Are you building for God… or building for yourself?

Last week we talked about impressing God. But what happens when ambition turns into idolatry? The Torah hints at something profound in the double yod of Vayeitzer — two inclinations, two Adams, two sides of you.

Are you Adam 1 — the builder, achiever, dominion-taker?
Or Adam 2 — the seeker, the covenant soul longing for connection?

What if you were made to be both?

This teaching explores the tension between drive and devotion, work and worship, yetzer hara and yetzer hatov — and why suppressing either one may cost you your calling.

Which side of you is winning?

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We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

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We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why would God command the Kohen Gadol to wear a garment made of wool and linen—then forbid everyone else from mixing those same materials?

Is holiness about chemistry… or boundaries?

Parashat Tetzaveh introduces us to garments woven with gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—beautiful, intricate, and set apart. But when the sacred becomes common, something is lost.

Are we blurring lines that were meant to protect holiness?
Have we mistaken accessibility for sanctity?
What happens when the distinct becomes ordinary?

Let’s explore why boundaries aren’t restrictive—they’re beautiful… in this week’s 5 Minute Torah.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

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We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

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We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why do we face Jerusalem when praying? Why don’t we “tithe” the same way churches do? Why kiss a Torah scroll? Why avoid saying God’s name casually? And what’s the real difference between a church and a synagogue? In this candid Lunch & Learn, we pull back the curtain on synagogue life — history, holiness, etiquette, immersion, prayer, and purpose — and explore how community shapes sacred space. If you’ve ever felt unsure walking into a synagogue, this will change that.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Is it wrong to want God to be impressed by your life?

We’re told over and over: don’t strive, don’t try too hard, don’t “earn” what’s already been given. But is that what Scripture actually teaches? Does grace eliminate effort — or ignite it?

From the Tabernacle to the parable of the talents, the Bible paints a picture of partnership, not passivity. What if God isn’t threatened by your obedience… but delighted by it? What if striving to please Him isn’t legalism — but relationship?

Let’s wrestle with the tension between grace and building, salvation and sanctification, love and effort.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Is the Torah a bridge… or a barrier?

When God chose to dwell among Israel, He surrounded His presence with boundaries—restricted access, layers of separation, guarded space. That doesn’t sound welcoming. It sounds exclusive.

So what is holiness really about? Does it draw us closer to God, or keep us at a distance? And why would the very structure meant to connect heaven and earth be built with limitations?

In Parashat Terumah, we discover that boundaries may not be obstacles to intimacy—but the very foundation of it.

Let’s wrestle with this tension in this week’s 5 Minute Torah.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Have you ever discovered something so life-changing that you felt others had been misled?

But what if the way you share that truth is pushing people further away?

In Parashat Mishpatim, the Torah commands us to return a lost object. What if that “lost object” is faith itself? What if our Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters aren’t rebellious—but simply unaware?

Are you dropping crumbs that awaken curiosity… or truth bombs that cause damage?

This message explores empathy, responsibility, and how to draw people close to Torah without weaponizing it.

You were once a stranger.
How will you treat the strangers around you?

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Parashat Mishpatim contains more than fifty commandments, but one question changes how we read all of them:
When the Torah says disputes must be brought “before God,” what does that actually mean?

Does God personally issue verdicts in civil cases?
Or did He authorize human beings to judge in His name?

This Torah portion forces us to wrestle with authority, justice, and how heaven’s will is carried out on earth. It also sheds light on a statement Yeshua makes that many find troubling—and deeply misunderstood.

Who speaks for God in matters of justice, and why does it matter?
Let’s explore these questions together in this week’s 5 Minute Torah.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Is Messianic Judaism really a bridge between Christianity and Judaism… or have we misunderstood the mission entirely?

What if the “bridge” isn’t an institution — but you?
What if the valley of doubt, loss, and confusion you walked through wasn’t a mistake… but construction?

Why does spiritual growth require descent?
Why do some quit in the valley while others come out as builders?
And why would that make you “dangerous” to certain voices?

This teaching reframes the journey, the struggle, and your calling.
You’re not just learning truth. You’re being shaped into a guide.

The bridge the world needs may already be built — in you.

Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Yeshua once said that if people won’t listen to Moses, they won’t be convinced—even if someone rises from the dead. That’s a strange statement… unless Moses plays a far bigger role than we usually admit.

What if believing in Yeshua actually requires believing Moses first?
What if faith in the Messiah is inseparable from faith in the covenant delivered at Sinai?

In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we explore Parashat Yitro, the wisdom of Jethro, the fearsome holiness of Sinai, and why trust in God’s messenger is foundational to hearing God’s voice.

Are we believing the messenger—but missing the message?

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

What if your January goals didn’t fail because you lack discipline… but because you picked the wrong season?

Why does the world shout “Start now!” while your body feels tired, slow, and unmotivated?
What if growth doesn’t follow Rome’s calendar — but God’s?

There’s a reason trees don’t bloom in winter. There’s a reason the sap rises before the fruit appears. And there’s a reason your moment isn’t about instant transformation, but internal awakening.

Could it be that you’re not behind… you’re just early?

Discover why Tu BiShvat — the New Year for Trees — reveals how real growth actually begins, and why your “later” might finally be… now.

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God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings

If you get value from our work, please
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Text "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990

God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue.

Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message.

We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!