Torah
No matter how old you are, or with how much zeal you pursue spiritual development, every one of us has an inner battle that we are engaged in on a daily basis. Believe it or not, the human experience has been more or less designed this way.
New Testament Insights
In Romans 11, Paul leverages a few Midrashic themes from the Rabbinic tradition that many readers may not be aware of. When understood, these further affirm the Jewish people's selection and enduring covenantal place with G_D.
New Testament Insights
Over the years, I have heard many different explanations of this passage. So diverse, it is tough to really tell which one is the traditional interpretation. One common theme is that this is somehow a departure from Judaism to the new revelation, Christianity.
Midrash
Many times, Jesus (aka Yeshua), is recorded telling a story that has its parallel in the midrashic tradition. In truth, it is a brilliant way to connect to established themes and set the stage for the lesson he wants to teach.