Connecting the Dots of the Exodus – Episode 4

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

The Gospel of the Exodus

This week (Nov 4) on Shabbat Night Live we ask: What do the Hebrew Gospels have to do with the Exodus? Everything. In fact, if there was no Exodus, there is no evidence for the Bible at all — including any evidence for Yeshua!

Dr. Miles Jones explains why it is so critical to have a Hebrew foundation for the Bible, and what happens to our faith if we don’t!

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: 15:00) As has been suggested in earlier forums, the Exodus is commonly viewed as the definitive narrative of the Hebrews, one whose arc details and justifies their identity and significance within world history. How might continued exploration of this event serve to shift their story from the margins of Western culture to the central stature of the epics of Homer, Virgil, or Milton?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 18:00) How do the words of Yeshua in Matthew 7:21-23 continue to resonate within the discourse of our contemporary, media-saturated civilization, just as in the more direct and interpersonal mode of his own time? How does his final reference here to “lawlessness” invoke not only adherence to the Torah but also indirectly chastise those who would engage in false or disingenuous rhetoric in the search for salvation?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 22:00) What has been the legacy of the 1960’s-era vogue for simplified Bible translations that sought to make evangelical Christianity more palatable and “relevant” for contemporary readers? How might the pervasive ignorance among many believers of Hebraic idioms and their connection to matters of doctrine and ritual be traced to this well-intentioned but problematic trend?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 28:00) Similarly, how might the loss of the deliberately punning language in Matthew 1:21 in latter-day English translations be received with skepticism rather than belief by the otherwise discerning student of scripture? How does the parallel between “Yeshua” and “yoshia” create a resonant and meta-dramatic level of address that enhances its prophetic context and illustrates the unity of purpose in YeHoVaH’s divine plan?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 32:00) How does the ongoing paleographic and linguistic exploration of scripture ironically demonstrate the limitations of written language which our Western world has come to prioritize as more legitimate than the spoken word? How has our loss of the nuance of face-to-face communication and the fragility of material texts combined to dramatize our dependence as believers on the rarified level of prayer for our endeavors to ascertain divine truth?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 36:00) Similarly, how does scholarly controversy over the legitimacy of the “prologue” to Luke underscore the very sentiments which he expresses in these four verses regarding preservation of truth through accuracy and evidence? How can his eventual “Homeric” reputation as the amanuensis of Paul’s evangelical travels be viewed as an ironic blessing whose textual detail we continue to parse with the accompanying guidance of prayer?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 40:00) However frustrating for a contemporary reader who seeks a straightforward and comprehensive narrative of Yeshua’s life and ministry, the four disparate gospels can be said to offer a range of perspectives on the Messiah’s persona and impact upon his listeners and chroniclers. How can the approaches of Matthew, Mark, and John be said to have suffered neglect in light of the popularity among many evangelicals of Luke’s account?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 44:00) How has Matthew 27:51 become a problematic text for both believers and skeptics in an age of increasingly advanced scientific methodology? Has its scenario been sensationalized by filmmakers and other dramatists?  What is the likelihood of evidence of its literal truth being provided by those same learned communities who have offered naturalistic support for other miraculous accounts in scripture?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 48:00) Similarly, how has the significance of this passage suffered from the absence of a specific reference to the entry of the Temple in the familiar KJV translation? How does the description of the torn veil ironically serve to weaken this divine accentuation of the crucifixion for those students of scripture who are unfamiliar with the doctrinal and ritualistic ethos of this location?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 53:00) Can a tenable argument be made for a providential rediscovery of James and Jude as exemplary figures within our own age, aided ironically by the efforts of historians who have sought to dismiss them as apocryphal characters or amalgams of lesser individuals? How do the concise texts of the so-called “brother of Jesus” and the representative of “hopeless cases” speak with increasing relevance to today’s faithful in their advocacy of obedience to the Law and castigation of false teaching, respectively?

Connecting the Dots of the Exodus – Episode 3

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

Evidence of The Israelites

This week (Oct 28) on Shabbat Night Live, stories abound of Mt. Sinai’s true location — but there can only be one. Is there new evidence of the mountain itself? Are there other clues that help us solidify its veracity?

Dr. Miles Jones brings a mountain of new evidence and scriptural backing from both Old and New Testaments that forever solidifies the Israelites’ place in history.

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: 14:00) How does Isaiah 65:11 illuminate the contemporary controversy over the location of Mount Sinai? How does YeHoVaH’s equation of those “[w]ho forget my holy mountain” with “those who forsake the Lord” serve to dramatize the unfolding prophecy detailed in the Book of the Revelation for today’s post-Christian world?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 18:00) How do the Israeli explorations of the Sinai peninsula following the Six-Day War of 1967 underscore the importance to the world at large of this near-forgotten event within its tumultuous decade? How might the eventual return of this massive tract of land to Egypt be viewed as yet another facet of a divine plan for our salvation through discovery and analysis?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 22:00) How does the prospect of Mount Sinai’s identification with the mountain described in Genesis 22:14 serve to reorient today’s believers to this location as a source of YeHoVaH’s direct communication with his creation? How does Abraham’s designation of “The Lord Will Provide” as its place-name continue to resonate in both scriptural history and our contemporary world?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 25:00) How does Elijah’s sojourn at Mount Horeb in 1 Kings 19 further develop this view of YeHoVaH’s profound presence and instruction to his chosen subjects? Why is this an appropriate and resonant location for the extended demonstration of divine power in verses 11 – 13 as an admonition to the prophet against faltering in his mission, one which can arguably apply to all believers?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 28:00) How do the words of YeHoVaH to Moses in Exodus 3:12 serve to emphasize the importance of sacred places for today’s seekers of salvation? How does today’s casual contempt toward places of worship or adoration, whether displayed by rogue terrorists or radicalized demonstrators, reveal a profound level of blasphemy in light of the demarcation that is presented here?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 33:00) As has been mentioned elsewhere in this forum, naturalistic explanations continue to recur in debates about biblical miracles. How might today’s faithful reconcile such explanations with their own cherished beliefs instead of viewing them as diametrical opposites?  How might science serve to enhance rather than undermine their own private apostolates?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 37:00) Similarly, how can skeptical viewpoints regarding possible discoveries of chariot wheels in the depths of the Red Sea ironically serve to bolster the arguments of believers against those who seek to disprove biblical history or deny the relevance of belief altogether? How might continued participation in these issues be viewed as fulfillment of the exhortation in Proverbs 4:7 to obtain wisdom?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 42:00) How have the stylistics of Bible illustrations from the past served to overemphasize the supernatural aspect of particular miracles and thus encourage skepticism or even disbelief among young learners? How might photographic evidence from latter-day explorers of such sites as the split rock of Horeb and the cave of Elijah become a potentially greater source of curiosity and belief for those doubters, even though they remain controversial?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 46:00) How does the prospect of Mount Sinai as the place of Abraham’s would-be sacrifice of Isaac not only emphasize the importance of burnt offerings to YeHoVaH but also the significance of this earlier juncture in the Hebrew narrative? How has neglect in popular culture of this son of the patriarch, along with the anomalous position of his half-brother Ishmael, contributed to pervasive ignorance regarding the concept of the Jews as a great nation?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 54:00) Why has the figure of the bull, originating from the Egyptian god Apis, continued to resonate in Western culture to the present day? Despite its condemnation as an idol by Moses and the denunciation of bullfighting as a heretical sacrifice by religious leaders through the early modern period, how can its pagan ethos possibly be discerned in contemporary activism against factory farming or radical lifestyle choices like veganism?

Connecting the Dots of the Exodus – Episode 2

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

Changing The Name of God

This week (Oct 21) 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: 14:30) Aside from the ongoing scholarly debate regarding the proper name of YeHoVaH which has been addressed many times in this forum, how does Psalm 138:2 speak to today’s believer who seeks an informed and sincere prayer life with his creator? How might the transcendent relationship portrayed here between name and word indicate the path to salvation?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 19:00) How do newly-discovered challenges to the Documentary Hypothesis of biblical inscription serve to support the controversial notion within the sciences of Intelligent Design, however indirectly? How might the concept of divine authorship be ironically enhanced by further discoveries of greater literacy among ancient peoples by the scientific community?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 23:00) If indeed the demarcation of “graven images” can be extended to inscriptions as well as idols or other pictorial representations, how can many otherwise conscientious individuals be credibly accused of offering obeisance to such figures in our sophisticated Western world? How have we arguably exchanged our true identities for exaggerated or misleading media profiles for personal gain rather than genuine witness to faith?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 27:00) As evidence of the ancient Hebrews’ chronicle continues to accumulate, our society ignores the importance of this people and their narrative at the peril of its own loss of salvation. How might the story of the Exodus, framed by its accounts of enslavement and entrance to the Promised Land, conceivably supplant such major Western epic tales as those of Homer or Virgil?  How has its factual evidence ironically undermined its stature among these received works?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 32:00) Similarly, how might the integrity of ancient Hebrew become vindicated by a majority of scholars and students of scripture, in contrast to the longstanding academic deference to Aramaic and Greek? Furthermore, how might this initiate a paradigm shift in the enduring Eurocentric approach to Western culture in terms of intellectual history as well as language studies?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 36:00) Along with its relevance to the lineage of ancient Hebrew, the Tower of Babel continues to grow in stature as an exemplum of civilization’s need for honest and effective communication. How might this episode transcend its “folk tale” reputation in our present day through its dramatization of conflicts that can only be resolved through genuine discourse instead of euphemism and disingenuous language?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 39:00) How does the first-century distinction attributed to Hillel III between the invention of letters and the sin of idolatry serve to illuminate our contemporary weakness for similar cults of worship, such as those devoted to prominent figures in business, politics, or entertainment? How might this be viewed further as a function of illiteracy and pervasive aversion to the hard work of inquiry and research?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 44:00) How could evidence of proto-Hebraic alphabetic characters from 15th century BC in Canaan conceivably impact the recurring attempt to create or synthesize a global language? How might a quixotic endeavor like Esperanto be viewed ironically as an artificial construction that bears retroactive resemblance to an organic, divinely-inspired creation like Hebrew?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 48:00) How does the ongoing controversy over the identification of Joshua’s Altar serve to dramatize the importance of this figure in the annals of the Hebrews? How might counterarguments to Adam Zertal’s theory ironically lead to a rediscovery by believers of Joshua as the successor of Moses and to the conquest of Canaan as the genuine climax of the Hebrew narrative?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 53:00) As discussed in previous episodes, the advent of wet sieving in archeology has proven to be a boon to researchers who seek evidence of the Hebrew presence throughout the ancient world. How might the latter-day interest in this method of discovery be viewed as an example of divine providence that compels us to recognize our limitations and to be prepared for major redefinitions in our received wisdom?

Connecting the Dots of the Exodus – Episode 1

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

The Original Alphabet

This week (Oct 14) on Shabbat Night Live, educators today say the Exodus never happened — but the rocks that prove it beg to differ.

Citing new evidence that connects the dots of history, Dr. Miles Jones reveals how the Exodus not only happened but was the dawn of the world’s first alphabet, which became the model for all others, including English!

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 has the concept of a shared alphabet as a historical and cultural correlative grown over the postwar period for students of scripture? What is the likelihood of this material representative of civilizations ultimately providing support for belief in YeHoVaH, despite the fragility of its preservation and its inherent change through growth and expansion?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 20:00) Similarly, how has the larger subject of language and literacy been marginalized or misinterpreted as part of an educational reflex that seeks to undermine religious belief in much of our Western culture? Why have latter-day revisions of origin theory for both the English language and that of the ancient Hebrews met with such opposition and controversy?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 24:00) How does the discovery of pre-paleo Hebrew inscriptions on Mount Ebal both vindicate the literacy of the ancient Hebrews and redefine the dynamic between this location and Mount Gerizim for today’s believers? How does the contrast between separate demarcations for blessings and curses serve to recall the fundamental principle of obedience and rejection of paganism for those who seek salvation?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 27:00) How does a review of Exodus 24:12 serve to dramatize the inherent integrity between oral and written transmission of knowledge, which has been weakened by longstanding academic skepticism toward nonmaterial traditions? Further, how does the final reference to teaching the law underscore the necessity of preservation of learning through both oral and written means?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 32:00) How do the categorical pronouncements of Deuteronomy 11:22-25 convey an unambiguous statement of justification for the presence of the Hebrews in the Promised Land, one that has been illustrated since the founding of Israel in 1948?  What are some prophetic examples of “territory” that the Jews have come to possess and the “greater and mightier nations” that they have routed in repeated conflicts?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 36:00) How do the survivals of proto-alphabetic inscriptions revealed here suggest the power of Hebrew as a potential lingua franca for the future? What is a likely scenario for its relationship with English, which has already displaced French as the Language of Diplomacy for the Western world and is currently under significant threat from the growing presence of Chinese?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 40:00) How has the defeat of Amalek in Exodus 17 been oversimplified or even trivialized in much Bible teaching, to the point of suggesting an unintentionally comic element within the narrative? How does the inscription presented here serve to justify a more discerning reading that emphasizes the identity of the Amalekites as a formidable and persistent enemy of the Hebrews?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 44:00) How does the latter-day recognition of the likely spread of ancient Hebrew to the seafaring Phoenicians suggest a reassessment of this venerable language as a versatile and practicable form of discourse, however, limited its evidence of survival? How might these discoveries undermine the argument that modern Hebrew is an illegitimate Zionist contrivance from the 19th and 20th centuries?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 49:00) How do the examples of Hebraic influence in alphabetics and language growth presented here serve to draw the attention of today’s believers to the Egyptian sojourn of the Hebrews as a key point of reference in YeHoVaH’s plan for our salvation? How might their experience of slavery become an ironic vindication of their narrative, thanks to the historical literacy of this powerful civilization?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 54:00) Similarly, how might this segment of Hebrew history become reframed through the figure of Joseph as a more prominent representative in the Book of Genesis? How have his conflicts with his brothers and his status as an interpreter of dreams come to overshadow his influence upon Egyptian rulership and erudite culture, one that would echo throughout Judeo-Christian history?

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 4

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

FINAL EPISODE: Israeli Identity

This week (Oct 7) on Shabbat Night Live, Israel’s people have been divided, and today is no different. Aaron Lipkin gives us a local’s perspective on Israel’s politics, why each faction seems so resistant to change, and why it’s important to understand what’s going on.

Plus, you’ll learn of an exciting opportunity to visit the Holy Land!

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 ultimate challenge for present-day believers who encounter modern communities constructed upon important ancient sites in Israel? Aside from recognizing the inevitable march of progress, how should they negotiate the dynamic between commemoration and deference to the presence of Arab citizens in this nation?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 20:00) In light of the presence of women in the harvest feast described in Judges 21:20-21, how might a contemporary recognition of the Ephraimite culture among today’s faithful serve to shed light on women’s emancipation efforts that are occurring throughout much of the Muslim world? Might the daughter of Jephthah become a new feminist icon of Western culture?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 24:00) Why is it important for believers who visit Israel to recognize the perennial importance of natural springs as a source of water for this region? How does the origin of ancient villages in these locations, which have become significant sites for pilgrimage, demonstrate the providence of YeHoVaH in their longevity, despite recurrent territorial conflicts?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 28:00) What is the importance for today’s faithful of Jacob’s seclusion in a remote area while fleeing from his vengeful brother? Why is it crucial to recognize that his extraordinary vision of the ladder reaching to heaven occurs away from his destination of Haran and in a place of desolation and discomfort?  How does his act of anointing a makeshift pillar (Genesis 28: 17-18) constitute an ironic yet powerfully symbolic gesture?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 32:00) Similarly, how does Josiah’s desecration of Jeroboam’s pagan temple at this presumed site reinforce both the breadth and indisputable power of YeHoVaH in Jacob’s vision and the demarcation of sacred places through the identity of his chosen servants? How should present-day believers assess this factor in their particular affinities with biblical patriarchs?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 40:00) How should seekers of salvation assess the complex and even contradictory ethos of modern Israel – vulnerable to threats from surrounding nations and riven with conflict inside of its own government and among its citizenry? How can believers throughout evangelical Christianity reconcile such instability with chapters of Hebrew history and the prophetic revelations of the future?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 43:00) Similarly, what is the likelihood of Israel’s avoidance of the personality cult syndrome that has afflicted many Western political nations in recent decades? How does its ambivalence over a figure like Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrate its maintenance of a critical perspective that is based on the fundamental consideration of the nation’s survival and future relevance?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 46:00) How might the present-day equivalents in Israel of Jeshurun – largely secular, left-wing, and outward-looking in political orientation – become a crucial faction in combatting the unwelcome rise of postmillennial antisemitism? How could this fractious element ironically be viewed as a source of reconciliation for reactionary individuals who remain ignorant of Hebrew history and culture?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 50:00) Similarly, how might the divisions between the three major political alignments in Israeli politics be viewed as a seemingly intractable conflict that is actually part of a divine plan for the nation’s ultimate security and prominence on the world stage? What elements here suggest a potential for enduring peace with the hostile nations that have so frequently sought the country’s destruction?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 51:00) How does the decadence of the Roman Empire during the time of Yeshua, wherein spiritual coherence was rapidly deteriorating owing to the proliferation of pagan gods, suggest our present-day condition of spiritual malaise in the Western world, much of which is internally fragmented both politically and culturally? Who are the Jeshurun of the present day who might effect greater reconciliation?

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 3

by with No Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

The 3 Covenants

This week (Sept 30) on Shabbat Night Live, could it be that not all 12 tribes were among those who escaped Egypt? Did some leave before the Exodus? And if they were not part of the Exodus, how did those missing tribes become part of the covenant at Sinai?

Aaron Lipkin presents some eye-opening, sacred cow crushing evidence for a major revision of our assumptions about the Exodus story!

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) Why is it important for today’s believers to recognize the presence of Ephraim and Manasseh in Canaan prior to the Exodus? How can they, like isolated Jewish settlers in Mandatory Palestine, be viewed as foreshadowings of the ultimate Jewish inheritance of the Promised Land in 1948?
  2. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 20:00) Similarly, how might the covenant of Moab become a significant juncture for many of the faithful, despite its ostensible secondary relationship to that of Mt. Sinai? How does the renewal of YeHoVaH’s original covenant suggest a divine gesture of unification that has been overlooked amid the plethora of Christian denominations and the egalitarian spirit of personal interpretation?
  3. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 24:00) As has been mentioned previously in this forum, how does this historical pattern of continual inclusion of disparate peoples also serve to direct attention to Israel as a locus of divine influence and revelation, despite its limited public identity as a controversial center of geopolitics? How does the recurrent presence of this region and its people in historical epochs serve to belie the agnostic notion of secular political economy?
  4. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 28:00) How has willful ignorance of much of the Old Testament prevented many believers from recognizing the importance of tribal lineage in Hebrew culture with regard to piety or heroism? Specifically, how does “skipping over” or dismissing as irrelevant such a text as The Book of Chronicles deprive us of the larger significance of Joshua as a descendant of Ephraim or Caleb as a member of the tribe of Judah?
  5. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 31:00) Similarly, how has the latter-day popularity of the names of these two figures among Gentile families served as an ironic reflection of their function and deeds as the vanguard of the Hebrews’ entrance into the Promised Land? How has this superficial treatment served to obscure their examples of resourcefulness, stealth, and warrior spirit in the annals of Judeo-Christian culture?
  6. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 36:00) How does the recognition of the lineage of Joshua and Caleb further demonstrate the process of revealed doctrine in scripture? How has our tendency to view the Bible as a single, monolithic text kept us from perceiving progress to salvation through an accretion of narrative examples, through what T. S. Eliot described as “a sense of the timeless as well as of the temporal and of the timeless and of the temporal together”?
  7. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 40:00) How does the obscure feast described in Judges 21:20-21 offer insight into the Ephraimite culture of native Israelis that developed independently from that of the children of Moses? How does its connection to the harvest of grapes suggest its affinity to other major feasts and also provide further support for the Hebrews’ possession of the Promised Land?
  8. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 44:00) Similarly, how has contemporary biblical scholarship provided support for the recognition of this event as a foreshadowing of the coming of the Messiah? How does this interpretation further demarcate the Bible as a divinely-inspired compilation of texts that reveal a progression of doctrinal truth that we must continually seek and explore through exegetical history?
  9. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 48:00) The historicity of our received text of the Bible – particularly its synthesis of oral and scribal traditions – is often lost in the welter of translation or paraphrase that seeks to render it more accessible to the largest possible readership. How has this resulted in the unintended consequence of loss of faith by many former believers, who find its testimonies to be implausible or even fictional by contemporary standards?
  10. (VIDEO TIMELINE: 52:00) How is the historical difficulty of the Hebrews to maintain their monotheism against the temptation of paganism – a possible result of influence from the native Canaanites – representative of the dilemma faced by today’s faithful whose convictions are threatened by a sophisticated but agnostic civilization? How have many otherwise steadfast believers incorporated the equivalents of such figures as Baal into their contemporary practices of prayer or worship?

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 2

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

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?

The Exodus You Never Knew – Episode 1

by with One Comment Shabbat Night Live Q&As

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

by with One Comment Michael RoodShabbat Night Live Q&As

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

by with No Comment Michael RoodShabbat Night Live Q&As

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?