Torah Focus

Torah Focus – with Dr. Walter Oakley
Counting the Omer – Keys to Spirituality

In this class we look at the Counting of the Omer from Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:15ff as a means of understanding the process of spiritual growth and maturity.

We contrast Peasch and a picture of being born into the Kingdom with Shavout (Pentecost) the receiving of the Torah at Sinai. Pesach teaches us to come to faith in G-d through Messiah.  Sinai teaches how that those who have come to faith should conduct themselves.

This is a positive class with a positive view of how the Torah is supposed to affect the life of the Believer.

Note: Click the “EBOOK” icon below for class notes

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In this class we will be discussing the relationship of fallen Adam, to the Torah, the Tabernacle and redemption.

We will continue from last weeks discussion.  What was the result of Man (Adam) eating from the forbidden Tree.   How dis this affect his progeny?  How did this bring the Torah and the Tabernacle into play  as a part of humanities history?  How does the Torah fit the plan of redemption.  Join us in our live class . Thursday night at 7:00 CST.

Redemption and Two Trees 

There were two trees in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden).  Adam and Chava (Eve) ate from one of the trees.   What was this tree?  What was the trees real name?  the English translation of the tree is the “Tree of knowledge of good and evil.”  What is the name and characteristic of this tree in Hebrew?

How did this tree affect humanity?  Did Judaism, does Judaism believe in the original sin?

How can we repair the damage caused by the tree?

Listen to this class and learn about the the answers to these questions.

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The Torah and Works, defining faith and righteousness

This class is a discussion on the topics of the Torah in relation to works faith and righteousness. We look at some of the essential Biblical characters and their lives with regards to their lives and Torah observance.

We begin with Avraham and his life of faith. However, many Rabbinic sources present Avraham as a Torah observant Patriarch.

In conclusion we look at the Scriptures that tell us that the “Just shall live by faith” Hab 2:4 as well as Shaul’s use of these verses. I conclude looking at what Yaakov (James) has to say about this subject in chapter 1 and 2

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In our previous class we Discovered that the Torah is the origin of the idea of “Walking in the Spirit.” See Ezekiel 36:27

In this  class we explore the idea of “walking in the Spirit” in relation to the Torah.

We explore  Ezekiel, Romans, Galatians and other passages to discover the depth of this idea.

Discover the truth of walking in the spirit.

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Walking in the Spirit?

Does walking in the Spirit negate Torah observance? What is the relationship between Torah observance and walking in the Spirit.

In this class we discuss this problem probing for a solution.

Listen to our discussion.

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The Torah and Freedom

It will not take long while reviewing Torah Focus (torahfocus.com) and the teachings presented here to realize that we take a pro-Torah approach to interpreting the Scriptures. Obviously, this approach creates several interpretive problems. For the most part the worldview of the contemporary Church leans towards antinomian (against the Torah) interpretations of the Biblical text. We have dealt with this superficially in past posts and pages. See Torah Focus, Shaul and the 613 and the New Englanders & the 613.

First, let us interject that we are not trying to make an apologetic for this stance. We are presenting truth to those who desire to learn what it was like to live under the teachings of Yeshua and Shaul.

Therefore, the question at hand is how we can take this approach when men like Shaul talk about freedom from the Torah? (more…)

Why Focus on the Torah?

First let us define Torah. The Hebrew word “Torah” means “Teaching, instruction and discipline.” There is no doubt that the Torah is the first of all Biblical texts. As a result, the core of all Biblical understanding is found within the Chumash. The Hebrew word Chumash means “five,” indicating the first five books of the Bible or the work of Moshe. Therefore, all Biblical texts are related to the Torah. Bible study demands a solid knowledge and understanding of this foundational text before proceeding to subsequent texts.

Therefore, the best possible hermeneutic demands that we begin with the foundation for all Biblical text.

The unfortunate truth of contemporary history is our abandonment of this vital foundation for fear of legalism. The truth is that we have nothing to fear. A Jewish maxim states, “All is in the hands of Heaven except for the fear of Heaven.”

We must ask ourselves one vital question. Why was the Torah given?
The truth is that the Torah was given for the establishment of a theocratic society. All who would be a part of this theocratic society must embrace the Torah. Herein lays a truth of great import.

All believers want to be a part of HaShem’s community.  However, within that community there are rules of conduct.  These rules are found within the Torah.

Is this being legalistic?

By no means!  Living a Torah based life is liberty from sin and death.  Living a Torah based lifestyle is the key to genuine spirituality.  

Shalom