Fig Tree Ministries

In this lesson, we delve into the profound essence of a Hebrew word often translated as “to bear” or “to bring Good News.” Hebrew, as the foundational language of the Bible and the Israelites, is both dynamic and richly mystical. Those acquainted with Western traditions might find themselves surprised by the depths the Hebrew letters and words can reach. The Rabbis believed that every aspect of the Hebrew Alphabet, along with the words that emerged from it, had a divine origin. Each subtlety in a word, whether in its phonetic similarity to another or its derivation from a root verb, carries profound significance. Such is the case with the Hebrew verb for “to bring the Good News” and the nouns associated with it. Given that all Hebrew nouns stem from a root verb, it's intriguing to see how, at deeper, sometimes mysterious levels, the meanings of two English words, which may appear unrelated, are profoundly interconnected. Exploring these intricate facets of the Hebrew language can steer us towards a deeper comprehension of the kingdom's mysteries. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/mystical-meaning-of-hebrew-good-news www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y Hebrew Word Reference: Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, https://amzn.to/46cxdxS (Support our work. We are Amazon Associates! We may earn from qualifying purchases when you use the link provided.)

Luke, the author of the book of Acts, employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to illuminate his audience's grasp of his narrative. Inclusio functions akin to bookends, where the author strategically positions a central concept at the outset and conclusion of a composition, signifying that everything enclosed within serves to reinforce this central idea. Within the book of Acts, this Inclusio masterfully directs our attention to the Kingdom of God as the overarching theme of Luke's writing. Join us on an enlightening journey as we delve into this captivating literary device, skillfully woven throughout the pages of the Bible. Explore its intricacies and unveil the profound insights it imparts. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries No Class Handout for this lesson www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Tremper Longman III & Peter Enns - Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry, & Writings - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Old-Testament-Wisdom-Writings/dp/0830817832/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5DYXHAJ5NVSY&keywords=dictionary+of+the+old+testament+wisdom%2C+poetry+%26+writings&qid=1693690850&sprefix=dictionary+of+the+old+testament+w%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

In the first century, the Imperial Cult had extended its presence even into the land of Israel. King Herod, aiming to honor the Caesar who bestowed upon him his power, constructed three shrines or temples within his realm. In 1998, the exposure of ancient ruins due to a brushfire led to the discovery of the third among these temples in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi. In today's lesson, prompted by this newfound archaeological revelation, we delve into the historical occurrences when Jesus asks his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16:15). Considering the existence of the temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus near Caesarea Philippi, it appears that Jesus intentionally guided his disciples on a journey spanning over 30 miles to impart a lesson about the challenges they would encounter while venturing into the Roman Empire to propagate the Good News of Jesus as the Messiah. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/caesar-cult-in-the-land-of-israel#/ www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/141-caesar-cult-in-the-land-of-israel-the-good-news-pt-5/id1525811891?i=1000626221133 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Omrit, Israel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omrit Craig Evans (2000) - Mark's Incipit and the Priene Calendar Inscription: From Jewish Gospel to Greco-Roman Gospel. https://web.archive.org/web/20170829065710/http://craigaevans.com/Priene%20art.pdf JD Crossan and JL Reed - In Search of Paul: How Jesus' Apostle Opposed Rome's Empire with God's Kingdom https://www.amazon.com/Search-Paul-Apostle-Opposed-Kingdom/dp/0060514574/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=616863302838&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013186&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9698310806900404646&hvtargid=kwd-777937745&hydadcr=24658_13611734&keywords=in+search+of+paul&qid=1691592463&sr=8-2 N.T. Wright - How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-King-Getting/dp/0281061467/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687643128&sr=8-1 Ethelbert Stauffer - Christ and the Caesars - https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Caesars-Ethelbert-Stauffer/dp/1556358180/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BY4ZQQVBOR33&keywords=christ+and+the+caesars+stauffer&qid=1692565351&sprefix=christ+and+the+ca%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Jesus-Gospels-IVP-Bible/dp/0830824561/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20A1I5S7RIMCB&keywords=dictionary+of+jesus+and+the+gospels&qid=1687643188&sprefix=dictionary+of+jesus%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Paul-His-Letters-Contemporary/dp/0830817859/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5PWS1X5XO943&keywords=dictionary+of+paul+and+his+letters+2nd+edition&qid=1687643216&sprefix=dictionary+of+paul%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

In today's lesson, we will delve into the Roman Imperial Cult and the officially sanctioned worship of Caesar Augustus. As the message of the Kingdom of God, centered around Jesus as Lord, spreads throughout the Roman Empire, it encounters a direct clash with the Roman establishment, where Caesar is regarded as the supreme authority. Both Jesus and the writers of the New Testament possess a keen awareness of the imperial propaganda machinery. They skillfully employ the terminology associated with the imperial cult to directly challenge the assertions made by Caesar. Come and join us on a journey to ancient Priene, where we will investigate an inscription dating back to 9 BC. This inscription portrays Augustus as the "savior" and "god," while also depicting his birth as the "good news for the world." --------------------- Tower of Babel: https://youtu.be/8B8JjGFEvgs Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/good-news-of-caesar-augustus#/ www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Priene Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_Inscription_of_Priene#:~:text=The%20Priene%20Calendar%20Inscription%20(IK,the%20edict%20from%209%20BC. Craig Evans (2000) - Mark's Incipit and the Priene Calendar Inscription: From Jewish Gospel to Greco-Roman Gospel. https://web.archive.org/web/20170829065710/http://craigaevans.com/Priene%20art.pdf JD Crossan and JL Reed - In Search of Paul: How Jesus' Apostle Opposed Rome's Empire with God's Kingdom https://www.amazon.com/Search-Paul-Apostle-Opposed-Kingdom/dp/0060514574/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=616863302838&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013186&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9698310806900404646&hvtargid=kwd-777937745&hydadcr=24658_13611734&keywords=in+search+of+paul&qid=1691592463&sr=8-2 N.T. Wright - How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-King-Getting/dp/0281061467/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687643128&sr=8-1 Ethelbert Stauffer - Christ and the Caesars - https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Caesars-Ethelbert-Stauffer/dp/1556358180/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BY4ZQQVBOR33&keywords=christ+and+the+caesars+stauffer&qid=1692565351&sprefix=christ+and+the+ca%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Jesus-Gospels-IVP-Bible/dp/0830824561/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20A1I5S7RIMCB&keywords=dictionary+of+jesus+and+the+gospels&qid=1687643188&sprefix=dictionary+of+jesus%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Paul-His-Letters-Contemporary/dp/0830817859/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5PWS1X5XO943&keywords=dictionary+of+paul+and+his+letters+2nd+edition&qid=1687643216&sprefix=dictionary+of+paul%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

Chiastic structures were utilized by Bible authors to effectively communicate their intended messages. These underlying structures not only shape the scriptures but also aid the audience in visualizing important concepts. A prime example of this can be found in the Gospel of Mark, where a chiastic structure introduces the Good News of God's impending reign and highlights Jesus as the anointed Messianic figure destined to become king. These opening verses not only serve as a powerful introduction but also set the tone for the events that unfold throughout the remainder of Mark's Gospel. Chiastic Structure and the Tower of Babel: https://youtu.be/8B8JjGFEvgs Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y

Welcome to today's lesson, where we delve into the origins of the Hebrew and Greek words associated with the term "Good News." Regardless of whether you identify as a Jew, Roman, or Greek, the concept of the "Good News" holds great significance and bears religious implications. Additionally, we will investigate the meaning of a Targum and its role in shedding light on first-century Jewish perspectives regarding Isaiah 52:7 and the imminent kingdom of God. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/background-to-the-good-news#/ www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: N.T. Wright - How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-King-Getting/dp/0281061467/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687643128&sr=8-1 Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Jesus-Gospels-IVP-Bible/dp/0830824561/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20A1I5S7RIMCB&keywords=dictionary+of+jesus+and+the+gospels&qid=1687643188&sprefix=dictionary+of+jesus%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Paul-His-Letters-Contemporary/dp/0830817859/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5PWS1X5XO943&keywords=dictionary+of+paul+and+his+letters+2nd+edition&qid=1687643216&sprefix=dictionary+of+paul%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

What is meant by the term "Good News"? This question is crucial and needs to be addressed by both ourselves and others. The definition of this term varies between scholars and laypeople, but in this case, the scholars' perspective is correct. The Good News refers to the Kingdom of God, where Jesus reigns as Lord. In the first century, this proclamation had real-world implications as it meant that the kingdom of God, under Jesus' lordship, would clash with the kingdom of man, under Caesar's lordship. This question remains relevant today: Who do we consider our Lord? We invite you to join us in exploring this vital topic and understanding how it can profoundly impact our relationship with God, with Jesus as our king. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/good-news-its-not-what-you-think#/ www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: N.T. Wright - How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels https://www.amazon.com/How-God-Became-King-Getting/dp/0281061467/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687643128&sr=8-1 Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Jesus-Gospels-IVP-Bible/dp/0830824561/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20A1I5S7RIMCB&keywords=dictionary+of+jesus+and+the+gospels&qid=1687643188&sprefix=dictionary+of+jesus%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters - https://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Paul-His-Letters-Contemporary/dp/0830817859/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5PWS1X5XO943&keywords=dictionary+of+paul+and+his+letters+2nd+edition&qid=1687643216&sprefix=dictionary+of+paul%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

This lesson explores the ancient literary technique called a chiastic structure or a chiasm. The biblical authors use literary devices such as the chiastic structure to add depth to the text. The chiastic structure focuses the reader's attention and helps communicate the author's point. We will use the story of the Tower of Babel to help illustrate a chiastic structure. The Tower of Babel story is a masterpiece of literary work much more profound than most expect. The depth comes from the underlying chiastic structure and helps communicate a profound message about the nature of humanity. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/134-jesus-our-bridegroom-bible-101-redemption-pt-4/id1525811891?i=1000616702012 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Covenant and Conversation: Genesis https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Conversation-Genesis-Book-Beginnings/dp/1592640206/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=jonathan+sacks+covenant+and+conversation&qid=1687032541&sprefix=jonathan+sacks+cov%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-5 This next book is much more than most need to know about Chiasms in the ancient world but I did use it as a reference. John W. Welch, Chiasmus in Antiquity https://www.amazon.com/Chiasmus-Antiquity-John-W-Welch/dp/1532682433/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M7RKXB1TS3VP&keywords=chiasmus+in+antiquity&qid=1687032584&sprefix=chiasmus+i%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

Moses acts as a covenant mediator for the brand-new nation of Israel. God uses the ancient Near Eastern Suzerain Vassal covenant structure to communicate this new relationship to his people. When we understand the components of an ancient Near Eastern covenant, we begin to see the underlying structure within the Biblical text. If we don't understand ANE Covenants, we miss the details the Bible communicates to us. Join us for this lesson as we explore the underlying structure of the Mosaic Covenant and how it helps us understand our relationship with God. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/mosaic-covenant#/ Ancient Near East Covenant Structure Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/ane-covenant-example#/ Concept of Covenant Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/concept-of-covenant-handout#/ "Cutting a Covenant" Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/cutting-a-covenant-handout#/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/133-underlying-structure-to-mosaic-covenant-bible-101-pt-4/id1525811891?i=1000615543457 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: James Pritchard, The Ancient Near East: an Anthology of Texts and Pictures https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Near-East-Anthology-Pictures/dp/0691147264/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UI44JGCG35R4&keywords=the+ancient+near+east+pritchard&qid=1685308401&sprefix=the+ancient+near+east%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1 Sandra Richter - The Epic of Eden - https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Eden-Christian-Entry-Testament/dp/0830825770/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20SSMDWP1WFBT&keywords=epic+of+eden&qid=1684020465&sprefix=epic+of+eden%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/abrahamic-covenant#/ Concept of Covenant Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/concept-of-covenant-handout#/ "Cutting a Covenant" Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/cutting-a-covenant-handout#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: James Pritchard, The Ancient Near East: an Anthology of Texts and Pictures https://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Near-East-Anthology-Pictures/dp/0691147264/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UI44JGCG35R4&keywords=the+ancient+near+east+pritchard&qid=1685308401&sprefix=the+ancient+near+east%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1 Sandra Richter - The Epic of Eden - https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Eden-Christian-Entry-Testament/dp/0830825770/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20SSMDWP1WFBT&keywords=epic+of+eden&qid=1684020465&sprefix=epic+of+eden%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

The generations following Adam and Eve became wicked, violent, and murderous. God's heart was grieved, and, in His wisdom, He decided to "start over" through Noah and his family. Noah's story is a "de-creation" followed by "re-creation" and a new beginning for humanity. After the flood, God makes a covenant with humanity through Noah as the covenant mediator. His promise to humanity is that He will not destroy the earth again with a flood, and as a sign of the covenant, God sets his "bow" in the clouds. In today's lesson, we will explore the ancient context of the Hebrew word for "bow" and the implications for how we understand this remarkable covenant with humanity. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/noahic-covenant#/ Concept of Covenant Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/concept-of-covenant-handout#/ "Cutting a Covenant" Handout - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/cutting-a-covenant-handout#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Sandra Richter - The Epic of Eden - https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Eden-Christian-Entry-Testament/dp/0830825770/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20SSMDWP1WFBT&keywords=epic+of+eden&qid=1684020465&sprefix=epic+of+eden%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1

In John 10:22, he tells us that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah - or the Feast of Dedication in English. Hanukkah celebrates a historical event in 165 BCE, led by the Maccabees family, which ultimately won the Israelites their religious and political freedoms. Join us in this lesson as we explore the historical background leading up to this holiday and how the impact of this victory was still inspiring the Zealots – including Paul – in the first century. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/jesus-celebrates-hanukkah#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: The Jewish Annotated Apocrypha - https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Annotated-Apocrypha-Jonathan-Klawans/dp/0190262486/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YVVVI7PUNLMX&keywords=jewish+annotated+apocrypha&qid=1682198851&sprefix=Jewish+anno%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1 Rabbi Paul Steinberg, Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Jewish-Year-Holidays-Hanukkah/dp/0827608497/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1VPPZYPMJS0JU&keywords=celebrating+the+jewish+year&qid=1682198775&sprefix=%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-3

Scholars have long recognized that Jesus was not born on December 25th. So when was he born? Does the Bible give us any clues as to the time of year of his birth? The answer is yes! Join us as we explore a trail of clues in the Gospel of Luke that points us to Jesus' birth being in the fall, around the Feast of Tabernacles. Considering the importance that God places on his Appointed Feasts and His plan of redemption, it would only make sense that Jesus, our redeemer, would be born into the world during the feast that celebrates redemption. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/jesus-birthday#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Ethelbert Stauffer, Christ and the Caesars -https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Caesars-Ethelbert-Stauffer/dp/1556358180/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IO5WCSSGOACW&keywords=christ+and+the+caesars&qid=1681587620&sprefix=christ+and+the+caesars%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

In today's lesson, we look at the final of the seven holidays – the Festival of Tabernacles. This festival is the dress rehearsal for Heaven, and it celebrates the fullness of redemption! And it is the only holiday we are commanded to celebrate with Joy before the LORD. Understanding the Festival of Tabernacles is central to understanding the message of the Gospel of John and how the "word" came to "tabernacle" among us. We also find Jesus attending this dynamic festival in the Gospel of John. It is through understanding the first-century context of Tabernacles that the words and actions of Jesus come alive and enrich our reading of the Biblical text. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/jesus-tabernacled-among-us#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Rabbi Paul Steinberg and Janet Greenstein Potter, (2007). Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Fall Holidays, Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, (pg. 121). https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Jewish-Year-Holidays-Hashanah/dp/082760842X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=celebrating+the+jewish+year&qid=1680461837&sprefix=celebrating+the+jewis%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-2

For humanity to be reconciled with God, sin must be atoned for. God, in his wisdom, provided a ritual in the Day of Atonement ceremony for this exact purpose - to restore the covenantal relationship with his people in service of His plan of redemption. In addition to a ransom - the goat whose blood is sprinkled on the Mercy Seat - there is also a Scapegoat ceremony. The scapegoat ceremony offers a concrete ritual to the nation that the past year's sins have been "taken away" on the head of the goat. Jesus fulfills both the ransom offering and the scapegoat who "takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Join us as we explore this holiday and the amazing significance of Jesus' atoning death (Romans 3:25). Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/day-of-atonement-jesus-the-scapegoat#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y References: Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament - R. Laird Harris, “1023 ,”כָפַ ר ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 452. Babylonian Talmud, Yoma 39b - #5 - https://www.sefaria.org/Yoma.39b.5?lang=bi William Holeman Hunt - The Scapegoat (1854) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scapegoat_(painting)

In Revelation 22:2, John does something profound with his choice of a particular Greek word. Bibles in English all translate this Greek word as "tree," but there is something much deeper happening. If we understand the words used for "tree" throughout the New Testament, then we can see that John is pointing out something unique about this "Tree of Life" that he is seeing in his vision. Join us in this short lesson on how John - by simply changing one Greek word - show us that the Tree of Life is really the Cross! Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y

Continuing through this series on God's Appointed Feasts, we make a jump over to the Fall festivals. Jesus has fulfilled the first four holidays - the Spring Feasts - and next up on his agenda is the trumpet blast that will announce the return of the king. This trumpet blast is associated with the Feast of Trumpets, known as Rosh Hashanah (we'll cover this in more detail next week). In today's lesson, we explore a few of the details of the holiday that help us understand the words of Jesus concerning his return and Paul as he writes about the "Last" trumpet blast or the "Trumpet Blast" of God. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/the-trumpet-blast-of-god#/ Apple Podcasts: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y

The Bible never mentions the phrase "the garden of Gethsemane." We tend to treat the word Gethsemane as if it is the name of a city or village that happens to have a garden. But this is not the case! A Gethsemane is not a place - it is a thing! So what is a Gethsemane? Join us for this short lesson to find out. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com More Fig Tree Five: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/category/fig-tree-five#/ Blog post: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/what-is-a-gethsemane#/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y

In today's lesson, we explore the Feast of Weeks holiday. The holiday is called Shavuot in Hebrew, and in Greek, Pentecost. This is the holiday we see in Acts chapter two when God delivers the Holy Spirit as a gift from Heaven. What's going on at this event? What does this event tell us about the power of community? We see tonight how in a very concrete act, God is showing us that His presence has moved out of the "Temple" in Jerusalem and now resides wherever there is a group of "living stones" (1 Peter 2:4-5) gathered together in worship. Finally, we explore evidence from the first-century Jewish culture that helps us build a foundation for the background of this event and some of the traditions surrounding the events of God coming down on Mount Sinai. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/acts-2-pentecost#/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y Theresa Abell Haynes, "Voices of Fire: Sinai Imagery in Acts 2 and Rabbinic Midrash," published in Scandinavian Jewish Studies https://journal.fi/nj/article/view/102389 Exodus Rabbah 5:9 via Internet Archives - pg. 88-89 https://archive.org/details/midrashrabbah0003unse/page/88/mode/2up

Today's lesson kicks off our upcoming series on God's Appointed Feasts found in Leviticus 23. These holidays are central to Jesus' ministry and God's plan of redeeming the world! In this video, we will briefly introduce the holidays and then look at the concept of redemption! God is redeeming the world. The Bible is a book about redemption. But what does the word redemption mean? Do we have a sufficient enough understanding of this ancient concept that we can begin to see it all over the Bible? Join us today as we introduce God's Appointed Feasts and unpack the concept of redemption. Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries www.figtreeteaching.com Download Class handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/gods-appointed-feasts-introduction#/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/114-gods-appointed-feasts-leviticus-23-introduction/id1525811891?i=1000597078523 References: Sandra Richter, The Epic of Eden https://smile.amazon.com/Epic-Eden-Christian-Entry-Testament-ebook/dp/B0035RP56O/ref=sr_1_1?crid=273RJ6OSVMWXS&keywords=epic+of+eden+sandra+richter&qid=1674312444&sprefix=%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 Rabbi Barney Kasdan, God's Appointed Times - https://smile.amazon.com/Gods-Appointed-Times-New-Understanding/dp/1880226359/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3KO8YWJC99WRO&keywords=barney+kasdan&qid=1674312481&sprefix=barney+kasdan%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-3 Free Resources: RBC Ministries - Spring Feasts - https://discoveryseries.org/courses/the-holidays-of-god-the-spring-feasts/ RBC Ministries - Fall Feasts - https://discoveryseries.org/courses/the-holidays-of-god-the-fall-feasts/