Usually when a new believer comes to faith, we point them to the book of John as a starting place. John is full of imagery that makes is easy for us to get our minds around the person and purpose of Yeshua. But John’s Gospel account is not a picture book for children. It is an immensely deep and challenging account. This week we dip our toes into the Gospel account of John.

Mark’s account of the Gospel is unique in many different ways, in particular that it is so short. We have often thought of its brevity in light of its order in the writing of the Gospel accounts. But is there another reason? This week we look at some fascinating aspects of Mark that will cause us to reexamine this amazing Gospel account.

As we wrap up this mini-series on the 5 Jewish responses to Hellenism, we will challenge ourselves to not only look at what group we identify with most, but how we may exhibit behaviors and attitudes from each group.

In this week’s episode, we move forward in our discussion through the “Silent Years”. As we look through the Jewish responses to Hellenism, we come to the Zealots. As we have done in the last few episodes, we will look at who they are, where they predominantly live, and what their worldview.

In this episode of IBR, we continue our walk through the “silent years” by beginning to discuss the five major Jewish responses to Hellensim. The first response we will discuss is the Sadducees. This history is absolutely crucial to understanding Yeshua’s criticism of this group in our Gospel accounts.

In this episode we begin our discussion of the Silent Years talking about the genesis of synagogue and the Jewish education system in the 2-3 centuries prior to and 1st century, during the time of Messiah.

There has been much speculation about why Moshe was not allowed into the Promised Land. In this episode, we look at a different perspective and consider another option for answering this timeless mystery.

This week we continue to walk through the desert and become acquainted with its features, as it is the world of the Biblical authors. In this episode we will start to look at a few types of trees that are featured throughout the text.

 

In this week's episode, we are talking about the similarities between Moses' calling to be the deliverer of Israel and the journey of Israel itself out of Egypt. As we read the Exodus narrative with the eyes of the Genesis 1-3, we see some beautiful themes that point us back to God's sustaining intention for mankind...to be His image.

This week we wrap up our discussion of Avraham with the climax of his story…the Akeidah, the Binding of Isaac. Throughout his life, Avraham experienced 10 tests. By now, it should be no surprise that each of these tests include familiar imagery, especially that of trees and high places. As we look into this passage, what would we expect to see but the Biblical writers using the same images to tell one cohesive story. As a final test, Avraham once and for all dismantles one tree in his life. We have watched him grow in wisdom. He has passed his final test and chosen life.