Messianic Audio Teachings

Did the church invent the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and death to vilify the Jewish people? Reason Number 20 and Reason 21 of the book Twenty-Six Reasons Jews Don’t’ Believe in Jesus claim that the stories of the betrayal by Judas are not consistent, that the gospel narratives contain irreconcilably discrepancies, and the story of the Jewish trial of Jesus lacks credibility. This teaching examines discrepencies in the story about Judas Iscariot's death and considers discrepencies between the Sanhedrin's judicial procedure of the trial of Yeshua.

In Matthew 27:9–10, the Gospel of Matthew quotes a passage from Zechariah but attributes it to the prophet Jeremiah. The book Twenty-Six Reasons Jews Don’t Believe in Jesus uses this apparent blunder to undermine the credibility of the gospels. A closer look at the text, however, reveals an ancient and long-lost gospel-source behind Matthew’s error which offers us insight into the world of apostolic midrash.

Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me." (Matthews 27:9-10)

This lesson includes the original class-notes in a downloadable pdf format.

What's the real meaning behind the Eucharist, the Lord's Supper, and Communion? This teaching offers a Messianic Jewish perspective on the ritual that goes beyond the Passover Seder context to unlock the significance of the Master's words, "Do this in remembrance of me."  

In Deuteronomy 13, the Torah warns against miracle workers who might entice Jews to worship other gods or to forsake the laws of the Torah. Reason 12 of the anti-missionary book Twenty-Six Reasons Jews Don’t Believe in Jesus claims that Jesus fits the description of just such an enticer.

Reason 13 argues that the New Testament misquotes, misuses, and even fabricates proof texts from the Old Testament. This lesson takes a look at one example: Matthew 1:23’s quotation of Isaiah 7:14: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel."

This important teaching covers a wide variety of subjects, reveals the reason Beth Immanuel and congregations like it need to exist, and warns against sawing off the limb on which we are seated.

All roads lead to Rome, and all New Testament studies eventually lead to the book of Romans. Maybe you have studied the book of Romans, but have you ever studied it from a Messianic Jewish perspective? A Jewish reading of the book of Romans opens new insights, turns old ideas upside down, and reveals the original intention behind the epistle.

This first teaching from Pastor Lancaster's 2014-2015 Bible study on the book of Romans introduces Paul's magnificent treatise by describing the broader histroical and literary context. In this Bible study, we review the apostolic history leading up to the composition of Paul's epistle to the Roman believers and aquaint ourselves with the broader issues inspiring Paul to write to the assemblies at Rome. Download the PDF file below to study along with the class at Beth Immanuel.

Psalm 30 is called a "Song for the Chanukah of the House." This teaching connects the Festival of Chanukah with the Festival of Shavuot and the pouring out of the Spirit in Solomon's Colonade. An inspiring Chanukah teaching about the meaning of the festival for Messianic Judaism. This teaching was presented on December 4, 2010 for the eighth anniversary of congregation Beth Immanuel.

One mussar theme pervades Yeshua's teachings, but it defies the typical categories of middot (traits) taught by the mussar masters. This instruction for life is the defining theme of Yeshua's message to Israel: Endurance and Perseverance for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Does Paul rebuke Gentiles for observing the biblical calendar? If not, how do we understand Galatians 4:9-10?

"How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years!" (Galatians 4:9).

Explore the process of spiritual self-improvement as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7, in light of Jewish thought. Learn how Jewish sources provide step-by-step outlines for personal growth, and delve into the importance of the pursuit of holiness and entrance to what Peter calls "the Eternal Kingdom." 

Books mentioned:

• With Heart in Mind by Alan Morinis
• The Path of the Just by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto