Kol Tikvah

There's no doubt that Paul can be difficulty to understand. In this week's message Jonathan unpacks his arguments about circumcision, gentiles and the Torah.

Jonathan begins a journey through the difficult passages of Galatians to show how they actually uphold the idea of Torah Observance, not as a means of salvation, but as a tool of sanctification. This series will focus on several of the difficult passages and how we can understand them in the historical and literary context of the book.

One of the biggest challenges that we can face every day is our own ego. Our ego can cause us to see ourselves as more important than we really are. While it's good to be confident, being full of ourselves can make it difficult to treat others how HaShem commands us to.

Often in our zeal for faith we use the tools given to us to beat those around us into submission. Jonathan discusses how Messianics often turn into Torah Terrorists to fellow believers and how Yeshua expects us to act.

Riley compares the perspective of Pharaoh and Moses and how they each looked at the Israelite slaves. These perspectives can often mirror our own, for good or bad. Pulling from specific examples in the first chapters of Exodus, Riley encourages us to look at others in the light of who they could be in Elohim, and not where they were or are.

Jonathan continues a look at the mission and purpose of the body of Messiah. This week we focus on Prayer, Study and Testimony and three tools available to help us accomplish what we were called for.

There's no denying that Hanukkah has been painted as the "Jewish Christmas." Most people are unaware of the bold history and powerful message of Hanukkah, however. What revelations can we find once we begin to look at this holiday? More importantly what can those revelations show us and how can we apply them today?

Many of us understand what the Gospel is, but when we try to put it into words we sometimes seem to come up short. We know that we have an active role in sharing that, but as the ekklesia, what does that look like? Let's open up our Scriptures and search these things out together! Join us this week as Jonathan looks to 1 Corinthians 12:27 to answer the question of who or what the body of Messiah Yeshua is. From there we go to the first chapter of Mark to begin searching out what the Messiah's mission was and to discover where these citations originated from in the Tanakh.

This week, we begin to examine the concept of how Elohim can dwell among us. While it is true that He is the Exalted One who dwells in the Heavens, is that where He chooses to remain? There is no standing temple for Him to reside in, so where do we find Him? More importantly, how can we recognize His presence?

Using the Sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6 as a starting point, Jonathan moves to 2 Timothy 2-3 to discover what it takes for believers to correctly handle the word of Elohim.

We all know that prayer is important, and it is something we should do, but how? Is there a specific way we are to pray? How did the fathers of our faith pray? Riley looks at the examples of Moshe, Yeshua and the Amidah prayers this week to answer these questions.

Jonathan continues our study in Ephesians 6 with a look at the Helmet of Salvation. We investigate what salvation is, how it protects us from the lies of the enemy, and why our world needs it. In closing we investigate the Aaronic Blessing, Psalm 67, and the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, and look at how they are related to Salvation, and our calling to spread the Gospel of Messiah Yeshua.

Riley asks the question, "what is prayer?" And begins a look at this vital part of our lives. What's the purpose, and how are we to pray?

Jonathan continues the study covering the Armor of Elohim (God) from Ephesians 6, this time focusing on the Shield of Faith. What is faith, what isn't it, what does it do for us, and how do we grow in it are key questions investigated in this week's message.

This week Riley cites several verses from Ezekiel that should cause us to stop and think, "Is my heart in this?" The people in Ezekiel's time were guilty of serving Elohim with their lips only and not their heart. We see that Yeshua accused some of this same form of heartless worship. 2000 years later we must ask ourselves if we're any different. Join us this week as we begin to explore how we might be able to get our hearts right before the King of the Universe.

We continues in Ephesians 6 with a look at the "feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace." Our primary focus this week is answering the question, What is the Gospel? First with a look at common misconceptions about it, Jonathan investigates why it's important to have a proper understanding of the Gospel, and how it impacts our lives today.

When everything seems to be going wrong, what do we do? Do we have the strength and courage to keep going even when it seems like the future is uncertain? Using Job as a guide, we see that he, too, resented his birth. In his misery, he lamented that he was not taken as an infant and spared these harsh trials. Join us this week as Riley shares some scriptural insight to keep us pressing forward.

Jonathan continues the discussion of the Armor of Elohim with the Breastplate of Righteousness. What is Righteousness? How does it relate to Truth? How do we equip ourselves with it? This week's message looks at these questions and discusses the relationship between unrighteousness and righteousness.

Riley looks at the meaning of the Hebrew month of Elul and what it means for the King to be in the Field.

Jonathan continues this week with a look into Ephesians 6 and the Armor of Elohim. Beginning with a look at the question, "what does it mean to resist the Devil?", we then look at how we resist using the Belt of Truth.

Riley begins in Matthew 6:19-23 and discusses the Jewish teaching of the "Good Eye", and how it relates to Yeshua's teaching in this passage. The Good Eye is one that is outward focused, looking to the needs of others rather than focusing on selfish desires. Riley concludes by moving through how the book of Proverbs discusses this same theme.

Jonathan begins a series on Spiritual Warfare, and a look at the Armor of Elohim described in Ephesian 6. Beginning with an introduction of the letter to the community at Ephesus and how chapter 6 fits into the larger message of the book, we take a look at 4 things we need to know about Spiritual Warfare. In the coming weeks we'll look at the different pieces of the armor and what they can teach us about the battle we wage.

Jonathan completes the book of Colossians with a look at Rav Shaul's (Paul's) instructions about families, and how our relationships should reflect the Messiah.

Riley continues his discussion of Emunah (faith) and how we too often set up idols in place of Adonai.

In Colossians three Rav Shaul begins his application of how to live the ideas he taught in the first two chapters. Jonathan continues the discussion through the book and how we might live the same ideals today.

How has the classification of Torah into categories changed the way we look at obedience to Elohim? Are we still obligated to obey Torah, if so, what does that look like in our lives? Are we able to decide how to obey Elohim on our own terms? Riley discusses how classifications of Torah has hidden the importance of obedience on His terms.

Jonathan finishes Colossians chapter 2 with a look at the heart of the book, and why Shaul took time to write the community he had never met. With the rise of deception in our world we must guard truth, and protect it as precious if we are to grow in the Messiah.

Riley continues the conversation about what is Emunah, where it comes from, and why it's important for the people of Elohim.

The next part in the book of Colossians where Shaul explains his ministry and his hope for the body of the Messiah to be knit together in love.

Do you ever worry that your questions are due to a lack of faith? Or can it be that questions are actually a result of faith? Today we begin to discover what faith looks like and how it plays into building a relationship with HaShem.

Jonathan continues in Colossians 1 and gets into the heart of what the book is about. Who is this Yeshua, is He Elohim, and angel, human, or something else. This question has persisted for the last 2000 years, and its answer will underpin the rest of a person's theology. Jonathan examine's Rav Shaul's (Paul's) answer and how it impacts out lives today.

Throughout the book of Acts, Rav Sha'ul, known as the Apostle Paul, reiterates the hope and the expectancy that he is on trial for. Just what does he mean when he says “And now I stand and am judged for the expectation of the promise made by Elohim to our fathers" in Acts 26:6?

Jonathan takes a look at Colossians 1:9-14 and Paul's prayer for the believing community at Colossae. What is knowledge from Elohim, and how do Wisdom and Understanding help up in our walk?

This week Riley begins to tackle the tough subject of slavery in the Bible. We first need to examine the conditions that must occur for one to put themselves into servitude to understand that this is not a condition which Elohim desires. Together we search the Scriptures to get a clear picture of the responsibilities and obligations of the "slave owner."

Riley takes another look at the blessings that come with the daily counting of the Omer. We use Romans 7:14-22 as a foundation to examine the struggle between our desire to serve Elohim and the desire to serve the flesh. In these verses Rav Sha'ul goes through great lengths to show the internal struggle that even he faces. We use this concept to understand how the Counting of Omer can help us to overcome it.

Jonathan looks at the love of the believers at Colossae and how it reflects our growth in Messiah. How do we show love? How are we to be unified? We search out these questions through continuing in the book of Colossians.

Jonathan begins a study through the book of Colossians. This week's focus is on verse 1 and the phrase, "by the will of Elohim." What is His will, how do we do it? Using passages from 1st & 2nd Timothy, Jonathan searches out one aspect of this word.

Riley uses the Haggadah's story of the Four Sons to discuss how we respond to the things of Adonai, and how we are to respond to others.

Jonathan uses Leviticus 23 to look at the second half of the spring feasts. Focusing on Yom HaBikkurim (Day of Firstfruits) and the Counting of the Omer he discusses why we do the counting and what it represents for believers in Messiah.

Riley looks at some of the common questions, like "What counts as Chametz?" and looks through the Scriptures on how believers in Messiah can best observe this feast today.

Jonathan concludes the series on hearing the voice of Adonai. Using Lamentations 3 as a guide he discusses why it seems that Adonai is seemingly the most silent when we are at our lowest point.

Riley looks at the book of Esther to discuss why it's important today, and why we choose to remember this "minor" feast day.

A look at some reasons why we fail to hear the voice of Adonai in our lives

A look at some of the many calendar issues and how we should approach them.

Riley looks at what it means to have life abundantly

How we guard His word in our lives

Why we say the blessings, and how they are important to us.

A look at the despair we face and the hope that lies through it. Jonathan uses Micah 7:7-10 as the key text for exploring how we often despair in our lives, but also how the Father provides hope through it all. He asks the two questions: "How do we look at ourselves," and "How do we look at others"?

Riley discusses the life of the prophet Jonah and how he responded to the difficulties of life, and what we can learn from his example.

Jonathan discusses what falsehood is and how it oppresses. Using Jeremiah 3:10 & 16:19 he discusses how we can identify the lies in our lives and how we obtain freedom from them.

Riley discusses how thankfulness, not only changes our outlook, but helps us to survive. Beginning in 1 Chronicles 29 he looks at key Hebrew words for thankfulness.

We have all fought against our own fleshly desires. Wanting, like Paul, to do the good we know we should, but not doing it. How do we change our desires? Jonathan takes a look at this question from the context of Galatians 5.

Are we, as believers in Messiah, able to approach the throne of Heaven, and if so, how do we do it? What are the requirements and expectations? Jonathan discusses these questions with Psalm 86:11, and Hebrews 4:16 as they key passages.

Have you ever asked who you are, or what your purpose is? Riley takes a look at the question from a Scriptural standpoint beginning with Genesis 1:26-27.

Jonathan discuses what unity is in the body of Messiah, why it's important, and how we get it.

Riley teaches about the Biblical definition of hope, and what it takes for us to walk in it.

Jonathan takes a look at the second meaning of Hanukkah, dedication, and how it relates to our lives today.

Riley discusses Proverbs 20:27, and how the light of Torah in our lives is pictured in the celebration of Hanukkah.