Old Earth, Young Earth, or Both?
Many modern Bible readers approach the opening text of Genesis with a bias towards a Young Earth or Old Earth. Which side is right?
The Hidden Orchard Project
New Testament Insights
The Criminals On the Cross Through the Lens of Midrash
Few images in Christian tradition are as recognizable as the three crosses of Golgotha. But the picture Luke paints weaves in references to the third heaven, garments divided by lots, the words of Isaiah 53, and Joseph's cellmates in the prison of Pharaoh.
Torah
Athens to Jerusalem: Four Shifts for Learning the Bible
Truly understanding the Bible means closing knowledge gaps most readers don't know exist. Going deeper isn't about acquiring more information; it's more like a complete change of operating system. Four shifts in thinking will help one begin the journey from Athens to Jerusalem.
Torah
She’ol, Hades & Gehenna: Mapping the Biblical Underworld
What is She'ol? Korach's descent into the earth opens a study of the Jewish concept of the underworld, its gates, chambers, and appearances of this tradition in the New Testament.
Gospels
The Cursing of the Fig Tree as Midrash: Has Israel Been Replaced?
Learn how the Cursing of the Fig Tree, though taught as a pillar of Replacement Theology, might actually be a Midrash on two well-known prophetic passages.
Mysticism and Spirituality
Aliens, Idols, Demons, and Angels
What does the Jewish tradition say about phenomena like Aliens, or extra-terrestrial beings? And, is there any overlap with the broader categories of Angels and demons?
New Testament Insights
New Book: Reading The Beatitudes Through the Jewish Mussar Tradition
A new book available on Amazon.com
New Testament Insights
The Shaliach: Agency and Representation in Jewish Tradition
Can someone speak, act, forgive, heal, or even claim unity with G_D without collapsing the boundary between the human and Divine? Is there a precedent in the Torah that helps us understand this idea?
New Testament Insights
Was Thomas a Doubter? The Pharisees' Tradition and the Resurrection.
Thomas's refusal to believe in the resurrection without seeing Jesus's wounds is typically read as a failure of faith. But against the backdrop of rabbinic tradition, the Gospel of John affirms details of the Pharisaic tradition of the Resurrection of the Dead.
Three Types of People: The Tzadik, the Rasha, and the Inbetweener
Jewish tradition recognizes three categories of people in the world, the Tzadik, the Rasha, and the Beinoni. From various sources, we unpack what it means to be an inbetweener and how we get the wrong idea about spiritual growth.
Featured
The Criminals On the Cross Through the Lens of Midrash
Few images in Christian tradition are as recognizable as the three crosses of Golgotha. But the picture Luke paints weaves in references to the third heaven, garments divided by lots, the words of Isaiah 53, and Joseph's cellmates in the prison of Pharaoh.
Babylon Misunderstood: The Exile That Preserved Jewish Life
For many Bible readers, the word "Babylon" has an evil connotation. However, the ancient Jewish communities in Babylon built traditions that preserved Jewish life and even inspired the church in unknown ways.
The Forty Days - Part 4 | The Great Return
In this session, we unpack the details of the holidays of Sukkot, Hoshannah Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.
Between the Seasons: Doyō and the Hebrew Month of Elul
In this article, we explore the spiritual significance of seasonal transitions and parallels between Eastern and Jewish cultures. Both seem to recognize the fall as a threshold between cycles, and both encourage using this time for reflection, preparation, and celebration.
The Forty Days - Part 3 | Yom Kippur
In part 3 of our series, we discuss the Biblical, traditional, and spiritual foundations of Yom Kippur.
The Forty Days - Part 2 | Rosh Hashanah
In part 2, we explore the origins of Rosh Hashanah in the Bible, why this time period is so important for repentance, and some hints in the text that indicate that it is not just for Jews.
The Nations on Trial: Rosh Hashanah and the Divine Council
A close reading of the Book of Job provides an overlooked connection between the nations, judgment, and the fall holidays of the Bible.
The Forty Days | Part 1 - Ending
In this series, we're tapping into the tradition of preparing for the Fall Biblical holidays, and how to make the best use of our time. Part 1 is about ending well, closing the year out with intention and purpose.
Rereading Romans 13: Did Paul Say to Obey the Government?
Paul's famous "submit to governing authorities" may not have been about Rome. Reading Romans 13 in its synagogue setting reveals a different take on who the "rulers" were, and what Paul may have meant.
The Raising of Lazarus as Midrash: John's Retelling of Ezekiel 37
In the Gospel, Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, dies and is resurrected. On the surface, it is a story of a personal miracle. However, the Gospel writers are intentional, especially John. As we've seen many times, there may be something deeper in this story.
Featured
Athens to Jerusalem: Four Shifts for Learning the Bible
Truly understanding the Bible means closing knowledge gaps most readers don't know exist. Going deeper isn't about acquiring more information; it's more like a complete change of operating system. Four shifts in thinking will help one begin the journey from Athens to Jerusalem.
The Seven Earths: Inner Earth in Torah, Midrash, and Zohar
What if the world beneath us is not empty? Jewish tradition describes seven inhabited earths, a portal in Hebron, and the inner Earth palace where Messiah waits.
Was Pinchas Reincarnated into Elijah?
After Aaron's grandson killed two people engaged in sin, he was rewarded with a covenant of peace. Tradition says he later became the Prophet Elijah, and the New Testament seems to affirm this idea. Let's retrace this idea, beginning with the story of Pinchas.
Seven Heavens: Does the Bible Speak About More Than One Heaven?
Jewish tradition envisions Heaven as a multi-layered realm. The seven Heavens, (Vilon, Rekia, Shechakim, Zevul, Ma’on, Machon, and Aravot) serve different functions in the cosmic order. And though many assume this to be Rabbinic innovation, the Apostolic writers share this understanding.
The Story of Dama ben Netinah
Who was Dama ben Netinah? Explore the famous Talmudic story of the Gentile merchant who refused a fortune to honor his father, the reward of the Red Heifer, and the deeper rabbinic symbolism behind his life.
One Day, One-Thousand Years
The seven-day week is not only a rhythm of work and rest. In the Talmud, the Zohar, and the Apostolic writings, it is a scale model of the entire arc of time.
Featured
She’ol, Hades & Gehenna: Mapping the Biblical Underworld
What is She'ol? Korach's descent into the earth opens a study of the Jewish concept of the underworld, its gates, chambers, and appearances of this tradition in the New Testament.
The Deep Connection Between Chinese Medicine and Tefillin
If we examine where the knots and wrappings are placed from a TCM point of view, it appears that the tefillin and wraps form a potent acupuncture point formula aimed at elevating the spirit and clearing the mind.
Featured
The Cursing of the Fig Tree as Midrash: Has Israel Been Replaced?
Learn how the Cursing of the Fig Tree, though taught as a pillar of Replacement Theology, might actually be a Midrash on two well-known prophetic passages.
Did the Rabbis Hijack "Biblical" Judaism?
Was Rabbinic Judaism a corruption of Biblical faith, or the reason Judaism survived? Explore the Pharisees, the destruction of the Temple, and the historical roots of Rabbinic tradition, and why many have gotten this wrong.
Moses Is Preached In Every City: The Missing Key to The Jerusalem Decree
The outcome of the Jerusalem Council wasn't simply a welcome letter to the Gentiles; it was a framework for ongoing growth. And without the venue, the synagogue, the letter's guidance falls apart.
First Fruits of Zion Repost: Is the Church Israel 2.0?
I had the opportunity to work with First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ) on a piece related to my personal experiences with Replacement Theology.