Messiah Podcast

What did Paul mean when he talked about election? What can first-century Jewish ecclesiology, eschatology, and soteriology teach us about how the apostles handled these critical concepts? The hosts of the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast are back for the second half of our conversation about how a first-century Jewish apocalyptic worldview is key to understanding the theology of the New Testament.

–  Highlights –

• What was the key that unlocked the understanding of the Jewish Jesus and the Jewish apocalyptic gospel?
• How can we understand election and soteriology from a Jewish context?
• Contrasting the American Dream and the eternal sing-along with the first-century Jewish view of ecclesiology.
• Conceptualizing ecclesiology with concentric circles: Messianic Administration of Divine Glory in the World to ComeWhat do Gentile disciples have to look forward to when the biblical story of redemption seems to be centered on Israel?
• How does adopting a Jewish apocalyptic view of the gospel affect a person’s life and walk of faith?

–  Resources –

The Apocalyptic Gospel 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.

As more and more people discover the Jewish identity of Jesus, voices from across the spectrum of Christian faith are beginning to chime in. In 2020 a pastor, a missionary, and a campus minister launched a podcast where they dive deep into the text of the Scriptures and explore the gospel as a first-century Jew would have understood it. In this episode of Messiah Podcast, we will begin a two-part discussion with them to hear about their own journey of discovery, where traditional Christian eschatology falls short, and what the gospel and eternal life meant to Jews in the days of Jesus and his apostles. We hope this conversation will encourage disciples of Jesus to boldly proclaim that the God of Israel will fulfill his covenant promises to the Jewish people and bring restoration to the world.

–  Highlights –

• How did the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast come to be?
• What is apocalypticism?
• What is the gospel in a first-century context?
• What was the first-century Jewish narrative for redemptive history?
• What are the various alternative Christian narratives of redemptive history?
• Could eternal life mean something other than strumming harps upon the clouds in a life after death?
• Did the Pharisees seek to make proselytes?
• What were Jewish expectations for non-Jewish people in Jewish eschatology.
• What are the three novelties that the followers of Yeshua introduced to Judaism?
• How did the religion of the Jewish Messiah move away from a Jewish centric apocalyptic perspective?
• What are the problems with Realized Eschatology?
• Did the apostles believe the Messiah’s return was imminent?

–  Resources –

The Apocalyptic Gospel 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.

Jewish Israelis are religiously diverse; some practice Judaism, others are Christian, and still others are secular. Yet very few embrace traditional Judaism while also following Jesus. However, in the heart of the Holy City, the Bram Center for Messianic Jewish Learning stands as a witness for Messianic Judaism and a resource to hundreds of interested locals. In this episode of Messiah Podcast, we talk with Judi Abrams and Jeremiah Michael about the Bram Center and the impact it’s having in Jerusalem.

–  Highlights –

• What is the Bram Center in Jerusalem, and what makes it unique?
• Introductions and Aliyah stories from Jeremiah Michael and Judi Abrams.
• Who was Avram Poljak, and what was his vision for the future of Messianic Judaism?
• What kind of events take place at the Bram Center?
• Jewish opposition to Messianic believers in Israel.
• Why is Messianic Jewish learning important?
• What impact is the Bram Center having in Israel?

–  Resources –

The Bram Center

–  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.

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.