Episodes

  • Saved by Faith, Guided by Torah: What the Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us Part 1.

    Saved by Faith, Guided by Torah: What the Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us Part 1.
    May 15 2026
    Come and explore with me what the Scriptures tell us that Torah can and cannot do for us. We will cover the essential concepts of faith, salvation, Paul's stance on Torah-keeping, James' stance on Torah-keeping, Acts 15's relationship to Torah-keeping, and the Torah's role in the Netzer's life.
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    56 mins
  • Sabbath, Jubilee, and the Kingdom A Yeshua-Focused Journey Through Behar–Bechukotai

    Sabbath, Jubilee, and the Kingdom A Yeshua-Focused Journey Through Behar–Bechukotai
    May 9 2026
    Join me for a Yeshua-focused journey through the double Torah reading of Behar–Bechukotai as we reflect on Sh'mittah, Jubilee, covenant faithfulness, obedience, blessing, discipline, redemption, and the call to Kingdom living. Together, we will explore how these timeless instructions reveal Yah's heart for His people and point us toward the deeper rest, restoration, and discipleship found in Messiah Yeshua. n this installment, I invite you to walk with me through Behar–Bechukotai as we examine Sabbath rest, Jubilee, covenant obedience, and the redemptive Kingdom life that Torah points us to in Yeshua.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Parashah Emor (Speak!). An Ancient Framework for Walking in Kingdom for 2026 Messianics

    Parashah Emor (Speak!). An Ancient Framework for Walking in Kingdom for 2026 Messianics
    May 2 2026
    Come and explore Parashah Emor (Leviticus 21:1–24:23) with me, Rod Thomas, through a Messianic lens—holiness standards for priests, honoring Yehovah's Name, and the Moedim (Feasts of Yehovah). Learn how Emor's Torah framework guides Spirit-and-Truth Kingdom living for 2026 believers.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • What Does Walking with God Look Like from a Yeshua-focused Torah-Living Perspective

    What Does Walking with God Look Like from a Yeshua-focused Torah-Living Perspective
    Apr 25 2026
    What does "walking with God" actually mean—biblically—and what does it look like for a disciple living a Yeshua‑focused, Torah‑faithful life? In this teaching, we explore the Hebrew concept of "walk," why Scripture highlights Enoch and Noah as men who walked with God, and how covenant relationship forms the foundation for moral uprightness (yashar), holiness (set‑apartness), and spiritual fruit. We also connect "walking in the light" (1 John 1) with kingdom living (Matthew 5–7), the enabling work of the Ruach HaKodesh, and Yeshua's warning about the narrow gate and Torahlessness (Matthew 7). Listen through and consider: are we merely professing faith—or truly walking in covenant loyalty with YHVH?
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    45 mins
  • Clean or Unclean? The Torah's Call to Set-Apart Living. My Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading Tazria-Metzorah

    Clean or Unclean? The Torah's Call to Set-Apart Living. My Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading Tazria-Metzorah
    Apr 18 2026

    In this installment of the Messianic Torah Observer, I reflect on Torah Reading Tazria–Metzorah (Leviticus 12:1–15:33), exploring the Torah's purity standards and how they point beyond the physical to enduring spiritual principles. Using the themes of childbirth, tzaraat ("leprosy"), and bodily flows, this teaching highlights how holiness is protected, how cleansing and restoration work, and how Yeshua refocuses defilement from external ritual concerns to the heart (Matthew 15:10–20). I close this episode with practical encouragement to pursue both physical stewardship and deeper spiritual cleanness as temples of Yehovah's presence.

    In this episode:

    • Overview of Tazria–Metzorah and its three major sections (childbirth, tzaraat, bodily flows)
    • Why purity standards matter: holiness, community, and access to Yehovah's presence
    • Hygienic and ritual purposes: not mutually exclusive
    • The priesthood's role: examining, diagnosing, declaring clean/unclean, mediating restoration
    • Quarantine, "seventh day" separation, and "eighth day" restoration as a pattern of new beginnings
    • Cleansing, atonement, and water immersion as recurring Torah themes
    • How to apply "out-of-commission" Torah instructions today through spirit-and-truth principles
    • Sin as the deeper parallel to impurity; protecting the set-apart community from "leaven"
    • Yeshua's teaching: defilement proceeds from the heart (Matthew 15:10–20)
    • Practical encouragement: maintain the body as a temple and pursue spiritual, emotional, mental cleanness

    Scripture references mentioned:

    • Leviticus 12:1–8 (childbirth and purification)
    • Leviticus 13:1–14:32 (tzaraat / "leprosy")
    • Leviticus 15:1–33 (bodily flows)
    • Exodus 19:5–6 (treasured possession; priestly kingdom; holy nation)
    • Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16 (be holy as He is holy)
    • Isaiah 55:8 (His ways/thoughts above ours)
    • Matthew 5:18; Matthew 5:20 (Torah enduring; righteousness)
    • Matthew 6:33 (seek first the Kingdom)
    • John 4:23–24 (worship in spirit and truth)
    • 1 Corinthians 6:19 (body as temple)
    • Hebrews 9 (Messiah's priestly work; atonement themes)
    • 1 Corinthians 15:46 (natural first, then spiritual)
    • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (all Scripture profitable)
    • Hebrews 12:1 (sin as weight; running the race)
    • 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9 (leaven principle)
    • Matthew 15:10–20 (what defiles a person)
    • John 8:12; 1 John 1:7–9 (walk in the light; confession and cleansing)
    • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (righteousness in Messiah)

    Reflection questions:

    • Where do you most often treat "cleanness" as merely external rather than a heart issue?
    • What patterns of separation and restoration ("seven" then "eight") do you see in your own walk?
    • How can you pursue set-apartness in practical ways while keeping the focus on spiritual cleanness?
    • Are there "leaven-like" compromises that need to be addressed for the health of your fellowship/community?
    • What does it look like this week to walk in the light and practice confession and repentance?
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    45 mins
  • TMTO Update and Biblical Rosh HaShanah Announcement

    TMTO Update and Biblical Rosh HaShanah Announcement
    Mar 20 2026

    In this special installment of TMTO, Rod announces the advent of Biblical Rosh HaShanah 6026 in addition to providing an update on TMTO, his personal life, and Qumran Family Church and Qumran Family Foundation.

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    20 mins
  • Drafted Into a Cosmic War-Defining Spiritual Warfare in a Time of Global Darkness-Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series

    Drafted Into a Cosmic War-Defining Spiritual Warfare in a Time of Global Darkness-Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series
    Feb 7 2026
    Episode Overview We are living in a time of global upheaval, moral inversion, and spiritual confusion. Scripture warned us that such days would come—but it also prepared us for them. In Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series, we lay the foundation by answering a critical question: What is spiritual warfare—from a biblical, Messianic, Torah‑rooted perspective? This episode introduces the reality of an unseen cosmic conflict between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness, a war that has been raging since the dawn of creation and one in which every believer is already involved—whether they realize it or not. Contrary to popular Christian culture, spiritual warfare is not emotionalism, not fear‑based obsession, and not optional. It is covenantal, scriptural, and central to our calling as the redeemed of YHWH in these last days. 🔍 What This Episode Covers 1️⃣ Why Spiritual Warfare Matters Now Global instability, deception, lawlessness, and moral reversal Wars, rumors of wars, and "birth pangs" foretold by Messiah The increasing pressure on faith, families, and covenant identity Key Scriptures: Matthew 24:3–8; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 2️⃣ Defining Spiritual Warfare Biblically Why the phrase "spiritual warfare" does not appear in Scripture—yet the reality permeates it Warfare as a multi‑layered conflict in the unseen realm The difference between the visible, temporal world and the invisible, eternal realm Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:18; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 3:21 3️⃣ The Unseen Realm and the Real Enemy Why our struggle is not against flesh and blood Thrones, dominions, rulers, and powers created by Elohim—some now in rebellion How worldly systems, temptation, deception, and hasatan himself work together Key Scriptures: Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 4️⃣ Spiritual Warfare Throughout the Tanakh and Apostolic Writings A survey of foundational biblical passages that reveal warfare without using the modern term: Genesis 3:15 – The Protoevangelium: hostility between the seed of the woman and the serpent Exodus 14:14 – YHWH fights for His people Deuteronomy 20:3–4 – Fearlessness because YHWH goes with us 1 Samuel 17:45–47 – David vs. Goliath: the battle belongs to YHWH 2 Kings 6:16–17 – Elisha and the unseen angelic host Daniel 10:12–13, 20 – Warfare in the heavens affects events on earth Psalm 91 – Protection, refuge, and angelic guardianship Zechariah 4:6 – Victory by YHWH's Spirit, not human strength 5️⃣ Weapons and Principles of Spiritual Warfare Authority given to the people of YHWH Torah (the Word of Elohim) as a primary weapon Prayer, fasting, unity, praise, obedience, and righteousness Assurance: no weapon formed against YHWH's people will ultimately prevail Key Scriptures: Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 12:21; Ephesians 6:10–20 6️⃣ Why This Series Exists This series is not about fear—it is about: Clarity instead of confusion Identity instead of deception Preparation instead of passivity We are not spectators in a cosmic conflict. We are called to stand, resist, and overcome—not in our own strength, but in the might of YHWH. 📖 Scripture References Cited in This Episode Torah & Writings Genesis 3:15 Exodus 14:14 Deuteronomy 20:3–4 Job 32:8 Psalm 44:5 Psalm 91 Psalm 144:1–2 Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:13–14 Isaiah 5:20; 41:10–13; 54:17 Zechariah 4:6 Prophets Daniel 10:12–13, 20 Apostolic Writings Matthew 4:1–11; 5:14; 24:3–8 Luke 17:20–24; 18:3–8 John 9:4; 10:10 Romans 12:21; 13:12 2 Corinthians 4:18; 10:3–5 Ephesians 6:10–20 Colossians 1:16 Hebrews 4:12 1 Peter 5:8 2 Timothy 2:3; 3:1–5 📚 Extra‑Biblical Sources Referenced Jonathan Welton, How to See Heaven: Accessing Divine Secrets, Destiny Image, 2013 Judith Allen Shelly et al., Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing, IVP Academic, 2021 🔜 What's Coming Next Part 2: Messianic vs. Denominational views of spiritual warfare Part 3: Laying the groundwork for Ephesians Part 4 and beyond: A verse‑by‑verse exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 – The Whole Armor of Elohim
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    46 mins
  • The Suffering Warrior Unveiling Judahs Mashiyach ben Joseph and the Messianic Mystery A - Part 10 of our Melchizedek Series

    The Suffering Warrior Unveiling Judahs Mashiyach ben Joseph and the Messianic Mystery A - Part 10 of our Melchizedek Series
    Jan 30 2026
    The Suffering Warrior: Unveiling Judah's Mashiyach ben Yosef and the Messianic Mystery Overview In this post, Rod explores Judah's conception of Mashiyach ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph), tracing its development through biblical, Rabbinic, and apocalyptic literature, and connecting it to Messianic faith in Yeshua. The study highlights the "suffering warrior" motif, the precursor role to Mashiyach ben David, and the eschatological implications for Israel and the world. Key Themes & Scriptural Foundations Mashiyach ben Yosef as Precursor: Mashiyach ben Yosef is depicted as a leader who precedes Mashiyach ben David, preparing Israel through military, political, and spiritual means (repentance and Torah observance). This role is likened to John the Immerser as a type of precursor. Two-Stage Eschatology: Rabbinic tradition envisions two Messiahs—ben Yosef (the suffering, martyred leader) and ben David (the glorious, reigning king). The first stage is marked by suffering and conflict, the second by peace and restoration. Scriptural Roots: Genesis 49:22–26: Joseph's blessing as a "fruitful bough" and a suffering deliverer, foreshadowing the Messiah's role. Isaiah 11:13: Prophecy of Ephraim and Judah's reconciliation, interpreted as the work of two Messiahs. Zechariah 12:10: The pierced one, mourned by Israel, linked to Mashiyach ben Yosefciteturn4search1L20, L29-30. Obadiah 1:18, 21: Two "saviors" leading Israel, interpreted as ben Yosef and ben David. Rabbinic and Apocalyptic References Talmudic Sources: Sukkah 52a–b: Explicit references to Mashiyach ben Yosef, his death in the war of Gog and Magog, and the mourning that follows. Also mentions four eschatological figures: Mashiyach ben David, Mashiyach ben Yosef, Elijah, and the righteous High Priest (https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah.52b.16?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)citeturn4search1L25, L29-31. Genesis Rabbah 75:6, 99:2: Describes the "War Messiah" from Joseph's lineage, involved in Temple restoration. Pesikta de-Rav Kahana 5:9 and Pesikta Rabbati 15.14/16: Discuss the "Anointed One for War" and the four messianic figures. Songs of Rabbah: Mentions Elijah, King Messiah, Melchizedek, and the Anointed for War (https://books.google.com/books?id=3YH99skQxGIC&q=Song+of+Songs+Rabbah+messiah+Elijah+war&pg=PA138). Sefer Zerubbabel: 7th-century apocalyptic text introducing Nehemiah ben Hushiel (Mashiyach ben Yosef) and Menahem ben Ammiel (Mashiyach ben David), outlining the sequence of redemption, warfare, death, resurrection, and the Messianic Age (https://pages.charlotte.edu/john-reeves/research-projects/trajectories-in-near-eastern-apocalyptic/sefer-zerubbabel). Dead Sea Scrolls: 4Q175 ("The Testimonia") and 4Q372 ("The Joseph Apocryphon"): Present a suffering, priestly, and warrior leader matching the ben Yosef persona. 1QS (Community Rule): Describes two Messiahs—of Aaron (priestly) and of Israel (kingly/warrior), with the latter subordinate to the former. Liturgical and Kabbalistic References: Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei): Kabbalists see the prayer for David's throne as a plea for Mashiyach ben Yosef's protection (https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/867674/jewish/Translation.htm). Kol HaTor: "Yosef is still alive" prayer for Mashiyach ben Yosef's mercy (https://vilnagaon.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/KOL_HATOR.pdf). Messianic Fulfillment and Insights Typology and Yeshua: Rod argues that Yeshua fulfills the typology of Mashiyach ben Yosef—suffering, atoning, gathering the lost sheep, and preparing the way for the Messianic Age. Scriptural parallels include Isaiah 53, Luke 4, Mark 13, Revelation 19, Zechariah 14, Ezekiel 34, and others. Conditional Redemption: Some Rabbinic sources suggest that the suffering and death of Mashiyach ben Yosef are conditional upon Israel's spiritual state. Practical Insights for Believers: Suffering: True discipleship involves suffering and persecution, echoing the path of Mashiyach ben Yosef and Yeshua (Matthew 24:9, John 15:20). Atonement: The suffering of Mashiyach ben Yosef is linked to atonement for Israel's sins, paralleling Yeshua's redemptive work (Ephesians 2:8, Matthew 5:3, 5). Redemption: The manuscript emphasizes the final redemption of Israel, rooted in biblical prophecy (Romans 11, Ezekiel 36–37, Zechariah 12–14, Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 31). Warfare: Both spiritual and physical warfare are central, with believers called to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6). Call to Action Intercession for Judah: The manuscript urges Messianic believers to pray for and love the Jewish people, recognizing the "partial blindness" until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Romans 11:25). Invitation to Discipleship: The closing invites readers to enter into covenant relationship with Yehovah through Yeshua Messiah (2 Corinthians 6:2). References & Further Reading https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/101747/jewish/Mashiach-ben-Yossef.htm https://www.sefaria.org/...
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    1 hr and 22 mins