in the middle

Welcome back to In the Middle! Roy and Cedric discuss the relationship between God and Pharaoh in this introduction of the Parashat Bo Torah portion. They also talk about the responsibility of God’s people in finding their redemption in Egypt.  Passages referenced: Genesis 12-13, 15, Exodus 12:29, Numbers 3:12-13, Exodus 10:1 Video Links: Locust Super Swarm Locusts Hit Egypt

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Roy and Cedric discuss the parallels between the instruction the Isrealites received regarding disposal of bodies and the crucifixion of Yeshua. Cedric talks about the biblical instruction on helping others. They reflect on the concept of the crucifix. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion. Passages referenced: Malachi 3:13-18, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 & 22:1-4

Roy and Cedric talk about how societal norms affect a child’s upbringing. Roy touches on the difference between being led by God and being in His will. They come back to addressing the importance of motive. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion. Passages referenced: Matthew 5:19-20 & 7:22-23, Genesis 6:5 & 8:21, James 4:1-10, Ephesians 6:10-13

Roy talks about the importance of motivation in choices. Cedric goes into the consequences of not being able to imagine the process of getting to where you want to be. They discuss who is responsible for the actions of a child and why. Roy talks about the application of these scriptures in the context of a changing world. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion. Passages referenced: Matthew 6:23;...

What do you do when you go to war? Roy and Cedric discuss the optional war discussed in the Ki Teitzei portion and what rules were given to the Israelites to hold them to a certain standard. Cedric delves into the instruction the Israelites were given for when they did not follow instruction. Roy talks about the Four Kings in the Midrash and the danger of self-deception in facing one’s own wars. C...

Roy and Cedric continue to speak on the war between the Israelites and Midianites. They talk about how the Israelites brought back the women who originally seduced them and discuss the different interpretations on how they were told to handle them. They close the series with a discussion of what happened with the land taken in the conclusion of the Matot-Masei portion. Passages referenced: Numbers...

Roy and Cedric discuss the concept of desire and lust, and contextualize the negative connotations of it. Roy speaks to the necessity of looking within oneself to address issues one may take with others. They talk about how God dealt with the Midianites regarding their attack on His relationship with the Israelites and acknowledge the abnormality of this situation. A continuation of the Matot-Mase...

Roy and Cedric begin discussion on the Matot-Masei portion by defining oaths and vows and the differentiations between the two. Roy speaks to the contextual location of the Torah’s specifics on the rules of vows. He also expands on the expectations regarding how vows are made and followed through (within reasonability). Passages referenced: Numbers 30, Matthew 5:37

Roy and Cedric kick off the Vows & Oaths series by discussing the relationship between the Old Testament law and New Testament interpretation. Roy speaks to the rigidity of systems, versus the necessary pliability of individuals. They summarize the Pinchas Torah portion in preparation for discussion of the Matot-Masei portion, with Cedric explaining how the Midianites disrupted the journey of...

Roy and Cedric discuss the true meaning of “the Lord knows my heart.” They also talk about the rules of the tabernacle. Roy connects the dots between the instructions given to Nadab and Abihu and the last days. Cedric talks about how being the light would inherently cause one to stand out. Roy brings it all back to community and how you cannot follow God’s instruction without other people. A conti...

Roy discusses which good works are meant to be seen and which aren’t and the importance of working on your heart when working on good works. Roy and Cedric deliberate on the difference between good works and works of righteousness. Roy gets into the accessibility of atonement. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion. Passages referenced: Matthew 5:13-20, 6:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:17-18

Roy and Cedric delve deeper into interpretation of scripture. Roy talks about apparent contradictions in scripture and how Jewish law was not done away with. They discuss the importance of conduct and participation in the process. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion. Passages referenced: 1 Peter 2: 11-12, Ephesians 2:9-10

In this first episode on the Acharei Torah portion, Roy explains the manner of how one is supposed to enter the temple. Cedric speaks to God’s desire for obedience over sacrifice. They discuss the relationship between faith and trust. Roy breaks down some misconceptions of the Jewish faith and the role of the veil in the temple, and Cedric talks about the piecemealing of scripture for personal use...

Roy and Cedric begin the final episode of The Golden Calf series by setting the scene for a conversation between Moshe and the Lord wherein God proclaims His name. They discuss the possibility of choosing your actions outside of your lineage and further discuss the 13 attributes of God. Roy closes with addressing a parallel to the written Commandments being broken due to the sins of the people.  P...

Roy and Cedric further discuss proof of concept and how there should be a representative of scripture. Roy points out that everyone is at different points in their own process. Cedric speaks to the Commandments being instructions on how to show your love for God. Roy considers the imagery in the Hebrew language and the importance of it, as well as the “push-pull” of scripture. They end the episode...

In this episode, Roy and Cedric discuss the golden calf and the events leading up to its creation. Roy delves into the language differences between Jewish and English translations of the Word and explains the meaning of Elohim. Roy digs into the Jewish interpretation of the golden calf and the hidden meanings in seemingly insignificant language in the text. They end the episode with addressing wha...

Roy and Cedric start this series by discussing the census and counting people equally. They get into the details of how sin adds to righteousness. Roy talks about conduct through trials where God is not felt and the creation of choice. Knowing the difference between God’s wisdom and our own. Passage referenced: Exodus 30:11-12

Roy and Cedric delve into the First and Fourth Commandments and their more literal meanings. They also discuss the standard of believers under Yeshua. Roy talks about the apparent shortage of those whom God can show himself strong in. They close the Truth series by talking about the self sacrifice required to create positive change to help others. Passages referenced: Exodus 20:1-3, 7, 2 Timothy 2...

Roy and Cedric consider the power of the truth and how it can conflict with religion. Cedric speaks to the decrease of biblical literacy amongst Christians. Roy explains how the destruction of the temple was a result of the Jewish community allowing religion to become a business. They consider the frailty of humans in the context of overall existence. Passages referenced: 1 John 3:15, Romans 3:4,...

Roy and Cedric discuss the way in which Yitro added to Torah. Roy talks about being a searcher of truth. They discuss the meaning of “logos” and its roots in Greek mythology. Roy explains the meaning of hatred from a Jewish perspective. Passages referenced: Exodus 18:13-26, John 1:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Psalm 119:140-144, Deuteronomy 25:13-15

Roy and Cedric begin to discuss Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro (or Jethro), and his role in Moshe’s inner circle. Roy talks about the context of the usage of the name Elohim as opposed to other iterations of the name of the Lord. They speak to the function of nature in spirituality and religion. Passages referenced: Exodus 18:1-12, Romans 12:2

Some brief thoughts on Palestine from the In the Middle team.

Roy and Cedric consider the agricultural background of tithing in the Bible and contemplate converting the concept to a modern, monetary equivalent. They also discuss the responsibility of a believer to hold accountable the leaders of the organizations they tithe to. Roy closes The Tithe series by explaining the importance of community in correcting people and using scripture as a point of referen...

Roy delves further into tithing as a Messianic Jew. He and Cedric discuss the complications of applying biblical tithing rules to the modern day. They also talk about the intricacies of considering how the tithe is ultimately handled by the people or entities that receive it. Passage referenced: Deuteronomy 14:22