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_outlineThis installment of TMTO reports on a 2025 mission trip to Kenya by the Qumran Family Foundation (QFF), focusing on supporting widows and orphans through literacy and empowerment programs. It details the ministry's work, challenges faced, accomplishments, and future plans.
· Ministry focus on Kenyan widows and orphans: QFF aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing literacy education and business/job skills to widows and supporting orphans lacking basic subsistence and educational opportunities. Kenyan widows face social isolation, abuse, and financial struggles, compounded by cultural restrictions and lack of government support.
· Biblical foundation for the mission: The ministry is grounded in Torah commandments to care for widows and orphans, citing multiple scriptural references emphasizing justice, provision, and honor toward these groups.
· Trip logistics and locations: The mission trip was planned starting December 2024, with travel from August 24 to November 20, 2025. Activities took place in Nairobi, Migori, Kehancha, and Kisii.
· Organizational milestones: QFF became a registered non-profit/NGO in Kenya with an official tax identification (KRA PIN) in August 2025, enabling legal operations.
· Educational achievements: Forty-one widows graduated from the basic literacy course with a formal ceremony in September 2025. A new widows' school was opened in Kisii with 16-20 students, and the Kehancha school relocated to begin Phase 2 classes teaching business and job skills to graduates.
· Ministry outreach and baptisms: The team delivered the Gospel to Kuria Family Care Messianic Assembly, supporting 25 fatherless children, and baptized eight individuals including the pastor in November 2025.
· Staffing and facilities: QFF opened an office in Migori Town in November 2025, employing four teachers, an office manager, and an operations assistant to support ongoing programs.
· Challenges faced: The ministry encountered political unrest, widespread corruption, and the strong presence of Islam in Kenya, alongside spiritual opposition, requiring reliance on faith and careful verification in operations.
· Future needs and plans: QFF seeks funding for teachers, classrooms in Kisumu and Migori, a vehicle, support for Kuria Care orphans and widows, and ongoing operational costs. Planned 2026 goals include expanding literacy classes, graduating new classes, and continuing mission trips. Donations and support are encouraged via qumranfamilyfoundation.org.