In today's lesson, we dive into the ancient and enduring methods used by both Judaism and Christianity to interpret the sacred texts of the Bible.

Throughout history, scholars and spiritual leaders have recognized that Scripture offers layers of meaning that can only be unlocked through diverse approaches to interpretation.

In this video, we introduce the four levels of interpretation, revealing how each layer offers unique insights into the divine messages contained within the Bible.

The tradition of examining scripture across these four levels has been a cornerstone in the spiritual teachings of both faiths, aiming to enrich the congregation's understanding of God, Christ, and the Bible. Every level is a step on the spiritual ladder, drawing us closer to the divine from the literal to the mystical.

However, the challenge of interpretation is evident. Not all scripture can or should be taken at face value, especially regarding narratives, the poetry of the Psalms, or the prophetic imagery. A literal interpretation can sometimes obscure the deeper truths that guide us in our spiritual journey. This is particularly true for parables, which are not mere stories but profound lessons wrapped in fiction designed to reveal hidden truths about God's kingdom.

At the heart of our exploration today is the mystical or anagogical level of interpretation, derived from the Greek word 'Anagoge,' meaning to ascend or climb. This level invites us to engage with scripture on a spiritual plane, where our soul strives for a mystical union with our divine Bridegroom.

Join us as we explore the significance of reading Biblical stories through each of these levels, understanding that it's not just about intellectual knowledge but about allowing our spirits to be drawn ever closer to God.

This lesson is not just an academic exercise; it's a spiritual journey aimed at deepening our connection with the divine through the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity.
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Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of scripture or looking for ways to enhance your spiritual practice, this video will offer valuable insights into the multifaceted ways of engaging with the Bible. 

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​In the Gospel of John, scholars identify a foundational literary structure known as the "Mystical Way" or the "Mystical Path." 

This path represents the journey toward the ultimate desire of mystics—the profound union with God. 

John's approach to guiding believers towards this union is subtly integrated into his gospel, utilizing selective narratives rather than explicit declarations. 

For John, achieving union with God involves an enlightening process that bestows "New Life" upon the faithful. 

Followers of Jesus within John's community are encouraged to embark on this path, which promises a gradual but continuous drawing closer to God as the true essence of reality unfolds before them.

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In today's session, we dive into the intriguing world of Mystical Judaism and explore a unique technique known as Gematria.

Gematria is a profound method for exploring the depths of the Hebrew scripture, revealing hidden connections within God's cosmos.

Join us as we uncover the mystical significance of Gematria, which harnesses the dynamic nature of the Hebrew alphabet, encompassing letters, numbers, and symbolic meaning.

We will focus on the Gospel of John, a profound mystical text where John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God."

Discover the profound connection between Jesus' name in Hebrew and the phrase "Lamb of God."
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Remarkably, these two hold an equal numerical value, showcasing the divine connection between Jesus and His role as the Lamb of God for the entire world.

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** This lesson was originally recorded in November 2020 **

Is your relationship with God based on fear or Love?

As it turns out this will affect how we interact with God as well as how we view others who are made in the "image of God." 

God is a gracious, merciful, loving God, who wants us to take risks in the name of building his kingdom. 

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** This lesson was originally recorded in November, 2020**

​The Parable of the Minas is a complex parable that even includes reference to a historical event involving Herod Archelaus. 

With this parable, Jesus calls us to live with the highest level of responsibility towards the resources that have been given to us. 

God is a good King who wants us to take risks to expand his kingdom.

If the wicked king rewards the servant who takes risks, how much more will a good King reward us for trying! 

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In the Greek language, the word "baptize" takes on a fascinating range of meanings, from a short-term "to dip" to a more extended "to dye" as in coloring clothing. But the truest sense of its meaning lies within the context of the verse.
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Within the New Testament, baptize or baptism can mean to dip (short-term) or to dye, as in clothing (long-term). 

Within the context of the long-term process of making a disciple, it appears that the 'baptizing' we find in Matthew 28:19 should be interpreted on the longer-term end of the scale. 

An example of this can be found within Greek literature and has to do with pickling a vegetable. Pickling involves the immersion – baptism- into an agent that permanently changes the vegetable. What was once a cucumber is now a pickle. 

This is the essence of Baptizing when it comes to making a disciple. The agent of change is the 'reality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.' 

When we immerse an individual in the long-term process of becoming a disciple, the result is a permanent change that cannot be undone. 
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Join us in this lesson as we explore the profound meaning of the word Baptizing in the context of making a disciple.

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​In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples. But what exactly is a disciple? What was Jesus envisioning when He gave us this command? How did discipleship take shape within the unique context of the first-century world in which Jesus lived?

In this lesson, we will delve into the essence of discipleship and uncover what it meant to be a disciple within the framework of the first-century Rabbi-disciple model.  

The answer will likely surprise you. 

During the first century, individuals typically embarked on their journey as disciples around the age of fifteen. By the age of thirty, they often ascended to the esteemed position of a Rabbi and began making their own disciples. It's worth noting that according to Luke, Jesus commenced His ministry at thirty. 

Consequently, this would mean that the disciples who walked alongside Him were, in essence, teenagers! This fact may challenge some preconceived notions.

Two key factors contribute to the misconception surrounding the age of Jesus' disciples. Firstly, there's a gap in our understanding of the cultural context of the first-century Rabbi-disciple dynamic in Israel during Jesus's time. Secondly, historical art representations have often depicted Jesus and His disciples as aging, balding men in their sixties or seventies—a far cry from reality.

Join us on this journey as we explore the significance of making disciples of Jesus and why the first-century Rabbi-disciple model holds the power to profoundly impact God's kingdom and the world.

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Welcome to our series on the Great Commission – or should we say, "The Great Omission?" Join us as we explore a fresh perspective on Matthew 28:19-20, a passage that has shaped the mindset and mission of many Christians.
 
Is it possible that we've been misreading this important scripture? Could scholars like Dallas Willard be onto something when they suggest calling it "The Great Omission" instead? 

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus doesn't necessarily command us to go; He calls for making disciples. It's a subtle but significant difference, and it's where the challenge lies.

In many churches, mission work often centers on the idea of going to various places to spread the Gospel. While this is undoubtedly important, sometimes the emphasis on "go" overshadows the vital aspect of "making disciples." 

We're here to explore this unintended omission in our approach to the Great Commission. We'll challenge traditional interpretations, reexamine the text, and consider the positive impact a renewed understanding could have on Christianity and the world.

Join us as we uncover the heart of the Great Commission and discover how we can live it out in a way that aligns with both the spirit and the letter of Jesus' command.

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​Today's lesson delves into the relationship between Jesus, the cosmos, and the Myth of the Eternal Return. Ancient religions often perceived the cosmos as an endless cycle.

They believed that, periodically, everything must revert to its original chaotic state from the dawn of time, only to be reborn or regenerated. 

Regrettably, the ancient mind was ensnared by this ceaseless loop. 

Enter the Old Testament, and subsequently, Jesus and the New Testament. Through the Scriptures, God beckons humanity to break free from this vast cycle and advance towards a brighter future. 

Within Christianity, the idea of cosmic regeneration shifts focus to the spiritual rebirth of the individual. 

With this rebirth, an unprecedented freedom emerges.

This profound message stood in stark contrast to the dominion of the Caesars in the Roman Empire. Jesus represents the true judge and savior of the cosmos. The alleviation of historical guilt stands as a testament to God's restorative power.

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​Mark employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to unveil the true nature of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Inclusio functions as a literary framework, where the author strategically places a central concept at the beginning and end of their work, indicating that everything contained within serves to reinforce this central idea.

The Gospel of Mark is a piece of apocalyptic literature that illuminates the nature of God's cosmos and Jesus as the Messiah. Mark's inclusio vividly illustrates the revelatory essence of the work, as it tears open the "heavens" for us to glimpse beyond the confines of our earthly existence.

Join us on this journey as we delve into how Mark utilizes this unique literary device to demonstrate that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

In this lesson, we delve into the profound essence of a Hebrew word often translated as “to bear” or “to bring Good News.” Hebrew, as the foundational language of the Bible and the Israelites, is both dynamic and richly mystical. Those acquainted with Western traditions might find themselves surprised by the depths the Hebrew letters and words can reach. 

The Rabbis believed that every aspect of the Hebrew Alphabet, along with the words that emerged from it, had a divine origin. Each subtlety in a word, whether in its phonetic similarity to another or its derivation from a root verb, carries profound significance. 

Such is the case with the Hebrew verb for “to bring the Good News” and the nouns associated with it. Given that all Hebrew nouns stem from a root verb, it's intriguing to see how at deeper, sometimes mysterious levels, the meanings of two English words, which may appear unrelated, are profoundly interconnected. 
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Exploring these intricate facets of the Hebrew language can steer us towards a deeper comprehension of the kingdom's mysteries.

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