Author Archives: danielperek

Why Messianic Jews and Gentiles Embrace the Ancient Ways of Israel Preface Over the years, I have been asked the same question countless times. Sometimes it comes from Christians visiting our congregation for the first time. Sometimes it comes from Jewish people curious about our faith in Messiah. Sometimes it comes from new believers whoContinue reading “The Biblical Customs of Messiah”

“The Prayers” are specifically mentioned in Acts 2:42, being done every day by the Apostles and the believers they led in worship and fellowship. But, some folks who observe us, in person, or live online or after the fact, are put off by them, because they have never done them, and they’ve heard distortions ofContinue reading “The Prayers — Entering the Throne Room of יהוה”

Isaiah 9:6 is frequently cited as proof that the Messiah, Yeshua, is God Himself, and that God became a man, and God died. This is based on the titles in that verse which are rightly associated with the promised Son: Peleh Yo’etz El Gibor Avi Ad Sar Shalom. However, this interpretation assumes that every titleContinue reading “Isaiah 9:6 — A Prophecy of the Messiah’s Character and Nature, Not a Proper Name”

There are some folks trying to pursuade Texans to vote for this up-and-coming candidate who looks like Howdy-Doody meets the Beaver. The defense for this person is that the politician running against him is lying about him. In honesty, we all know that all politicians misquote, distract, and play the political games in advertisement. TheyContinue reading “The Gospel is Not Liberal”

How Conformity, Authority and Fear Lead Us Away from The Truth There are times when people will innocently follow the crowd, just because it ‘feels’ right. When following the crowd is harmless and inconsequential, that’s not a problem.  Here is an example:  When I was a junior in high school, there was an incident thatContinue reading “When EVERYONE in the Room Agrees”

  הַיְחָבְרְךָ כִּסֵּא הַוּוֹת; יֹצֵר עָמָל עֲלֵי חֹק Today is Wednesday. In our prayers, we read a psalm a day, which was done in Temple times, and for the fourth day of the week [wed] the Psalm is 94. The verse seen above is verse 20, and reads “Shall the seat of wickedness have fellowshipContinue reading “The Throne of Wickedness”

A Yeshiva is Best! “Come, follow Me.” — Those were the words that changed the world. Yeshua did not establish a university. He did not gather scholars into lecture halls to pursue degrees. He called fishermen, craftsmen, tax collectors, and ordinary people. They walked with Him. They asked questions. They watched Him serve. They listened.Continue reading “Is Seminary the Only Way?”

I understand why “falling away” or “apostasy” has become the traditional translation of 2 Thessalonians 2:3. But I do not believe we can settle the question simply by pointing to the English tradition and declaring that apostasia must mean doctrinal rebellion here. The question is not, “Can ἀποστασία mean apostasy?” Of course it can. TheContinue reading “Departure or Apostasy? What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Really Say?”

  On Friday morning, I read Psalm 106. I have a personal habit of reading a psalm a day, and this one was on deck for this Friday morning. The song begins with praise to God, and acknowledgment of His eternal compassion. “For His compassion endures forever.” After praising Him and honoring right living andContinue reading “When Innocent Blood Cries Out”

“You are indeed the light of the world; a city that is built upon a mountain cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14 More than four centuries ago, John Winthrop stood aboard the Arbella before sailing to New England. Quoting the words of Messiah, he reminded those around him that they were called to become aContinue reading “Looking for Something Deeper?”