Messiah Podcast

In 1947, a Bedouin goat herder stumbled on a collection of clay jars filled with ancient scrolls by the Dead Sea in Israel. When these scrolls made it to scholars and antiquity dealers, it became clear that they had been written around the time Jesus walked the earth. Today, the Dead Sea Scrolls are some of the best examples we have of Second Temple Jewish literature. Our guest on this episode is Dr. Rebekah Haigh, and she joins us to discuss how the Dead Sea Scrolls revolutionized New Testament interpretations.👉 Key Discussion Points:►  The Discovery: The classic tale is told of a young Bedouin shepherd, in search of a lost goat, stumbled upon the scrolls in a cave near the Dead Sea in 1947. ►  The Significance: The scrolls are an incredible witness to the stability of the biblical text and broaden our understanding of the different varieties of ancient Judaism that existed before and during the time of Jesus. Before their discovery, our primary sources on early Judaism were limited to the New Testament and later rabbinic writings. The Dead Sea Scrolls filled this “blank slate,” providing evidence of Jewish life and thought.►  The Essenes: Opinions regarding the community responsible for collecting and writing the scrolls vary. The most common theory points to a group affiliated with the Essenes. This group was interested in ritual purity, communal living, preparing for the end of days, and was often with suspicion toward the Second Temple and its priesthood.►  Connections to the New Testament: The podcast explores the parallels between the Essenes and the early Jesus movement, noting similarities in their apocalyptic expectations, focus on ritual purity, and ideas about the Messiah. The conversation also touches on how the book of Revelation and the rest of the New Testament should be read as Jewish literature.👉  ResourcesWomen Who Went Before Podcasthttps://womenwhowentbefore.comRebekah Haigh Socialshttps://x.com/rebekahjhaighhttps://x.com/womenbeforeTorah Clubhttps://torahclub.orgEnd of Days: Torah Club Study Trackhttps://endofdays.org✡️  What is Messiah Podcast?  ✝️ Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God’s prophetic promises to Israel. https://ffoz.org Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today. https://ffoz.org/friends Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Our tagline here at Messiah Podcast is “Jesus is Jewish, and that changes everything.” But what exactly do we mean by that? What changes specifically? Our guest today, Messianic Jewish Rabbi Damian Eisner, is here for a conversation about what the Jewish Jesus means for Christians and for Jews, and how this seemingly simple historical fact opens up the world of the Bible like never before. 👉 Key Discussion Points:The Messiah Podcast Tagline: The present-tense phrasing, “Jesus is Jewish,” is critical, drawing a parallel to Jesus’ use of the present tense when referring to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to prove the resurrection (Matthew 22). It’s a reminder that his Jewish identity is ongoing.The Torah and the Commandments: Messianic Judaism sees Jesus not as a voice of opposition against Judaism but as an ultimate Jewish rabbi and Torah teacher.Reading the New Testament: Realizing Jesus is Jewish changes how the New Testament is read, adding an essential historical and cultural Jewish context.Impact on the Jewish Community: Seeing Jesus as a Jew and a Torah-loving rabbi changes the Jewish perspective on him from being disqualified as Messiah to being a candidate. 👉  ResourcesBook Recommendation: Yeshua Matters by Jacob FronczakTopics: Messianic Judaism, Jesus’ Jewish identity, Torah, Law of Moses, New Testament Context, Replacement Theology, Corporate Salvation, Rosh HaShanah.– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

D. Thomas Lancaster, Director of Education for First Fruits of Zion and expert on eschatology, delves into the provocative question of whether we are indeed in the last generation. He outlines eight compelling reasons for this belief, including the ingathering of exiles and the influence of technology. The discussion also explores historical patterns of prophetic expectation and how such beliefs shape discipleship. Lancaster argues that understanding prophecy drives ethical living, emphasizing a call to action in anticipation of the Messiah's return.

D. Thomas Lancaster, a Messianic Jewish scholar, dives into the intriguing world of biblical prophecy and eschatology. He discusses the concept of the rapture, emphasizing its root in Jewish tradition, particularly the ingathering of the exiles. Lancaster highlights how the rapture is tied to the Messiah's coming and explores who gets resurrected and where they go, specifically to Jerusalem. He also offers insights into how Paul included Gentiles in this prophetic narrative, reshaping our understanding of God's people in the end times.

Join D. Thomas Lancaster, an expert in Jewish biblical prophecy, as he navigates the complexities of Revelation. Discover the four major Christian interpretive views, from historicist to preterist, and their strengths and weaknesses. Lancaster offers a fresh perspective by emphasizing Jewish eschatology, discussing how prophecy can have 'elasticity'—multiple potential outcomes. Dive into the practical call of Revelation for believers and explore the upcoming End of Days Torah Club track, aimed at interpreting these apocalyptic visions through Jewish lenses.

D. Thomas Lancaster, an author and teacher specializing in Jewish apocalyptic perspectives, shares intriguing insights on interpreting Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the text's historical context, arguing that many modern interpretations, like associating biblical locusts with helicopters, miss deeper spiritual meanings. Lancaster clarifies symbols like the mark of the beast and the beast itself, linking them to first-century Rome. He challenges listeners to see Revelation as a timeless spiritual guide rather than a mere prophecy chart for current events.

Messianic Jewish musicians utilize their craft to express their faith in Yeshua in distinctly Jewish ways. Shai Sol is one such musician who brings a distinctive Israeli sound to the Messianic Jewish music world. Her musical journey began early, sparked by a childhood introduction to the darbukha. This path eventually led her to compete on the Israeli reality TV series HaKochav HaBah, where she famously and courageously revealed her discipleship to Jesus, making quite a splash. This episode explores the development of her unique sound, her extensive experience with the band MIQEDEM, her collaborations with other Israeli artists, and the passion she has to draw her audience closer to God.  👉 Takeaways►  Music as a Vehicle for the Gospel: Shai Sol emphasizes that music is a powerful gift from God that can be used to share the gospel and bring people closer to God, even in secular spaces. ►  Normalizing Messianic Judaism in Israel: Normalizing Messianic Jewish faith in Israeli society is a challenging endeavor. By speaking openly and confidently about Messianic beliefs, Yeshua-believers in Israel aim to break down taboos and anxieties surrounding Messianic Judaism, making it more accessible and understood. ►  The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity: Shai Sol was influenced by artists who are open and honest about their spiritual journeys and struggles in their music. She believes that sharing vulnerabilities allows others to relate and potentially find God or answers to their questions through the music. ► God’s Provision and Trust: The meaning behind Shai Sol’s song “Same Story” reflects a deep trust in God’s provision. The song serves as a reminder that just as God cares for nature, He also takes care of personal worries and concerns, even when solutions aren’t immediately visible. ►  Vision for Supporting Messianic Artists: Shai Sol has a strong vision for the future of Messianic Jewish music and sees the long term need to develop a Messianic record label that similar artists can call "home."🔖  Chapters (00:00) Meet Shai Sol(3:27) Musical Beginnings (7:51) Becoming a Messianic Jewish Family (12:13) Becoming an Openly Messianic Musician (20:59) HaKachav HaBa Competition (27:18) Collaborations (32:04) Musical Influencers (36:57) Musical Inspiration (47:58) Future Outlook  👉  Resources Support Shai Sol MusicShai Sol on YoutubeShai Sol on SpotifySong: Refa Na – Collaboration with Yair Levi Shai on Facebook Shai on Instagram MIQEDEM Music BandOther Musicians  Sakhnini Brothers, Barry Sakharof, Aviv Gefen, Eviatar Banai, Emanuel Roro– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The biblical kings and prophets envisioned the Temple as a house of prayer for all nations. Right now, it’s only a house of prayer for Muslims—Jews and Christians are forbidden from praying where Jesus did. Our guest today, David Kiern, is a filmmaker whose passion is to see disciples of Jesus kindle a love for Israel and a passion for the Temple Mount. His newest film, “I Am Israel: The Mountain of the King,” comes out on May 25, and he’s here to tell us all about it. 👉 Takeaways►  Discover the Heart of the World at Jerusalem and the Temple Mount: How did the Temple Mount in Jerusalem become known as the resting place for God’s presence and the place where heaven and earth connect? David Kiern’s film isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an invitation to experience the spiritual energy of this central place and to imagine the fulfillment of the vision for it to become a house of prayer for all nations.►  Unravel the Complex Story of Worship on the Temple Mount: Have you ever wondered why, today, worship on the Temple Mount is limited to Muslims only? If we long for the prophet’s prediction of the Temple Mount as a house of prayer for all nations to come true, then we must reconsider our perspective on the Temple Mount and how we value experiencing God in that sacred space.►  Experience Israel through the Power of Film: Even if travel isn’t possible right now, film can bring Israel’s beauty and deep history to you! The Mountain of the King offers a fast-paced journey through the past, present, and future, with action on horseback, jeep, and helicopter. Immerse yourself in the land’s spiritual significance and discover Israel in ways that will truly surprise you!►  Connect with the Incredible Journey of Aliyah: “If you haven’t yet experienced the first I Am Israel film, be sure to check it out! You’ll be deeply inspired by the stories of Jewish people returning to Israel from around the world – a journey known as “Aliyah.” Witness how these personal narratives connect with powerful prophecies and what it means to see history unfold before your eyes.🔖  Chapters(00:00) Meet Filmmaker David Kiern(5:19) About the I Am Israel Films (10:12) Making the First I Am Israel Documentary (20:27) New Film: Response to October 7? (22:33) The Very First Movie About the Temple Mount(30:17) Rebuilding the Temple: How Badly Do We Want It?(35:49) Yeshua’s Perspective on the Temple(37:48) Fast-Paced Action with Horses, Jeeps, and Helicopters(45:55) A-List Actor John Rhys-Davies Returns (52:19) Desired Outcomes of the Films (1:01:18) Celebrate Jerusalem Day and Watch the Film (1:04:47) Torah Club Resource and Experience👉  ResourcesI am Israel, The Mountain of the King https://iamisraelfilm.com/HaYovel: Volunteer in Israelhttps://serveisrael.com/Cry For Zionhttps://www.cryforzion.com/The New Crusaders Messiah Online Article:https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/the-new-crusadersTorah Club Commentarieshttps://ffoz.store/collections/commentaries– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The American Messianic Jewish congregational movement as we know it today blossomed in the 1960s and ‘70s. These young congregations borrowed theological ideas from Judaism and from Christianity, but comparatively little work has been done to synthesize a truly original, authentic, relevant, and beautiful Messianic Jewish theology. Our guest today, Dr. Richard Harvey, is the only person in the world with a Ph.D. in Messianic Jewish theology, and in this conversation he discusses how far Messianic Jews have come and how far they have yet to go as they attempt to articulate their most deeply cherished beliefs in a rigorous and systematic way.👉 Takeaways►  Messianic Jewish theology is unified by two core affirmations: the ongoing election of Israel and the messiahship of Yeshua, allowing for significant diversity beyond these foundations.►  Messianic Judaism seeks to heal the historical fracture between Judaism and Christianity: offering a vision of reconciliation that restores the Jewish roots of Christian faith and fosters mutual respect between Israel and the nations. ►  The perseverance of early Jewish believers, often called “Hebrew Christians,” laid the essential groundwork for today’s Messianic Judaism despite facing profound isolation and rejection: their efforts kept alive a vision of Jewish identity united with faith in Yeshua, enabling future generations to build a freer and more robust Messianic Jewish movement.►  Jewish mysticism holds valuable insights for Messianic Jewish theology, but it must be approached with discernment and respect for its historical and theological context: engaging mystical traditions thoughtfully can enrich understanding of God’s nature and deepen the theological framework surrounding Yeshua.🔖  Chapters(00:00) Introducing the World’s only PH.d in Messianic Jewish Theology(09:43) Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology(14:28) Discovering the Common Ground (20:05) Imagine if Christianity Had Not Separated from Judaism(26:57) Trajectory of Messianic Judaism and Israeli Christianity(35:18) Being Part of Developing Messianic Jewish Thought(41:22) The Historic Challenges for “Hebrew Christians”(48:46) The Importance of Education in Growing in Maturity(51:19) The Value of Jewish Mysticism(57:47) Books & Blogs👉  ResourcesMapping Messianic Jewish Theology by Richard HarveyOn This Day In Messianic Jewish History BlogDr. Richard Harvey’s Accademia Profile– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

For centuries, supersessionist assumptions in higher education led generations of academics to assume that Jesus came to abolish the Mosaic Law. Today, a new generation of professors and researchers is producing rigorous, meticulously cited work arguing for a different perspective—that Jesus kept the Torah, valued the Torah, and instructed his disciples to keep the Torah and keep practicing Judaism. We’re joined today by Dr. Logan Williams and Dr. Paul Sloan, who have recently inaugurated a podcast of their own, called Jesus and Jewish Law, where they demonstrate how their research has led them to this pro-Torah view of Jesus.—  Takeaways  —►  Jesus' relationship to the Torah is a complex issue with varied interpretations. The traditional view that Jesus came to abolish the law is being challenged by a new generation of scholars who argue that Jesus was Torah-observant. ►  Studying ancient Jewish sources like the Mishnah and Tosefta is important to properly understand the legal and cultural debates in Jesus' time. Misunderstandings arise from a lack of familiarity with these sources and the nuances of Jewish law.   ►  A Torah-observant view of Jesus can have a transformative impact on Christian faith and practice. The Torah contains life-giving principles . They believe that understanding Jesus within his Jewish context can help to overcome negative stereotypes about Jewish law and enrich Christian spirituality. —  Chapters —  (00:00) Meet Our Guests(01:52) Diverse Perspectives in Academia on Jesus and Jewish Law(07:41) Jesus and Jewish Law Podcast Perspective Summary(16:36) Personal Journeys into Biblical Studies(30:36) Using Rabbinic Literature in Academic Contexts(39:58) New Testament as Jewish Literature(42:23) Healing on the Sabbath: Jesus' Perspective(44:51) Experiencing the Commandments as Life(01:03:36) Upcoming Books and Research—  Resources  —  Jesus and Jewish Law Podcast on Apple PodcastJesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism by Paul T. SloanJesus and the forces of Death: The Gospels’ Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism by Matthew Thiessen– Who is Messiah Podcast? – Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.