Messiah in Life
Messiah in Life is hosted by Justin D. Elwell, Th.D., Messianic Rabbi at Messiah Congregation in New Hartford, New York. Specializing in biblical ethics and theology, Justin draws from a variety of Jewish, Messianic Jewish, and Christian sources to aid the listener in applying the full counsel of God’s Word to life, by faith in Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. New programs every week. Visit themountainmensch.com for articles, videos, and other features.
Episodes
158 episodes
Ha'azinu: Torah 53
As we approach the high holiday season, we face a great deal of uncertainty in the world. From economic stress, to wars and rumors of wars. Moses, as he approaches the end of his life sings a song. He does so to mend the past in order to secure...
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Season 3
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Episode 54
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25:30
Nitzavim/Vayelech: TORAH 51/52
The opening of this double portion makes a bold statement about the community of faith, acknowledging not only the prominent members of the community, but also the least. Why is this important? Give a listen. The heart of this week's podcast fo...
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Season 3
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Episode 53
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29:10
Ki Tavo: Torah 50
Why do we remember moments of cultural or national significance? What of moments and miracles of eternal significance? In this week's Torah portion, the Lord commands Israel to do something unusual when they cross over the Jordan. To what end? ...
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Season 3
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Episode 52
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22:45
Ki Tetze: Torah 49
Called to be a blessing. Abraham would not only be blessed of the Lord, but he would be a blessing to the nations. In Messiah, Jew and Gentile alike, as seed of Abraham, will also be a blessing. Yet, we cannot move or alter the safeguards set i...
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Season 3
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Episode 51
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30:26
Shoftim: Torah 48
Judges were to judge righteously, officers were to quickly and rightly execute their judgment. Likewise, the prophet of the Lord was to speak righteously, leading the people of God along the way correctly. When His people turned to the right or...
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Season 3
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Episode 50
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41:36
Re'eh: Torah 47
The imagery of this portion reminds us of the Shepherding Lord leading His flock to their promised pasture. What does the Psalm 23 teach us about the relationship between Shepherd and sheep, pleasant pastures and overshadowed valleys, spiritual...
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Season 3
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Episode 49
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43:41
Eikev: Torah 46
In this portion, Moses reminds Israel of their miraculous provision from heaven, but then stresses, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This is a statement of not only provision, but also mis...
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Season 3
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Episode 48
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43:01
Va'etchanan: Torah 45
Moses continues to speak to the next generations, warning against idolatry, and the continued influence of the "broad way." He recounts the Ten Commandments, and the days leading to their revelation. He then speaks the central statement of bibl...
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Season 3
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Episode 47
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36:51
Devarim: Torah 44
The Book of Deuteronomy opens with the first discourse of Moses. In these opening chapters, Moses reminds the children of Israel where they have come from, their failures, victories, and then encourages them for the days ahead. How does this op...
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Season 3
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Episode 46
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41:45
Mattot/Massei: Torah 42/43
We find a double portion this week as we conclude the Book of Numbers. After an overview of the content in these portions, we look closely at a fear of Moses concerning the tribes of Reuben and Gad, a fear that manifests after the tribes are se...
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Season 3
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Episode 45
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42:15
Pinchas: Torah 41
Torah portion Pinchas opens with the unfolding of the tragic plan of Balaam. Then, in an instant, one who had no position or authority stands and executes judgment upon a shameful act. In this portion we consider two leader, one who was given a...
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Season 3
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Episode 44
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33:41
Balak: Torah 40
The scheme of Balak: how to destroy the children of Israel? Summon a prophet to curse them! Balaam was a prophet from the nations. The rabbis suggest the Balaam could have revealed the God of Israel to the nations, but he decided to use his pro...
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Season 3
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Episode 43
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39:55
Chukat: Torah 39
The unusual and illogical command of the Red Heifer. Does does this command teach us about messianic faith? And why does so tragic events follow in the text? Is there a connection between the Red Heifer, the death of Miriam, the death of Aaron,...
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Season 3
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Episode 42
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28:20
Korach: Torah 38
The troubling episode of Korach's rebellion. What was his motivation? To depose Moses? To replace Aaron as high priest? In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider a few rabbinic thoughts, and then connect this rebellion to our own attitude...
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Season 3
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Episode 41
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30:30
Shlach: Torah 37
What happened when the children of Israel stood at the boarder of the Promised Land? They listened to the voices of false witnesses, and by doing so, the exodus generation would slowly die one by one in the wilderness. This is a rather bleak de...
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Season 3
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Episode 40
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34:00
Baha’alotcha: Torah 36
Why is Aaron told to "kindle the lights" of the Menorah between the princely dedicatory offering and the dedication of the Levites? Is there a lesson that we can learn from this while we serve the Lord today? Certainly. Give a listen. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 39
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27:45
Nasso: Torah 35
What are some of the many ways the Lord "raises us" up in service to Him? The portion of Nasso, meaning count or lift up, identifies several ways that the Lord lifts us up in the life of faith. From being counted in a census, to being blessed b...
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Season 3
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Episode 38
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28:35
Bamidbar: Torah 34
The Lord commands Aaron and Moses to count the children of Israel in the wilderness in a beautiful and profound way. What does this mean for us today? How does the opening of the book of Numbers minister to our life of faith in this era? There ...
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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33:51
Bechukotai: Torah 33
In this last portion of the Book of Leviticus, we closely consider the blessing of rain. If it is the first of blessings listed for obedience, why does rain fall on the just and the unjust? Is there a lesson here for us in messianic faith to le...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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36:15
Behar: Torah 32
Before speaking of the Year of Release (Shemittah) and the Year of Jubilee, the Torah records that the Lord spoke these words to him upon Mt. Sinai, why? Is there a connection between the point of revelation and command, and their fulfillment? ...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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27:56
Emor: Torah 31
"Make every day count!" "I'm counting the days...!" We are all familiar with expressions like these, but why does the Lord command us to count the days? What is happening to us spiritually as we count the days between Passover and Pentecost? Th...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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23:25
Acharei Mot/Kedoshim: Torah 29/30
In a combined Torah study, we consider the call to living holiness in the Lord. How can we love our neighbor as ourselves, not abuse the blind and the deaf, and walk in forgiveness? So much of our experience and faithful living in Messiah is wa...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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32:35
The Lure of the Cave
When David fled to the cave of Adullam, what did the Lord do? David had a messy life at this point. He was anointed the king of Israel, but a king without land, power, influence, or a throne. With Saul seeking to kill him, David seeks a hiding ...
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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28:21