The Book of The Covenant Versus The Book of The Law-The Ten Commandments or the Whole of Torah
Release Date: 08/16/2025
Torah as our Constitution and God's Culture What the Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us Part 2
The Messianic Torah Observer
In this teaching, I unpack why Torah serves as the constitution and culture of Yah’s people, while also showing what Torah cannot do for us apart from true, trusting faith in Yeshua. We’ll examine Judaism’s oral tradition, the Church’s man-made culture, and the urgent need to return to Yeshua-focused Torah living.
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Saved by Faith, Guided by Torah: What the Torah Can and Cannot Do for Us Part 1.
The Messianic Torah Observer
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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Sabbath, Jubilee, and the Kingdom A Yeshua-Focused Journey Through Behar–Bechukotai
The Messianic Torah Observer
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...
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Parashah Emor (Speak!). An Ancient Framework for Walking in Kingdom for 2026 Messianics
The Messianic Torah Observer
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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What Does Walking with God Look Like from a Yeshua-focused Torah-Living Perspective
The Messianic Torah Observer
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...
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Clean or Unclean? The Torah's Call to Set-Apart Living. My Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading Tazria-Metzorah
The Messianic Torah Observer
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...
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TMTO Update and Biblical Rosh HaShanah Announcement
The Messianic Torah Observer
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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Drafted Into a Cosmic War-Defining Spiritual Warfare in a Time of Global Darkness-Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series
The Messianic Torah Observer
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...
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The Suffering Warrior Unveiling Judahs Mashiyach ben Joseph and the Messianic Mystery A - Part 10 of our Melchizedek Series
The Messianic Torah Observer
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...
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Messiah the Prince Daniels Prophecy Jewish Tradition and the Identity of Yeshua - Part 9 of our Melchizedek Series
The Messianic Torah Observer
In this installment, Rod Thomas explores the Jewish concepts of the Messiah, focusing on the three-messiah framework: Mashiyach Nagid, Mashiyach ben Yosef, and Mashiyach ben David. The discussion delves into Daniel’s prophecy, Jewish tradition, and the identity of Yeshua (Jesus) as understood in Messianic faith. The episode also examines why mainstream Judaism rejects Yeshua as Messiah and how these messianic expectations shape both Jewish and Messianic perspectives. Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction and Context Greetings and setting: Recorded on the 3rd Day of the 11th biblical month,...
info_outline- Rod Thomas welcomes listeners on a warm sunny Shabbat in the DFW area, expressing gratitude for their fellowship and hoping the episode finds everyone well and blessed.
- Announcement about the upcoming two-month Kenya Missions Trip, which may affect the regular posting schedule of TMTO.
- Request for prayers and financial support for the trip, especially for the needs of widows and orphans in western Kenya and a potential partnership with a Sabbath-keeping congregation in Homa Bay.
- Encouragement to support Hilary's non-profit, Qumran Family Foundation.
- Title: Book of the Law versus Book of the Covenant: The Ten Commandments Alone or All of Torah?
- The Question: A listener's question about the placement of the Book of the Covenant inside the Ark of the Covenant and the Book of the Law beside it.
- Importance of the Question: The answer strikes at the heart of the Nazarene-Messianic Faith Community, addressing whether to keep the whole Torah or just the Ten Commandments.
- Recent Experience: Rod shares his experience with 10-Commandment-Only Keepers during a missions trip to Kenya.
- Scriptural References: Various passages from Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, James, and others are cited to support the discussion.
- Controversy: Explanation of the Book of the Law versus Book of the Covenant controversy and its implications.
- Exegetical Analysis: Detailed analysis of Galatians 3:19 and its context within the broader discussion of Torah and Grace.
- Role of Torah: Torah as a guide, tutor, and schoolmaster, revealing sin and pointing to the need for a savior.
- Conclusion: Emphasis on the importance of keeping Torah in the spirit of obedience and faith, with a call to conduct personal study and prayer.
- Rod concludes the episode with a prayer for blessings and encouragement to conduct personal "Berean-style" study.
- Wishes the listeners Shabbat Shalom and Shavuatov.