The apostles have been placed in prison and are now brought before a court and put on trial, all for healing a lame man at the Temple. How does Peter handle himself before the Jewish leaders?Av TJ Martin

This lesson looks intently at the groups mentioned in Acts 4:1, taking the deepest look at the Sadducees. If we do not understand the “who” in Scripture, we will not be able to determine the proper meaning of a text.Av TJ Martin

If the Israelites were required to give their firstborn animals to Yahweh, was it the firstborn from the father or mother? I cover a good bit of detail in answering this question as well as talking about taking your time in Bible study and not being so harsh with people when witnessing to them about the truth.…

I begin looking at bringing first-fruits and firstborns to the Almighty. What’s the principle behind this? How was this done with an unclean animal? Were the Israelites ever required to sacrifice their first-born sons? Listen to learn of the blessing that comes by obeying the Creator.Av Matthew Janzen

Blasphemy can be committed by either disrespecting the Almighty or disrespecting the men He has placed in charge of His people on the earth. Authority can be abused though, so leaders ought to lead in the manner prescribed in Holy Scripture.Av Matthew Janzen

An introduction to Acts 4 that delves into persecution and suffering in the early, Messianic assembly. How does this relate to us in the modern age?Av TJ Martin

After the last lesson, considering all the people in the Bible who were called righteous because of their deeds, what does the prophet Isaiah mean when he says our righteousnesses are as filthy rags? I also look at the famous Romans 3 passage and consider why the text says no one is righteous.Av Matthew Janzen

There’s a pretty common understanding in Christianity that all of our good deeds are filthy rags. This lesson looks at several Scriptures showing that when we do good works from a genuine heart Yahweh considers us as righteous before Him.Av Matthew Janzen

With the practice of loaning money and not charging interest comes the practice of collateral. There are certain items that are allowed to be taken as a pledge, and certain items disallowed. The main point is that even when a person is poor or fallen on hard times, their dignity should remain in tact, and those of us with more at that time are resp…

This lesson focuses in on taking care of the poor in our communities as well as some on financial stability and prosperity.Av Matthew Janzen

This is the final sermon covering Acts 3 focusing on the Israelites being the specific people Yeshua of Nazareth was sent to. Seven key/main points are covered that overview the entire chapter.Av TJ Martin

In this final installment of the “Shema” series I talk about the correlation between Deuteronomy 6 and Revelation 13. Whose mark are you marked with?Av Matthew Janzen

Those in the “Torah Community” are almost always familiar with the tassels (Hebrew, tzitzit), but not many are familiar with the phylacteries (also called tefillin). What are they, what are they based upon (in Scripture) and should we wear them? This lesson tackles all of that and looks at some archeological evidence towards the end.…

A very practical lesson for soon to be parents or parents of younger children. If you diligently and consistently put these principles to practice, in 5-10-15 years you will be oh so thankful.Av Matthew Janzen

A friend of mine got in touch with me (Matthew Janzen) about doing an interview for one of his college courses. He asked me various questions about being a pastor and the particular religious persuasion of our congregation. I hope it’s all a blessing to you.Av Matthew Janzen

A look at how the Torah - Yahweh’s instructions - can be in a person’s heart today, as well as back at the time of prophet Moshe. I also begin talking about the importance of a parent teaching their children the commandments from an early age.Av Matthew Janzen

What does it mean to love Yahweh with all your heart, soul, and strength? What is love? This is really an elementary sermon, but it has huge implications for your life.Av Matthew Janzen

The Shema teaches us to have sole loyalty to Yahweh; He alone must be our Mighty One, but is Yahweh really one all by Himself? What does the word echad mean? Does Deuteronomy 6:4 somehow teach the tri-unity of God?Av Matthew Janzen

The Shema is not about “the Lord;” that’s too generic. Instead, there is a proper Name embedded therein, and it’s important that we speak this Name in our worship and service to the Creator. He wants to be called Yahweh. Towards the end of the lesson I give a brief overview of the varying pronunciations of the Divine Name.…

This begins a series of lessons walking through Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (and its parallel in Mark 12:28-34). The focus here is on the first, Hebrew word in the text. I encourage all of us to genuinely listen to Yahweh as we read and study His word. This is where it all begins.Av Matthew Janzen

How is Yeshua like Moses? Several titles given to Yeshua are covered, as well as a key text from Deuteronomy, and the necessity of accepting Yeshua as Messiah (the Anointed King).Av TJ Martin

The final element to Yeshua’s uniqueness is his resurrection to immortality. This is what concretes everything together, and it is also the blessed hope that all followers of Yeshua have when they die. Because he lives, we can face tomorrow.Av Matthew Janzen

In Scripture, one’s characteristics or behavior shows forth who they belong to. Since Yeshua always did the behavior of his Father, he is the pen-ultimate Son of Elohim. this lesson looks at Yeshua’s perfect, miraculous life.Av Matthew Janzen

Once the lame man was healed, Peter began to preach another stirring message to his brethren - the men of Israel. He focuses on Yeshua being Yahweh’s servant, and how Yahweh had sent him to them, but they had rejected him.Av TJ Martin

An exegesis of Luke 1:32b-38. I cover how Adam is a photo-type of Yeshua, and how Yeshua must be related (a descendant) of King David. Towards the end I spend time on Miriam’s question (1:34) and Gabriel’s answer (1:35). If we take away Yeshua’s virgin conception, we are taking away part of what makes him the unique Son of Elohim.…

I begin exegeting Luke 1:26-38 here, and talk about young Miriam’s (Mary’s) situation in life, balancing out Catholic and Protestant “takes” on her. I then focus on Gabriel’s words in Luke 1:32a, that Yeshua would be called the “Son of the Most High.” Towards the end of the lesson I look at how the birth of Yochanan (John) is somewhat parallel with…

When I began to sit down and write out an exegesis of Luke 1:26-38 my mind and my fingers went in another direction. I felt led to give an overview of the miracle-working power of Yahweh, and encouraging everyone to stay with the text of Scripture no matter where it leads or what the cost. I hope and pray this lesson will be a righteous influence t…

This lesson delves into deceptive healings, centering in on Matthew 7:21-23, and then goes on to show what a genuine healing looks like. The meaning of “the name of Yeshua” is covered, and the significance of the timing of a lame man being able to stand up and praise/pray is touched on. What a wonderful account this is!…

I begin to move into explaining how Yeshua is the Son of Elohim by looking at the famous John 3:16 passage. It’s one that if not careful can become common to the ear in a way that makes us feel we need to “move on” from it. Towards the end of the sermon I deal with some technicalities on the Greek word monogenes.…

Here’s look at the concept of the enthroned King of Israel being the son of Elohim. Psalm 2, 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 22, and 1 Chronicles 29 are all touched on. I also look at how the Hebrew word mashiyach (messiah) is used of individuals other than Yeshua of Nazareth.Av Matthew Janzen

There are heavenly, spirit beings that existed alongside Yahweh when He created the earth. We know them as angels, but they can equally be called messengers as well as sons of the Almighty. Listen to learn about the principle of agency as well as the guardians of sacred space. At the end I talk about how Yahweh loves us and sends His heavenly messe…

Now apostles Peter and John go up to the Temple at the normal hour of prayer and end up healing a man who had been lame for over 40 years. What was the hour of prayer, and why were the apostles still participating in the Temple services? This lesson covers much about the professed “faith healers” of our day, and contrasts what we see men claiming v…

I’m taking a brief pause on my series through the Book of the Law (in Exodus) to discuss something that’s been going through my mind for a couple years. What does Scripture mean when it calls Yeshua the Son of Elohim? I cover some preliminary points here, and then move to looking at one of Elohim’s sons back in Genesis.…

Yahweh’s Torah requires us to help widows and not mistreat them, but as we continue to read through Scripture we are given an outline on discerning who to help, how to help, and what kind of help to give. Yahweh’s people are not required to fund wickedness, and in times where we are required to help someone, the responsibility falls first on the im…

In the first century, there was a sect in Judaism known as “The Way.” They had a great impact on all their on-lookers because they chose to live piously, with thankfulness and in simplicity. This lesson encourages us to look back on their example so that we too may have an impact on those who see us today.…

Here we walk through Scripture looking at the highlight texts that teach us one of the greatest of the commandments. In a nutshell, do not neglect widows and orphans. For anyone claiming to be Torah observant, this has got to be part of what you are regularly practicing.Av Matthew Janzen

Positions and Rank are not the same as the forgiveness of sins and salvation. There is still such a thing as the special treasure of physical Israel, but there is also such a thing as a non-Israelite who joins the nation of Israel to serve Yahweh. I also talk about the definition and standing of the eunuch among Israel.…

If we catalog all the times Yahweh commands Israel to love and take care of the foreigner, widow, orphan, and poor person, it far outweighs any other commandment given in Torah. Some specifics of the Hebrew word ger are covered, and then I take the time to talk about when a person comes to Yahweh, He does not look at their background, last name, or…

After Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people were baptized, but they didn’t join the local, Christian church. Listen to learn about the promise given here and what exactly happened for these devout Jews that day. It’s important that the Messianic assemblies today do their best to mirror that early first century faith.…

Whenever someone hears me talk about animal sacrifices (or reads something I’ve written), there’s almost always a few people who clap back with “Obedience is better than sacrifice!” Where do they get that from? Can that statement be substantiated from Holy Scripture?Av Matthew Janzen

I never really paid attention to this verse until going through the Book of the Law meticulously. We should always slow down and read each verse carefully, only then will we see the intent Yahweh brings across. Animal sacrifices are often vilified by Christians today. This verse (and many others) shows that full worship to Yahweh is not accomplishe…

Let’s take a look into why there’s even a law against bestiality in the Torah - not one time but in four different places. This is not something I would choose to teach on, but I teach verse-by-verse and I’m not going to leave anything out.Av Matthew Janzen

At the end of Peter’s “Pentecost Sermon” many of his fellow Israelites are pricked in their heart and thus convicted about what they did to Yeshua of Nazareth. They asked the question, “What must we do?” This lesson gives an overview of Peter’s instructions for their forgiveness, and the gift they’d be given.…

What really happened when Saul visited the Witch of Endor? There have been various interpretations on this passage throughout history. I ask that we just slow down and read the text, and then we can branch out to a couple of additional texts that speak to the matter.Av Matthew Janzen

In 1 Samuel 28 we have a contrast: inquiring of Yahweh by way of a dream, prophet, or the Urim vs. going to talk to a witch. The choice is still yours. Do you rely on and trust Yahweh for answers to life, or are you searching in other areas?Av Matthew Janzen

Sorcery, witchcraft, fortune-telling, mediums, and necromancies oh my! Listen to learn about all of this plus how signs, wonders, and miracles from Yahweh through a prophet are similar yet juxtaposed to these occult practices. No “happy Halloween” here for sure. Stay with Yah’s Torah.Av Matthew Janzen

I had four brothers join me for a discussion about their turning from atheism to theism due to the study of the Biblical Creation Model. Atheism is an area somewhat foreign to me; I’ve looked at it from the outside in, but because I grew up in a conservative, Christian home I don’t know what it “feels” like. These brothers helped me understand a bi…

Peter has already pulled from Psalm 16 in his sermon, but he now pulls from another Psalm, and lo and behold it’s one in which there are two Lords! One is Yahweh, and the other is the Master of King David. Listen to learn about the appointed and anointed Messiah and Lord, Yeshua of Nazareth.Av TJ Martin

This was the concluding sermon to our Feast of Tabernacles 2023 - a call for us to love our brothers and sisters. Do you really love your neighbor? If you don’t then you do not have salvation. This is a call to be introspective.Av Matthew Janzen

You CAN live a righteous life; Yahweh is an encourager of that to you. Each day you live should be one in which you consciously make a decision to do the right things. It’s time to let go of the false doctrine that our righteous deeds are filthy rags. At the same time, a righteous person acknowledges they still need repaired. Humility admits and co…