Are you living life on autopilot—going through religious motions but feeling spiritually dead? What if the startling ritual of the Red Heifer and Miriam’s sudden death aren’t just ancient oddities, but wake-up calls to confront hidden impurities in our souls? How do the roadblocks of Edom and the giants of fear, envy, and complacency stand between you and God’s promise? In this sermon, we unpack Parashat Chukat as a call to spiritual awakening: to choose cleansing over complacency, to fight the ...
Jul 08, 2025•30 min
Why does the Torah—after prescribing the enigmatic Red Heifer rite—immediately record Miriam’s death? Is this random editorial, or a divine breadcrumb trail to God’s true logic? Could it be that atonement isn’t secured by ritual alone, but by the life—and death—of the righteous? Rabbinic sages taught that just as cow-ashes cleanse, so does a holy life’s end atone. If a prophet’s passing can purify a nation, what could the Messiah’s sacrifice accomplish? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack anc...
Jul 04, 2025•10 min
What if standing on the sidelines is the most dangerous place to be? Parshat Korach isn’t your usual Torah portion. It’s a story of rebellion, envy, and divine judgment. We’ll also discover an eerie relevance to 2025. From ancient tents in the wilderness to modern influencers on podcasts, there is a warning we need to heed about the necessity to stand up against evil. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our...
Jun 30, 2025•40 min
What’s the connection between holy incense and a deadly plague? Why did Moses prescribe fragrance as the cure—and how did Aaron “stand between the dead and the living” to halt death itself? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we dive into Parashat Korach: a story not just of rebellion, but of radical compassion and intercession. Could the very incense that once killed become a source of life? Did Moses wield secret power from the Angel of Death, or did he simply restore the purity of our only untaint...
Jun 27, 2025•9 min
What if holiness isn’t hiding behind high walls—but walking into the world without fear? This week’s parsha unpacks it. So does a shocking quote from a Jewish Christian theologian. Join us tomorrow as we tackle both—and rediscover the courage to be a sage in a walled-in world. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Sup...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min
Ever been told that breaking one commandment is the same as breaking them all? Is our God a legalist waiting to strike us dead for a minor slip? Consider the infamous Sabbath‐stick stoning in Numbers 15—was he really ignorant that what he was doing was a violation of the Sabbath? Or was this man defiantly “sinning with a high hand,” refusing correction and disrespecting the LORD’s clear warning? Does every stumble invoke divine wrath, or does God’s mercy extend to those who repent and walk humbl...
Jun 20, 2025•11 min
What if divine power weren’t a zero-sum game? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we confront Moses’ radical humility: God takes part of His Spirit from Moses to empower 70 elders—yet Moses doesn’t object. Why does the greatest leader rejoice in losing exclusive power? How did he see opportunity in “negative” setbacks? Can you glimpse God’s hand behind division, jealousy, or suffering—and turn crises into catalysts? If finding hope feels like hunting for a needle in a haystack, this Torah portion sho...
Jun 13, 2025•10 min
Is tithing still a divine command—or a relic of a bygone era? Many pastors wield Malachi 3:10 like a club, demanding 10% for the “storehouse,” yet that promise only applied when the Temple stood in Israel. So what did “ma’aser” originally mean? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, discover how ancient agricultural tithes morph into modern tzedakah, bless the vulnerable, and unlock God’s rewards. Struggling to give? What if setting aside a tenth could transform your heart—and your life? Join Shalom Mac...
Jun 06, 2025•10 min
You Can’t Choose the Past. But… We all have moments we wish we could undo. This week we explore a father’s heartbreaking words about the past, and explore a deeper challenge from Yeshua about the future As we close the Omer and enter Shavuot, this week’s message offers a gentle yet powerful reminder: There’s always a choice to make. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Sh...
Jun 04, 2025•25 min
What if your greatest legacy isn’t biological but spiritual? In Parashat Bamidbar, we learn that Aaron’s sons are called Moses’ “offspring”—not by birth, but by Torah teaching. Why does the Torah omit Moses’ children yet highlight his disciples? Could your role as a mentor outshine parenthood? Discover how our toldot (offspring) extends beyond DNA to the disciples we raise. This week’s 5 Minute Torah will revolutionize how you think about legacy, family, and the “children” you create in God’s ki...
May 30, 2025•10 min
Are You Being "Responsible?" It’s more than keeping a job or paying bills. Most of us think we’ve checked the “responsible adult” box: Job? ✅ Bills paid? ✅ No shoes mysteriously on the roof? ✅ This week’s message explores achrayut—the Hebrew word for responsibility—and reveals a layered, surprisingly spiritual take on what it really means to live responsibly. You might think you’ve already nailed the whole “being responsible” thing. This message might surprise you, in the best way. Join Shalom M...
May 26, 2025•28 min
Has God cast aside the physical descendants of Abraham because they rejected Yeshua? Are Christians now the “true” Israel? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we dive into Parashat Bechukotai and Paul’s climactic declaration in Romans 11: “Has God rejected His people? By no means!” Why do so many churches teach that spiritual believers have replaced ethnic Israel, despite clear promises in Leviticus 26 that God will never break His covenant? Who are the “natural branches” Paul warns might be “broken ...
May 23, 2025•10 min
We live in a world where the cheaper, easier option is often the one that harms us most. The good stuff—what truly nourishes—is harder to find, and it costs more. But that’s not just about what’s on your plate. This week, we’re looking at a deeper truth: what comes out of us can be just as costly as what goes in. Proverbs 18:21 draws a surprising connection between the words we speak and the fruits we eat. Are we willing to pay the price for what leads to life? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am ES...
May 19, 2025•34 min
Why isn’t a priest allowed to mourn his own wife? In the Torah portion of Emor, we see only six relatives for which a priest may become ritually impure. But what about his wife? Could this omission reveal a deeper biblical message about marriage? Join us as we unpack the surprising rabbinic insight that elevates the wife to “one flesh” status, rooted in Adam’s first encounter with Eve. What does this teach us about divine compassion, marital unity, and how God truly values the sacred bond of mar...
May 16, 2025•12 min
We’re already more than halfway through the Omer. (Seriously—where did April go?) How’s your counting going? We’re told to count the days, right? But what if you miss one? Do you keep going? Or did you just blow the whole thing? Turns out, there’s a helpful discussion about that—and the answer might just reshape how you live not just the next three weeks, but the rest of the days you have to live. This teaching isn’t fluffy or feel-good. It’s practical. Even urgent. Let’s make the rest of these ...
May 12, 2025•36 min
Letter vs. Spirit: Are You Really Living God’s Holiness? Is following the rules enough to be holy? Our current Torah portion challenges us to think beyond just the letter of the Law. God commands, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” But is holiness really just about strict rule-keeping? Our sages warn that it’s possible to be “disgusting with the permission of the Torah”—living within the technical boundaries but completely missing the heart of God’s instructions. Yeshua and Pa...
May 09, 2025•11 min
Discover what scientists, sages, and the Sovereign Creator agree on: we’re wired to see more—but most never do. Join us for a message that will recalibrate your vision and reveal the wonder hidden in plain sight. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giv...
May 05, 2025•29 min
Is biblical leprosy a skin disease or a spiritual malady? In Parashat Tazria, we encounter tzara’at—a mysterious condition that affected skin, clothes, and even houses. But it wasn’t caused by germs... it was triggered by how people spoke. The Torah links this affliction to lashon hara—destructive speech that damages reputations and relationships. But why is speech treated so seriously? Because words are powerful. Think you're just “telling the truth”? Even true words can be deadly. Like an arro...
May 02, 2025•10 min
Last week we talked about Invest More. Expect Less. But what does that really mean when it comes to personal growth? And how do we use this season to actually move forward—not just in theory, but in real, tangible ways? This week, we’re going to get honest about what might be holding us back—and explore a surprising connection hidden right in the book of Leviticus. Yes… Leviticus. It might sound strange, but once you see it, it’ll shift how you approach change, challenges, and even your daily ch...
Apr 28, 2025•34 min
Have you ever had athlete’s tongue? What is athlete’s tongue? It’s when you didn’t think about what you were saying and you end up sticking your foot in your mouth. I mean… not just your big toe, but your entire foot! Maybe even both of your feet, depending on how big your mouth is. Our words are powerful and can really cause a lot of damage, sometimes hurting the people we love the most. Well, if you’ve ever done anything remotely close to that then you know it’s NOT a pleasant feeling and caus...
Apr 25, 2025•11 min
As we start to count the Omer between Passover and Shavuot, we’ll explore 'A New Kind of Freedom' - a powerful four-word principle that can transform your relationships and inner shalom. This timely teaching connects ancient wisdom with practical insights for our spiritual journey during this sacred season of elevation. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalom Macon ht...
Apr 21, 2025•35 min
Last week we found joy in sacrifice - this week we face its necessity. As Passover approaches, we're reminded that sacrifice isn't just about sin - it's about presence and life. Ezekiel's vision challenges us: could offerings return in the Messianic Age, even with Yeshua here? If sacrifice means connection, not just atonement, then it's not outdated - it's essential. Especially now as we remember the blood on the doorposts and the God who draws near. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Sat...
Apr 16, 2025•35 min
Do your eating habits carry moral weight? Are our daily food choices merely personal preferences, or do they reveal our adherence to God’s moral code? This week's 5 Minute Torah challenges the traditional view that these practices are outdated rituals. Instead, we ask: can the way we eat serve as a testament to our values? How do these ancient commandments push us to reconsider what it means to live ethically by divine design? Lay aside traditional interpretations and discover a fresh perspectiv...
Apr 11, 2025•11 min
Sacrifice: Misunderstood, Misused... and Marvelous? We're starting Leviticus! Sacrifice. Blood. Fire. Smoke. Sounds harsh, right? But are we seeing the wrong things? Do we really understand what's happening here? This week, we uncover a joy hidden in the book of the Torah that most people try to avoid. Hint: It's not forgiveness. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalo...
Apr 08, 2025•37 min
Even though Star Trek transporters are just science fiction, there actually is a connection between these space-age transporters and this week’s Torah portion. Why does the Torah begin Leviticus by detailing the sacrificial system? What purpose did these offerings serve beyond atonement? How could the blood of an innocent animal draw an average person into God’s presence? Have you ever wondered what it means to “draw near” to the Divine through sacrifice? Why was the animal’s blood splashed on t...
Apr 04, 2025•12 min
What if Egypt isn’t just a place in history—but a spiritual matrix you’re still trapped in? In Escaping Pharaoh's Matrix , Derek from Shalom Macon explores the deeper meaning of Passover, revealing how Pharaoh symbolizes the voice within that enslaves us with fear, shame, and false identity. What does it mean to truly "leave Egypt"? How do we confront the Pharaoh within? And what if our deepest struggles hold the key to divine redemption? Join us on this powerful journey into the heart of the Ex...
Apr 02, 2025•9 min
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. Discover what it takes to prepare a life where His presence can truly dwell. Join Shalom Macon Live...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min
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 the mystery of approaching God’s majestic presence. Learn why our desire to behold the Divine must b...
Mar 28, 2025•10 min
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 Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, please consider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www...
Mar 24, 2025•31 min
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 enthusiasm without knowledge can lead us astray. Through vivid biblical examples and practical modern...
Mar 21, 2025•10 min
