Roots of Faith http://rootsoffaith.org A Synagogue Without Walls - Preaching Moses Every Sabbath Sat, 12 May 2012 19:10:42 +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 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 Telling the Story http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/05/telling-the-story.htm http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/05/telling-the-story.htm#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:27:11 +0000 Ross Nichols http://rootsoffaith.org/blog-and-podcasts/2009/04/10/telling-the-story.htm Telling the Story

From all of us at Roots of Faith I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful, meaningful and joyous Festival of Passover.

I have republished this each year for the past several years at this time and with slight modifications wanted to post it again. One of the key points of Passover is the telling of the story. It is most certainly the greatest story ever told. This act of salvation is the very thing for which YHVH, the God of Israel is known. Repeatedly in the Hebrew Scriptures, we find YHVH described as the God that brought forth the children of Israel out of bondage. It is a story worth telling and now is the appointed time to do so. This note is intended to provide you with some help in telling that story. Of course there are plenty of resources on the internet to assist you, but this is my own contribution to your search. Assemble your family. Invite some friends. Study the passages in this note and tell the story!

This is mainly intended for those who perhaps have never hosted a Passover meal. I do not follow the standard, but to those who know me, this has probably come to be expected. I have participated in Passover meals that went so long the children were bored and the adults were beginning to feel as though the host wanted them to get a taste of the entire 40 years in the wilderness in one L O N G night! One thought that went through my mind as I sat through the longest and most boring Passover was – Didn’t the Bible say that they ate this meal in haste? Why is this night different than any other night? The answer to that question should be a positive one. A learning experience that is both informative and fun. Engaging and joyous. Look. I am not knocking the approach of others, but as a parent and as a teacher I have learned that if the student does not learn, then the lesson has been wasted. My own approach will be aimed at sharing this great story from the Bible. The traditional plate will have a place of prominence at our table, and yet I will strive for the element of surprise. I love the picture in this note of one of my grandsons as he held the piece of unleavened bread. What went through his mind? Probably something quite simple, like…this is one HUGE cracker. Use the meal to teach and to tell, but please don’t forget that the little ones (and many of the big ones) will be looking and listening to learn. You will have a captive audience. Don’t lose them. It is our job to educate and inspire.

The name of the meal is the seder. It is a word that means “order”. The book that lays out the order of the service is called a Hagadah. The roots word means “to tell”. The traditional Haggadah”S” (there are multiple versions available) are meant to share the story in order. Whether you have a Haggadah or not is not essential. You can tell the story quite well if you know the story well. Below I have assembled some of the main points of the story. I may get in trouble with some of the religious authorities out there by saying this, but I personally will not be reading all of these passages. I will carefully select certain passages and tell the story contained within these wonderful verses. So, for those who may want to do the same, familiarize yourself with the story by reading these passages and make a few notes.

We will have unleavened bread and bitter herbs. For the bitter herbs, many use horseradish. Go easy on the horseradish. A little dab will do ya as we say in the south. The bitter herbs represent how the lives of the children of Israel were made bitter through hard bondage. I will have salt water and parsley. When I speak of the tears of the children of Israel (they cried because of the hard bondage) I will have everyone take a piece of the parsley and dip it in the salt water. This will make an impression. The traditional “charoseth” is a mixture of apples diced and mixed with honey and nuts. Recipes on the internet abound. It is supposed to represent the mortar that was used to make bricks. Experiment with this. It is hard to mess up apples, honey and nuts. Plus compared to the horseradish, it will be the favored part of the meal.

Here are some other things that will help make an impression. If the sky is clear where you are, I want you to go outside and look up. See the moon? This is the way it looked when the Children of Israel left Egypt! The full moon gave them light. The sky looked just like this when the children of Israel left Egypt.

Passover is about experiencing the past and future as well. It is about redemption and freedom. The Prophet Jeremiah says that another Exodus is coming for the people of God…an even greater exodus than the one we read about tonight! (see Jeremiah 16:14-15)

I encourage all of you to participate in this as it is perhaps the oldest religious practice that has been kept from the beginning of the history of Israel. So tell the story to your family! If you are alone, read it to yourself. It is an incredible story and one that God tells us to tell!

Read and study the following passages. This is not a comprehensive list of passages, but it should be helpful as you prepare to tell the story. Remember, this is not intended to be presented as an authorized Haggadah. Best case, this is a non-Jew’s guide through telling the story. If you choose to do a more traditional version, there are plenty of resources on the internet that one can find and download for free. What follows were notes that I assembled several years ago for the purpose of sharing the story. A friend recently forwarded me a 30 minute Haggadah that he found on the internet. You may want to search for something like that. Or you may want to go for the “real deal”. Hint. Feed the kids before you go. No offense intended.

The reason we tell the story
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
Exodus 10:2
Exodus 12:24-27

The Prediction and fulfillment of the Slavery and cruelness of Egypt
Genesis 15:13-14
Exodus 1:8-22

The birth of Moses to his flight to Midian
Exodus 2:1-22

A cry to God and the call of Moses
Exodus 2:23-3:22

The son of God / God’s charge to Moses
Exodus 4:21-23

Meeting with Pharaoh
Exodus 5:1-23
Exodus 6:1-13

The beginning of the redemption
Exodus 6:28-7:13

The Plagues and Israel’s Departure from Egypt
Exodus 7:14-12:36

Salvation In the Wilderness
Exodus 12:37-14:31

Other passages related to Passover
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Leviticus 23:3-8

One should eat unleavened bread from sundown tomorrow for 7 days. This bread is also known as bread of affliction (Deuteronomy 16:3).

Eat some bitter herbs as well (Exodus 12:8).

Only those that are circumcised may eat the meal. Don’t forget to be circumcised of heart as well. This applies to both males and females. (Deuteronomy 10:12-16, 30:1-6, Jeremiah 4:1-4)

I pray that every shackle will be broken from your life so that you are free to serve the Living God.

Shalom and Chag Sameach!

]]> http://rootsoffaith.org/2012/04/05/telling-the-story.htm/feed 0 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