MSS - The Golden Age Begins

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 11-12

From Rock Bottom the only way to go is up.  God's Presence left the people due to their great sin, and in these chapters we see the beginning of the process to It's return.  Like Joseph being sold into slavery, God will use Israel's sin of asking for a king to bring about a great thing.

MSS - Samuel Anoints Saul

MORNING SCRIPTURE STUDY - 1 SAMUEL 9-10

Jay doesn't know it yet, but today's passage sets up a lot of things that happen afterwards.  That sounds like an obvious statement as it leaves my head and arrives as this text, but bear with me.  One example - this passage presents Saul as a shy, humble, and considerate - even empathetic - character, yet we who've read ahead in the story know how that gets contrasted.  We have an opportunity for some deep insight into the character of man, as presented to us through Saul.  I don't spoil these things for Jay, leaving them prepared for when we get to those contrasting moments in forthcoming studies.  We do discuss Samuel fulfilling Deuteronomy 18 though.

MSS - They Have Rejected Me As King Over Them

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 8

The people are disheartened.  Enemies besiege them on every side, and even within their midst, and now their go-to weapon, the Ark of the Covenant, is in de facto exile in Kiriath-Jearim.  Where to turn?  They could turn to their God, who promised to deliver them from their enemies if only they'd serve Him and Him alone.
Nah.  Let's have a king instead!  What could go wrong?

MSS - The Plagues of the Ark of the Covenant - 1 Samuel 5-7

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 5-7

I got a little passionate today talking about the Bishop's Mitre worn by the Pope.  Strong words, and I stand by them.  If there was any fear of God in the Catholic Church or the papacy they would throw that thing away and burn it and publicly repent.  However, their tradition and rituals are far more important to them than God, so instead they flaunt their idolatrous practice.

And that's not even the best part of today's message!

MSS - The Glory of God Departs Israel (1 Samuel 3-4)

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 3-4

We begin today's study talking about Samuel being called by God, and then dive into the account of how the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant.  We noticed something - God didn't "break out" against the Philistines when they handled the Ark!  Why not?  We talk about that today, and more.

MSS - Eli Loved His Sons, but God He Hated - 1 Samuel 2

Morning Scripture Study - 1 Samuel 2
We break our mini-hiatus and get back into the flow of things with the story of Eli and his sons - and an important lesson about worshiping God and disciplining your children.

MSS - 1 Samuel 1 - Shiloh and the Birth of Samuel

We begin a new book in our Morning Study, 1st Samuel.  We'll continue on through Kings as well. 
We touch on several things today - wives as rivals, how Hannah was like Abraham, and even a few minutes about the role of a Mediator.  We hope you are edified today.

MSS - Ezekiel 47-48

We wrap up the book of Ezekiel this morning discussing some lessons we're taking from the book.  The discussion turns for a second to Asa,, king of Judah, discovering the scroll of the Law and realizing how much the nation was apostate from God.  If Asa discovered the Law that had been lost, then the children of Israel didn't have the Word before them - depending instead upon others to tell them about it.  We have the Word before us, at all times.  Put another way, Judah was the servant with one talent, we are the servant with five.  What does that mean for us?

MSS - Ezekiel 45-46

The Temple Vision continues.  This passage includes YHWH's portion of the land - that is, for the Temple, the Levites, and Jerusalem.  The portioning of the remaining land will come in the next passage, but we realized today that the reason Ezekiel gives this prophecy is due to the fact that the people would be so long out of the land that their inheritance within the land would be forgotten. 

MSS - Ezekiel 44

Our look into Ezekiel's Temple Vision continues as we are introduced briefly to "The Prince."  Is this the Messiah?  Is it the head of the Sanhedrin?  Is there another option? 
Also, we see the Levites and sons of Tzadok have roles to play - in a sacrificial system.  Yet, we are taught that the sacrificial system is done away with - how to explain this? 

MSS - Ezekiel 42-43 - The Temple Vision PT 3

The Temple Vision continues with the return of the Glory of God that left Solomon's Temple.  Now the questions begin - is this the 3rd Temple?  Will Sacrifices resume?  What about Yeshua being our sacrifice? 

MSS - Ezekiel 41 - The Temple Vision - Pt 2

Our look at Ezekiel's Temple vision moves into the Temple itself.  A short discussion on what a cherub looks like, and some architecture and Hebrew speculation, follows.  The reading isn't exciting, but the video and discussion was interesting. 
The video is a direct presentation from bibliaprint.com. 

MSS - Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision, Part 1

We begin the final leg of our Ezekiel journey with his vision of the Temple.  Kinda dry to read, but really interesting to apply.  Chapter 40 is part 1.

MSS - Ezekiel 38-39 Part II

When teaching prophecy one must have a framework in which to place each event - but how do you build that framework?  What do you do with data that doesn't seem to fit?  Most frameworks fudge the data.  Perhaps we should scrap that framework and search for the accurate one.

MSS - Ezekiel 38-39, Part I - Gog and Magog

Today we introduce the war of God and Magog by first trying to identify who they and their hosts are.  Kinda - our resources are pretty thin.

Message - The Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel 37

One of my earliest messages.  It's not going to go where you think!

MSS - Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones

This passage is not fulfilled in the founding of the modern nation of Israel in 1948.  Why not?

MSS - Ezekiel 35-36

In John 3 Yeshua admonishes Nicodemus, "You are a teacher in Israel and you don't understand these things (born again of water and Spirit)?"  This clearly implies that he should have always known these things; therefore, these things are recorded in the Old Testament.  Here it is, in Ezekiel - and throughout the Old Testament.

MSS - Ezekiel 34

We went quick on this one, but we could have filled a couple hours with cross-references to all things shepherd and sheep related.  Bottom line - the shepherds ordained by God - Cohen, Levite, King, Elder - were the wicked renters, and Yeshua is the Son who will be The Shepherd.  Great study today.

MSS - Ezekiel 33

Several powerful lessons from today's Scripture Study in Ezekiel, but mostly centered around repentance.  The biggest lesson - God takes no pleasure in destroying the wicked, He would rather everyone be saved.  This chapter could almost be placed in Romans.

MSS - Ezekiel 31-32

Judgment against Egypt Part 2.  We get a rather vivid picture of the judgment that awaits the proud, those who terrorize the living - lying slain among the uncircumcised.  Notably, someone is missing from these judgments.

MSS - Ezekiel 29-30

The Judgments of Egypt, Part 1. 
The Judgments of the nations around Judah wrap up with Egypt, which takes four chapters in Ezekiel.  We go through two today.  These judgments against Egypt begin with "the sea monster/dragon" who "made the Nile."  Is this Satan, perhaps as a metaphor like Liviathan?  Are the fish brought up from the river the gods of Egypt?  Interesting questions to consider in a passage that should find much fulfillment in the end times.

MSS - Ezekiel 26-28

All Tyre All The Time.  Judgment is pronounced on the city of Tyre - and it isn't hard to see the parallels to our nation today.  Can we avoid their fate? 

MSS - Ezekiel 24-25

In today's study we see Ezekiel using the death of his wife as a prophetic judgment against Jerusalem.  How sobering is that?  We are meant to apply these lessons in our lives - the one we kept saying today was quoting Paul: "If God didn't spare the natural branches, we won't spare you either."  Sobering indeed.  The study then continues to show the judgment against the surrounding nations who take pleasure in Jerusalem's destruction and Judah's exile.  The lesson for us?  Don't gloat over others' judgment.

MSS - Ezekiel 23

NSFW.  Wow.  One of the most illustrative and lewd chapters in Scripture, if not the most lewd.  Similar to Ezekiel 16 this chapter compares Israel and Judah with a pair of sisters defiled by harlotry - and things get graphic.  Also, an interesting connection to a famous incident in Israel's history that exists today in another form - the Sins of Jeroboam. 

MSS - Ezekiel 21-22

A constant theme throughout our study of Ezekiel has been applying the events and admonishments to ourselves, our nation, our culture, and our church.  These chapters are no different.  And the implications are very uncomfortable. 

And then, God asks a crazy question - where is the man who would do the right thing and OPPOSE Him?  Whatever could that mean?  Listen in to find out.

MSS - Ezekiel 20

There are times when God will not listen to you, He will not hear your prayers.  Why not?  How will that affect the way you live?  What are you going to do about it?  How much does this chapter in Ezekiel convict you?  Because it convicted us.

MSS - Ezekiel 18-19

"What is the Greatest Commandment?"  Yeshua replied, "Love YHWH your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two Commandments hang all the rest."  This principle is manifest today in our study of Ezekiel.  Also, prophecy often has more than one fulfillment - this too is on display in today's passage.

MSS - Ezekiel 15-16

NSFW.  That's the first thought we had when reading this brutal metaphor of Jerusalem's spiritual condition just prior to the Babylonian captivity.  Shockingly, Yeshua's generation wasn't any better.  Disturbingly, our generation isn't either.

MSS - Ezekiel 13-14

These chapters present an incredibly strong rebuke to the false prophets, false teachers, and insincere elders of Ezekiel's day.  God's admonishments to them are easily applied to us today, prompting us to ask the question: How do we know if a teacher is from God?  We use Peter's example to understand the answer.

MSS - Ezekiel 10-12

How far are you willing to go to demonstrate your commitment to God?  How much are you willing to compromise on, and how much compromise will God accept when Yeshua returns?  These are some of the questions we asked as we explored how this passage in Ezekiel applies to our lives.  Listen in to see our answers.

MSS - Ezekiel 8-9

In our prayers leading into study this morning we asked for understanding in how to apply the lessons from our study to our current lives.  As we studied, it was impressed upon us just how much we should view rebellion against God as an abomination - a disgusting, despicable practice.  We know the rest of the world is jumping into that rebellion, but as Jay points out today, we don't have to jump off that cliff with them.

MSS - Ezekiel 6-7

Ezekiel 6:4 -  So your altars will become desolate and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will make your slain fall in front of your idols.

Today's passage is set amidst prophecy of Jerusalem and the Temple being destroyed by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar.  Keep in mind that Ezekiel's prophecy occurs roughly a decade prior to that destruction, and that Ezekiel is already in captivity - the judgment of God is already being visited upon the people.  The time to repent is now - destruction is here now!  Yet, when the final destruction comes, the slain fall in front of their idols.  Why would they be in front of their idols at this time?  Sadly, because they were praying for deliverance from Babylon TO those idols.  Today we discuss this and wonder, when the final judgment comes upon our nation, what idols will we be slain in front of?

MSS - Ezekiel 4-5

Several theories abound to explain what the 390/40 year prophecy of Ezekiel 4 is about.  I can't help you with that - I have no idea, so we're going to put a pin in it and see what get revealed as we go forward.  However, the lesson of these chapters is picture clear - the Wrath of God is a terrible thing, and we should strive to avoid it at all costs.  God is right, we are wrong - this isn't just mere lip service, but something that must come from the heart.

MSS - Ezekiel 1-3

Our daily study moves into the book of Ezekiel.  We spend some time discussing Ezekiel's audience, and who today resembles the rebellious house of Israel who won't listen to Ezekiel nor God.

MSS-Malachi 3-4

We know that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah; today's passage begins and ends with the prophecies of Elijah's coming.  In between we see the continuing theme of the messengers of God - the Levites, the Priests, who stand between God and the people - and how they have fallen short but will be restored, along with the whole nation of Israel.  A powerful parallel can be drawn with Eli's sons - how do they relate to Malachi?  Take a listen and find out!

MSS - Malachi 1-2

"Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
Many know Paul writes this in his letter to the Romans, some know it comes from Malachi.  Fewer take the time to take a closer look at Malachi to see the context of this line.  Is there no path to redemption for the hated Esau?  We discuss this question, how it relates to us personally, and even have a short discussion on translation issues as we begin a short two-day trip through Malachi.

MSS - Matthew 28

We finish up the Gospel of Matthew with the Resurrection and the Great Commission, and then have a short discussion with the kids over the general themes of Matthew.  Rather quick today, and we look forward to the next book of study!

MSS - Matthew 27

That Messiah was to suffer and pay for our sins is a theme that can be found throughout the Tanakh, yet it was a theme the generation of Yeshua was unaware of, even during its direct fulfillment.  Their blindness is shocking - Yeshua even quotes Psalm 22 as he is dying and the onlookers were still completely unaware of it!  As we study Chapter 27 today we will also consider that Psalm Yeshua quotes.

MSS Matthew 26b

"Holy is Your Name."  How important is the Name of God?  The trial of Yeshua before Caiaphas hinges on this very question.  We discuss this and the rest of the arrest and trial of Yeshua from Matthew 26.

*Some technical difficulties required two videos, as the first video ends abruptly at a key moment and the second video picks up at the same spot.*

A More Noble Character

This is my most recent message, where I give a direct and hopefully convicting challenge.

MSS - Matthew 26a

Good Morning!

Ari noticed today as she followed along with our reading that I say "Yeshua" when the English text says "Jesus," and asked why I do that.  I was happy to explain.  We also talked about betrayal by those closest to you, bearing the illness of others, blood covenant, and the Hallel, among other things as we looked at the first half of Matthew 26.

MSS - Matthew 25

Too often Yeshua's words are treated as something revolutionary, astounding, paradigm shifting.  I say "too often" because of the mistaken belief that Yeshua was giving something new, unheard of.  Yet, time and time again, a little study reveals that Yeshua is restoring, not replacing, all things.  Many passages from Scripture could highlight Yeshua's parables of the ten virgins and the talents in Matthew 25; today we merely highlighted two, in Isaiah and Ezekiel. 

MSS - Matthew 24:29-51

Joel 2:12
“Yet even now,” declares YHWH,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to YHWH your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.

Joel here is speaking of the worst of the Tribulation, the worst of how things are going to be for this earth.  And yet even then, God keeps open the door to forgiveness and salvation.

And then Yeshua returns, and the door is closed.

Don't wait till the last moment.  You don't know when your last moment is going to be.  Repent now, rend your heart now, turn to YHWH now!  In this way you can be the faithful servant, dutifully fulfilling the will of your king, and will be richly awarded when he returns and sees your faithfulness!

Some Videos to Share

I'm just feeling like sharing these today.  Enjoy!

I also gotta share this one.  Funny, awesome - and if you think about it, terrible.  As much as I enjoyed seeing this video, this technology is going to be used against us in terrible ways.

MSS - Matthew 24:1-28

The abomination that causes desolation.  Daniel gave a prophecy about it.  Antiochus Epiphanes fulfilled that prophecy.  Yeshua affirms Daniel's prophecy as something that hasn't happened yet.  What gives?  We discuss this, false teachers, false christs, and seeking God with all our hearts as we begin our study of Matthew 24.

MSS - Matthew 23 - Woe to you Pharisees, hypocrites!

Too often we see the Pharisees as the ultimate bad guys - and completely miss that they represented the righteous ones in Judea during the 1st century.  Yet, despite their "righteousness", they fell short of the kingdom of heaven.  Why?  Yeshua spells it out rather succinctly in this 23rd chpater of Matthew.  

MSS - Matthew 22b

A couple days ago we read in Matthew 21 how the chief priests and elders demanded of Yeshua where he got his authority to throw out the money changers from.  Several parables and few disingenuous Scripture questions later, Yeshua points to David giving the answer to their question.  Psalm 110 - YHWH said to my Lord (the Son of David), "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies beneath your feet."  God is a living God, not wood and stone, not some concept for despots to use for their advantage - and YHWH is His Name, forever, a memorial to all generations.  (Exodus 3:13-15)  We discuss these things and more today as we wrap up Matthew 22.

MSS - Matthew 21b - 22a

It's Passion Week, Yeshua has thrown out the money changers, and, enraged, the chief priests and elders - on whose authority the money changers were present - want to know by what authority Yeshua operates.  In the parables that follow, Yeshua demonstrates clearly that these authorities have … well, listen in and find out!

MSS - Matthew 21 Part 1

Matthew 21 proves to need more than a half hour plus to cover, so we'll just do a part one today.  It's an action packed part one though, as we talk about Yeshua entering Jerusalem on a donkey's colt, throwing out money changers, Gentiles keeping the Sabbath, and so much more.

MSS - Matthew 20

Chapter 20 begins with the Parable of the Vineyard, but we start with a short review of the 2nd half of Chapter 19 as the concepts tie directly together with today's study.  We also point out how some of our daily routines are anti-biblical - will we change them?  Or will we just go with the flow, stay with the crowd, choose the way of the present age over the Way of God's Word?  Never forget to consider how every passage of Scripture applies to your everyday lives.

The Chronology of Passion Week

There was all kinds of technical and human difficulties this morning, so our Morning Scripture Study will take a day off.  Matthew Chapter 20 is where we are at in our study and this is where the Passion Week begins.  I did a message on this topic a few months ago and posted it here for all to follow.  As we go forward we will focus more on the events and teaching within that week but having the context of it's chronology can be very good.  I hope you enjoy.

MSS - Matthew 19

How committed are you in your relationships?  Certain relationships require complete dedication, a point Yeshua drives home in Matthew 19.  And the most important of these is our relationship with YHWH and with His Son, Yeshua, our king, our Messiah.  Whatever we may lose in turning to God, it pales in comparison to what we gain in the world to come - a shadow of which is presented for us in the portion of Scripture we end with today. 

MSS Matthew 18

This morning's study focused a great deal on forgiveness and bringing back the one who stumbles and is lost.  Also, judging rightly, suffer the little children, and what is the Kingdom of Heaven?

MSS Matthew 17

"This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased! Listen to him!"  With these words, God establishes that not only is Yeshua His Son, but also is the Prophet promised through Moses in Deuteronomy 18.  We discuss how that is so and continue with John the Baptist coming in the spirit of Elijah and paying temple taxes.  There's more here than you think!  Enjoy!

MSS - Matthew 16

Once again the Pharisees and Sadducees ask for a sign, and once again Yeshua gives them the sign of Jonah.  You know, there is more to that sign than three days and three nights!

We also discuss the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Peter first acknowledging Yeshua as Messiah and then rebuking him, and what it means to take up your cross.  We pray you are edified today!

MSS - Matthew 15

"They honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me,
teaching as doctrine the precepts of men."

The theme of Yeshua's ministry as presented in Matthew continues here in the 15th chapter - that is, the heart produces the actions of a person, and if that heart is wicked, adulterous, and arrogant, then the action produced is vain honor from lying lips, perverse usage of God's Commandments, and elevation of man-made tradition.  But if one mourns their sin, acknowledges their guilt before God, humbles themselves in their heart, then their blindness is healed, their hearing is restored, and their mourning is comforted.  A ritual from an unclean heart is worthless.

MSS - Matthew 14

Don't make hasty vows, let your yes be yes and your no be no.  Yeshua makes this point in The Sermon on the Mount, and here we see a tragic example of why when John the Baptist is beheaded.

We also see the feeding of the 5,000 and Yeshua walking on water.  How awesome is it to know that Yeshua's miracles weren't just miracles for the sake of miracles, but that they had significant purpose behind them.  We reference a previous message on the 5,000, that's posted below.

MSS - Matthew 13b The Wheat and the Tares

We continue today with our study of Matthew 13, which appears to be a collection of Yeshua's parables about parables.  Parables within parables.  Parable inception!

Today's study begins with Psalm 73 and also spends some time in Psalm 78.  I encourage everyone to take some time to work through these Psalms and see how they relate to today's study, and also how they relate to our lives today.

Also, consider what your treasure is, and what you will pay to achieve that treasure.

MSS - Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Sower

We are used to an hour to an hour and a half study every morning at home, but putting that into a video to watch may be a bit too long.  Our goal this morning was to limit the video to a single half hour - it went a little longer but I think it'll be fine.  Still thinking about the audio, not sure yet how to address that but will continue to work on things. 

The important part, of course, is the actual message.  We ended up asking and answering the question:  "Why do they have eyes and not see, and ears and not hear?"  A few other tidbits thrown in there as well and I felt we had a real good study.   Enjoy!

MSS - Matthew 12

The audio quality needs work but we can still follow along.  We really enjoyed this morning's study, hope you guys do also.

MSS - Matthew 11

With some family going out of state for an indefinite amount of time, we decided to start recording our Morning Scripture Study so that they can keep up with our normal routine.  We'll likely play with the format to adjust to making these daily studies into videos, so expect to see changes until we find a happy routine.  We'll begin by posting our Matthew study where we are now at chapter 11.  We'll hopefully pick up the Prophets study soon.