MNC Fellowship

I begin exegeting Luke 1:26-38 here, and talk about young Miriam’s (Mary’s) situation in life, balancing out Catholic and Protestant “takes” on her. I then focus on Gabriel’s words in Luke 1:32a, that Yeshua would be called the “Son of the Most High.” Towards the end of the lesson I look at how the birth of Yochanan (John) is somewhat parallel with the birth of Yeshua - they were both miracle children.

When I began to sit down and write out an exegesis of Luke 1:26-38 my mind and my fingers went in another direction. I felt led to give an overview of the miracle-working power of Yahweh, and encouraging everyone to stay with the text of Scripture no matter where it leads or what the cost. I hope and pray this lesson will be a righteous influence to all who have ears to hear.

This lesson delves into deceptive healings, centering in on Matthew 7:21-23, and then goes on to show what a genuine healing looks like. The meaning of “the name of Yeshua” is covered, and the significance of the timing of a lame man being able to stand up and praise/pray is touched on. What a wonderful account this is!

I begin to move into explaining how Yeshua is the Son of Elohim by looking at the famous John 3:16 passage. It’s one that if not careful can become common to the ear in a way that makes us feel we need to “move on” from it. Towards the end of the sermon I deal with some technicalities on the Greek word monogenes.

Here’s look at the concept of the enthroned King of Israel being the son of Elohim. Psalm 2, 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 22, and 1 Chronicles 29 are all touched on. I also look at how the Hebrew word mashiyach (messiah) is used of individuals other than Yeshua of Nazareth.

There are heavenly, spirit beings that existed alongside Yahweh when He created the earth. We know them as angels, but they can equally be called messengers as well as sons of the Almighty. Listen to learn about the principle of agency as well as the guardians of sacred space. At the end I talk about how Yahweh loves us and sends His heavenly messengers to watch over us. 

Now apostles Peter and John go up to the Temple at the normal hour of prayer and end up healing a man who had been lame for over 40 years. What was the hour of prayer, and why were the apostles still participating in the Temple services? This lesson covers much about the professed “faith healers” of our day, and contrasts what we see men claiming vs. the actual gift of healing that was given to Yeshua’s apostles.

I’m taking a brief pause on my series through the Book of the Law (in Exodus) to discuss something that’s been going through my mind for a couple years. What does Scripture mean when it calls Yeshua the Son of Elohim? I cover some preliminary points here, and then move to looking at one of Elohim’s sons back in Genesis.

Yahweh’s Torah requires us to help widows and not mistreat them, but as we continue to read through Scripture we are given an outline on discerning who to help, how to help, and what kind of help to give. Yahweh’s people are not required to fund wickedness, and in times where we are required to help someone, the responsibility falls first on the immediate family.

In the first century, there was a sect in Judaism known as “The Way.” They had a great impact on all their on-lookers because they chose to live piously, with thankfulness and in simplicity. This lesson encourages us to look back on their example so that we too may have an impact on those who see us today.