About Orthodox &amp; Rabbinic Messianic

5 days ago23 min read

Circumcision of the Heart

It is so easy to read over things in the Tanakh. I help lead two classes at my local church, and we were going through Exodus and Leviticus when I noticed something peculiar. I had always thought growing up that “circumcision of the heart” was one of those things that Jesus changed when he ushered in the “church dispensation of grace.” Sadly, this is not an uncommon belief in the church today. The church often reads Paul as though he is redefining what it means to be a belie

Jeremiah Williams

Mar 178 min read

I And My Father Are "One."

Very often, I dare say in nearly all debates about the trinity, the passage in John 10:30 is always brought up by the pro-trinity side. This is the famous "I and my Father are one" quote, which understandably would seem to affirm the idea of the trinity at face value. And while yes this could be the case in a vacuum, the passage, however, does not exist in a vacuum. Within it's own context there is an entire discussion, with a challenge and response and even an explanation fr

Feb 2015 min read

Why Do You Say “Lord Lord”

Refuting the Trinitarian Interpretation of Luke 6:46 In the ongoing theological debate between Trinitarians and non-Trinitarians, certain Bible verses have recently become flashpoints. One such passage is Luke 6:46, where Jesus asks, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (NIV). Trinitarians sometimes cite this verse as evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity, arguing that the title "Lord" (Greek: "kyrios") equates Jesus with G-d, implying his co-equal

Feb 139 min read

All Foods are Clean?

This article was co-written with Chaim, who provided the initial outline, primary points and some initial sources with which to write this article The kosher dietary laws, rooted in scripture, have long been a topic of debate within Christian circles. Many wonder if the New Testament abolishes these laws, citing key passages from Acts, Romans, and Corinthians. There are a few points to consider here that must be analyzed to logically conclude whether or not kosher laws remain

Seamus McGowan

Dec 26, 202536 min read

The Law of G-d, the Law of Moses, & the Law of Christ

As Torah Observers, we often hear these statements when engaging with Christians:“The Law of Moses is not the Law of G-d.” or “The Law of Moses is not the Law of Christ” and even on occasion, “The Law of Christ is not the Law of G-d.” So it was interesting to me to see David Wilber from 119 Ministries have a brief interaction on this topic and bring a Scripture to the table that I had not seen used before. Before I get into the topic, I want to layout what this article is not

Jeremiah Williams

Dec 7, 202510 min read

What is Tefillin?

Introduction As Torah Observance is becoming increasingly popular amongst Christianity, one of the most common questions asked is, “What are Tefillin, and where can they be found in scripture?” In this article, I aim to address this question and demonstrate its relevance to the lives of God’s people. What is Tefillin? “Tefillin” (תְּפִלִּין) is an Aramaic word that comes from the root word “tefillah” (תְּפִלָּה), meaning “prayer”. Tefillin (also known as phylacteries in Engli

Nov 30, 202518 min read

The Prayer Jesus Taught

In this article, I will be building upon the article titled “The Prayer Paul Taught” written by Seamus McGowan, where he argues based on 1 Corinthians 11:2 that Paul taught those of the church of Corinth to pray the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei). I highly recommend reading through his article before reading mine; however, I will do a summary of what the Amidah is and what its contents are. Click here for a link to Seamus' article, and here for an English translation of the Amida

Nov 27, 202515 min read

The Shema

The Importance of the Shema The Shema is not just a prayer; it is a declaration of faith, an affirmation of allegiance to G-d, and a commitment to the path of Torah and mitzvot (commandments). It encapsulates the essence of monotheism and the intimate relationship between G-d and His people. The recitation of the Shema serves as a daily reminder of G-d's sovereignty, the duty to love and serve Him with all one's heart, soul, and might, and the importance of transmitting these

Chaim

Nov 23, 202517 min read

Greater than Shabbat?

Matthew 12:1-14 is a passage used most frequently by antinomians to rebuke observance of the biblical 7th day sabbath. Their understanding is that Yeshua’s words in this passage serve as a sort of diatribe against the sabbath or at the very least that Yeshua’s intent was to diminish the sabbath by comparing it to himself. This they derive from the words in verse 6 which they will insist is properly translated “Someone greater that the sabbath is here.” More on this later. T

Nov 16, 202511 min read

Elohim vs The Elders?

One of the most commonly cited passages from those who oppose Oral Torah, Jewish tradition, and the notion of Yeshua as a Pharisee is found in Matthew 15. Specifically, the first handful of verses where a dispute between Yeshua and some Pharisees ensues in which these Pharisees accuse Yeshua's disciples of violating the traditions of the Elders : “Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, “Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For t

Nov 9, 202513 min read

Life After Death: Lazarus, The Rich Man, and Abraham's Bosom

Joshua Perez, William Turner The story of Lazarus, the rich man, and Abraham's bosom is a text frequently cited by Christians who believe we are judged immediately after death (either going to heaven or the lake of fire), or that the dead are in a state of consciousness. The story is recorded in Luke chapter 16, where we read an interesting narrative about two men who lived very different lives. Lazarus lived a life of poverty and suffering, while the rich man lived a lavish

Nov 7, 20257 min read

Three False Teachings of Yeshua?

As I have engaged in Rabbinic studies, the book Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin has been an incredible source of information on Jewish thought. The book begins at Creation and hits key points not just of the Tanakh, but even of New Testament era and on up to modern history. It is in entry 71 that Rabbi Telushkin focuses on Yeshua. The entry is titled “Jesus, The Crucifixion, Pontius Pilate, The New Testament.” In this entry, we are given the following as a statemen

Jeremiah Williams

Nov 3, 202514 min read

What is the Holy Spirit?

Introduction Everyone who has grown up in any sort of church setting has heard of the Holy Spirit. It’s one of the most recurring and...

Oct 22, 202519 min read

G-d vs Moses(Matt 19 and Divorce)

Divorce is never an easy topic to discuss. It’s a terrible thing that breaks families and relationships. Relationships are already complex enough and breaking a family apart is even more complex. Today the subject of divorce is a matter of debate at every level of society. From the secular regime to the realm of Christian philosophy and even within the Torah observant movement. Justifiable reason for divorce, the effect divorce yields on one's ability to remarry within Torah

Oct 21, 202514 min read

BTS Romans: Chapter 2

Oct 7, 20250 min read

Misreading Peter's Vision. (Acts 10)

I'd be willing to bet that almost everybody reading this article has, at one point or another, been told that Acts chapter 10 is one of a few reasons that Christians no longer keep to the "Old Testament" kosher laws(The dietary restrictions mostly found in Leviticus 11). Personally, I get this a lot when I find myself in the company of Christians who happen to take note that I make it a point to avoid pork or shellfish. The conversations typically go something like this: "Oh,

Seamus McGowan

Sep 22, 202525 min read

From Midrash to Manuscript

Briefly summarized, The narrative outlines an encounter Yeshua had with some Pharisees in which they brought him a woman they claimed had been caught in the act of adultery and attempted to trap him by asking what should be done with her after having explained to Yeshua that the law commands she be stoned.