Lessons

Our Three Most Important Relationships

Part 5 – Additional Insights

This additional episode to the four-part series Body-Soul-Spirit gathers some additional scriptural insights into this important topic. Here we will discuss the process of salvation - past, present & future - and how it corresponds to the spirit, soul and body. We will also look again at the two Hebrew words for 'soul' and what they reveal about our identity. How do our physical appetites affect our ability to grasp spiritual truths? We address these and other questions in this fascinating episode.

Psalm 51

Psalm 51 is sometimes called The Chapter of Repentance. David composed this psalm when the prophet Nathan rebuked him regarding his sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah. As tragic as David's sin was, it did result in a psalm that provides a path to proper repentance. In this study we will answer the question: is all sin the same? Why did David say that his sin was against God alone? What good did David hope would result from this dark chapter in his life? What part of this psalm has become of the daily prayer liturgy?

Psalm 50

Asaph was the second most prolific psalmist, coming second only behind David. Psalm 50 is the first of the twelve psalms of Asaph, but why is it separated from the other eleven? Those are grouped together as Psalms 73-83. Why did the arrangers of the book of Psalms place this psalm of Asaph right here between Psalms 49 and 51? Join us as we look into Asaph's profound words about God's judgment of His people and the two kinds of sins each of us is prone to fall into.

How Does God Destroy His Enemies?

The Scriptures frequently mention God's destruction of His enemies. Yet God's means of destruction may not be what you think! There are a dozen different Hebrew words for 'destroy' in the Bible, and they all have multiple shadings of meanings - shadings that affect the way the Bible uses them. Join us for a fascinating and enlightening journey through this important topic.

Soul Clutter

Psalm 49

This final psalm of the Sons of Korach is one of the most difficult to translate. It is traditionally believed to describe Korach's wealth, which led to his eventual rebellion and downfall. The authors refer to this psalm as a 'proverb' and a 'riddle', but one truth comes shining through: wealth is a great hindrance to serving God fully from the heart.

Interview w/Avery, Ethan & Charlotte Smith

Pirkei Avot (Part 2)

Psalm 48

Psalm 48 is a love song for Jerusalem and is part of the daily prayers for the second day of the week - Monday. Why was this psalm about Jerusalem chosen to be read on the second day of the week, a day know as "division day" - the only day of creation when God did not say "it is good"? Also, how did Jerusalem get its name? We address these and others questions that arise from a close reading of this beautiful and well known psalm.

Pirkei Avot (Part 1)

Psalm 47

Have you ever thought about why we clap our hands? Why is smacking one open hand against the other such an instinctual thing in human beings? There is actually a very spiritual reason for this universal behavior. As we dive into Psalm 47, we will answer this question and look into the kind of people who will join themselves to "the God of Abraham" in the end times. Join us for a fascinating study of this short but powerful psalm.

The Foolishness of God

What did Paul mean by the phrase "the foolishness of God"? And what do a corpse and a fool have in common with Yeshua? Also, why is a hanging corpse called "a curse of God"? You will find some fascinating answers to these questions in this episode of The Hebrew Key -- a series in which we discover how Hebrew unlocks deep insights into God's Word.

Steve Meeks

Psalm 46

Do you sometimes feel like this world is being shaken to pieces? Do the institutions and values that were always so stable and dependable seem like they are falling into ruins? If so, this is a psalm that will provide great comfort. This psalm actually counsels us to relax as God has everything covered. There is no need for us to start worrying until God does. (And that just isn't going to happen!)

The Half Shekel

The Torah's description of the annual half-shekel tax is one of those details that ... well ... seems a bit boring. But since every "jot and tittle" of the Torah has spiritual significance, what is God trying to tell us through this obscure detail? Come along on a journey that will take us to an encounter with Peter, Yeshua, and a very strange fish.

The Four Questions

Psalm 45

Psalm 45 is the only love song in the entire book of Psalms. It is the Messiah's wedding song. The first half describes the King and His attributes. The second half describes the Queen and her beauty. Join us for a preview of the goal of creation, the ultimate fulfillment of end-times prophecy, and God's purpose for mankind as we explore this glorious and beautiful psalm.

Psalm 44

Psalm 44 is unusual. Though it resembles other psalms that decry Israel's suffering and persecution from the nations, this psalm has a completely different twist to it. Whereas other psalms attribute God's anger to human failure, this one is just the opposite. Why does God's punishment befall us when we have not sinned nor broken His covenant? In fact, why do the past and the future appeal to us while the present seems so miserable? The Apostle Paul provides valuable insight into this psalm, so In this study we place Psalm 44 and Romans 8 side by side to produce a beautiful insight into why the present seems so difficult.

The Power of Questions

Psalm 43

This short psalm is a continuation of Psalm 42 and should be read along with it. It continues the psalmist's conversation with his own soul as he conquers depression.

Psalm 42

With Psalm 42 we begin the second book of Psalms - The Exodus Book - which opens with eight psalms penned by the sons of Korah. Both this psalm and the following one are unusual because the psalmist addresses his own soul by asking it questions and offering it advice. But how can such a thing be? What is this bizarre ability that we human beings have of talking to ourselves? And if I can talk to myself, who is actually doing the talking and who is doing the listening? We tackle these and other questions as we delve into this wonderful psalm.

The 20 Commandments

Psalm 41

Psalm 41 brings the first book (the "Genesis Book") of Psalms to completion. In this study, we discover five promises God makes to the person who is thoughtful toward the poor. We also discover how easy it is for a person to fall into occult practice through nothing more than whispering inappropriately. We finish with an analysis of the roof of "shalom" and what the word "Amen" means.

The Train of His Robe

In this episode of The Hebrew Key we look at a unique word that is used only six times in the Torah, all in the context of the High Priest's clothing. But the seventh appearance of this word is in Isaiah's vision of God's throne room. But, for some reason, it is always translated differently. Follow along as we discover some fascinating connections found only in the Hebrew Bible.

The Father of the Bride

Psalm 40

After two very bleak psalms (38-39), David at last experiences the fruit of his long waiting for God. In this study, we gain insight into the dynamics (and the universal experience) of having to wait upon God. We also see what the various sacrifices point to and the kind of sacrifice God wants from us. We look into the book of Hebrews and the intriguing way the author purposefully misquotes this psalm. Then we finish with the five things that David purposed to proclaim throughout the remainder of his life.

Male & Female Dynamics

Not Too Close & Not Too Far

Psalm 39

Psalm 38

Psalms 37-41 are sometimes called David's "Job" moment as he suffered at God's hand. This psalm, along with the next three, provide a window into suffering, pain, doubt, and depression. It poignantly describes the believer in God who is suffering under God's silence. Though a surface reading of Psalm 37 can be depressing, a deeper reading provides great comfort and hope in that we can begin to realize that our experience is by no means unique. As you read this psalm and watch this teaching, may you be comforted in your own pain, disappointment, and loneliness. You are not alone.

Part 4 – The Spiritual Believer

Paul describes three kinds of believers: the fleshly believer, the soulish believer, and the spiritual believer. Which one are you? Which one do you want to be? And how do you get there? In this teaching, we look at the scriptural principles that will help us to become the people God wants us to be.

Part 3 – The Soul-Spirit Connection

It has been said that we are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but spiritual beings on a human journey. The Scriptures speak often about the human soul and the human spirit. In fact, Hebrew 4:12 states, "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit…" Why is it important for this division to occur? What is the difference between the soul and the spirit? Should the soul and the spirit always be divided? And what are the dangers of not dividing between these two parts of our inner essence? This may be one of the most important teachings on the Torah Today Ministries website, so please download the notes and follow along as we continue to learn about how we humans can navigate this spiritual journey that we all are on.

Part 2 – The Body-Soul Connection

This four-part series covers one of the last understood topics in the Bible. Though the Scriptures discuss the body, soul, and spirit in detail, it is rarely taught upon in most faith communities. The concepts presented here are foundational for a clear understanding of God's work of salvation and restoration of the human being. (The material presented here grew out of a series of teachings first presented at a conference held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in August 2023.)

Surviving the Storm