Messiah Podcast

A talmudic adage says that before God inflicts a wound, he prepares the remedy. The tragedy of October 7 has left a spiritual scar on Israel and the Jewish people, but not without remedy. Messianic Israeli cellist Leat Sabbah, inspired by God’s call to repentance through Yeshua and the prophets, has been sounding the alarm through her brilliant composition, “Wake Up, My Beloved.” She joins us to talk about her faith, her music, and the spiritual battle Israel is waging behind the scenes. Our co-host is Judi Abrams from the Bram Center for Messianic Jewish Learning in Jerusalem.–  Highlights –What began as a journey from childhood to be a professional musician has become a heartfelt effort to bring healing and inspiration to souls around the world through stirring lyrics and instruments such as the cello, harp, and piano.The development of Israeli music often seeks to blend Western and Eastern styles, which is symbolic of the peace and unity that will be present in the Messianic Kingdom.God has an intimate knowledge and love for every person and, in his desire to be known, leaves clues along the way. Even in times of struggle, he has thoughts of peace and blessing for his people.–  Chapters –(00:00) Meeting Leat Sabbah.(04:05) What is The Bram Center in Jerusalem?(07:26) A standing-room-only concert at the Bram Center.(13:56) Leat’s musical journey to become a professional musician.(18:28) Exploring different styles of music, including Arabic and Bulgarian.(22:24) A spiritual journey to search for God and move to Israel.(26:18) Discovering Yeshua as the Messiah.(27:44) The end times and the message of “Wake Up, My Beloved.”(33:17) Playing the harp and worshiping on the Mount of Olives.(35:27) The healing power of music.(38:05) Leat uses music to bring comfort in Turkey after devastating earthquake.(40:31) The impact of the war with Hamas on Leat's Music(54:09) Creating the song “Thoughts of Peace” in a time of war.(55:53) Finding peace and intimacy with God in times of trauma and confusion.(57:49) Promoting music and ministry.59:16 Collaboration and future plans.–  Resources –Leat Sabbah WebsiteLeat Sabbah on FacebookLeat Sabbah on InstagramLeat Sabbah on YoutubeLeat Sabbah Music on Apple MusicLeat Sabbah Music on SpotifyGalilee EnsembleJerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations– 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.

Is First Fruits of Zion a danger to Christians? Is the Torah Club Bible study out to pull congregants out of the church and into some kind of cult? There are individuals who believe this to be the case. In this episode, we join the founder of FFOZ, Boaz Michael, and the Education Director, Daniel Lancaster, for a frank discussion about a few of the warnings that are out there and what people who are seeking to know the truth should know about the organization.–  Takeaways –First Fruits of Zion teaches a theology that is disruptive to fundamental Christian ways of interpreting the text of the Scriptures.Is the Torah more inspired than the rest of the Bible?Did the new covenant replace the old covenant?Did Jesus fulfill the law of Moses?Are all followers of Jesus obligated to keep the whole Torah?Distinction theology: Gentiles should be cautious about misappropriating Jewish practices and should strive to implement the Torah in a balanced way.According to Romans 7:6, it seems that Jesus came to replace the old written code with something new and better.Is there a conspiracy among Christian leadership through the ages to distort history, hide truth, and lead people down a separate path from truth?What is the difference between a Christian gospel and the gospel Jesus proclaimed as understood by Messianic Judaism?Does First Fruits of Zion seek to undermine the local church and lead people away?–  Resources –Restoration, Returning the Torah of Moses to the Disciples of JesusHaYesod, The Land, the People, and the Scriptures of Israel– 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.

Around the world, followers of Yeshua are reconnecting with their Jewish roots, learning the Scriptures from a Jewish perspective and rekindling the church’s ancient relationship with Israel. One expression of this reconnection has been through music, as Jewish songs, psalms, and prayers slowly make their way back into expressions of faith in Yeshua. Our guest today is Joshua Aaron, renowned Messianic Jewish Israeli-American musician and worship leader, and he’s going to tell us his vision of the nations coming together for Israel.–  Highlights –Joshua Aaron's music career began as a song writer. He released his first album “Bo Yeshua” in 2009, but his big breakthrough came with the release of “How Great Is Our God” in Hebrew.An appreciation for Judaism and his Jewish heritage came from Joshua’s mother and grandmother, culminating in moving his young family to Israel in 2009.With a daughter in the Israel Defense Force and more teenage kids to go into the Israeli military in the near future, the war with Hamas has been particularly emotional.Joshua immigrated back to Israel as a professional musician and is “one of those crazy Jews who believes in Jesus.”Joshua Aaron incorporates various middle eastern and exotic instruments that reflect the music of world cultures past and present with songs hitting #1 in world genre on iTunes charts.Joshua leads a Torah Club in Israel, providing a space for families in the Galilee to study the Bible from a Messianic perspective and explore the deeper scriptural meaning behind their faith.Joshua Aaron has developed a close-friend connection with Aaron Shust over the past few years, collaborating on music composition and live concerts together, with Shust providing musical arrangements.Is it possible to avoid being corrupted and retain the heart motivations in the music industry?Gather the Nations is a non-profit organization intent on uniting the nations toward Israel through the universal language of music and worship. The organization is having an inspirational impact through concert events around the world and practical impact through the donation of instruments and the start of a music school for orphans in Kenya.–  Resources –Gather the NationsJoshua Aaron Music– 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.

Every year around the world, millions of Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. This year, it’s probably going to feel a little different. As ancient echoes of widespread anti-Semitism, anti-Judaism, and anti-Zionism seem to be resounding again in the present time, the Jewish battle for survival against the Seleucid Empire finds its eerie, parallel expression in yet another conflict between Israel and her neighbors. Our guests today are First Fruits of Zion Senior Educator Aaron Eby and his wife, Rachel, and they’re going to tell us all about Hanukkah.–  Topics –What is Hanukkah?Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?Candles, songs, prayers, menorahs, dreidels, latkes, sufganiyot, presents, and other traditions that enhance the holiday. The trick to frying the perfect latke. Food is such a central part of creating lasting memories.What does Hanukkah look like for a Messianic Jewish family?Traditional Jewish observance of the holliday.What historical event does Hanukkah recall?Why didn’t the book of Maccabees make it into the Hebrew Bible?What would have happened if the Jews had not defeated the Greek army?How does Messianic faith in Yeshua enhance the holiday?How can followers of Yeshua who are not Jewish connect to the Jewish holiday?The oft repeated battle for the survival of Judaism and the Jewish people.What are the most meaningful elements of the holiday?–  Resource  –Light: A Hanukkah Anthology– 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 Bible has a lot to say about the end times, and Israel is always at the center of God’s plan. However, Islam has its own apocalyptic narrative. Our guest today, John Harrigan, draws upon his personal experience and theological expertise to help us understand what is fueling the anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic jihad amongst the Arab nations in the Middle East. We’re also joined by First Fruits of Zion’s director of education, D. Thomas Lancaster.You’re listening to Messiah Podcast, where Jesus is Jewish, and that changes everything. Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion.–  Highlights –The future of the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast.A Jew, a progressive liberal, and a Hamas terrorist walk into a bar. What happens next?Hamas and Iran are enemies but unite around their common arch enemy of Israel.A derivative of Marxism is leading the global narrative and identifies all social conflicts as a struggle of the socioeconomically oppressed against an oppressor. Is the church drifting toward or away from support of Israel?A shift that is taking place due to a departure from dispensational theology.Modern progressive politics is causing dramatic shifts in the western church.What is “realized eschatology” and why is it wrong?Comparisons of the Greek, Roman, and Jewish eschatological perspectives.Theological wrestling with the dichotomy between physical and spiritual redemption.Theological differences result in beliefs about how the promises of the Bible find their fulfillment.What happens when Christian theology meets with ideas of Jewish people obtaining a homeland in Palestine, Aliyah, Zionism, and the formation of the modern State of Israel?Dispensationalism is the belief in two separate redemptive programs: one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles.Apocalyptic expectations within Islam and the establishment of a world caliphate. The younger Arab generation is seeing a greater secularization due to its interface with the modern western world. How to bring the gospel to the modern middle-eastern Arab world.What does God want us to be doing with all the chaos going on in the world?–  Resources  –Extending Mercy to the GentilesThe Jewish Apocalyptic Trajectory of Pauline Discipleship By: John P. HarriganThe Gospel of Christ Crucified: A Theology of Suffering before GloryBy: John P. HarriganApocalyptic Gospel Podcast– 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 October 7 terrorist attacks in the land of Israel have provoked endless discussion attempting to provide historical context for the current conflict. Whether Israelis or Palestinians ultimately shoulder the blame is the question occupying our minds and television screens right now. Our guest today is Jeremiah Michael from the Bram Center for Messianic Jewish Learning in Jerusalem. He’s here to give us one piece of the puzzle: Christian supersessionism, its connection to European and Islamic anti-Semitism, and how it has obscured the relationship between the people of Israel and the land of Israel throughout history, denying the right of the Jewish people to exercise sovereignty over the land God promised them. –  Highlights –Recounting personal family experiences from Jerusalem on October 7.A spirit of national unity has taken over the State of Israel.The promises of God to the Jewish people for the physical Jewish homeland.Does God have a unique chosen people and a chosen land?Christian supersessionists claim that the Jewish people who have rejected Jesus can no longer lay claim to the geographical land that is known as Israel.Extra-biblical evidence for the presence of Jewish people in the land of Israel from the ancient time of the Babylonians.After all the foreign conquerors drove Jews into exile, did Constantine improve the situation for Jewish people in their ancient homeland?Islam began as a heretical offshoot of Christianity.Jerusalem has not always been integral to Islamic tradition.How did Jerusalem and the land of Israel become integral to the Islamic tradition?How did the Christian Crusades shape modern views of the land of Israel?What if the Crusaders took back the land of Israel in order to give it to the Jewish people and stand by their side as defenders of the Jewish people’s divine right to the land?Both Christianity and Islam were established on the basis of supersessionism. Widespread support of Hamas’ attack on Israel by both Arabs and Christians.–  Resources –Dr. Brown Responds to Jeff Durbin and Apologia Radio About Israel and Jewish Identity– 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.

As the people of Israel find themselves yet again at the center of global attention since the terrorist incursion of October 7, the nations are in an uproar. With pressure on Israel from all sides, those of us who stand with the Jewish people are wondering what we can do to help. Our guest today is Joshua Waller, whose organization, HaYovel, is providing real, tangible aid to Jewish people in Judea and Samaria. We’re also privileged to have Boaz Michael, founder and director of First Fruits of Zion, here with us today. –  Highlights –The origin story and inspiration behind the Waller family moving to Israel and starting HaYovel to work alongside Israeli farmers.Is HaYovel a missionary organization disguised as Christian supporters of Jewish people in Israel?HaYovel and First Fruits of Zion share a camaraderie in working toward the fulfillment of a positive kingdom-building future outlined by the ancient prophets of Israel.Pro-Israel Christians have an opportunity to become active, “boots-on-the-ground” Zionists through involvement with HaYovel.In 2023, through HaYovel, the nations helped Judea and Samaria to plant 20,000 new vines and trees and harvested 150 tons of grapes.HaYovel is currently the only international organization providing support and aid to the 500,000 Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria and is working tirelessly to increase global support.What have Jewish/Arab relations been like in Samaria before Hamas invaded southern Israel, and what are relations like currently?How are the Arabs of Judea and Samaria similar to or different from those in the Gaza Strip?What and who are the Palestinians? Would a two-state solution solve the problems?Are we moving toward the disastrous biblical prophecies of Armageddon or are the redemption and early fulfillment of the Bible’s positive prophecies possible?This is a time to take action and stand up with and for the Jewish people wherever you are, speaking the truth in whatever form possible to combat the lies and hatred coming against God’s chosen people. Operation Ittai is an initiative of HaYovel in cooperation with the governors in the Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria to airdrop needed supplies and equipment to the fourth front in the current war—the front in the heartland of the Holy Land.–  Resources  –Operation IttaiHaYovelThe Israel GuysMessiah OnlineHaYesod– Additional Recommended Donation Links –One FamilyFriends of the IDFUnited HatzalahMagen David Adom– 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.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded Israel, striking soft targets, killing civilians, and sparking a conflict that has left thousands dead. As tensions in the region escalate, the rest of the world is left wondering—what happens next? Our guest today is the founder and director of First Fruits of Zion, Boaz Michael, who is here from Jerusalem to give us the latest. –  Highlights –The state of the First Fruits of Zion staff in Israel.The internet is rampant with misinformation that needs to be debunked.Details of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. Who is Hamas, what is their history, and how did they come to power? What is the emotional and psychological state of the people of Israel now?A personal experience of hosting a displaced family and facilitating peace for them.The nation of Israel rallies together in a spirit of unity.Stories of tragedy, terror, and heroism.History of some of the kibbutzim and moshavim communities that were attacked.History of the conquest and surrender of portions of land, including the Sinai and Gaza. Is “land for peace” a historically viable solution? The largest reserve call-up in Israel’s history.The nature and character of the IDF as a defense force.The prophetic, biblical, and spiritual dimensions of current events.The redemption process involves a cycle of revelation and concealment.How can this tragedy be part of the process of redemption?What will be the long-term implications of this war?Strengthening the resolve and rationale of Israelis to continue residing in the land is reflected in the resolve and rationale for Gentiles to attach themselves to the Jewish people and stand up for the people of Israel.Defending our defenders by being informed with facts and accurate news and spreading truth to your sphere of influence. How to stand with Israel in solidarity.How replacement theology has brought us to this point in history and how we can have a direct impact on the global conflict and bring the world one step closer to the final redemption.Donate to reputable organizations with integrity. Some options are included in the show notes.– Episode Resources –One FamilyFriends of the IDFUnited HatzalahMagen David AdomIsrael on Google MapsThe Dawn of Redemption, Rabbi Ya’akov FilberHaYesodOur Wars Have Names, Boaz MichaelIn a Time of War, D. Thomas Lancaster– 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 Old Testament. You’ve heard that it’s irrelevant; you’ve heard that it was superseded by the New Testament; you’ve heard that none of its laws and rituals are relevant today. But what if I told you that the Old Testament, properly understood, is the key to the New Testament and that it reveals God’s plan, his character, and his will to all of his people today? First Fruits of Zion has a small-group Bible study program designed to help you understand the first five books of the Bible on their own terms. It’s called Torah Club, and we have the author, D. Thomas Lancaster, and the director of Torah Club, Damian Eisner, here to tell us all about it. –  Highlights –What is Torah Club?What makes Torah Club different from every other small-group Bible study?Is the Old Testament even relevant any longer for Christians in the twenty-first century?How does knowing the historical context of first-century Judaism help disciples of Jesus?Understanding the Jewish people is critical to understanding the Jewish Scriptures.All about the Jewish annual reading cycle.Join us with a year of learning through the first five books of the Bible with “Unrolling the Scroll.”How to start a Torah Club or join a Torah Club?How will Torah Club help make the world a better place?What can a student hope to take away from a year of study from Genesis through Deuteronomy?–  Resources –Torah ClubHaYesod– 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.

Have you ever found a Bible verse confusing or frustrating? Or found two Bible verses that seem to contradict each other? Have you ever felt like something was missing from your toolbox during your Bible study? First Fruits of Zion has just rereleased a ten-week course designed to give you the tools you need to interpret the Bible in its original language, context, culture, time, and place. It’s called HaYesod: The Foundation, and the author, D. Thomas Lancaster, and principal instructor, Aaron Eby, are here to tell us all about it. –  Highlights –The inspiration behind the original creation of the HaYesod discipleship course in the 1990s.HaYesod means “The Foundation” and is a teaching series that lays a solid foundation of faith with a biblical understanding of the land, the people, and the Scriptures of Israel.HaYesod is a tool to equip believers to access the Messianic Jewish understanding of the Scriptures and to know Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, better.What is the benefit of understanding the Scriptures from a Messianic Jewish perspective?Many elements of traditional Christian interpretation of the Bible contain holes that have created instability in the faith of many believers.What changes have been made to the new version of HaYesod compared to older renderings?Why are the people of Israel the foundation of the Bible?The kingdom perspective of the gospel Yeshua taught.HaYesod is not designed to turn Christians into Jews.HaYesod is designed to inspire active discipleship to Jesus.What is distinction theology as a theological structure within HaYesod?Does First Fruits of Zion teach that Gentiles shouldn’t keep the Torah?HaYesod is a course consisting of ten video lessons filmed in a studio and on location throughout the land of Israel. An extensive workbook can be purchased to assist the learning process.How can students access the course individually or study as a group?Torah Club is a weekly international Bible study network that is a great way to continue learning after HaYesod: The Foundation.–  Resources – HaYesodTorah Club– 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.