Roots of Faith » Podcasts http://rootsoffaith.org A Synagogue Without Walls - Preaching Moses Every Sabbath Sat, 19 May 2012 19:51:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Copyright by Roots of Faith 2006 - 2012 rndavar@aol.com (Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols) rndavar@aol.com (Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols) Hebrew Bible Torah Jewish Roots 1440 http://rootsoffaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/RootsOfFaith-logo-144x144.png Roots of Faith http://rootsoffaith.org 144 144 Roots of Faith A Synagogue Without Walls - Preaching Moses Every Sabbath Hebrew, Bible, Torah, Roots, Tanach, Faith Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols rndavar@aol.com no no The Sabbaths – Their Deeper Meaning http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/19/the-sabbaths-their-deeper-meaning.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/19/the-sabbaths-their-deeper-meaning.htm#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 19:51:48 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1340 In this week’s teaching Ross again focuses on the true meaning of Shabbat. At the conclusion of Leviticus we learn that all of creation anticipates a coming rest. Ross shows that while most are familiar with the idea of Sabbath, the Torah speaks of a deeper meaning for this set apart time. In this class Ross teaches on the Sabbath of the land and of the Jubilee year. He works through the Torah to show that Sabbath is as much for others as it is for each of us. Our obligation to help the poor is also a key in this teaching.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/19/the-sabbaths-their-deeper-meaning.htm/feed 0 1:11:19 In this week’s teaching Ross again focuses on the true meaning of Shabbat. At the conclusion of Leviticus we learn that all of creation anticipates a coming rest. Ross shows that while most are familiar with the idea of Sabbath, the Torah spea[...] In this week’s teaching Ross again focuses on the true meaning of Shabbat. At the conclusion of Leviticus we learn that all of creation anticipates a coming rest. Ross shows that while most are familiar with the idea of Sabbath, the Torah speaks of a deeper meaning for this set apart time. In this class Ross teaches on the Sabbath of the land and of the Jubilee year. He works through the Torah to show that Sabbath is as much for others as it is for each of us. Our obligation to help the poor is also a key in this teaching. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no A Word For Priests http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/12/a-word-for-priests.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/12/a-word-for-priests.htm#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 19:10:42 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1331 In this week’s class Ross continues his teaching through the holiness code. His focus in this class is a message to the priests, but he places special emphasis on the House of Israel – the descendants of the northern Kingdom who abandoned their mission and are now beginning to awaken. Ross shows that the priestly mission is still in force and that the departure can be traced to a violation of the rules given by Moses to the Priestly nation. In this class, Ross shows that the repetition of a single word may provide clues to the source of the problems with the priestly nation. The Hebrew word is typically translated as “desecrate”. There are 11 examples of this word in the Torah Reading known as “Emor”. The most serious form of desecration is the desecration of the name of God. Ross shows examples from the Torah and the prophets and provides a charge to the wakening priests of what they should be doing now. You will not want to miss this class.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/12/a-word-for-priests.htm/feed 0 1:17:10 In this week’s class Ross continues his teaching through the holiness code. His focus in this class is a message to the priests, but he places special emphasis on the House of Israel – the descendants of the northern Kingdom who abandone[...] In this week’s class Ross continues his teaching through the holiness code. His focus in this class is a message to the priests, but he places special emphasis on the House of Israel – the descendants of the northern Kingdom who abandoned their mission and are now beginning to awaken. Ross shows that the priestly mission is still in force and that the departure can be traced to a violation of the rules given by Moses to the Priestly nation. In this class, Ross shows that the repetition of a single word may provide clues to the source of the problems with the priestly nation. The Hebrew word is typically translated as “desecrate”. There are 11 examples of this word in the Torah Reading known as “Emor”. The most serious form of desecration is the desecration of the name of God. Ross shows examples from the Torah and the prophets and provides a charge to the wakening priests of what they should be doing now. You will not want to miss this class. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no The Way of Holiness http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/05/the-way-of-holiness.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/05/the-way-of-holiness.htm#comments Sat, 05 May 2012 19:32:54 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1327 In this week’s class Ross covers the Torah’s view of holiness. For many people, holiness is something that is beyond human grasp. Our culture has redefined the concept of holy as something for another world and another life, but according to the Torah holiness is attainable here and now. It is a command, a requirement. Across the ages, God has called on His people to walk on the “good way” and yet there has been a refusal on the part of the people to walk in His ways. Ross sets out to show from the Hebrew Bible and especially from what is called the holiness code, that Good Way among the ancient paths. This week we begin to make a transition from ritual to ethical. You will not want to miss this teaching as it orients us towards a way that is achievable in the here and now – on earth. Be Holy! It is our task. It is our mission.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/05/05/the-way-of-holiness.htm/feed 0 1:14:15 In this week’s class Ross covers the Torah’s view of holiness. For many people, holiness is something that is beyond human grasp. Our culture has redefined the concept of holy as something for another world and another life, but accordin[...] In this week’s class Ross covers the Torah’s view of holiness. For many people, holiness is something that is beyond human grasp. Our culture has redefined the concept of holy as something for another world and another life, but according to the Torah holiness is attainable here and now. It is a command, a requirement. Across the ages, God has called on His people to walk on the “good way” and yet there has been a refusal on the part of the people to walk in His ways. Ross sets out to show from the Hebrew Bible and especially from what is called the holiness code, that Good Way among the ancient paths. This week we begin to make a transition from ritual to ethical. You will not want to miss this teaching as it orients us towards a way that is achievable in the here and now – on earth. Be Holy! It is our task. It is our mission. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Diet and Other Things That Matter http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/21/diet-and-other-things-that-matter.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/21/diet-and-other-things-that-matter.htm#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:37:35 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1322 In this week’s teaching Ross covers Torah reading Shemini. Ross shows that this Torah portion and the associated teaching from the prophets make it clear that drawing near to God must be in accordance with what has been commanded in the Torah. He uses the examples of Nadav and Avihu from the Torah and Uzzah from the prophet reading to illustrate that when one draws near in a way contrary to what has been commanded, the results are not good. One of the key points in this teaching deals with Diet. Many have been taught that the dietary laws are no longer relevant. Is this the case? Is it true that diet does not matter? This teaching makes it clear that according to the Hebrew Bible, many of the things that people have been taught don’t matter, are actually very important according to God. You will not want to miss this class.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/21/diet-and-other-things-that-matter.htm/feed 0 1:12:42 In this week’s teaching Ross covers Torah reading Shemini. Ross shows that this Torah portion and the associated teaching from the prophets make it clear that drawing near to God must be in accordance with what has been commanded in the Torah.[...] In this week’s teaching Ross covers Torah reading Shemini. Ross shows that this Torah portion and the associated teaching from the prophets make it clear that drawing near to God must be in accordance with what has been commanded in the Torah. He uses the examples of Nadav and Avihu from the Torah and Uzzah from the prophet reading to illustrate that when one draws near in a way contrary to what has been commanded, the results are not good. One of the key points in this teaching deals with Diet. Many have been taught that the dietary laws are no longer relevant. Is this the case? Is it true that diet does not matter? This teaching makes it clear that according to the Hebrew Bible, many of the things that people have been taught don’t matter, are actually very important according to God. You will not want to miss this class. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no The Greater Exodus http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/14/the-greater-exodus.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/14/the-greater-exodus.htm#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:19:32 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1318 In this class Ross presents the second of a two part series covering five themes of the Passover season. This week Ross focuses on the last two themes – (1) The defeat of the enemies of God and the enemies of His people, and (2) A Coming Second Exodus. Whereas the first three provide us with keys to prepare, the last two illustrate what the future deliverance will look like. Ross researched the earliest records of ancient sermons preached in the old synagogues to find and share prophetic passages associated with the final days of Passover. He covers the theme of a Greater Exodus that is to come. This prophesied return of Israel from all nations is the MAJOR theme of all the prophets, mentioned in over 40 separate sections throughout the Hebrew Bible. This coming exodus will overshadow the former exodus. Ross works through some of the key passages dealing with the in-gathering of the exiles.

The photo is of Jewish immigrants returning to the land of their fathers and was taken in 1930. What will be so miraculous as to overshadow the Exodus from Egypt? The return of Israel from all the nations into which they were driven! You will not want to miss this teaching!

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/14/the-greater-exodus.htm/feed 0 1:18:31 In this class Ross presents the second of a two part series covering five themes of the Passover season. This week Ross focuses on the last two themes – (1) The defeat of the enemies of God and the enemies of His people, and (2) A Coming Secon[...] In this class Ross presents the second of a two part series covering five themes of the Passover season. This week Ross focuses on the last two themes – (1) The defeat of the enemies of God and the enemies of His people, and (2) A Coming Second Exodus. Whereas the first three provide us with keys to prepare, the last two illustrate what the future deliverance will look like. Ross researched the earliest records of ancient sermons preached in the old synagogues to find and share prophetic passages associated with the final days of Passover. He covers the theme of a Greater Exodus that is to come. This prophesied return of Israel from all nations is the MAJOR theme of all the prophets, mentioned in over 40 separate sections throughout the Hebrew Bible. This coming exodus will overshadow the former exodus. Ross works through some of the key passages dealing with the in-gathering of the exiles. The photo is of Jewish immigrants returning to the land of their fathers and was taken in 1930. What will be so miraculous as to overshadow the Exodus from Egypt? The return of Israel from all the nations into which they were driven! You will not want to miss this teaching! Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Passover – Some Key Themes from the Prophets http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/07/passover-some-key-themes-from-the-prophets.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/07/passover-some-key-themes-from-the-prophets.htm#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:15:21 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1313 In this week’s class Ross begins to cover themes found within prophetic readings associated with the Festival of Passover. Ross points out that during the Festival, there are a total of 5 readings drawn from the prophets that each contain instruction for key aspects of the redemption. Ross takes the first three in this week’s class. They are, (1) circumcision, (2) a revival through the Torah and (3) the resurrection of God’s son. This teaching will certainly challenge some. In it he addresses some of the things that have been taught contrary to the clear message of the Bible. Is circumcision required for males? Can a rediscovery of the LAW of Moses bring about a revival in the land? And finally on this weekend when millions upon millions are hearing a message about resurrection, Ross teaches about the prophesied resurrection of God’s son that has NOT YET taken place. You will not want to miss this teaching. Can these bones live?

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/07/passover-some-key-themes-from-the-prophets.htm/feed 0 1:10:35 In this week’s class Ross begins to cover themes found within prophetic readings associated with the Festival of Passover. Ross points out that during the Festival, there are a total of 5 readings drawn from the prophets that each contain inst[...] In this week’s class Ross begins to cover themes found within prophetic readings associated with the Festival of Passover. Ross points out that during the Festival, there are a total of 5 readings drawn from the prophets that each contain instruction for key aspects of the redemption. Ross takes the first three in this week’s class. They are, (1) circumcision, (2) a revival through the Torah and (3) the resurrection of God’s son. This teaching will certainly challenge some. In it he addresses some of the things that have been taught contrary to the clear message of the Bible. Is circumcision required for males? Can a rediscovery of the LAW of Moses bring about a revival in the land? And finally on this weekend when millions upon millions are hearing a message about resurrection, Ross teaches about the prophesied resurrection of God’s son that has NOT YET taken place. You will not want to miss this teaching. Can these bones live? Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no The Work of Elijah – Shabbat HaGadol http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/31/the-work-of-elijah-shabbat-hagadol.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/31/the-work-of-elijah-shabbat-hagadol.htm#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:20:02 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1277 In this week’s class Ross carefully examines the “work of Elijah.” The Sabbath before Passover is called Shabbat HaGadol (the BIG Sabbath). One of the key themes of Passover is redemption. During the traditional Passover meal, there is a seat which is saved for Elijah. Ross uses a story of this tradition to pose a question to listeners. Should we be waiting for Elijah to bring about the redemption? He shares some of the stories of Elijah’s career and uses them to make some essential points about our personal responsibility when it comes to the work of Elijah. Is the work of redemption too hard for humans? Are the tasks reserved for a “heavenly figure”? You will not want to miss this class.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/31/the-work-of-elijah-shabbat-hagadol.htm/feed 0 1:18:42 In this week’s class Ross carefully examines the “work of Elijah.” The Sabbath before Passover is called Shabbat HaGadol (the BIG Sabbath). One of the key themes of Passover is redemption. During the traditional Passover meal, ther[...] In this week’s class Ross carefully examines the “work of Elijah.” The Sabbath before Passover is called Shabbat HaGadol (the BIG Sabbath). One of the key themes of Passover is redemption. During the traditional Passover meal, there is a seat which is saved for Elijah. Ross uses a story of this tradition to pose a question to listeners. Should we be waiting for Elijah to bring about the redemption? He shares some of the stories of Elijah’s career and uses them to make some essential points about our personal responsibility when it comes to the work of Elijah. Is the work of redemption too hard for humans? Are the tasks reserved for a “heavenly figure”? You will not want to miss this class. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no Instructions for Priests http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/24/instructions-for-priests.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/24/instructions-for-priests.htm#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:07:21 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1274 This week we begin our study of the 3rd book of the Torah, called Vayikra in Hebrew (also known as Leviticus). Ross sets out to provide a basis for all that will follow in the coming weeks and months as he teaches on the subjects found within this book that was anciently known as “Instructions for the priests.” He begins by giving an introduction to the book itself and then explores the subject of “sacrifice.” Is this book relevant for Bible believers today? After all, we no longer bring sacrifices. Ross answers many questions and resolves some of the greater theological conflicts associated with the contents of Leviticus in this week’s class. He provides a challenging approach to the idea that blood is required to attain forgiveness of sins. What is the true purpose of the priest? Was it primarily to slaughter the sacrifice? And what does God truly require of us? If sacrifices play such a dominant role in the Torah, what is a people seeking to return to God to do at this time when animal sacrifice no longer takes place? You will surprised and challenged by this teaching.

The dialogue for this class is also posted and we are pleased to finally have our new entrance and exit music attached to the teaching file.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/24/instructions-for-priests.htm/feed 0 1:15:21 This week we begin our study of the 3rd book of the Torah, called Vayikra in Hebrew (also known as Leviticus). Ross sets out to provide a basis for all that will follow in the coming weeks and months as he teaches on the subjects found within this b[...] This week we begin our study of the 3rd book of the Torah, called Vayikra in Hebrew (also known as Leviticus). Ross sets out to provide a basis for all that will follow in the coming weeks and months as he teaches on the subjects found within this book that was anciently known as “Instructions for the priests.” He begins by giving an introduction to the book itself and then explores the subject of “sacrifice.” Is this book relevant for Bible believers today? After all, we no longer bring sacrifices. Ross answers many questions and resolves some of the greater theological conflicts associated with the contents of Leviticus in this week’s class. He provides a challenging approach to the idea that blood is required to attain forgiveness of sins. What is the true purpose of the priest? Was it primarily to slaughter the sacrifice? And what does God truly require of us? If sacrifices play such a dominant role in the Torah, what is a people seeking to return to God to do at this time when animal sacrifice no longer takes place? You will surprised and challenged by this teaching. The dialogue for this class is also posted and we are pleased to finally have our new entrance and exit music attached to the teaching file. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no The Heart of Man and the Roots of the Spirit http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/17/the-heart-of-man-and-the-roots-of-the-spirit.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/17/the-heart-of-man-and-the-roots-of-the-spirit.htm#comments Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:30:59 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/?p=1269 In this teaching, Ross shows the connection between the Sabbath, the creation of the world and the setting up of the mishkan (or Tabernacle). What is the connection? Ross shows that in the past five Torah readings, there is much repetition, but that a common theme that recurs throughout these readings deals with the heart of man. Ross shows that despite man’s tendency to do bad, that with a right heart and the help of God’s spirit, great work can be accomplished. He shows from Scripture what makes up the “roots of the Spirit”. The prophet Ezekiel records that YHVH will at some point create within His people and new heart and a new spirit, but Ross shows that the responsibility may belong at least in part to us since in another passage we are told to create within ourselves a new heart and a new spirit. You will not want to miss this teaching. There is a small gap in the teaching where we lost the feed for a few minutes, but all but a couple of minutes have been saved.

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/03/17/the-heart-of-man-and-the-roots-of-the-spirit.htm/feed 0 0:59:27 In this teaching, Ross shows the connection between the Sabbath, the creation of the world and the setting up of the mishkan (or Tabernacle). What is the connection? Ross shows that in the past five Torah readings, there is much repetition, but that[...] In this teaching, Ross shows the connection between the Sabbath, the creation of the world and the setting up of the mishkan (or Tabernacle). What is the connection? Ross shows that in the past five Torah readings, there is much repetition, but that a common theme that recurs throughout these readings deals with the heart of man. Ross shows that despite man’s tendency to do bad, that with a right heart and the help of God’s spirit, great work can be accomplished. He shows from Scripture what makes up the “roots of the Spirit”. The prophet Ezekiel records that YHVH will at some point create within His people and new heart and a new spirit, but Ross shows that the responsibility may belong at least in part to us since in another passage we are told to create within ourselves a new heart and a new spirit. You will not want to miss this teaching. There is a small gap in the teaching where we lost the feed for a few minutes, but all but a couple of minutes have been saved. Podcasts Roots of Faith - Ross Nichols no no