Shalom Macon: Messianic Jewish Teachings

Building something worthwhile takes time, care, and more effort than we usually plan for. This week’s message explores that exact truth—spiritually. God says, “Let them build Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” But as we’ll see in Pekudei, the last Torah portion of Exodus, that sanctuary required detail, dedication, and every piece in place. There’s a powerful application for us in this....

Do you long to experience God’s glory firsthand? In Parashat Pekudei, the Tabernacle is complete and an overwhelming cloud of divine radiance descends—yet even Moses is barred from entering. Why would the Almighty withhold such an intimate encounter from His greatest servant? Is it because the full force of divine glory is beyond human capacity? This provocative Torah study invites you to explore...

 One crowd built a golden calf. Another built something sacred. Same crowd gathered together. Same Hebrew root—kahal. So what flipped the script? One was a panic. The other, a purpose. This week, we’re looking at the difference that changes everything about how we come together—and why it matters more than ever.  Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship M...

In Parashat Vayakhel, we’re confronted with a striking question: why does the Torah begin Tabernacle‑building instructions by first reminding Israel to guard the Sabbath? Dive into this week’s teaching to uncover how God defines the boundaries of worship—placing holy zeal within the framework of divine command. From the golden calf’s misguided passion to King Uzziah’s fatal overreach, we see how e...

Last week we discussed the problem of finding joy and holding onto it. This week I give you the tools to change the narrative for difficult circumstances to see the beauty behind the scenes. It will help you reframe the challenges in your life and embrace the goodness of God. Join me for the conclusion of The Hidden Joy of Adar. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for upl...

How often do you see a penny in a parking lot? How often do you pick it up? In today’s economy, it doesn’t seem worth the effort to pick up a penny. What value does it really have? What can you buy for a single penny? What’s the point? Sometimes we think about that when it comes to people as well. Maybe we think, “They’ll never amount to anything. Why invest my time in them?” But is this the way G...

Do you struggle to maintain joy? Just a few days ago, we entered into the Hebrew month of Adar. The Talmud says, “Mishenichnas Adar Marbin B’Simchah” which means, “When Adar begins, joy increases.” Does this mean joy automatically increases or are we supposed to work to increase our joy? If we’re responsible for increasing our joy how are we supposed to do this? Are we supposed to flip a switch? F...

Have you ever felt invisible? Have you ever been part of a team that accomplished something really great, but for whatever reason, you weren’t given any recognition? That can be a painful experience. But sometimes we need to follow the example of Moses and Yeshua and give up ourselves for the greater good. If you’re not sure what I’m saying, we have a great example we can explore in this week’s 5...

Over the past weeks, we’ve explored what it takes to build true confidence—faith, action, rewiring our thoughts, and stepping boldly into the unknown. But there’s one crucial piece we must confront: failure.  The real reason many never step forward isn’t lack of ability—it’s fear of failure or past wounds that still hold them back. But here’s the truth— it’s part of this amazing process of becomin...

How does it feel to be called a hypocrite? What even is a hypocrite? Yeshua criticized many of the Pharisees of his day for their hypocrisy. But they were looked up to as the spiritual leaders of their day. Can you be a hypocrite without even realizing it? This week’s Torah portion begins God’s instructions for building the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. And there’s a certain item within the Tabernacle...

Confidence isn’t just a feeling; it’s a system. And when you build it right, it can change everything. This week, we’re diving into the incredible God-given brainpower we all have. We’ll break down the patterns, thoughts, and habits that either hold you back or push you forward. As we continue to build the code of confidence in this series, if you’ve ever struggled with doubt, fear, indecision, or...

In Matthew 15, Yeshua calls a Gentile woman a "dog". Is this term racist? Was Yeshua racist? How do we reconcile his treatment of this Gentile woman with his character and mission? This week's Torah portion just might hold the key to unlock this door for us. Join me for the 5 Minute Torah of Mishpatim. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Te...

Last week, we explored faith, trust, and the power of stepping forward—even when fear whispers  what if?  Instead, we embraced  EVEN IF.  Even if circumstances seem impossible, even if doubt creeps in, we take the step, because we know God is with us. But here’s the challenge: if we trust God, why do we struggle to trust  ourselves?  Why do we hesitate, watching from the sidelines while others tak...

Acts 2 tells of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Yeshua's disciples and the miracles that accompanied that event. Is there a connection between the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost and the Revelation of Torah at Sinai? Let's find out together in this week's 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value...

Life can feel chaotic - volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous. Now imagine escaping centuries of slavery, only to be pursued by a ruthless tyrant. Israel faced that reality after the Exodus - fear was real, but so was God's presence. Yet they were missing a key ingredient for the journey - one that was revealed to them in this Torah portion. Join us as we uncover powerful lessons from their jour...

Shalom Macon’s building dedication isn’t just about walls—it’s about heart. Rabbi Damian reflects on past challenges and the true foundation of a thriving community: love, unity, and purpose. From a decade of growth, struggles, and renewal, we rededicate ourselves to hospitality, service, and the mission of bringing Jews and Gentiles together in Messiah. The real question: Will this just be a beau...

God tells Israel to "guard the matzah." What does this mean and what relevance does this have to us today? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/shalommacon . If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalo...

Construction projects rarely go as planned—time stretches, costs rise, and patience gets tested. Sound familiar? Over the past months of teaching, we’ve repaved the Romans Road together, uncovering Paul’s true message: not division, but inclusion; not arrogance, but humility. As we wrap up this transformative journey, we’ll revisit Paul’s bold vision: Jews and Gentiles, distinct yet united in Mess...

At his last meal with his beloved disciples, Yeshua shared a cup of wine with them saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Later on that night he went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the side of the Mount of Olives in order to pray. As the light of the full moon beamed down from the night sky and sweat rolled down his face like gr...

Romans 14 is often misread as Paul dismissing kosher laws or Jewish practices, but is that what’s really happening? Rabbi Damian unpacks Paul’s discussion of the “weak” and “strong,” revealing that the real issue isn’t about food at all—it’s about faith, humility, and cooperation. How should Gentiles and Jews in Messiah navigate their differences? What does this teach us about the Kingdom of God?...

When God called Moses he didn't feel he was worthy of the task set before him. What was it that made him realize he could do what God had called him to do? Sometimes all we can see is our limitations and inadequacies when we have an entire list of assets we haven’t even tapped into. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that we were assigned our individualized task here on planet Earth by a wise an...

Romans 12–13 continues Paul’s teaching on community harmony, humility, and unity between Jews and Gentiles. In this message, we’ll explore how these chapters build directly on his earlier points, and now provide practical advice for living together. Rabbi Damian also offer a different take on the traditional understanding of Romans 13. Discover how Paul’s call to humility and respect remains centr...

Paul says that Gentiles who come to Yeshua are grafted into the “nourishing root of the olive tree” of Israel (Romans 11:17), “fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6), and “Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:39). How do daughter of a pagan priest, two adopted sons, a marriage contract, and an Israelite who wal...

It's 2025. Are you where you thought you would be in life by now? Or are you stuck in the same place you were at the beginning of 2024? If you're tired of ending up at the same place year after year, then this teaching is for you. Let's go from living an ordinary life to an EXTRA-ordinary life. Let's reboot our personal operating system and create new habits and patterns in our lives to bring in t...

Hope is powerful. Unfortunately, many people today have lost hope. As followers of Yeshua, we have a hope that is greater than what this world provides. However, it is easy to lose sight of it. Learn how to recover it and share it with others through an examination of the life of Joseph. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings on our...