieter than the last one. The rain had stopped, but water still dripped heavily from off of the leaves. I was soaking wet and started to feel a little cold. The sound of dripping slowed and the sound of the birds soon took front stage.

It was amazing how fast the storm came and went, even though it seemed to last forever when I was stuck in it.

When I got back to my truck, Luke 6:48-50 came to mind. Remember when Yeshua was walking on the water and was about to pass by the disciples in the boat? They thought they had seen a ghost. He told them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

And when He climbed in the boat, the storm subsided.

As I thought about that scripture, it dawned on me that He was about to pass them by. In other words, if they had not called out to Him, I believe He would have kept going. Also, He was far enough away from the boat that they did not recognize Him.

What a great example of storms in the believer’s life. In the midst of the storm (trials and tribulations), we cry out to YeHoVaH. When it takes a while for the storm to pass, the complaint some believers have is, “YeHoVaH is not hearing me.” I’ve been there myself. But let’s remember the scripture. When they called out, He answered with words of encouragement.

In other words, He said, “You’re going to be okay.” Hang in there.

Keep your eyes on Him during life’s storms, and know that whatever storms we have in our lives will pass. So the next time you cry out, know that He hears you. Keep your eyes on Him and, at His appointed time, He will enter your boat and calm your storm.

God’s First Instruction: Diet

by with No Comment Biblical HealthVideo Blog

Did you know that diet was God’s FIRST instruction to Adam?

It’s true – look it up! Immediately after creating Adam and telling him to be fruitful and multiply, the first instruction God gives to mankind is telling him HOW to do this. Yes, the FIRST and arguably most IMPORTANT instruction — is HOW to nourish the human body.

The principles of a plant-based diet for everyday health and even reversal of disease symptoms are in the very beginning of the Bible (in Genesis) and at the end (in Revelation). You may have never recognized it, but that’s because we often short-change God’s Word by considering it only as a spiritual book, not a how-to manual for physical healing.

But it really is. Let me explain what I mean.

“See, I have given you every herb bearing seed (vegetables, legumes, grains, herbs and spices), which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree, which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.”

– Genesis 1:29

Notice here that God does not say, “After you eat some plants, put that cow I just created into a corral, raise it, drink its milk, then kill its offspring, cut it up, roast it over fire, and eat it.”

He didn’t even tell Adam to go fishing.

In fact, the verse before, Genesis 1:28 says explicitly that Adam is to have “dominion” over the fish, the fowl and every living thing” but says NOTHING about eating these animals. The first mention of what is to be “food” for the human body is in verse 29 – plants.

The ONLY thing he instructed Adam to do for nourishment was to eat what grows from the ground.

Now, think about this for a moment. God loved Adam. He created Adam to be the ONLY being that was created in His likeness. Adam is His baby, His crown jewel, His masterpiece, the crescendo in the creation symphony.

Obviously, he wants Adam to be healthy. And he’s not going to forget to tell Adam to eat something or deliberately wait and then add some more to the menu later. No.

God, in his very first conversation with mankind, immediately and deliberately tells Adam what to eat in order to live and be healthy in one simple statement: raw, whole, plant-based foods.

Are animals allowed to be food? Sure… but it’s not the best. It’s not what God originally intended. He intended a plant-based diet, but allowed an omnivore diet, even if it’s not the best, it will do.

It’s just like another original intention: one man, one woman, for life.

Now, God allows divorce, but it’s not his original intention. It’s not the best. I think you see what I’m getting at here – we should strive for the best, and that is God’s ORIGINAL intention for EVERYTHING in our lives.

MORE NEXT WEEK…

But you can read it ALL right now in my latest book, “Escape Root: The Secret Passage to Lifelong Wellness” available at ARoodAwakening.tv/Escape

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