MBM-UK - Weekly studies

As we resume our study, we've chosen to remain in the passages that look at the elements that make up the Sanctuary to be built according to the details instructed by Adonai.

This week we look at the words Mikdash and Mishkan, the place of sanctuary and dwelling, how the Ark of the Covenant is a portal in the return to Eden and the importance of the materials used in the Ark's construction.

We also discuss how the materials point to the nature of Adonai and His Torah, thereby impacting our understanding of who we are to be as those having Torah written on their hearts and what this means concerning the nature of Adonai compared to the interpretation of established faiths in the world.

As we return to our study of the Torah after the Autumn festivals and Rosh Chodesh, we review the importance of what is taking place as Adonai imparts the design of the Sanctuary that is built in order for Him to dwell in the midst of the people.

We discuss what this means to us as a community of Adonai's people, counterfeit versions of the purpose the Sanctuary and how we are required to wait patiently as Adonai's purposes are revealed.

In this episode, we begin to look at the book of Ecclesiastes, which is read over the eight days of Sukkot.

By many, this book is regarded as being negative and a bit depressing, but we discuss how the lessons in it are an encouragement to not be enamoured or distracted by this world and to see that what may appear to be futility can create an understanding of the world to come.

This is the beginning of the festival of Sukkot and begins a short series for the time of the moed.

This week, as we are in the midst of the Autumn festivals on the Hebrew calendar, we discuss the period between Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, known as the 10 days of Awe.

We consider how this period of time is portrayed in the Apostolic writings and look specifically at the beginning of the ministry of Messiah Yeshua, the time of his immersion and the 40 days in the wilderness and their connections to this time of the year.

We also discuss how we as followers of Yeshua are to apply ourselves to this period on the calendar and its relevance to us today.

This week we look at the how the Tabernacle of GOD speaks to us through the Apostolic Writings.

In our discussions we consider that the Torah written on our hearts is something that began at Sinai, and requires us to engage with the internal spirit led principles that it invokes recognising that by doing so, the actions of the believing community can either emulate the true purpose of Torah through Messiah to walk in its restorative power, or become focussed only on the outward appearance of a religious life.

This week we begin our study of the portion called Terumah, meaning "offerings".

We begin with the question of the need for the Tabernacle and and Adonai's desire to re-establish what was lost at Eden by dwelling in the camp of His people Israel.

We discuss how the Torah purely when only applied as a religious text is unable to complete the restoration of the relationship between Man and GOD, and that the voluntary offerings that create the Tabernacle as specified by GOD reflect the nature of Mashiach/Messiah.

We do a deeper study of the Hebrew letter Mem which changes the word Torah into Terumah and how this connects to Isaiah 9:7 and the foretelling of Messiah Yeshua - a verse that we are familiar with as it is read each year and the fuller prophetic hope that it brings of the extent of Messiah Yeshua's fully established work in restoring peace to the world through the throne of King David and the work that the Ruach Kodesh does in each of us who accept Yeshua as Messiah.

This week is our last study in the portion Mishpatim where we see the invitation by GOD for Moshe, Aaron and the 70 elders join the Creator of the Universe in a meal after ratifying the Book of the Covenant.
We discuss the similarities and continiuing extension of that Covenant through Messiah Yeshua and into our present day.
We also discuss how the Torah speaks of the healing of Israel and the nations through the obedience to Torah and how the power of the Ruach HaKodesh working in us and through us brings a form of completeness.
We also discuss briefly immortality, healing and death and how our time limited existence encourages us to work on our souls and in the world to bring good and wholeness rather than death an accepted final conclusion to existence.

This week discuss how the ordinances of Mishpatim create a framework for the future judgment of the world as Paul alludes to in 1 Corinthians 6.
We also discuss the principle behind as in heaven, so on earth and how Mishpatim encourages us to make this a reality as we shape the world we live in by living according to the ordinances of Adonai, and what the consequences are as set out in the book of Judges "when each goes his own way".

This week we ask the question: How do Mishpatim speak to us prophetically?
We discuss the "civil" and practical nature of the ordinances and how they apply to everyone throughout the ages past, present and future.
We specifically discuss the verses that many use to justify revenge or criticise those who would defend themselves when experiencing conflict.
We look at how these verses point to the reconciliation between man and Adonai through the sacrifice of Messiah at Passover.

This week we begin to look at the parsha called Mishpatim which can be translated as judgments/ordinances/right rulings.

We consider the preceding verses for context of how the mishpatim that Adonai is instructing the Children of Israel are to elevate them from considering themselves as slaves in Egypt and above the pagan practices of the surrounding nations.

We look at the "Eved Ivri"; the descrition of the one who has "passed over" moving beyond just the Israelite nation and now draws in those who are followers of Messiah Yeshua, bringing them not "under the law" but expressing through their conduct in following the instruction of Torah, as with the Israelites rescued from Egypt, that a new way of living in community requires rules established by Adonai and living as His people to represent Him.