Messiah Podcast

What happens after we die? We know that eventually we’ll be raised to life and spend eternity in the World to Come, but what happens before that? What does the soul experience in the moments after death? To answer this question, you’d have to talk to someone who died and came back to life. Well, it turns out there are millions of people who claim to have experienced just that. Our Messiah Podcast Selects article today explores the extraordinary phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDE).

– Chapters  –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast with your hosts Damian Eisner and Jacob Fronczak.
(3:44) What Happens When You Die, by D. Thomas Lancaster
(14:48) Article discussion with Damian and Jacob: The scientific response to NDE.
(20:02) Similarities and distinctions in near-death experiences.
(24:46) Answering Skeptics: Despite brain and heart function ceasing, consciousness remains.
(30:52) Does a near-death experience with visions of heaven challenge the belief in a bodily resurrection?
(35:20) What does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus teach us about the afterlife and sharing the gospel?
(43:31) How do NDEs impact our idea of Jewish evangelism?
(51:14) The aftereffects of near-death experiences.
(53:10) Damian and Jacob offer personal takeaways.

–  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.

Jesus is Jewish—but what does that mean for his billions of followers? Our guest, Dr. Jen Rosner, joins Messiah Podcast to talk about her forthcoming book, Finding Messiah, in which she documents her own struggle with her identity as a Jewish follower of Jesus and her insights from years of academic study of the New Testament. Learn how Messianic Judaism is having an impact in the academic world and how Jesus’ Jewish identity can help us all understand him better.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Introducing Jen Rosner with your hosts Damian Eisner and Jacob Fronczak.
(3:10) The heart behind the new book and what readers can anticipate from “Finding Messiah.” 
(7:24) What is unique to the teachings of Jesus that are not found elsewhere in Judaism?
(12:50) All about Yachad B’Yeshua, which unites Jews from across the ecclesiological spectrum.
(18:17) How does the issue of the divinity of Jesus affect Jewish/Christian relations?
(23:50) What is a Christian’s relationship to the Sabbath?
(31:15) What accounts for the presence of women in the Paul-within-Judaism scholars?
(35:53) Ideas of the Jewish Jesus that challenge preconceived ideas.
(49:12) How does the western Christian value of liberty square with the Hebraic idea of liberation?
(54:45) Rapid-fire: What the people want to know.
(59:48) Damian & Jacob offer a few takeaways.

– Related Resources –

Finding Messiah, Jen Rosner

The God of Israel and Christian Theology, Kendall Soulen

Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity within First-Century Judaism, Matthew Thiessen

Jen's favorite Christian worship song

Mark Kinzer on Messiah 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.

Evangelical theology places an incredible emphasis on the atoning death of the Messiah. He died so that our sins could be forgiven so that we could have eternal life. But what about the resurrection? The Romans crucified countless Jews, but only one was raised to life, suggesting that the resurrection deserves pride of place as the cornerstone of our faith. This edition of Messiah Podcast features a select article from Messiah Magazine issue 27 by Torah Club Director, Damian Eisner.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast with your hosts Damian Eisner and Jacob Fronczak.
(3:03) Raised to Life: The resurrection as the culmination and cornerstone of our faith.
(12:40) Jacob and Damian discuss the concept of “penal substitutionary atonement.”
(19:27) The impact of the resurrection on the Millennium.
(22:51) How the gospel of the kingdom intersects with individual salvation.
(29:57) Kingdom living in light of the resurrection.
(33:06) Sadducees vs. Pharisees. 
(36:50) Paul’s message of the kingdom.

–  Resources –

Yeshua Matters, by Jacob Fronczak

–  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.

What inspired a famous Christian songwriter to adopt a Messianic Jewish perspective? Aaron Shust, best known for his hit song “My Savior My God,” joins Messiah Podcast to tell the story of his journey from mainstream Christian music artist to Torah Club Student. Learn how God prepared Aaron’s heart for this journey, how his first trip to Israel changed his perspective, and how honoring the Sabbath with his family has strengthened his walk of faith.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast with your Season 2 hosts, Damian Eisner and Jacob Fronczak.
(4:45) The journey from singing for church offertories to composing and writing radio hits.
(11:40) Musical inspirations with a music listening calendar. 
(14:03) Collaborations with Joshua Aaron.
(18:34) The first trip to Israel that birthed a new perspective and a new passion.
(24:30) The story behind the song “Zion.”
(28:13) “The Sabbath is the best thing that has happened to our family in the past five years.”
(32:18) Creating a day of Shabbat Shalom. 
(34:37) Torah Club Is like a diamond.
(38:13) The music industry’s reaction.
(41:16) Singing what’s true: The heart behind the music.
(44:56) Rapid fire: What the people want to know.
(48:51) Damian and Jacob share their impressions and takeaways.

–  Resources –

Aaron Shust

Shust Home Devos

–  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 Christians lost the original meaning and intention of first-century baptism? The New Testament treats it as an “elementary principle,” but its purpose and method have been anything but elementary in most of Christian history. A look at the Jewish perspective will cast some important insights on this biblical ritual. This edition of Messiah Podcast features a select article from Messiah Magazine issue 26 by D. Thomas Lancaster, Education Director of First Fruits of Zion.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast!
(6:55) Under the Water, An exposé on the meaning and method of baptism in Messianic Judaism.
(21:06) Damian and Ruben offer their takeaways.

– Resources –

Messiah Article: Under the Water

–  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.

Yeshua came proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, but what exactly is the kingdom? What happened to the message of the kingdom? Why did the church lose that hope? Could it have been because the kingdom is too Jewish? This edition of Messiah Podcast features a select lecture by D. Thomas Lancaster, Education Director of First Fruits of Zion.

–  Chapter –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast!
(2:08) Introduction to “The Lost Kingdom”
(6:33) What is the kingdom? Is it too Jewish?
(16:36) When is the kingdom? An exploration of eschatology
(22:24) The history of how and why Christianity abandoned the kingdom
(44:56) Why understanding the kingdom is important
(50:31) Damian and Ruben offer their takeaways

–  Resources –

Malchut Lectures on Messiah Watch

–  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.

Spinning tops and fried potato pancakes are great, but what is the real meaning of Hanukkah? Aaron Eby, First Fruits of Zion Senior Educator, joins Messiah Podcast to share the little-known history of this famous holiday. What happened to make Hanukkah such an enduring holiday? Why did Jesus celebrate Hanukkah? And why should his followers celebrate it today? Hint: It involves much more than dreidels, jelly-filled donuts, the menorah, or even a military victory.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast!
(6:14) Happy Hanukkah to Aaron Eby
(9:34) The Children’s Story of Hanukkah Seems Incomplete
(13:46) The Real Hanukkah Story Starting from Israel’s Golden Era
(20:21) The Plot Thickens
(32:45) The Rise of the Maccabees
(39:53) Rededication and the Meaning of the Miracle of the Oil
(43:24) The War of Culture and Identity, Ideas and Values
(49:18) Applications for Messianic Judaism
(51:12) Damian and Ruben Offer Their Takeaways

–  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.

A deeply entrenched doctrine of Christianity states that all people are born with a sin nature and, by virtue of being a descendent of Adam, are inherently skewed toward evil and damned to hell from birth. Is this a biblical truth? While the concept of an evil inclination is present within Judaism, the two ideas are very different. Should Messianic Judaism follow the rest of Judaism in rejecting the Christian doctrine of original sin?This edition of Messiah Podcast features a select reading from Messiah Magazine.

– Resources –

Messiah Magazine Article: Conceived In Sin

–  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.

Orthodox Jews and Messianic Jews may have significant differences. However, both groups have growing initiatives seeking to help Christians properly relate to the Torah in recent times. Our guest on Messiah Podcast is David Nekrutman, an Orthodox Jewish theologian who authored a new book entitled "Your Sabbath Invitation." The discussion centers on David's experience as an Orthodox Jew who graduated from an evangelical, pentecostal university and what that taught him about Jewish-Christian relations.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast!
(3:38) Introducing David Nekrutman
(18:25) An Orthodox Jew at Oral Roberts University?
(32:29) The Newer Testament Bible translation
(36:38) Perspectives behind "Your Sabbath Invitation"
(39:52) Why gentiles have traditionally been discouraged from engaging the Sabbath.
(50:59) Practical advice
(1:09:20) Ruben and Ryan wrap-up

–  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.

Why are Baptists turning to Torah Club to know Jesus better? Why are Christians worldwide seeking Torah as a fundamental component for discipleship today? Baptists are long known for their love of Israel and diligence in reading the Word of God, but many of them are finding new meaning and richness from a Jewish reading of the Bible. Southern Baptist Pastor Keith Price joins Messiah Podcast to discuss his own journey of discovery and how he came to lead a growing and thriving Torah Club in California. 

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast! Ruben and Ryan recovered from Covid.
(7:55) Introducing Keith Price.
(9:54) The personal journey of a Baptist Pastor into Torah.
(25:48) The secrets to avoiding accusations of Judaising or legalism?
(33:48) Why are Baptists in particular positive toward Israel and Messianic Jewish teaching?
(40:40) Interfacing with other leaders within the Southern Baptist Conversion?
(44:15) An answer for Christians who are reluctant to acknowledge the role and value of the Torah.
(48:33) Are we witnessing a prophetic trend when Christians turn to Torah?
(52:29) The College student Torah Club is having a nationwide impact.
(1:01:09) Impacting a local Church body as a teaching elder.
(1:08:34) Ryan & Ruben Wrapup.

–  Resources –

Torah Club: Torah Club is a small-group Bible study where disciples learn the Bible from a Jewish perspective through in-depth discussions and good fellowship.

HaYesod: HaYesod is a complete discipleship course that respectfully explores the Jewish foundation of Christianity, the Sabbath, and the Festivals. Lessons are carefully developed to build an understanding of the Bible and ignite the believer's relationship to 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.