The Torah's Message and Application for our Lives
Published: Mar 29, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey through the foundational teachings of the Torah with our 10-part video series. Delve into the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures from a Messianic Jewish perspective, unraveling the profound messages and uncovering their relevance for our lives today. Each engaging episode explores key Torah passages, providing historical context, linguistic insights, and practical applications within the framework of Messianic beliefs. Whether you're new to the Torah or seeking a deeper understanding, join us in discovering the richness of this sacred text and its enduring impact on our spiritual journey. From prophecies to commandments, our course aims to illuminate the profound connection between the Torah and the Messianic faith, fostering a meaningful and holistic approach to biblical study and application in our daily lives.
Total course time: 20 hours and 51 minutes
- 11:43:37Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 1: What in the World Do We Do with the Law?
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell introduces the course on the Torah and its significance in the lives of believers. He begins by sharing his personal journey, growing up in a Jewish family and later coming to faith in Yeshua, which brought new questions about the role of the Torah in the life of a believer. Dr. Postell sets the tone for the course by addressing common questions about Torah observance, such as keeping the Sabbath and kosher laws, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the Torah not merely as a law book, but as a storybook that leads to the Messiah. This episode lays the foundation for exploring how the Torah points to Yeshua and what it means to follow its teachings as believers. - 22:09:57Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 2: Studying the Torah from a Literary Approach
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell discusses the importance of reading the Torah as a unified book rather than as separate, disconnected texts. He emphasizes that the Torah is not merely a law book but a carefully crafted narrative that leads to the promise of the New Covenant. Dr. Postell explains the significance of understanding the literary and theological structure of the Torah and how it points to the coming Messiah, Yeshua. He challenges traditional views of the Torah by encouraging a deeper exploration of its themes, such as covenant, redemption, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. - 32:07:27Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 3: Discovering Narrative Analogy in the Hebrew Bible
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell introduces the concept of "narrative analogy," a literary device used to draw parallels between different biblical stories. He explains how understanding these analogies helps readers uncover deeper meanings in Scripture, connecting events and characters across both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Dr. Postell contrasts this method with typology, emphasizing that narrative analogy focuses on real historical events rather than allegorical or symbolic interpretations. He uses examples like the parallels between Moses and Noah to illustrate how biblical narratives intentionally echo one another to highlight key theological themes. - 42:10:14Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 4: Faith vs No Faith in the Sinai Narrative
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell continues his exploration of the Torah, focusing on how the narrative from Genesis to Deuteronomy serves as a prophetic picture of Israel’s history. He explains how the Garden of Eden symbolizes the Promised Land and how the exile of Adam and Eve foreshadows Israel's exile from the land. Dr. Postell draws parallels between Adam’s disobedience and Israel’s failure to keep the covenant, emphasizing that the Torah itself anticipates Israel’s eventual disobedience and exile. He also explores how the hope for restoration and a new covenant is embedded in the Torah’s conclusion, pointing to the need for a circumcised heart and the ultimate redemption through the Messiah. - 52:15:28Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 5: Discovering the Importance of the Biblical Feasts
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell focuses on the biblical festivals outlined in Leviticus 23, examining how they point to the Messiah and are fulfilled in Yeshua (Jesus). He emphasizes the importance of understanding the festivals as part of God's divine calendar, each one revealing aspects of God’s redemptive plan. Dr. Postell explains the prophetic significance of the spring and fall festivals, starting with Passover and moving through the Feast of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost, all leading to the ultimate fulfillment in the future. This episode sets the stage for a deeper study of how these appointed times align with key events in the life of Yeshua and God's plan for redemption. - 62:06:52Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 6: Blessing in the Seams & the Messianic Hope
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell focuses on the overarching theme of blessings in the Torah, explaining how the narrative is framed by the concept of God's blessings and curses. He emphasizes how Genesis begins with the blessing of creation and ends with Moses blessing the twelve tribes in Deuteronomy. Dr. Postell explains how the blessings bestowed upon Abraham are intended to counteract the curses introduced through sin, setting the stage for God’s redemptive plan through the seed of Abraham. He also contrasts the inner curses of disobedience found throughout the Torah with the outer framework of blessings, highlighting how this structure points to God’s ultimate plan to overcome curses through the Messiah. - 72:03:07Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 7: Uncovering the Prophet like Moses
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell delves into the significance of Moses as a central figure in both the Torah and the prophetic writings. He explores how Moses is portrayed not just as a leader and lawgiver but as a figure who foreshadows the coming of the Messiah. Dr. Postell introduces the concept of the "prophet like Moses" as mentioned in Deuteronomy, emphasizing how this theme connects both the Torah and the former prophets as a unified historical and theological narrative. He also discusses how key biblical figures, including Joshua and other prophets, are compared to Moses but ultimately do not surpass him, setting the stage for the anticipated arrival of the true prophet like Moses. - 82:14:57Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 8: How does the Function of the Law Apply to us Today
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell delves into the relationship between the Torah and the New Testament, emphasizing the Torah's role as a guide that leads to Yeshua. He addresses common misconceptions about the Torah being primarily a book of laws and argues that its ultimate purpose is eschatological, pointing toward the coming of the Messiah. Dr. Postell explores the idea that the Torah is prophetic in nature, highlighting its focus on the hope of redemption and restoration through the Messiah. He also explains how the Torah anticipates Israel’s disobedience and the need for a new covenant that would be written on the hearts of God’s people. - 91:44:14Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 9: How the Torah Guides Us to Love, Wisdom, and God's Promise
In this episode, Dr. Seth Postell addresses the complex nature of the Torah’s laws and how they reveal God’s unchanging character. He emphasizes that while certain laws, such as those related to ritual purity or the priesthood, are no longer binding under the New Covenant, they still provide valuable insights into who God is. Dr. Postell explores the holiness of God as a central theme, showing how the Torah teaches believers about God's expectations of holiness and purity. He also discusses the importance of understanding the theological foundation of the Torah, which prepares the way for the Messiah, Yeshua, and the New Covenant. - 102:16:06Dr. Seth Postell
Lesson 10: Messianic Jewish Identity & the Hebrew Roots Movement
In this final episode, Dr. Seth Postell reflects on the course, delving into the significance of Jewish identity within the church and the Hebrew roots movement. He shares personal stories about maintaining Jewish traditions, such as circumcision, and emphasizes that Jewish believers can still honor their heritage while embracing faith in Yeshua. Dr. Postell tackles misunderstandings about Jewish identity in the church, arguing that it holds a crucial testimony to God's faithfulness to Israel. The episode closes with reflections on the one new humanity in Messiah, where both Jews and Gentiles are united in God's love and promises.
