Pergamum, the church where Satan dwells, has compromised with the world. It has taken in pagans without doing a thorough job of changing their beliefs. Hence, there are those who espouse sexual immorality.

While the 'one line poem' can store wisdom in a very compact form, the Bible also uses them in combinations to make deeper points. Here we will explore some examples where these poems are arranged into chiasms or are grouped loosely by subject.

The feast of Succot where Israel is to live in tents for a week is to serve as a reminder that we are in exile, no matter how civilized we become. Exile began in the Garden, was repeated at the Exodus and at the Assyrian, Babylonian and Roman expulsions. The book of Hebrews also emphasizes that we are just passing through. So, how do we behave under these circumstances?

Smyrna, persecution and the promise of resurrection.

It is traditional to read the book of Jonah on Yom Kippur. This talk, inspired by Rabbi Fohrman of AlephBeta.org, explores Jonah in the context of the tension between strict justice and divine compassion. In other words, why would Jonah rather die than see Nineveh repent?

Proverbs says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The Hebrew word for fear in this and other passages actually has two meanings: 'fear' and 'awe'. Depending on context, it can be translated either way. One of the goals of life might be moving from fear of God toward awe of God. In this there is fullness of joy.

The world is a difficult and dangerous place, especially now. It is easy to be overcome by fear and doubt, wondering where God is in all of this. Scripture assures us that times like these will come and that He is with His people through the trials. In the worldly sense, God is not safe, but He is good. In that we can trust and take comfort.

Yeshua's letter to the Ephesian church contrasts doctrinal purity with love of the Messiah.

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes both teach about wealth. At first glance, these teachings may seem contradictory, but upon reflection they are not.

During the High Holy Days, it is useful to review the process of repentance, both personal and corporate. The procedure to prepare the High Priest for entrance into the Most Holy Place is instructive.