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12 archived articles.
It seems that it is the destiny of all who pursue Torah-living to be labelled by some as “legalists.” If not often, at least occasionally we hear the warning (sometimes from very sincere and loving brothers and sisters in the Lord) that our view of the Torah is either legalistic or leads to it. While such warnings may at first seem bothersome, we should listen and take heed. A wrong
5 min read
Every year around this time I field questions relating to how our family prepares for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. I want to say before going further that nobody has perfect understanding and my interpretation might very well be in error. If it is, my intent is certainly not to deceive. The following analysis simply represents my understanding at this time. So, if you are convinced in your own mind
6 min read
Part 1: Reasons to Study the Torah Part 2: Six Basic Hermeneutical Rules for Studying the Scriptures Part 3: Six Rules for Specifically Studying the Torah Part 4: How to Teach the Torah Anyone who has attempted to read and appreciate the Torah has discovered that sometimes the Torah is not easy to interpret. The purpose of this study is to help the student with some important pointers, which should
29 min read
The question has been asked, “Where does Halakha come from?” Well, we all know that Torah comes from Heaven (recorded by human agents, but inspired by the Ruach HaKodesh). God speaks and we must contextualize his instructions so that they fit with each passing generation. All the while, the challenge is to maintain the truth of each word, sorting out descriptive commands from prescriptive commands. Thus, Halakha has been labeled
4 min read
Torah Observant “Shomer Mitzvot” A Series on Practical Messianic Living and Apologetics (halakhah) By Torah Teacher Ariel ben-Lyman HaNaviy Tevilah and Mikveh Click here to download PDF (Note: all quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc., unless otherwise noted) *Updated: February 2, 2006 Tevilah is the Biblical act of immersing oneself in a natural water source. In ancient times
12 min read
One of the great advantages of viewing the Christian faith from a Jewish perspective is the door it opens for looking at things from a different angle—for asking questions one would otherwise never ask. For some time I have been asking questions about the Lord’s Table, as well as the ritual of baptism performed in the traditional Christian church. The questions I’ve been asking myself relate to the origin of
17 min read
“For man looketh on the outward appearance, but Yahweh looketh on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7) “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.” (Matt. 23:25) Is God concerned about the outward appearance of His people? Do our decisions about clothing, hair styles, jewelry, and other such things matter
11 min read
The Importance of Congregational Life Daniel Botkin The Biblical concept of congregational life – the shared life of a group of disciples in a local body – is a concept that is foreign to many American Christians. A believer may attend meetings, seminars, and conferences for years, and yet never know anything of genuine corporate, congregational life, either by experience or in theory. There are several Christian groups who do
8 min read
Knowing the Will of God Daniel Botkin Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” -Ephesians 5:15-17 Over the years I have met many believers who struggle over knowing the will of God for their lives. This is especially
6 min read
Torah Observant “Shomer Mitzvot” (Note: all quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc., unless otherwise noted) * Updated: November 29, 1999 In this continuing “mini-series” on practical Messianic living, I want to address an issue, which I believe some non-Jewish believers might have questions on. Many of you might be wondering how us Messianic Jews feel about the application
4 min read
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut.6:6f This passage makes it clear that the primary responsibility for the spiritual training of children belongs to the
4 min read
This is the first part of a series on practical Messianic living and apologetics (halakah). All quotations are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc., unless otherwise noted. The Hebrew word שׁוֹמֵר “shomer” means “keeper of,” or “to be observant;” in the Qal stem, the root word שָׁמַר “shamar” suggests the idea of “safeguarding.”[1] The Hebrew word מִצְוֺת “mitzvot” is the
8 min read