Founded in Truth Fellowship - Bible Teachings and Sermons

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What is the Sabbath?

What is the Sabbath?
In this Bible teaching delivered by Matthew Vander Els at Founded in Truth Fellowship, the concept of the Sabbath is explored as more than just a weekly day of rest. It is presented as a central theme woven throughout the entire biblical narrative, beginning with creation and pointing towards an ultimate, eternal rest found in Jesus Christ (Yeshua). The message emphasizes understanding the Sabbath not merely as a commandment to be followed, but as a profound invitation to enter into God's rest, reflecting His character and His plan for humanity.
The teaching begins by examining the creation account in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. God created the heavens and the earth in six days and rested on the seventh day, making it holy. Notably, unlike the conclusions of the first six days ("And there was evening and morning"), the seventh day has no such ending, suggesting an ongoing, eternal nature of God's rest. This initial act of divine rest introduces the concept of the Sabbath from the very beginning of the biblical story.
Furthermore, the speaker highlights the unique portrayal of humanity in Genesis 1. Instead of being created as slaves to work for the gods, as in other ancient Near Eastern creation myths like the Babylonian Enuma Elish, humans are created in God's image (the Hebrew word "Selim") to be His representatives and even to co-rule over creation. This sets a stark contrast where the biblical God desires relationship and shared dominion with humanity, rather than servitude.
The Sabbath commandment is formally introduced to the Israelites in Exodus 16 in the context of gathering manna, where they were instructed to gather twice as much on the sixth day because the seventh day would be a Sabbath rest. Later, it is included in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, with the justification that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world in six days. Deuteronomy 5 provides a slightly different reason, linking the Sabbath to the remembrance of Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt. Both reasons work together, highlighting God's example and His act of redemption.
Application for Everyday Life:
Recognize the human need for rest in a society that often glorifies constant work and productivity. The Sabbath provides an opportunity to cease from labor and reflect.
Find your ultimate rest in Jesus Christ. He is presented as the Lord of the Sabbath, and true spiritual rest is found in a relationship with Him.
Remember your freedom from spiritual "slavery". Just as the Sabbath reminded Israel of their liberation from Egypt, it can remind believers of their freedom from sin and the burdens of striving for self-righteousness.
Look forward to the eternal rest promised in God's kingdom. The weekly Sabbath can serve as a foretaste of this ultimate rest.
View the Sabbath as an invitation to dwell with God. It is a time to focus on spiritual connection and communion with Him.
Consider the broader implications of Sabbath rest for your life and community. This includes examining whether you are contributing to exploitation or injustice and whether you are caring for the vulnerable. True Sabbath rest should align with God's character of justice and mercy.
Examine your motivations for observing any day of rest. Is it out of obligation to a past law, or is it an expression of the present reality of rest found in Christ and a longing for the future eternal Sabbath?
To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.
References:
Bible Verses:
Genesis 1
Genesis 2
Exodus 16
Exodus 20
Deuteronomy 5
Leviticus 23
Leviticus 25
Leviticus 26
Numbers 7
Psalm 95
Isaiah 56
Isaiah 61
Jeremiah 31
Ezekiel 36
Luke 4
Hebrews 3
Hebrews 4
2 Chronicles 36
Judges 19
1 Kings
Books and Resources:
The Bible by various authors
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Pentecost and the Whole House of Israel • What is Shavuot? | Shavuot and Jesus | The Lost Tribes

Pentecost and the Whole House of Israel • What is Shavuot? | Shavuot and Jesus | The Lost Tribes
This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the deep connections between the Jewish festival of Shavuot and the Christian celebration of Pentecost. It delves into the historical context of Shavuot, its prophetic significance in the Old Testament, and its ultimate fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2.
The Jewish Roots of Pentecost: Shavuot
The teaching begins by establishing that Pentecost, which occurred 50 days after Passover, is the Greek name for the Hebrew festival of Shavuot, meaning "weeks." Shavuot was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish religious calendar, alongside Passover and Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). During these festivals, the Israelites were commanded to travel to Jerusalem and bring first fruit offerings to the Lord as a sign of gratitude for the harvest.
Deuteronomy chapter 16 describes these three pilgrimage festivals, highlighting that Shavuot took place in the summer and involved offering the first fruits of the wheat harvest. This festival was observed 50 days after the offering of the first barley harvest during Passover week, hence the name Pentecost, derived from the Greek word for fifty. The speaker emphasizes the significance of this offering, explaining that in an agrarian society, the harvest was essential for life, and a successful harvest was seen as a direct blessing from God. Bringing the first fruits was an act of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness in providing rain and sustenance. This practice is presented as the root of the modern tradition of tithing, where a portion of one's provision is given back as an expression of gratitude.
The celebration of Shavuot was a time of joy, dancing, and a sense of divine peace. Families would create beautiful baskets to carry their offerings to the temple in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance and celebratory nature of the event. The speaker suggests that modern society might have a harder time fully grasping the profound gratitude associated with these harvest festivals, given our less direct connection to agricultural cycles.
Prophetic Promises and the Kingdom of Israel
The teaching then shifts to the Old Testament prophecies concerning the future of Israel. After the reign of King Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Both nations fell into idolatry and disobedience, leading to their eventual exile by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. During this period of exile, prophets like Hosea, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Malachi arose, carrying messages of repentance and future hope.
The prophecies spoke of a time when God would regather the scattered Israelites and restore the kingdom under a shepherd king from the lineage of David. Ezekiel chapter 34 depicts God as the ultimate shepherd who would rectify the failures of the earthly kings and care for his people. Verse 23 of Ezekiel 34 specifically mentions that David would be the shepherd, raising the question of whether this refers to the historical David or a future descendant with divine authority. The speaker clarifies that the prophets often united human royalty with divine control, indicating a future king from David's line who would rule with God's authority.
Ezekiel chapter 37, with the vision of the valley of dry bones, further emphasizes the promise of restoration and resurrection for the defeated and scattered people of Israel. Verse 24 of Ezekiel 37 reiterates that a descendant of David would be king over them, uniting them under one shepherd and establishing an everlasting covenant of peace. These prophecies instilled hope in the exiled Judeans for a future return to their land, the rebuilding of the temple, and the reestablishment of their kingdom under a righteous king.
The Disciples' Question and the Arrival of Pentecost
Even after the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Yeshua), the expectation of a restored kingdom of Israel remained strong among his followers. As recorded in Acts chapter 1, the disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?" This question reveals their continued focus on the prophetic promises of national restoration. Jesus responded that it was not for them to know the timing but redirected their attention to the coming of the Holy Spirit, through whom they would receive power to be his witnesses throughout the world.
Acts chapter 2 recounts the events of Pentecost, which occurred while the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem. Significantly, this coincided with the Jewish festival of Shavuot, a time when devout Jews from "every nation under heaven" would have been in Jerusalem for the pilgrimage. Instead of the people bringing offerings to God, God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the believers. This was manifested by the miraculous ability of the disciples to speak in other languages, allowing the diverse crowd to hear the wonders of God declared in their own native tongues.
Pentecost: Fulfillment and New Creation
The speaker highlights Luke's deliberate emphasis on the diverse national origins of the people present in Jerusalem, listing 15 different regions. This emphasis mirrors Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 11, which foretold the regathering of Israel from the nations to which they had been scattered. The miracle of speaking in tongues served as a powerful sign, connecting the scattered Judeans in a new and profound way.
Peter's sermon in Acts chapter 2 explains the meaning of these events. He declares that Jesus is the promised shepherd king, risen from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God, reigning even now. Peter argues that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the gathering of people from all nations signify the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the new covenant, the ingathering of exiles, and the reign of the Davidic king. He proclaims that Jesus is the one who brings this reconstitution of Israel, not as a political entity but as a spiritual body. The new temple being raised up is not a physical building but a growing community of believers indwelt by God's Spirit, destined to expand throughout the world.
To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.
Application for Everyday Life
Cultivate Gratitude: Reflect on God's provision in your life, both material and spiritual, and express gratitude like the Israelites bringing their first fruits.
Embrace Diversity: Recognize and value the diversity within the body of Christ and in the wider world, understanding that the Holy Spirit works across cultures and languages.
Seek the Holy Spirit: Acknowledge the Holy Spirit as a gift that brings life, power, and guidance, drawing you closer to Jesus.
Be an Ambassador of Life: Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to bring forth spiritual life, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions with others.
Participate in the Kingdom: Recognize that the kingdom of God is a growing reality that you are invited to be a part of.
Repent and Be Transformed: Respond to the work of the Holy Spirit by turning away from sin and embracing the forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.
Find Unity in Christ: Despite differences, strive for unity with fellow believers through the common bond of the Holy Spirit.
Offer Hope in Chaotic Times: Trust that the Holy Spirit can bring order and life to the chaotic areas of your life.
Use Your Abilities for Good: Use your abilities, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to benefit others and further God's kingdom.
Be a Witness: Share the message of hope, grace, forgiveness, and mercy that is found in Jesus Christ.
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Grace of the Torah - Discovering the Gospel in the Law • Messianic Teaching about the Torah | Jesus

Grace of the Torah - Discovering the Gospel in the Law • Messianic Teaching about the Torah | Jesus
Understanding the Torah: More Than Just Laws
In a recent teaching at Founded in Truth Fellowship, the speaker, Matthew Vander Els, delved into the profound significance of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Often referred to as "the law," the speaker argued that viewing the Torah solely through the lens of legislation misses its deeper purpose and genre. He suggested that the Torah is primarily a narrative, a story of God's interaction with humanity, beginning with creation and tracing His covenant relationship with Abraham and the nation of Israel.
Many individuals, particularly those raised in church traditions, might have been taught to overlook much of the Torah, focusing only on a few key stories. However, the speaker contended that there is immense value and understanding to be gained from exploring these foundational texts. While acknowledging the presence of numerous laws and commandments within the Torah, he emphasized that these laws are embedded within the overarching narrative and serve to contribute to the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan.
The speaker highlighted a crucial question that arises from the study of the Torah: What is its central message or point? He discussed common misconceptions, such as the idea that the Torah was a means for the Israelites to achieve salvation through obedience. He countered this by citing the Apostle Paul's teaching that Abraham was justified by faith, not by adherence to the law. Another perspective suggests that the law was given to demonstrate humanity's inability to keep it, thus highlighting the need for a savior. While acknowledging the role of the law in revealing sin and the necessity of God's grace, the speaker cautioned against viewing it solely as an oppressive burden that God intended to inflict upon Israel.
God's Grace in the Torah: A Privilege, Not a Burden
The speaker passionately argued that the Torah reveals God's grace and that obedience to it was intended to be a response to that grace, not a means of earning it. He drew attention to Moses' words in Deuteronomy, where he emphasizes that the decrees and laws were given so that Israel might live and be seen by other nations as wise and understanding. Moses declared that other nations would be envious of Israel's privilege of having their God so near to them and possessing such righteous decrees and laws. This perspective reframes the commandments not as a heavy burden, but as a distinctive privilege granted by a loving and intimate God.
To illustrate this point, the speaker contrasted the Israelite experience with an ancient Sumerian prayer from a pagan worshipper. This prayer revealed a deep sense of sin, accountability to unknown deities, and a desperate plea for pacification from divine wrath, without any clear understanding of the offense committed or how to find resolution. The speaker highlighted the stark difference: Israel had a clear knowledge of Yahweh's will, a God who spoke to them, listened to them, and provided a way for reconciliation despite their transgressions. This intimate relationship and clear guidance were the very reasons why other nations would envy Israel.
The key to understanding the meaning behind the Torah's statutes and commandments, according to the speaker, is grace. It was by God's grace that these laws, saturated with righteousness, were given to Israel. They served to reveal God's character, expose sin, and show how sin could be removed through the provisions within the Torah, such as Yom Kippur, allowing for a relationship of peace and confidence with God.
Deuteronomy: Passing on the Legacy of Grace
The speaker focused particularly on the book of Deuteronomy, which means "second law" or "repeated law." This book recounts Moses' final address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, summarizing their journey from Egypt and reminding them of God's acts and commands. Moses foresaw a time when future generations would ask their parents, "Why do we do these things?" These children, having no direct memory of the Exodus or the covenant at Sinai, would observe their parents living differently from the surrounding cultures and would seek to understand the meaning behind their traditions and practices.
Moses provides the answer to this crucial "why" question in Deuteronomy. He instructs the Israelites to tell their children that their unique lifestyle and obedience to God's commands are a response to God's saving power and grace. They were to remember and recount how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt, performed great wonders on their behalf, and brought them out to fulfill His promises. The purpose of the Torah was not for salvation, as the Israelites had already been saved by God's grace. Rather, obedience was a demonstration of their love and gratitude for His redemptive acts.
The speaker drew a parallel to the New Testament, highlighting John 1:16-17, which states that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this was not in opposition to the grace already present in the giving of the law through Moses. Just as ancient Israel celebrated and embraced the Torah as a privilege and a response to God's grace, believers in Jesus should also find joy in obedience as a response to God's ultimate gospel salvation.
The crucial message, the speaker emphasized, is the transmission of the testimony of God's supreme grace to the next generation. Forgetting God's goodness, as seen in Judges 2, leads to a generation that does not know the Lord or His grace and seeks fulfillment elsewhere. The speaker then shared a modern rephrasing by Old Testament scholar Daniel Block of how a believer might answer the "why" question today: we live this way because we were slaves to sin, but the Lord rescued us through the work of Christ. Our obedience is an expression of our fear and love for Christ, for our good and survival as His people.
Application for Everyday Life
Reflect on God's saving grace: Regularly remember and appreciate the ways God has shown grace in your life, both historically and personally. Let this gratitude be the primary motivation for your actions.
See obedience as a response, not a burden: View God's commands and principles not as a restrictive checklist, but as an opportunity to express your love and thankfulness for His salvation.
Engage with the Torah: Don't neglect the first five books of the Bible. Approach them as a narrative that reveals God's character and His initial covenant relationship with His people, understanding the laws within this historical context.
Answer the "why" for the next generation: Be prepared to explain to your children and others the reasons behind your faith and lifestyle, emphasizing God's grace and the saving work of Jesus Christ as the foundation.
Live as a witness to God's nearness: Strive to live in a way that reflects the intimacy and accessibility of God in your life, so that others might see and be drawn to Him.
Pursue justice, love, and mercy: Let your actions be motivated by the gracious character of God, extending these qualities to those around you, even when it goes against the norms of the world.
Find joy in worship and generosity: Participate in community and support causes that align with God's kingdom out of a spirit of gratitude for all that He has done.
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Divine Nurturer - Maternal Depictions of God in the Bible

Divine Nurturer - Maternal Depictions of God in the Bible
This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores a fascinating and often underemphasized aspect of God's character as revealed in the Scriptures: His maternal nature. Matthew Vander Els leads this insightful discussion, drawing attention to the various ways the biblical authors used metaphors and similes to depict Yahweh not only with traditionally masculine attributes but also with the tenderness, compassion, and nurturing qualities associated with motherhood.
The Comfort of a Mother
The teaching begins by highlighting the powerful imagery in Isaiah 66:13, where God speaks of comforting His people as a mother comforts her son. This simile paints a vivid picture of God's ultimate care and compassion, suggesting a deep and personal level of solace that resonates with the universal experience of a mother's embrace. In times of distress, anxiety, or shame, this depiction offers a profound sense of security and reassurance, akin to the safety a child feels in the arms of a loving mother figure.
Metaphors and Similes: Unveiling God's Complexity
To understand these maternal depictions, it's crucial to recognize the biblical practice of using metaphors and similes to articulate the ineffable nature of God. Just as God is portrayed as a mighty man of war (Exodus 15:3), a strong fortress, a protective shield, and a caring shepherd, these images help us grasp different facets of His being and His relationship with humanity. These literary devices allow us to experience God through our imagination, connecting with abstract concepts like love, protection, and care in tangible ways.
God as the Nurturing Mother in Hosea
The book of Hosea provides particularly striking examples of God's maternal characteristics. In Hosea 11:1-4, the feelings of Yahweh toward Israel are depicted as those of a mother teaching her son to walk, embracing him with tender love, healing him when ill, and feeding him when hungry. These were tasks typically assigned to mothers in Israelite households, making the comparison deeply resonant with the audience. Even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness, God's compassion arises, echoing a mother's unwavering love for her child, a love that doesn't want to see her child stumble or suffer.
Moses' Plea: God as the Bearing and Nursing Parent
The narrative in Numbers 11:12 offers another compelling image. Here, Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leading the Israelites, asks God, "Did I conceive all these people? Did I give birth to them, that you should tell me, 'Carry them in your arms as a nursing mother carries her infant'?" Moses frames God as the one who essentially "birthed" the nation and is responsible for their care, likening God's nurturing role to that of a nursing mother carrying her baby with tenderness and provision.
The Father Who Gives Birth in Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 32:18 presents a seemingly paradoxical yet profound depiction: "You deserted the Rock who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth." This verse uses the imagery of both fatherhood and motherhood to describe God's role in the creation and sustenance of Israel. The offense of Israel's apostasy is magnified by comparing it to a rebellious child who forgets both parents, highlighting the seriousness of breaking covenant with the One who brought them into being.
The Unforgettable Love of a Nursing Mother in Isaiah
Isaiah 49:15 poses a powerful rhetorical question: "Can a mother forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?" God's answer is a resounding no, emphasizing that even if such an impossible event were to occur, He would never forget His people. This metaphor speaks not just of unconditional love but of a deep physical connection and an inherent impulse to nurture and protect that is stronger than any human bond.
God's Labor of Love in Isaiah
In Isaiah 42:14, God describes His intervention on behalf of His people using the intense imagery of a woman in childbirth: "For a long time I have kept silent; I have been quiet and restrained myself. But now, like a woman in labor, I will cry out; I will gasp and pant." This depiction conveys the intensity, determination, and even the pain God is willing to endure to bring His children home, overcoming any obstacle with the fierce protectiveness of a mother in labor.
Shelter Under Divine Wings
The imagery of a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings is another recurring maternal motif. While not explicitly stating "God is a mother bird," the concept is evident in verses like Psalm 91:4 ("He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge") and is powerfully echoed in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" This tender image speaks of God's desire to nurture, protect, and keep His children safe in His care, just as a hen instinctively shields her chicks from danger.
Contentment in God's Presence
Finally, Psalm 131:2 offers a picture of serene dependence: "But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me." This analogy portrays a soul completely at peace and content in God's presence, finding comfort and security in His love, much like a weaned child rests peacefully with its mother, no longer needing constant nourishment but simply desiring the closeness and warmth of her embrace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship beautifully illuminates the maternal depictions of God in the Bible. Through vivid metaphors and similes, Scripture reveals a God who comforts like a mother, nurtures with tenderness, protects with fierce love, and yearns for His children to find peace in His embrace. Recognizing these often-overlooked aspects of God's character offers profound comfort, broadens our understanding of His love, and invites us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Divine Nurturer.
To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.
References
Isaiah 66:13
Exodus 15:3
Hosea 11:1-4
Books and Resources
The Bible
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Unclean Food and the Gospel - Sabbath Service

Unclean Food and the Gospel - Sabbath Service
Introduction
This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered during a Sabbath service, explores the topic of clean and unclean foods as outlined in the Old Testament and their relevance in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The speaker, likely Matthew Vander Els, guides the congregation through the historical context of these dietary laws, their significance for ancient Israel, and how they are understood by believers in Jesus today. The teaching emphasizes that while the community at Founded in Truth values and participates in many of these commandments, their primary focus is on the deeper spiritual lessons and the heart of the Gospel message.
The Torah's Dietary Laws
The teaching begins by referencing the Torah, specifically the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, which contain detailed instructions regarding which animals were considered clean and permissible for the Israelites to eat, and which were unclean and forbidden. Examples of unclean animals mentioned include pigs, whose meat and carcasses were not to be consumed or even touched. In contrast, animals living in the water were considered clean if they possessed both fins and scales. This detail is explored, noting that some creatures, like catfish and adult swordfish, would not have met these criteria. Certain birds, particularly birds of prey, were also listed as abhorrent and not to be eaten. Interestingly, the laws regarding insects made a distinction between those that fly and those that hop. Winged insects that walk on all fours were generally considered abhorrent, except for those with jointed legs above their feet for hopping, such as locusts, crickets, and grasshoppers, which were permitted.
The speaker explains that God gave these boundary laws to separate Israel from the surrounding nations, establishing them as a holy people. The concept of holiness (kedushah) is central, as God, being holy, expected His covenant people to reflect His likeness. The act of eating certain animals was presented as something that would distort this sense of holiness. While the community at Founded in Truth values the Torah and finds meaning in participating in these laws as an act of honoring God, it is clarified that this participation is not for salvational benefits or blessings, as blessings are understood to come to both the good and the wicked. Instead, they choose to engage with these commandments, like the Sabbath and the feast days, as a way to immerse their lives in the Word of God and connect with a rhythm of life based in Scripture. They believe these practices, including not eating certain meats, serve as a form of worship and a remembrance that God invites them to His table.
The New Testament Perspective: Mark 7
The discussion then shifts to the New Testament and how Jesus addressed the concepts of clean and unclean. The Gospel of Mark chapter 7 is highlighted, where the Pharisees confront Jesus because His disciples did not wash their hands before eating. The Pharisees viewed this as a violation of their interpretation of the Torah, believing it made them unclean and defiled the community. However, Jesus rebukes them, stating that they have made the word of God ineffective through their traditions or interpretations.
Quoting Mark 7:14-23, Jesus teaches that nothing from outside a person can defile them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person's heart that defiles them, listing evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness as the true sources of uncleanness. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is reframing the understanding of purity, shifting the focus from external rituals to the internal state of the heart.
The New Testament Perspective: Acts 10
Another key passage discussed is Acts chapter 10, which recounts the vision of Peter. In this vision, a large sheet filled with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds descends from heaven, and a voice commands Peter to kill and eat. Peter, being a faithful Jew, objects, stating that he has never eaten anything impure or unclean. The voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision occurs three times before the sheet is taken back to heaven.
The speaker argues that this vision is not primarily about making all foods permissible to eat. Instead, it is interpreted as a symbolic message about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel. Immediately after the vision, Peter is called to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, which would have been considered ritually unclean for a Jew at that time. Peter's realization is that just as God declared these animals clean in the vision, He is also declaring that Gentiles are no longer to be considered unclean and are also invited into His kingdom.
Application for Everyday Life
Prioritize the condition of your heart over external actions when it comes to true righteousness.
Practice humility and avoid haughtiness when observing religious practices.
Extend grace and avoid judging those who do not adhere to the same religious convictions.
Focus on producing the kingdom of God through love and service, rather than merely prescribing rules to others.
Recognize that God's love and mercy extend to all whom He chooses, regardless of your personal preferences or judgments.
View participation in biblical commandments as an act of worship and remembrance, not as a means of earning salvation.
Engage in self-reflection to identify and address any bitterness, pride, or other negative traits in your heart.
Focus on the weightier matters of the kingdom, such as love, justice, and mercy.
Be mindful of how your zeal for religious dogma might lead to judging others who are not part of your covenant community.
Extend generosity and service to others, even if their choices differ from your own.
For more Bible Teachings, visit our website.
References
Mark 2
Mark 7
Acts 10
Books and Resources Mentioned
NIV Application Commentary on Deuteronomy by Daniel Block
Interpretation Commentary Series on Leviticus by Daniel Block
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Yeshua’s Passover

Yeshua's Passover
The Foundation of Redemption
This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship centers on the profound significance of Passover and its reinterpretation by Yeshua (Jesus) during the Last Supper. The speaker emphasizes that the Passover event is not merely a historical commemoration but the foundational narrative for the entire story of Israel in both the Old and New Testaments. The Exodus from Egypt, brought about by God's mighty acts, including the final plague of the firstborn, is presented as a pivotal moment where God redeemed a people for Himself and initiated a covenant with them, leading them towards the promised land of rest.
The teaching highlights how the biblical authors intentionally weave themes and phrases throughout scripture, connecting the creation story in Genesis, Noah's Ark, and the Exodus. For instance, the splitting of the Red Sea is likened to the creation where God's Spirit moved over the waters and dry land appeared. The ultimate goal of creation, God dwelling with humanity in a place of rest, is echoed in the promised land and later in the temple.
A Timeless Tradition with Evolving Meaning
The Passover Seder, a tradition spanning approximately 3,500 years, is described as a meal centered around storytelling, specifically the origin story of God's people. The speaker recounts a vibrant Passover celebration with children asking the traditional four questions, underscoring God's intention for this meal to be a teaching opportunity for future generations, ingraining in them the narrative of suffering, oppression, God's salvation, justice, and redemption through the blood of the lamb.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all emphasize the final week of Yeshua's life, dedicating a significant portion of their narratives to this period, particularly His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the events leading up to His crucifixion. The Last Supper, occurring during the Passover, is presented not as a theological lecture but as a meal through which Yeshua explained the meaning of His impending death to His closest followers.
Reframing the Passover: Yeshua's Body and Blood
During the Last Supper, Yeshua radically reframed the traditional elements of the Passover Seder. Instead of the usual setting with nice chairs and tables depicted in Renaissance art, the historical context suggests a low table where participants reclined, a common practice during Roman feasts. The speaker notes that Yeshua reclining with sinners and tax collectors earlier in His ministry foreshadows the intimate table fellowship of the Last Supper.
As they were eating the Passover meal, Yeshua took the unleavened bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "**This is my body**." This declaration was revolutionary, as never before in the Passover tradition had the bread been associated with a person's body. The speaker explains the symbolism of the bread: just as bread provides life and sustenance, Yeshua's body, which would be beaten, sliced, and subjected to a "furnace of flames" (referring to His suffering), would also give life.
Similarly, after giving thanks for the cup of wine (likely the third cup in the traditional Seder), Yeshua gave it to His disciples, saying, "**This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins**." This act connected the wine, traditionally a symbol of celebration and God's redemptive power during the Exodus, to the spilling of His own blood, establishing a new covenant for the forgiveness of sins. This reframing transformed the Passover from a commemoration of past deliverance to a present and future reality of freedom from sin through Yeshua's sacrifice.
The speaker mentions Rabbi Gamaliel's teaching in the Mishnah that a legitimate Passover Seder must include matzah (unleavened bread), moror (bitter herbs), and the (represented) lamb. While the gospel accounts do not explicitly mention a lamb at the Last Supper, the speaker suggests that Yeshua Himself became the lamb of the new Passover. The bitter herbs, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery in Egypt, are reinterpreted to also represent the bitterness of sin and oppression in our own lives, even the "Pharaoh within us."
Participating in the New Passover: Communion
The Last Supper, or Communion (also called the Eucharist), is presented as a continuation and re-imaging of the Passover. By partaking in the bread and the cup, believers participate in Yeshua's death, burial, and resurrection. This act is not just a remembrance of a past event but a present reality where individuals acknowledge their own "Egypt" – the things they were enslaved to before encountering Yeshua, such as selfishness, bitterness, and the pursuit of worldly desires.
The speaker emphasizes that Yeshua's message transcends an "us versus them" mentality, focusing instead on the universal human condition of being trapped and oppressed by sin. Evil originates from within the human heart, manifesting as evil thoughts, lust, pride, gossip, and more. Yeshua's mission was to provide a remedy for this slavery through His life, offering a glimpse of heaven; His death, taking the place of humanity; and His resurrection, offering new life in an eternal kingdom.
The choice presented to believers is whether to remain in the "Egypt" of their former lives, enslaved to sin, or to embrace the freedom offered through Yeshua, the Lamb who provides forgiveness. The act of taking the bread and the cup is a conscious decision to participate in this new covenant and align with God's kingdom. The absence of a formal distribution of communion during the teaching is intentional, allowing for personal reflection and a deliberate choice to partake in this symbolic meal, acknowledging one's heart condition and desire for freedom from sin.
To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.
Applications for Everyday Life
Reflect on your personal "Egypt": Identify the areas in your life where you feel enslaved or oppressed, whether by external circumstances or internal struggles like selfishness, bitterness, or unhealthy habits.
Recognize the bitterness of sin: Just as the bitter herbs remind us of the suffering of slavery, acknowledge the destructive nature and consequences of sin in your own life and the lives of others.
Embrace Yeshua as the Passover Lamb: Understand that Yeshua's sacrifice provides the ultimate redemption from sin and death, just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the final plague.
Participate in Communion with intention: When partaking in the bread and the cup, do so with a mindful awareness of its symbolism – Yeshua's broken body and shed blood for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant.
Live as a redeemed people: Recognize that, as followers of Yeshua, you are part of a people freed from slavery, called to live out the testimony of God's grace and love in the present.
Continuously ground yourself in the story of redemption: Regularly revisit the story of Passover and the Last Supper to remember God's faithfulness and your ongoing participation in the exodus from spiritual slavery.
Extend grace and love to others: Following Yeshua's example, reach out to the marginalized and those who are seen as "other," recognizing that all humanity is in need of redemption from sin.
Choose freedom over the "watermelons of Egypt": Be aware of the temptation to return to comfortable but ultimately destructive patterns of behavior, and actively choose the freedom offered in Yeshua.
Books and Resources Mentioned
The Bible by Various Authors
Mishnah by Various Authors
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Exodus - The Shadow of the Lamb

Exodus - The Shadow of the Lamb
Welcome to Founded in Truth Fellowship
Welcome to Founded in Truth, a community that sees itself as more than just a fellowship; it's a family grounded in truth and love, where the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Son of God are worshipped. As Matthew Vander Els begins, a greeting of Shabbat Shalom is extended to all present and those watching online. This community comprises diverse families and individuals who cherish the Sabbath and find joy in the entirety of the Bible. However, their central focus is on Jesus, whom they call Yeshua.
The Foundational Exodus Narrative
With Passover approaching, the teaching emphasizes the profound significance of the Exodus story. It's more than just a historical event involving Moses, the sea, and a lamb. The Exodus story is presented as the very foundation upon which the rest of the Bible is built. In fact, the entire Torah is argued to be an extension of the Exodus narrative, encompassing the wilderness experiences, promises, covenant, and events at Mount Sinai. The subsequent history of Israel, including their entry into the promised land, their own periods of becoming like Egypt, and their eventual exile, are all seen as reflections of the cyclical patterns established in the Exodus story.
Echoes of Exodus Throughout Scripture
The prophets who emerged after the exile, such as Jeremiah, Malachi, Isaiah, and Zechariah, looked back at Israel's history and prophesied about a future, greater Exodus and Passover. This future event would be fulfilled by a great king, a prophet similar to Moses. Turning to the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew immediately draws parallels between Jesus and the Exodus. The Gospel of John also echoes these themes. The Exodus story is unequivocally presented as the Bible-forming narrative. It transcends a simple tale of slavery and liberation, becoming an ancient story centered around a meal that symbolized revolution through the image of a lamb, and embodying themes of healing, hope, and reconciliation.
Genesis: The Prologue to Exodus
The Exodus event is described as the canvas upon which the entire Bible story unfolds. While Genesis is traditionally seen as chapter one, it is suggested that Genesis serves as the introduction, much like the opening crawl in the movie Star Wars: A New Hope. This crawl provides the backstory necessary to understand the main narrative. Similarly, the first twelve chapters of Genesis offer broad strokes, including creation, the fall, the flood (a story of de-creation), the Tower of Babel, and then zoom in on Abraham and his family, leading to the eventual presence of Joseph and his family in Egypt, in the land of Goshen. The end of Genesis sets the stage for the main narrative to begin in Exodus.
Exodus: The Main Narrative Begins
As the book of Exodus begins, the main narrative commences. The Torah narrates Israel's descent into slavery and God's intervention to bring them home. This liberation is the backdrop for Israel's eventual settlement in the promised land and their subsequent cycles of rebellion, leading to exile, which again mirrors the Exodus pattern. Events like the golden calf incident in the wilderness and its recurrence in the northern kingdom illustrate this cyclical nature. The exile in Babylon and subsequent prophecies of a new exodus, not just from physical bondage but from the selfish desires of the human heart and the oppressive world, pave the way for the anticipation of the Messiah. This Messiah would break the cycle of sin, free humanity from slavery, and bring them home from exile. The book of Exodus concludes with the building of the tabernacle and the filling of it with God's Spirit, symbolizing God dwelling among His people. This is directly connected to the opening of John's Gospel, where it states that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John's Gospel is not simply retelling creation but the new creation that came through Yeshua.
A Cosmic Battle: Life Versus Death
The Exodus is not just a story of Israel's liberation; it's also a cosmic battle between the God of creation and life, and the king of death and darkness. The opening chapter of Exodus introduces the antagonist: a new king, Pharaoh, whose name is deliberately not given to emphasize his symbolic representation of anti-creational forces opposing the God of life. This Pharaoh's defining characteristic is that he does not know Joseph. Joseph here symbolizes the one through whom God preserved Israel. Pharaoh's concern over the rapid multiplication of the Israelites is a direct opposition to the life-giving creative activity of Yahweh, echoing the command in Genesis 1 to multiply and fill the earth. Pharaoh perceives the growing Israelite population as a threat to his empire.
Application for Everyday Life
Recognize the ongoing cosmic battle between life and death and choose to align yourself with the God of life in your thoughts, words, and actions.
Identify and actively purge the "leavening" in your life – those habits, attitudes, or sins that represent old ways of living and hinder your spiritual growth.
Embrace the irony of God's power working through weakness and be willing to be used by God even if you feel unqualified or insignificant.
See yourself as a representative of Jesus (an ambassador) and strive to reflect His love, mercy, and grace in your interactions with others.
Remember that deliverance requires action on your part; God opens the way, but you must choose to walk through it.
Reflect on the true meaning of Passover as freedom from sin and darkness through the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Continuously examine your loyalties and ensure you are not still holding onto the "ways of Egypt" – those things that God has delivered you from.
Actively participate in the story of redemption by living a life that bears witness to the power of God and the victory of life over death.
For more Bible Teachings, click the link.
References
Bible Verses:
Genesis 1
Exodus 2:23-25
Exodus 3:7-8
John 1:14
Matthew
John 6:32
Jeremiah 16:14-15
2 Timothy 2:3
2 Corinthians 5
Books and Resources Mentioned:
The Bible
Star Wars: A New Hope
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The New Jerusalem - Messianic Revelation Teaching

The New Jerusalem - Messianic Revelation Teaching
This teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the profound and symbolic meaning of the New Jerusalem as depicted in the Book of Revelation. The message emphasizes that understanding this vision is not just about a future reality, but also about how believers should live in the present. The core of the teaching revolves around the interpretation of Revelation as a letter of resistance and encouragement to early Christians facing persecution from worldly empires, urging them to maintain their loyalty to Jesus Christ.
Understanding Revelation's Genre and Purpose
The speaker highlights that Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of John, is written in the apocalyptic genre, which is characterized by explosive and vibrant symbolism intended to reveal deeper spiritual truths rather than literal events. The letter was meant to encourage believers to solidify their allegiance to Jesus as the true king, even when faced with trials from earthly powers. Despite the appearances of a world in chaos, the message is that Jesus, or Yeshua, is on the throne and in control. The term "apocalypsis" itself means a revealing of what is actually happening in the spiritual realm. The journey through Revelation reveals that the conquering Lion of Judah is, in fact, a slain Lamb who achieved victory through the shedding of blood, calling its followers to overcome in the same way.
The Vision of a New Creation
The teaching then focuses on Revelation 21, which presents the final vision of a new creation. John sees a new heaven and a new earth, with the former having passed away. A common misconception is that God will simply discard the old earth and create a completely new one. However, the speaker argues that the biblical narrative suggests a resurrection or renewal of the existing creation. Drawing on the Greek word "ekinos," which means new in quality rather than time, the new heaven and new earth represent the perfected vision of God's original creation in Genesis, where God intended to dwell with humanity. This renewed Edenic vision involves God bringing heaven down to earth, rather than believers escaping earth to go to heaven.
Interestingly, John notes that there is no more sea in this new creation. Symbolically, in Revelation 13, the sea is depicted as the cosmic origin of evil and chaos. In the Old Testament, the sea also represents a place of death and the chaotic waters where mythological monsters like Leviathan reside. Therefore, the absence of the sea signifies the removal of all disorder and chaos that opposes God's dwelling with humanity. Another interpretation suggests that the sea's absence signifies the destruction of Babylon's economic system, which relied heavily on sea trade and the importation of luxury goods. In contrast, the New Jerusalem's blessings come from within, such as the life-giving river and the tree of life.
This vision of new creation aligns with Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 65:17, which speaks of God creating new heavens and a new earth where former things will not be remembered. The context in Isaiah describes a restored Israel in a restored creation, filled with joy and gladness, where death and violence are eliminated, and the harmony of Eden is restored, even to the point where a lion will eat straw like an ox.
The New Jerusalem: Bride and Temple
John's vision continues with the descent of the holy city, the New Jerusalem, from heaven. This city is described with specific measurements: 12,000 stadia in length, height, and width, forming a perfect cube. It has twelve gates, each bearing the name of a tribe of Israel, and its walls are immense. Notably, the city's perfect cube shape echoes the dimensions of the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:19), the dwelling place of God's presence. The city's measurements and the twelve gates, representing the twelve tribes, further emphasize its connection to the people of God.
The New Jerusalem is also depicted as the bride of the Lamb. While Paul in 2 Corinthians 11 and Ephesians 5 refers to believers as the bride of Christ, John sees the city itself adorned like a bride. This symbolic representation suggests that the New Jerusalem is not just a physical location but embodies the people of God, collectively representing all nations, tongues, tribes, and peoples loyal to the Lamb. The city is also portrayed as the temple, the dwelling place of God's spirit among humanity.
Contrasting with Babylon: A Worldly System
In stark contrast to the New Jerusalem is the city of Babylon, described as the harlot of Revelation. Babylon represents a corrupt worldly system characterized by wealth, luxury, and the exploitation of others. Its adornments of fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls symbolize its economic power and the world's allure to its riches. The merchants of the earth mourn its destruction because their trade, including that of luxurious goods and even human lives, ceases.
The teaching cautions against simplistic interpretations of Babylon, such as identifying it with specific individuals or organizations based on their attire. Instead, Babylon is presented as a spirit, an ungodly economic system personified, driven by the pursuit of wealth at the expense of justice and the exploitation of the vulnerable. This imagery draws from Ezekiel's descriptions of Tyre (Ezekiel 27-28), a wealthy city that embodied a similar system.
Living as Citizens of the New Jerusalem Today
The implication of this "new creation now" is that believers are called to live as citizens of the New Jerusalem in the midst of the world. This involves embodying the values and characteristics of this holy city: a place of light where darkness, lies, and impurity cannot enter. Just as the New Jerusalem's gates are always open to welcome the nations to give glory to the Lamb, believers should approach others with mercy, grace, and forgiveness, recognizing that they are seeing people enslaved by sin, not enemies.
Application for Everyday Life
Cultivate Loyalty to Christ: In every decision and challenge, prioritize your allegiance to Jesus above worldly pressures.
Embrace the Reality of New Creation: Recognize that through faith in Jesus, you are part of a new creation now, not just in the future.
Live with Hope: Let the hope of the coming New Jerusalem drive your actions and interactions, knowing the ultimate victory belongs to God.
Reflect the Light of God: Strive to live a life characterized by truth, justice, and love, mirroring the nature of the New Jerusalem.
Examine Your Worship: Evaluate where you invest your time, money, and energy, as this reveals what truly holds worth in your life.
Resist the Spirit of Babylon: Be mindful of worldly systems that prioritize wealth and luxury at the expense of others, and choose a different path.
Extend Mercy and Grace: See others through the lens of the cross, recognizing their enslavement to sin and offering compassion.
Reject Vices Opposed to God's Kingdom: Actively work to eliminate lies, fear-driven compromises, immorality, and misplaced worship from your life.
Be an Ambassador of God's Kingdom: Live in a way that demonstrates the reality of God's reign and the hope of the New Jerusalem to those around you.
Seek God's Presence: Just as the New Jerusalem is the dwelling place of God, cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer and seeking His Spirit.
In conclusion, the teaching encourages believers to live in the present with the hope and reality of the New Jerusalem, understanding that this future city of God casts its light and influence into their lives now. By aligning their hearts and actions with the King and His coming kingdom, they can experience a foretaste of this new creation and be effective ambassadors of God's love and truth in a world still influenced by the spirit of Babylon.
To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.
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Esther - Humor, Horror, and Revelation

Esther - Humor, Horror, and Revelation
This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the book of Esther, revealing its unexpected blend of humor, horror, and the profound revelation of God's providential hand, even in the absence of His direct mention. Matthew Vander Els guides us through the narrative, encouraging a deeper engagement with the text beyond surface-level familiarity.
Unpacking the Narrative: More Than Just a Story
The book of Esther often becomes a familiar tale, perhaps from childhood retellings or Purim plays. However, the speaker challenges us to move beyond these simplified versions and delve into the actual text to uncover the wisdom and lessons intended by the author. Relying solely on secondhand accounts can lead to missing the depth and impact of the story, similar to reducing Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" to just a tale about catching a fish, or "Lord of the Flies" to a simple survival story. These narratives, when deeply examined, reveal profound insights into human nature and the world, just as Esther holds deeper truths.
The speaker highlights the unique character of the book of Esther, noting its fast-paced scenes, irony, role reversals, and even dark humor. The opening sets a stage of extreme extravagance with King Ahasuerus's six-month-long party followed by a week-long open invitation with limitless wine and a decree to drink without restriction. This sets the tone for the amplified drama that permeates the story. The king's impulsive banishment of his wife Vashti for refusing his command, followed by an irrevocable law and then a decree that all women must honor their husbands, introduces a layer of absurdity. This irony is further emphasized when the king later marries Esther, who, according to the speaker, effectively tells him what to do throughout the book.
Key Players and Turning Points
The introduction of Esther (originally Hadassah), a Jewish woman who hides her identity, and her cousin Mordecai, brings a layer of intrigue. The fact that their Persian names might be linked to Babylonian deities adds to the unexpected nature of the narrative. Mordecai's discovery and reporting of an assassination plot against the king is a pivotal moment, yet it is immediately followed by the inexplicable promotion of Haman to the highest position in the kingdom. This jarring contrast underscores the unpredictable nature of the events.
Haman's overreaction to Mordecai's refusal to bow – a decree for the mass genocide of all Jews in the Persian Empire – escalates the stakes dramatically. Despite the horror of this decree, Haman is portrayed as more annoying than genuinely frightening, contributing to the story's strange blend of tones. The detailed account of Haman's decree being sent out while he and the king casually drink highlights the king's detachment and lack of concern for his own kingdom.
Esther's courageous decision to approach the king unannounced, risking death to plead for her people, marks a critical turning point. The king's immediate offer of half his kingdom upon seeing her emphasizes his impulsive nature. The subsequent banquets hosted by Esther, during which the king continues to drink and remains seemingly oblivious to the underlying danger, build suspense. Haman's construction of a 75-foot impalement stake for Mordecai further amplifies the exaggerated drama.
The unexpected turning of events, triggered by the king's insomnia and the reading of the court records revealing Mordecai's life-saving act, sets the stage for Haman's downfall. The ironic scene where Haman, thinking the king wishes to honor him, unwittingly suggests the very honors that are then bestowed upon Mordecai is a key moment of comedic role reversal.
The second banquet reveals Esther's true identity and Haman's wicked plot, leading to the king's furious departure and Haman's desperate plea to Esther, misinterpreted by the returning king as an assault. Haman's swift execution on the very stake he intended for Mordecai underscores the theme of ironic justice.
Despite Haman's demise, the decree for the destruction of the Jews remained irrevocable. The king's response, granting Esther and Mordecai the authority to write a new decree in his name, highlights his continued indecisiveness. This leads to a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves, resulting in widespread conflict and the deaths of their enemies, including Haman's ten sons. The speaker notes the darkness of these events, including Esther's request for an additional day of slaughter and the hanging of Haman's sons, emphasizing that Esther is not a children's story.
The story concludes with the establishment of Purim to commemorate the Jews' deliverance and the record of King Ahasuerus's accomplishments, which the speaker humorously points out were largely the actions of others. Mordecai's rise to prominence and his efforts for the well-being of his people conclude the narrative.
God's Hidden Providence and Our Role
Despite the absence of God's explicit mention, the speaker emphasizes that His providence is clearly discernible throughout the story. The seemingly coincidental events and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people point to a guiding hand at work. This highlights the idea that even when God seems hidden, His presence can be seen through the actions of His people.
A central lesson drawn from Esther is the importance of acting boldly in the face of injustice. Mordecai's challenge to Esther – that relief and deliverance would come from another place if she remained silent, and the poignant question, "who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" – serves as a powerful call to action. Remaining silent in the face of injustice means missing the opportunity to be part of God's work in the world. We are, according to the speaker, created in God's image (selim), meant to be His representatives who act and speak for justice.
Application for Everyday Life
Recognize God's hidden presence: Even in challenging times where God feels absent, trust that He is working providentially.
Act boldly against injustice: Do not remain silent when faced with wrong, recognizing that you might be placed in that situation for a specific purpose.
Combine prayer with action: Prayer is vital, but it should inspire and lead to tangible steps in addressing the needs of the world.
Be a foster parent or mentor: Invest in the lives of others, potentially raising up future leaders and demonstrating God's love through your actions.
Engage deeply with scripture: Move beyond superficial understanding of biblical stories and delve into the text to uncover deeper truths and wisdom.
Find strength in times of anxiety: Remember Esther's fear and her ultimate courage, drawing strength to face your own anxious situations.
Persevere with hope: Like the Jewish people in exile, maintain hope and continue moving forward, trusting in God's plan even amidst difficulties.
Reflect on your role: Consider if you have been placed in your current circumstances "for such a time as this" to make a difference.
To find more Bible Teachings, visit our website.
References
Bible Verses:
Esther 1:1
Esther 3:13
Esther 4:14
Books and Resources Mentioned:
The Bible
The Old Man and the Sea
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