What Torah Can Do For Us, Part 4: How Torah Reveals God, Points to Yeshua, and Strengthens the Redeemed
In this fourth installment of What Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us, we examine what Torah does for the redeemed believer. Beloved, Torah does not save us, justify us, or redeem us apart from the finished work of Yeshua Messiah. Redemption belongs to Yeshua alone. But Torah remains indispensable to the life of the disciple because it is Yah’s loving instruction in righteousness for His redeemed people.
This teaching explores how Torah reveals essential aspects of Yehovah’s person and character—His holiness, His righteousness, His order, His ways, and His will. While Torah does not present the full revelation of the Father apart from Messiah, it does show us who He is in ways that are foundational to covenant life. And through Yeshua’s witness that “the one who has seen Me has seen the Father,” we are given a fuller and more intimate view of the heart of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Hebrews 1:1; John 14:9; Isaiah 55; Jeremiah 29:11; Genesis 6:1–7; Genesis 11:1–9; Deuteronomy 32:7–9; and 1 Enoch 1–36.
We also examine the edifying role of Torah in the life of the believer. Drawing from Shaul’s words to Timothy, this installment emphasizes that the holy Scriptures—Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings—are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Yeshua Messiah. Torah is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man or woman of Elohim may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. This teaching further highlights the reality that when Shaul wrote these words, the apostolic writings were still being circulated, which means he was affirming the value and ongoing relevance of the Tanach as the foundational Scriptures for the redeemed. Relevant references cited in this discussion include 2 Timothy 3:14–17; 2 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:13; Romans 15:4; and Jude 4.
Additionally, this discussion shows how Torah points us to Yeshua Messiah. Torah reveals Yah’s standards, exposes our shortcomings, and demonstrates our desperate need for a once-and-for-all Savior. Torah does not compete with Messiah, nor does Messiah nullify Torah. Rather, Torah leads us to Messiah, and Messiah teaches us how Torah is to be walked out in spirit and in truth through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh. The teaching also underscores that Torah served as our schoolmaster until Messiah came, showing us our deficiencies and revealing our need for redemption. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Romans 10:4; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 3:4; and Galatians 3:24.
Another major focus of this installment is Torah’s role in protection, covenant empowerment, and spiritual warfare. We consider the enemy’s role as accuser and adversary, and how transgression of Yah’s Torah opens the door to covenant consequences that may negatively affect the believer’s physical life and walk. Conversely, when we walk steadfastly in covenant faithfulness, Torah helps establish order, protection, and a Kingdom-centered way of living that frustrates the stratagems of the enemy. The teaching also points to Yeshua’s own example in resisting the adversary through the Word of Yah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Revelation 12:10; 1 Peter 5:8; Deuteronomy 28; Matthew 4:1–11; Leviticus 26:3–9; and John 10:10.
Finally, this installment underscores that Torah grounds the redeemed in truth, nourishes the inner man, lights the path before us, and brings peace, clarity, and stability to the willing soul. Torah helps us discern truth from error, holiness from compromise, and the commandments of Yah from the traditions of men. In a time marked by confusion, deception, and spiritual instability, Torah remains a vital gift to the redeemed who receive it rightly in Messiah. Relevant references cited in this discussion include Ephesians 6 and Psalm 119:105.
If you have wrestled with the relationship between Torah, grace, obedience, covenant, truth, and salvation, this installment will help frame that discussion in a way that is scriptural, balanced, and firmly centered on Yeshua Messiah.
Israel: To Love or Hate Her—That is the Question—Part 2–A Biblical and Personal Perspective on the Significance of Physical Israel
In this 2nd Part to our Israel: To Love or Hate Series, we continue our analysis of some the most common reasons people reject physical Israel today. As well as we consider some of the miracles said to have resulted in Israel’s deliverance from certain destruction. And lastly we consider the problems associated with the nation state of Israel. Shalom and welcome.
Burdens and Service-Thoughts and Reflections on Parashot Naso-Lift Up
Lessons of bearing burdens and service to YHVH are embodied in this week’s Torah Portion Naso. As disciples of Messiah, we are compelled to serve and bear burdens as we discuss in this post.
5-Facts About Pentecost [Shavuot] Every True Disciple of Messiah Should Know
As the Day of Pentecost (aka, Shavuot) descends upon many of us who are of Faith in the coming days, we reflectively prepare for the Day. With that preparing in mind, today I will reveal 5-things every spirit-filled disciple of Yeshua Messiah should know about Shavuot—Pentecost.
To Love Or Not Love Israel?That is the Question–Part 1
As Yeshua-focused Torah Keepers, how are we to view physical Israel? We discuss this polarizing issue from a historic, biblical and personal perspective. Shalom and welcome.
Shemittah and Jubilee-Shadows of the Rest, Redemption and Freedom We Have in Messiah
This week’s Torah Reading/Portion entitled B’Har is a message of the rest, redemption and freedom we have in Y’shua Messiah.
10-Things You Must Do To Improve Your Understanding of the Bible
In this installment of TMTO, I outline 10-things you can put into practice today that will drastically improve your understanding of the Bible.
Being Holy in the Midst of an Evil and Adulterous Generation
This week’s Torah Portion was timely indeed. As we are presently living in perilous times, this week’s Torah Portion challenges us to live holy lives in Messiah. We explore what it means and how to live holy lives.
Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread Replay
In light of this weekend’s Passover observance and our week’s longing keeping of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, I elected to repost a teaching I posted last year on Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Chag Pesach Sameach. Shalom.
Keeping God’s (Yehovah’s) Feasts
I give an overview of the Creator’s Feasts by discussing why we keep them; when we keep them and what they mean. Shalom and welcome.
M’tzora-Person Afflicted With Leprosy-Torah Portion 28-Commentary
Parashah 28-M'tzoro--Person Afflicted With Tzara'at Continuation This week's Torah Portion/Reading entitled "M'tzoro," or a "Person Afflicted with Tzara'at (Leprosy)" is somewhat of a continuation of last week's reading (ie., Tazaria) that dealt with the diagnosis and...