Messiah Podcast

From before the beginning of time, God planned to call out a people from among the nations and to bring a redeemer from among them. For centuries, the followers of Yeshua forgot that the unfolding of this history of redemption centers on the people of Israel. Our guest today, Dr. Gerald McDermott, has written A New History of Redemption, a book that puts Israel back at the center of God’s plan to save the world from sin and death.

– Chapters –

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Gerald R. McDermott.
(01:44) The root of the irrational support for Hamas from university campuses.
(05:44) How does the history of redemption reveal the nature and beauty of God?
(09:01) Jonathan Edwards’ impact on American Christian theological development. 
(10:43) Jonathan Edwards as a Christian Zionist.
(14:21) Ancient Israelites might better be known as “The Jewish Church.”
(16:21) Jewish Election: God has never abandoned his people.
(23:37) Allegiance to the Messiah is a central component of faith, even in the Old Testament.
(27:20) Understanding prophetic “types.”
(37:16) Theophanies and reconciling the verse that states that “No one has ever seen God.”
(45:00) Marcion and the gnostics vs Judaism. Body vs Spirit. 
(49:59) How do we know that the State of Israel is important in God’s plan of redemption?
(56:16) What comes next in redemptive history, and how can we prepare for that?

–  Resources –

A New History of Redemption

Other Books By Dr. Gerald R. McDermott

–  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 reestablishment of Jewish sovereignty in Israel was a significant milestone in the unfolding of God’s end-times prophetic plan—a sign that the end is near. The recurring conflict in the Middle East is a harbinger of an apocalyptic battle yet to come—the war of Gog and Magog. Our guest today, Doctor Jeffrey Seif, has written a timely book about the role of Iran in this coming war and how this role was foretold thousands of years ago by the prophets of Israel.

– Chapters –

(0:00) Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Seif on Messiah Podcast.
(01:53) The journey from Jewish hippie to Messianic scholar.
(08:32) PhD research at Cambridge in criminology.
(13:00) What is the UMJC, Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations?
(15:10) Characterizing the spectrum of Messianic Jewish congregations.
(18:00) Filling the legendary shoes of TV personality Zola Levitt.
(20:29) A historical and modern menace east of the Euphrates.
(26:13) Iran’s relationship with Jews crumbled with Zionism.
(27:46) When Muslims and Christians are at peace with Jews, their societies prosper.
(30:53) Israel is geo-politically positioned at the crossroads of the world.
(32:37) What is the value of learning from extra-biblical literature?
(39:25) The historical impact of Parthea on both Israel and Rome.
(43:08) The power of the Islamic religious ideology to motivate extreme action.
(44:21) How should we respond to a world that appears to be falling into war and chaos?
(46:44) We are called to love, not hate.

–  Resources –

The Iranian Menace in Jewish History and Prophecy, Dr. Jeffrey Seif

Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations

–  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.

As the Nazis attempted to eradicate the Jewish people from every corner of Europe, one country’s Jewish population actually grew, thanks to the tireless efforts of Metropolitan Stefan of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and Messianic Jewish Rabbi Daniel Zion. Avi Mizrachi and his daughter Devorah share the harrowing story of the heroes who courageously and repeatedly put their lives on the line to save the Jewish population of Bulgaria from Hitler’s death camps.– 

– Chapters –

00:00 Introduction to Avi Mizrachi and his daughter Devorah
05:27 Family connections between the Zion and Mizrachi family
09:51 The fruit of friendship between a Metropolitan Bishop and Chief Rabbi.
13:15 A mystical vision that prompted Rabbi Daniel Zion to believe in Jesus. 
17:42 Pre-war life for the Sephardic Jews of Bulgaria.
20:37 Devastating legislation that paved the way for Hitler.
25:15 The miracle of March 9, 1943 – Stopping the First Deportation attempt.
33:18 Fleeing to the forest to join the partisans and fight the Nazis.
39:08 Rejecting despair with Truth, Faith, and Love (Emet, Emunah, and Ahavah).
41:15 How to maintain gratitude and perspective in a concentration camp.
45:44 Why did the Tzar of Bulgaria decide to defy Hitler?
49:50 A gesture of gratitude in the Bulgarian Palace.
51:47 What lessons can be learned from the past?
59:42 Constant roadblocks: A story of Aliyah 

–  Resources –

Dugit

Legacy of Hope: Hidden Heroes from Generation to Generation

Daniel Zion, Biography and Selected Writings of Rabbi Daniel Zion

The Power of Civil Society in a Time of Genocide: Proceedings of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on the Rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria, 1940-1944

–  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 Epistle to the Hebrews constitutes one of the most difficult sections of the Bible for those of us who have embraced a Messianic Jewish perspective. Thankfully, D. Thomas Lancaster, First Fruits of Zion’s Director of Education, has spent years penning a commentary that will enrich and enlighten you. He joins Messiah Podcast to provide a sneak peek into the premise that unlocked the historical understanding of this important book of the Apostolic Scriptures.

–  Takeaways –

• The Epistle to the Hebrews is a difficult book to interpret from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Daniel Thomas Lancaster's new commentary brings the latest in New Testament scholarship and the oldest of Jewish hermeneutical principles to bear on the biblical text to present a relevant and insightful understanding of the epistle.
• The authorship of Hebrews is uncertain. While it was certainly not the Apostle Paul, it may have been a second-generation disciple of the apostles like Clement of Rome.
• Hebrews emphasizes Yeshua's importance as the gateway to the Messianic Era and warns against turning away from him.
• The hermeneutical method used in Hebrews, known as kol vechomer, establishes the weight of the first matter to make a case for the second matter.
• Understanding the Jewish context and the distinction between Jews and Gentiles is crucial in interpreting Hebrews.

– Episode Resources –

The Holy Epistle to the Hebrews

The Holy Epistle to the Galatians

The Holy Epistle to the Ephesians

–  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.

Every year, hundreds of disciples gather for Malchut, a summit for First Fruits of Zion Friends. We spend three days getting reacquainted, taking meals together, and recentering our vision for the kingdom. Today’s guests are some of the many Malchut 2024 attendees. You’ll hear about their heart for Messiah and his kingdom, how they came to embrace a Messianic Jewish perspective, and their joy at knowing they’re not alone on their journey of faith.

–  Takeaways –

• 600+ disciples of Yeshua gathered together in Orlando Florida in March 2024 for the annual Malchut conference and were encouraged and energized by great fellowship, delicious food, and solid teaching.
• Torah Club is growing world wide and is a resource that supports, educates and strengthen local communities of various shapes and sizes.
• Messianic Judaism can be a lonely spiritual path and the resources and events that First Fruits of Zion produces is inspiring deeper study of the Scriptures, and devoted love and discipleship for Yeshua, 

–  Resources –

FFOZ Friends

HaYesod

Restoration

Tent of David

Israel Tours

–  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.

Early Jewish believers in Yeshua created a catechism for new disciples from among the nations. Lost for hundreds of years, this document, the Didache, reveals the expectations and standards the early Yeshua-believing community put in place for Gentile disciples of Yeshua. Our guest today, Dr. Daniel Nessim, has spent his academic career demonstrating that the first disciples of Yeshua considered the Torah to be the moral compass of all those who joined the community of disciples, whether Jewish or Gentile. 

–  Takeaways –

• The Didache is a discipleship manual created by early Jewish believers in Yeshua for personal Gentile discipleship and how to conduct themselves within the community.
• The Didache was written around 80 CE during a tumultuous time in history and reflects the beliefs and values of the early Jewish believers, who considered the Torah to be the moral compass for all disciples.
• The arch of the Didache progresses from directing individuals on the proper moral path to addressing issues of community life that were particularly applicable at the time the Didache was written. 

–  Chapters –

(00:00) Welcome Dr. Daniel Nessim to Messiah Podcast!
(02:41) The Didache: What it is and where it came from.
(05:44) The purpose and significance of the Didache.
(08:16) Relationship of the Didache to other early Christian writings.
(09:49) The historical occasion for writing down the Didache.
(12:37) The clues that betray the Jewishness of the Didache.
(14:20) Rediscovery of the Didache.
(15:52)  Impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on Didache research.
(21:44) Thesis of the book “Torah for Gentiles” by Dr. Daniel Nessim.
(28:16) Parallels with Greek moral instruction.
(31:12) Modern interpretations of the Didache. 
(32:36) Textual criticism and the similar sayings of Yeshua in the Didache and the Gospels.
(37:52 )Hard lines and leniencies in the Didache’s concession passages.
(41:37) Is there a specific list of Gentile responsibilities to the Torah?
(49:02) Judaism as a religion of grace.
(50:07) Why the Didache disappeared.
(52:24) The end of Jewish Christianity and the historical context of the Didache.
(58:27) The value of the Didache in the present era. 

–  Resources –

Torah for Gentiles? 
What the Jewish Authors of the Didache Had to Say, by Dr. Daniel Nessim

The Way of Life, The Rediscovered Teachings of the Twelve Jewish Apostles to the Gentiles, by Toby Janicki

–  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.

Rabbi Dr. Mark Kinzer discusses the Catholic Church's embrace of distinction theology and its impact on Jewish-Christian dialogue and the Messianic Jewish movement. He highlights the significance of the Second Vatican Council and the documents Lumen Gentium and Nostra Aetate in redefining the church's understanding of itself and its relationship with the Jewish people. The Catholic Church's rejection of deicide and recognition of the ongoing special relationship with the Jewish people have had a profound impact on Christian theology and paved the way for further dialogue and understanding. This conversation explores the theological developments and dialogue between Messianic Judaism and the Roman Catholic Church. It delves into the concept of Jesus as the Living Torah and the connection between Yeshua and the Jewish people. The role of Cardinal Lustiger in emphasizing Jewish identity within the Catholic Church is highlighted. The conversation also touches on the progress being made in the Catholic Church regarding the recognition of the enduring significance of the land of Israel. Overall, this dialogue is seen to be of historic significance and a promising trajectory for Catholic theology.

–  Takeaways –

• The Second Vatican Council, prompted by the Holocaust, marked a significant reassessment of the Catholic Church's understanding of itself and its relationship with the Jewish people.
• The documents Lumen Gentium and Nostra Aetate work together to lay out how the church understands and identifies itself and how it understands and identifies itself in relationship to other religions of the world. 
• The Catholic document The Gifts and Calling of God Are Irrevocable went even further to express the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people. 
• As a Jewish Cardinal, Jean-Marie Lustiger made significant contributions to the dialogue between Judaism and Christianity. Acting as a counselor to Pope John Paul II on the Jewish people, he emphasized Jesus' solidarity with his people and the continued Jewish identity of Jews within the church. He saw the suffering of the Jewish people as a part of the Messiah's suffering, highlighting the deep identification of the Messiah with His people.
• The Catholic Church is moving toward visible changes to reflect the realization of the enduring significance of Jewish identity within the church and the Jewish people in the land of Israel.

–  Resources –

Searching Her Own Mysteries by Rabbi, Dr. Mark Kinzer

Nostra Aetate

Lumen Gentium

The Gifts and Calling of God Are Irrevocable

Film: The Jewish Catholic

–  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.

First Fruits of Zion teaches that the whole Bible, including the Law of Moses, that is, the Torah given to the Jewish people, has relevance and practical application for Gentile Christians. Some Messianic Jews disagree; they argue that the Torah is for Jews only. Today’s guests, FFOZ Senior Educator Aaron Eby and Director of Torah Club Damian Eisner are here to challenge the idea that the Torah has nothing to say to Gentiles.

–  Takeaways –

• Terms are confusing if they are not well-defined. Many people stumble on the Jewish Jesus online but many times the source of the information they stumble on is what we would call Hebrew Roots. 
• First Fruits of Zion is part of Messianic Judaism, and there are some important distinctions.
• The community of faith is composed of both Jews and Gentiles. But despite us being “one in Messiah,” First Fruits of Zion believes that it is important to maintain our unique identities. Why do we think so, and how do we advise Jews and Gentiles to avoid blurring the lines of distinction?
• Acts 15 documents an important time in the life of the apostles when they decided on the course of faith for Gentiles who were coming to faith in the Jewish Messiah. What does this passage teach about Jewish and Gentile obligations to the Law?
• The Sabbath and the Jewish festivals are full of richness in meaning and blessing. What does the remembrance and observance of the Sabbath and the other biblical holidays look like for Jewish people, and what would they look like for a Gentile disciple? 

–  Chapters –

(00:00) Welcome to Messiah Podcast.
(02:05) First Fruits of Zion is a Messianic Jewish organization, not Hebrew Roots.
(13:08) What is distinction theology?
(20:00) The apostles’ expectation of Gentile disciples. 
(25:22) Interpreting Acts 15 and Acts 21 and the four prohibitions for Gentile disciples.
(29:38) The synagogue has always been a place for Gentiles to learn about the God of Israel.
(40:43) What does the distinction between Jewish and Gentile observance of the Sabbath look like?
(55:51) How can Gentiles interface with and observe Jewish holidays like Passover and Tabernacles?
(01:04:51) Is 1 Corinthians 5:8 an invitation to Gentiles to celebrate Passover?
(01:11:34) A biblical model for do’s and don’ts for Gentiles.
(01:15:23) Gentiles are adopted to be part of the family of God.
(01:20:32) First Fruits of Zion does not subscribe to what is commonly known as “one law theology.”

–  Resources –

Restoration: Returning the Torah of Moses to the Disciples of Jesus

From Sabbath to Sabbath: Returning the Holy Sabbath to the Disciples of Jesus

The Holy Days: Returning the Biblical Festivals to the Disciples of Jesus.

–  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 talmudic adage says that before God inflicts a wound, he prepares the remedy. The tragedy of October 7 has left a spiritual scar on Israel and the Jewish people, but not without remedy. Messianic Israeli cellist Leat Sabbah, inspired by God’s call to repentance through Yeshua and the prophets, has been sounding the alarm through her brilliant composition, “Wake Up, My Beloved.” She joins us to talk about her faith, her music, and the spiritual battle Israel is waging behind the scenes. Our co-host is Judi Abrams from the Bram Center for Messianic Jewish Learning in Jerusalem.

–  Highlights –

What began as a journey from childhood to be a professional musician has become a heartfelt effort to bring healing and inspiration to souls around the world through stirring lyrics and instruments such as the cello, harp, and piano.The development of Israeli music often seeks to blend Western and Eastern styles, which is symbolic of the peace and unity that will be present in the Messianic Kingdom.God has an intimate knowledge and love for every person and, in his desire to be known, leaves clues along the way. Even in times of struggle, he has thoughts of peace and blessing for his people.

–  Chapters –

(00:00) Meeting Leat Sabbah.
(04:05) What is The Bram Center in Jerusalem?
(07:26) A standing-room-only concert at the Bram Center.
(13:56) Leat’s musical journey to become a professional musician.
(18:28) Exploring different styles of music, including Arabic and Bulgarian.
(22:24) A spiritual journey to search for God and move to Israel.
(26:18) Discovering Yeshua as the Messiah.
(27:44) The end times and the message of “Wake Up, My Beloved.”
(33:17) Playing the harp and worshiping on the Mount of Olives.
(35:27) The healing power of music.
(38:05) Leat uses music to bring comfort in Turkey after devastating earthquake.
(40:31) The impact of the war with Hamas on Leat's Music
(54:09) Creating the song “Thoughts of Peace” in a time of war.
(55:53) Finding peace and intimacy with God in times of trauma and confusion.
(57:49) Promoting music and ministry.59:16 Collaboration and future plans.

–  Resources –

Leat Sabbah Website

Leat Sabbah on Facebook

Leat Sabbah on Instagram

Leat Sabbah on Youtube

Leat Sabbah Music on Apple Music

Leat Sabbah Music on Spotify

Galilee Ensemble

Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations

–  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.

Is First Fruits of Zion a danger to Christians? Is the Torah Club Bible study out to pull congregants out of the church and into some kind of cult? There are individuals who believe this to be the case. In this episode, we join the founder of FFOZ, Boaz Michael, and the Education Director, Daniel Lancaster, for a frank discussion about a few of the warnings that are out there and what people who are seeking to know the truth should know about the organization.

–  Takeaways –

• First Fruits of Zion teaches a theology that is disruptive to fundamental Christian ways of interpreting the text of the Scriptures.
• Is the Torah more inspired than the rest of the Bible?Did the new covenant replace the old covenant?
• Did Jesus fulfill the law of Moses?
• Are all followers of Jesus obligated to keep the whole Torah?
• Distinction theology: Gentiles should be cautious about misappropriating Jewish practices and should strive to implement the Torah in a balanced way.
• According to Romans 7:6, it seems that Jesus came to replace the old written code with something new and better.
• Is there a conspiracy among Christian leadership through the ages to distort history, hide truth, and lead people down a separate path from truth?
• What is the difference between a Christian gospel and the gospel Jesus proclaimed as understood by Messianic Judaism?
• Does First Fruits of Zion seek to undermine the local church and lead people away?

–  Resources –

Restoration, Returning the Torah of Moses to the Disciples of Jesus

HaYesod, 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.