Interpreters of the Epistle to the Hebrews have long taught that its author took the view that Jesus canceled the Torah, the Law of Moses, along with all its sacrifices and rituals. However, our guest today, Dr. David Moffit, has taken a different perspective. He walks us through his intensive study of the concepts of atonement and reconciliation in the Old and New Testaments. He concludes that Hebrews can find its place among other Jewish works of the Second Temple Era, as its author had nothing but respect for Moses and the Torah.

–  Highlights –

• How Dr. David Moffit came to think differently about atonement.
• The surprising impact of the resurrection of Jesus on understanding the book of Hebrews. 
• Understanding Jesus’ sacrificial death in light of the Levitical sacrificial system.
• What did the slaughter of animals accomplish in the Levitical system?
• What was the focal point of Jesus’ sacrifice?
• What does killing an animal on the altar of the Tabernacle or Temple accomplish?
• Understanding the various types of sacrifices and their basic functions.
• What is atonement, and why is it necessary?
• Does Hebrews 3 eliminate the Levitical system?
• Melchizedek, Hebrews 7, and a heavenly priesthood.
• Does the book of Hebrews regard the Torah as relevant or authoritative?
• How can Jesus be a high priest even though he is not from the tribe of Levi?
• Was it Jesus’ death or his ascension that accomplished the work of atonement?
• What is Dr. David Moffit’s next book project?

–  Resources –

Rethinking the Atonement, by Dr. David Moffit

– 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.

We’re in the middle of a new Artificial Intelligence boom. AI large language models communicate freely in natural language. AI image generation and editing tools make it possible to do in minutes what used to take hours—and the tech is only getting better. In this episode of Messiah Podcast, our very own Aaron Eby walks us through how the technology works and gives us an idea of how followers of Yeshua can use it to enhance their Bible study. He also answers the question weighing on all our minds: Will this thing come alive and kill us all?

–  Highlights –

• Aaron Eby’s boyhood and becoming a software engineer and an AI enthusiast.
• What is Artificial Intelligence?
• How Artificial Intelligence originated and developed over time.
• Neural networks and applying mathematical formulas to predictive language learning.
• Organizations and companies responsible for the development of AI.
• The importance of the democratization of AI.
• The problem of AI hallucination.
• Can Artificial Intelligence have emotions?
• Does AI have a mind of its own?
• Passing the Turing test in Artificial Intelligence.
• Neural network for translation purposes.
• Harnessing the power of ChatGPT for Bible study.
• ChatGPT as a study partner.
• Will it be possible for AI to take over the world? 
• AI, Revelation, and the Mark of the Beast.
• The future of the workforce in light of Artificial Intelligence.
• Does AI have consciousness?
• Should believers be worried about the future development of AI?

– 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.

The Bible is jam-packed with God’s promises to Israel. However, traditional Christian theology appropriates these promises for the church, thereby denying that the Jewish people have the glorious future the prophets foretold for them. The mission of First Fruits of Zion is to reconcile the disciples of Jesus to these prophetic promises. Our guest is Boaz Michael, the founder of FFOZ. Our conversation centers on understanding the intentions and impetus behind our new mission statement, how to understand these promises better, and how their fulfillment through the Jewish people will bring unique blessing for the whole world.

–  Highlights –

• The humble origins of First Fruits of Zion in 1992 with the publication of “Israel Today.”
• Formulating the commentary and theological framework that would become Torah Club.
• The Four Restorations that have been the driving force behind First Fruits of Zion.
• Coming to understand the gospel of the kingdom from Messianic Jewish disciples of Yeshua from the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries.
• Reconciliation takes place when Gentile Christians around the world move closer to the Jewish people by learning the historical Jewish interpretations of the Bible through Torah Club.
• The systemic presence of anti-Semitism and supersessionism within Christian theology.
• Reframing the words of the prophets to the Jewish people.
• How do God’s promises to the Jewish people affect Gentile Christians?
• The practical impact that First Fruits of Zion and our message is having around the world.
• Bringing Jews in Israel to a reconciliation with the gospel of the kingdom through the Bram Center.

–  Resources –

Love In the Messianic Age, Paul Philip Levertoff

Tent of David, Boaz Michael

– 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.

One can’t help but notice that anti-Semitic attacks and sentiments are on the rise throughout the United States and around the world. A new survey from the Anti-Defamation League shows the number of people who espouse anti-Jewish stereotypes and conspiracy theories has DOUBLED since 2019. On this episode of Messiah Podcast, we interview Joshua Turnil, the Director of Jews for Jesus in Paris. He has seen firsthand what anti-Semitism can do in a country like France and has worked with Jewish and Christian leaders to combat this insidious form of hatred. Together, we will explore the roots and manifestations of anti-Semitism and how we can respond as Jewish and Gentile followers of the Jewish Messiah.

–  Highlights –

• Listener feedback on how Jesus is Jewish and that has changed everything.
• Stats from the Anti-Defamation League on the rise of anti-Semitism.
• Joshua Turnil’s work in France for Jews for Jesus.
• Experiencing anti-Semitism in France.
• The long, varying history of Jewish presence in France.
• Experiencing anti-Semitism in the United States.
• The Arab-Israeli conflict in light of anti-Semitism.
• A Social Media experiment: Is it possible to reason with the opposition through loving, respectful dialog?
• How can we love antisemites and fight against anti-Semitism?
• Transformation stories: What happens when the gospel changes someone’s perspective?
• The battle against Jew hatred is a spiritual one.
• Pray for the repentance of the enemies of God’s people.
• What are ways for non-Jews to practically combat anti-Semitism?

– 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.

Most people are looking to find their other half—their soulmates. This is a very Jewish concept called “bashert,” the one meant for you. Of course, it’s easier said than done! Today, anyone looking for his or her partner has countless resources available, including thousands of apps and websites designed with algorithms to drop that special person directly into someone’s inbox. However, many people find this process exhausting and inauthentic. Messianic Jews are no exception, particularly as their “pool” is a much smaller one. Is it time to revisit the ancient role of the shadchan—a Jewish matchmaker? Rabbi Aaron and Rebbetzin Brooke Allsbrook might have just the solution for the Messianic Jewish community!

–  Highlights –

• Stephanie and Jacob banter over their own journeys to find their respective spouses.
• It was a setup! And for a good reason! How Rabbi Aaron Allsbrook met his wife, Brooke.
• The inspiration and philosophy behind themessianicmatchmaker.com. 
• The value of people matching people instead of leaving that up to algorithms.
• Is matchmaking the same as arranged marriages?
• Why is a matchmaker service needed? Are we reverting to something more primitive?
• What is the process of signing up for an account at themessianicmatchmaker.com?
• Who qualifies for the service, and what is the spectrum of the current members?
• What happens when a match is suggested?
• What happens if the spark or circumstances don’t pan out for the suggested match?
• Dealing with the reality of long-distance relationships.
• The Messianic Matchmaker is a service that bridges various Messianic networks.
• Advice for how to get to know a potential spouse.
• The value of two Jews joining together to form a Messianic Jewish family.
• The value and function of a local congregation to advise and support the formation of families.
• There are a host of reasons why singles in the modern world are struggling to find their matches.
• What is causing the phenomenon of people marrying later in life?

–  Resources –

The Messianic Matchmaker

Congregation: Ohev 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.

Springtime brings new beginnings, including the launch of a new season of Messiah Podcast! The season three debut introduces our new co-host and producer, Stephanie Hamman, to our podcast audience. This episode also says farewell to departing co-host, Damian Eisner, director of Torah Club. Damian and Jacob interview Stephanie to introduce her to the audience, and Stephanie interviews Damian about his work with the growing Torah Club Bible study network.

–  Chapters –
(0:00) – Introducing Stephanie Hamman, the new producer and co-host of Messiah Podcast!
(3:23) – How did you end up in the Messianic Jewish movement?
(9:50) – Stephanie’s songwriting stint in Nashville.
(15:27) – Bringing Hebrew and Jewish education to the next generation with Ashreinu School.
(23:03) – Working for Jews for Jesus: Can Jews be for Jesus AND Judaism?
(27:58) – What is Torah Club, and why is it the best way to encounter the Bible in its Jewish context?
(30:37) – “Something’s Missing” is a phenomenon that finds answers in discovering the Jewishness of the Bible. 
(35:06) – How are people’s lives being transformed by Torah Club?

–  Resources –

Torah Club

Jews for Jesus

Ashreinu School

– 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.

One of the largest churches in America is mainstreaming Christianity’s Jewish roots. Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, holds Sabbath services, devotes a significant amount of finances to present Yeshua to the Jewish people, and strives to educate their church body about their Jewish roots. Pastor Robert Morris believes the success of the church he leads is due to their priority of taking the gospel “to the Jew first.” Messiah Podcast welcomes Dr. Greg Stone, the pastor of Jewish ministries at Gateway, to explain how their church is implementing their pastor’s vision to be a place where Jews and Gentiles can each have their place as one new man.

–  Chapters –
(0:00) Welcome from Damian & Jacob. 
(5:30) Dr. Pastor Greg Stone provides an overview of the size and impact of Gateway Church.
(7:55) An overview of the Jewish departments that are part of Gateway.
(10:32) Why does Pastor Morris credit bringing the gospel “to the Jew first” as the reason for the church’s success?
(16:41 ) The fifth commandment as the biblical basis for living long and prospering.
(21:10) Does the Gateway model of evangelism take Jews away from Judaism?
(28:49) What does Jewish expression look like at Gateway?
(35:53) What is the strategy behind publicly advertising events using accessible Christian terminology like “Jesus’ Jewish Roots” instead of Hebrew?
(44:42) Are the lines blurring between Jews and Gentiles?
(49:46) Eating as a form of worship.
(1:04:07) Rapid Fire Round.
(1:09:15) Jacob and Damian wrap up season 2 of Messiah Podcast and hint at a mystery host for season 3. Stay tuned.

–  Resources –

Gateway Church

The Kings University

Blessed to Be a Blessing: Sermon by Pastor Robert Morris

The Blessed Life: by Pastor Robert Morris

– 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.

“Once upon a time, I was a supersessionist,” admits today’s guest, Dr. Gerald R. McDermott. But then his eyes were opened to a whole new perspective on the Bible. The missing piece was the centrality of Israel and the Jewish people. He now calls this the key to understanding Jesus, the gospel, and the whole Bible. His newfound perspective shaped his teaching as a seminary professor and can be found throughout the hundreds of articles and dozens of books he has authored since then, including Israel Matters and The New Christian Zionism.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Welcome from Damian and Jacob, who are enjoying the radiant colors of autumn.
(7:13) Dr. Gerald McDermott’s journey beyond replacement theology.
(11:44) What particularities are there for an Anglican to overcome supersessionist bias?
(13:18) The influence of N.T. Wright and where he gets it wrong.
(15:16) The prevalence of replacement theology in seminaries and academia.
(18:40) What we are doing to bring change: Society for post-supersessionist theology.
(20:53) What would it take to make the Anglican Church become post-supersessionist?
(25:17) Christian dominance shifting from the global North to the global South.
(29:04) The origins of Christian Zionism.
(32:50) There are mutual reliant roles between Israel and the church, between Scripture and tradition?
(46:38) How has the Jewishness of Christianity personally and practically impacted your walk of faith?
(54:43) Translating Hebrew concepts into the Greek of the second testament.
(59:47) Four simple and important terminology shifts that are needed in Christianity.
(1:11:32) Rapid Fire Round: What the people want to know.

–  Resources –

The Northampton Seminar

Israel Matters: By Dr. Gerald R. McDermott

Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity, Edited by Dr. Gerald R. McDermott

Society for Post Supersessionist Theology

When God Spoke Greek, By Timothy Michael Law

Luke’s Jewish Eschatology, By Isaac W. Oliver

Israel 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.

The key to unlocking the context of the book of Ephesians has eluded Bible interpreters since the advent of replacement theology. Did Jesus abolish the “law of commandments expressed in ordinances?” How are Gentile believers “fellow heirs?” Who are the spiritual forces being battled with the famed “Armor of God?” D. Thomas Lancaster believes he has discovered the missing key and has completed a new commentary on the book of Ephesians that answers these and other pressing questions about some of Paul’s most difficult material.

–  Chapters –

(0:00) Damian & Jacob glad to be back with a live guest!
(5:59) Ephesians solves the identity crisis of the Messianic Gentile believer.
(13:08) Was Paul actually the author of Ephesians? Critical scholarship.
(17:16) What was unique about the city of Ephesus?
(19:13) The pronouns in Ephesians that unlock the entire epistle.
(31:40) Did Jesus abolish the “law of commandments contained in ordinances”?
(43:16) Understanding the one new man of Ephesians.
(46:40) How does Messiah remove the enmity between Jews and Gentiles?
(53:00) The transmission of the Holy Spirit.
(58:02) The missing big picture context behind the Armor of God.
(1:02:55) Daniel’s next projects.
(1:05:27) Rapid fire round…UFOs and Wisconsin cheese.

–  Resources –

The Holy Epistle to the Galatians

Torah Club Complete Commentary Sets

HaYesod, Uncover Christianity’s Jewish Foundations

– 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.

We have new worship songs coming out on a weekly basis, but what if we could go back to the original worship experience—what David heard and felt when he wrote his psalms, what Moses and the Israelites sang when they stood before the Tabernacle. What does worship sound like in God's own language? Our guest today is Messianic music artist Troy Mitchell who has dedicated his career to setting God’s Word to music and helping us all sing it back to Him. Tzion is his fourth album release and features ten new songs in the language of the Bible.

–  Resources –

Tzion: Troy Mitchell's fourth music album

Support Troy Mitchell on Patreon

Vine Guitars

– 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.