Most disciples overlook one of the most profound spiritual opportunities of the year: the Counting of the Omer. Damian Eisner unpacks how this simple, ancient practice transcends tradition and reveals a pathway to inner growth, humility, and divine empowerment. If you’ve ever wondered how biblical festivals like Passover and Shavu’ot connect to your daily walk with God, this episode will reshape that understanding. The calendar provides both reflections of history and strategic moments for transformation.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Come learn the core purpose of counting the Omer. It’s not just counting days but elevating your soul from bondage to sin toward a new level of spiritual maturity.

► Damian shares insights on how to use this period for self-examination, gratitude, and character refinement. Remember, the process is about you changing (not your neighbor), not checking off a ritual box.

► Damian offers practical exercises for using this time to intentionally cultivate your character with patience and humility.

If you are seeking deeper purpose, spiritual discipline, or a fresh perspective on biblical festivals, this episode will provide you with practical steps for transformation. Clear, grounded, and packed with insight, it will help you capitalize on God’s calendar for growth that lasts well beyond the season.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Counting the Omer

05:13 The Significance of Barley in Jewish Tradition

07:09 Counting the Omer for Spiritual Maturity

14:17 The Omer, Repentance, and Discipleship

18:47 Interpersonal Improvements

25:07 Learning from Moses’ Leadership

32:42 Navigating Difficult Relationships

37:03 Helping Others Improve

40:29 Counting the Omer with Gratitude

46:35 Growth with a Trusted Friend

👉 Resources:

► Resource

BOOKS

Heart of Moses - https://ffoz.store/products/the-heart-of-moses

Adam loves Eve - https://ffoz.store/products/adam-loves-eve-book

ARTICLES

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/christian-pop-and-counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-from-passover-to-pentecost

OMER COUNTER: https://us-east-1.graphassets.com/APqS8y7QATaCvy9gijJ3oz/cmmdrlj129bq006iqmha4rrna?dl=true

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Have you ever wondered if the ancient practice of observing the Sabbath holds relevance for modern-day followers of Jesus? The Jewish people have been commanded to sanctify the Sabbath day, ceasing from all creative work every week from Friday evening to Saturday night. But what about non-Jews, especially those of us who follow Jesus? He kept the Sabbath, and we're his disciples. So what does that mean for us? Our guest today is Ruben Ramos, a non-Jewish disciple of Jesus who honors the Sabbath every week with his family. He's here to share how the Sabbath has transformed his life of discipleship, and how you can begin reaping the blessings of engaging with the day God has declared to be holy.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Discover how a simple Friday night dinner, rooted in biblical and Jewish tradition, can set the tone for rest, reflection, and spiritual growth. We break down practical ways to incorporate Sabbath rhythms into your busy life, from unplugging electronics and creating sacred time, to cultivating family routines and fostering community.

► Learn the subtle yet profound ways the Sabbath pries open opportunities for disciple-making, mindfulness, and trust in God's sovereignty.

► Explore the deeper prophetic significance of the Sabbath as a foretaste of the coming kingdom—a time of peace, abundance, and worship where nations gather before God's throne.

If you’ve ever wondered how to practically and meaningfully engage with God's rest despite the pressures and distractions of modern life, this episode is essential listening. The Sabbath is more than just a day off. It’s a divine tool for discipleship, a preview of eternity, and a pathway to renewed trust and obedience. Start today and discover how a weekly pause can unlock profound spiritual renewal and kingdom anticipation.

👉 Resources:

► FREE: Messiah Magazine #35

► Is Sabbath Just for Jews?

► Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?

► Why Did Charlie Kirk Love the Sabbath So Much?

► A Digital Sabbath Is Exactly What We Need

► From Sabbath to Sabbath

► The Sabbath Breaker

► HaYesod: The Sabbath

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The Sabbath: Is it observed on Sunday or Saturday? Is it a day of rest, worship, or both? Who is it truly for—Jews, Christians, or everyone? Are the ancient Sabbath laws still relevant today? What insights does the Bible provide? If profound questions like these cross your mind, then join Aaron and Rachel Eby as they delve into these topics, sharing their experiences as a Jewish family observing the traditional Jewish Sabbath every Saturday. Aaron, a senior educator at First Fruits of Zion, and Rachel, a prolific writer for Messiah Online and Messiah Magazine, offer a unique perspective as Jewish followers of Jesus. Together, they guide us through understanding the Sabbath from a Messianic Jewish viewpoint.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► In this episode you’ll discover why the Sabbath was sanctified at creation long before the Jewish people existed, and what it truly means for a day to be “holy.”

► Traditional Jewish Sabbath observance goes beyond just refraining from work and includes the thirty-nine categories of prohibited creative acts. The Ebys explain the purpose behind these detailed boundaries and how this meticulous structure is designed not to be a burden but to deepen your awareness of God's holiness, transforming how you experience time and life itself.

► The Sabbath serves as a rehearsal for the World to Come, a time to step back from our relentless pursuit of achievement and reconnect with God's eternal promises. Aaron and Rachel share personal insights into how Shabbat fosters community, nurtures family bonds, and cultivates a sense of delight. They discuss suggestions for engaging children and incorporating joy, even amid a busy, screen-saturated culture. They offer encouragement for non-Jews: even small steps like lighting candles or setting aside moments of reflection can infuse life with spiritual meaning and cultural richness.

This episode isn’t just about understanding a religious practice; it’s about rediscovering a rhythm of life that can profoundly shape your faith, your family, and your worldview. Whether you’re Jewish, exploring the faith, or simply curious about a tradition rooted in divine wisdom, these insights open a path toward sacred time and a deeper connection with the Creator. Don’t miss this invitational journey into the life-changing power of the Sabbath.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Significance of the Sabbath

7:18 The Nature of Holiness

12:20 Changed to Sunday?

18:46 Was Saturday the Original Sabbath?

20:35 Spiritual Growth and the Sabbath

32:51 Experiential Knowledge

36:39 The Sabbath's Weekly Rhythm

41:03 The Jewish Prohibitions of the Sabbath

54:39 Navigating Shabbat with Children

01:05:14 Advice for Jews and Gentiles

👉 Resources:

► Messiah Magazine #35

►Why Did Charlie Kirk Love the Sabbath So Much?

► From Sabbath to Sabbath

► HaYesod, The Sabbath

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

As tensions continue to ferment in the Middle East, God has called some from among his flock to bring the gospel of the kingdom to the Muslim world. Our guest today, Stephanie Quick of the Emmaus Table, is a writer, teacher, songwriter, recording artist, cinematographer, filmmaker, and fierce advocate of Israel with rare and unusual political equilibrium, and a true and loyal friend to dogs everywhere. She's here to tell us about how the Emmaus Table is proclaiming the gospel in its original apocalyptic Jewish context to audiences in the Middle East and around the world.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The Gospel’s Jewish Context in the Muslim World: Stephanie emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the “gospel of the kingdom” within its original apocalyptic Jewish context, even to the Muslim world.

► Founding of the Emmaus Table: After years with Frontier Alliance International (FAI), Stephanie helped transition their public-facing efforts into “The Emmaus Table.” The new collaborative “dinner table” model provides a free and growing resource library, including films, teaching, and music.

► The Covenant and Controversy Framework: A central theme of her work is navigating the “controversy of Zion.” She posits that God’s faithfulness to his everlasting covenant with Israel is the foundation for a Christian’s personal security; if God were to renege on his promises to the Jewish people, believers would have no basis to trust his promises to them.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Living through Conflicts with Iran

05:52 Journey to the Middle East: A Personal Calling

11:10 Missions and Filmmaking in the Muslim World

22:16 The Emmaus Table: A Collaborative Initiative

29:29 Understanding the Gospel of the Kingdom

37:10 The Incomplete Gospel and Its Implications

42:44 The Wire: Geopolitics through a Maranatha Lens

45:16 The Inkwell: A Devotional and Teaching Platform

48:26 The Global Bible Study: Weekly Teachings and Insights

49:48 Death + Kingdom: A Musical Exploration of Resurrection

👉 Resources:

► Emmaus Table

► Covenant and controversy: The Great Reign

FFOZ at the Emmaus Table

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/ffoz-at-the-emmaus-table

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/drawn-from-flame-and-water

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/sojourners-and-exiles

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION

https://www.facebook.com/theemmaustable.world

X and IG at: @quicklikesand

Music Albums to explore on your favorite streaming service

► The Death of Death: Death + Kingdom Vol. I

► Ballads of Song of Solomon

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

For those of us who read the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective, 1 Peter presents a problem. On the surface, Peter seems to be telling an audience of Gentiles that they, and not Israel, are now the chosen people. Dr. Kelly Liebengood has recently released a manuscript called Reading 1 Peter after Supersessionism, in which he shares his research on Peter’s inclusive language. Gentile followers of Jesus have always faced a challenge when forming a new identity, but the nature of this new identity does not preclude the continuing status of Israel as the people of God. Join us as we wrestle through post-supersessionist scholarship to find the message of Peter that applies even today.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The Concept of “Gentile Israelhood” is a concept Dr. Liebengood uses to express that Gentile believers are invited into a shared identity where they belong to the God of Israel. Dr. Liebengood argues they are “grafted-in” to Israel’s story without erasing their own Gentile identity or stealing the unique status of the Jewish people.

► The Challenge of Audience Identification in 1 Peter is a scholarly tug-of-war. A Jewish audience fits the letter’s “national” language but contradicts descriptions of the readers’ former pagan ignorance; conversely, a Gentile audience risks supporting “replacement theology” unless read through a post-supersessionist lens. How can this tension be resolved?

► A post-supersessionist reading of 1 Peter underscores the trustworthiness of God. The debate over 1 Peter is ultimately about the character of God. If God were to abandon his specific promises to Israel to start over with a new group, he would be fundamentally untrustworthy. A post-supersessionist reading ensures that God is seen as a faithful promise-keeper to all.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Kelly's Journey to Post-Supersessionism

13:22 1 Peter and the Significance of Audience

07:56 Understanding Suffering in 1 Peter

19:03 Theological Implications of Audience Interpretation

26:29 Understanding “Israelhood”

31:42 Challenges of Gentile Identity Formation

34:21 Viewing Peter's Audience as Converts

39:48 Dating 1 Peter

44:32 Suffering in 1 Peter

48:10 Ecclesiology and Gentile Identity

51:24 Future Directions in Scholarship

1:00:20 Theological Implications for Gentile Followers

1:05:10 Re-narrating the Bible’s Bigger Picture

1:07:57 The Need for Dialogue in Scholarship

👉 Resources:

► Reading 1 Peter after Supersessionism, Dr. Kelly Liebengood

► Dismantling Replacement Theology

► Biblical Blueprint of Peoplehood

► Israel – Forgetfulness

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Can a stay-at-home mom with a gift of gab change the way the world views the Jewish Jesus? The viral @HelloMrsRachel, a third generation Messianic Jew joins Messiah podcast to reveal the David-and-Goliath reality of being a Messianic creator today. From dealing with heresy-hunting hate-watchers to answering deep theological DMs from curious Christians and searching Chasidic Jews, Rachel shares how she balances viral success with a heart-centered faith that refuses to get stuck in the "heady" world of theology.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The Struggle of the “In-Between": Messianic Jews often experience a unique form of double-rejection from both the Christian and Jewish communities. Rachel found that sharing this specific tension on social media resonated deeply with others who feel they don't fit into traditional boxes.

► Jewish Identity as a Testimony of God's Faithfulness: Retaining Jewish identity and traditions after following Jesus is seen as a living testimony that God keeps his promises. Rachel argues that if God were to "break" his specific promises to the Jewish people, it would undermine the security of his promises to all believers.

► The David and Goliath Mindset: Rachel views her platform as a way to confront demonic lies and misinformation about Messianic Jews and about Israel. This gives her purpose in being a small voice for truth against big mobs.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Meet @HelloMrsRachel: Breakout Content Creator

02:30 Third-Generation Faith: Rachel's Upbringing

08:28 Parenting and Passing the Torch to the Fourth Generation

10:24 Marriage Dynamics: When Two Messianic Jews Disagree

11:16 The "Niddah" Conversation in a McDonald's Drive-Thru

14:12 Raising Children in an Interfaith/Christian World

16:10 How to Become a Messianic Social Media Mogul

21:09 Impact over Numbers: The Responsibility of Influence

24:30 Christians Asking the Big Questions About Jewish Roots

28:24 Head vs. Heart: Balancing Theology with Simple Worship

32:43 Dealing with Hate-Watchers and Misinformation

36:56 Why Modern Jews Shouldn't Have to Assimilate

41:50 God's Promises: Why Jesus Being Jewish Changes Everything

46:51 Rachel's Favorite Messianic First Fruits of Zion Resources

👉 Resources:

Hello Mrs. Rachel Social Media Accounts:

YouTube / Instagram / Tiktok

HelloMrsRachel Article on Messiah Online

FFOZ Reacts to a React to Hello Mrs. Rachel

Educational Materials for Kids
The Sabbath Table Prayer Book

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The Telepathy Tapes took the podcast world by storm in 2024. All of a sudden, we had falsifiable evidence that non-speaking autistic people could read minds. But this phenomenon was only the tip of a massive iceberg. What the Telepathy Tapes refused to publicize was the fact that these individuals relate messages from the God of Israel and from Jesus himself, expressions of unfathomable love, calls to repentance and reminders that Jesus is coming quickly. Our guest, Pastor Joe Infranco, exercised the intellectual rigor he learned in his first career as an attorney to get to the bottom of this phenomenon.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Biblical Gifts vs. "Telepathy": While some secular observers label the ability to know others' thoughts as "telepathy," Joe Infranco frames this phenomenon within the context of 1 Corinthians 12 spiritual gifts, such as "prophetic insight" or a "word of knowledge." He notes that many of these individuals are highly empathetic and "pick up thoughts" or see spiritual colors around people rather than experiencing literal, radio-like mind reading.

► A Rigorous Testing of the Supernatural: As a former attorney, Infranco uses a "preponderance of the evidence" legal standard to validate supernatural claims. He argues that instead of demanding absolute certainty, believers should weigh evidence. Does the message provided line up biblically? Do the speakers have any motivation to lie? With objections and evidence on a scale which side is more persuasive?

► God’s Use of "Overlooked Instruments": A central theme of the episode is that God may be choosing "heretofore overlooked instruments" to communicate ancient truths to the modern world. Infranco shares that many non-speaking individuals report seeing into the spiritual realm—including angels, demons, and Jesus—and feel a divine mandate to share messages of love and calls to repentance with a world that has often ignored them.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 From Attorney to Pastor: A Journey of Faith

03:55 The Phenomenon of Telepathy and Spiritual Gifts

08:28 Skepticism and Validation: The Journey of Belief

14:13 Theological Concerns and Spiritual Discernment

24:12 Providing Biblical Perspectives to Spiritual Experiences

31:59 Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

34:59 Messages from the Spiritual Realm

38:35 Seeing the Future and Angels

41:59 The Nature of Heaven and Relationship with God

45:35 The Role of Autism in God's Plan

49:19 Jewish Concepts Revealed through Autistic

53:20 Signs of the Times: Prophetic Insights

57:29 God's Unique Strategies in Reaching People

01:00:34 Hope and the Future of Faith

👉 Resources:

Instagram: @pastorjoeinfranco

Hidden Gifts Ministry

Decoding Cody: Secrets of the Spectrum from People with Autism Who See, Hear, and Smell in the Unseen Realm

The Telepathy Tapes

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

In 2024, the podcast about profoundly disabled, non-speaking autistic children who knew what their caretakers were thinking debuted and skyrocketed to the top of the charts. What the “Telepathy Tapes Podcast” didn’t discuss was that these individuals were also seeing angels, demons, and Jesus himself. They even reportedly received messages from God for the rest of us. Tahni Cullen joins Messiah Podcast to share her family’s remarkable journey raising a non-speaking autistic son, and how Scripture, prayer, and discernment shaped their response to mystical experiences that challenged a material worldview. This conversation focuses less on telepathy and more on theology, biblical guardrails, and the goodness of God.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The Gift of Prophecy: Jewish tradition says that when the Temple was destroyed the spirit of prophecy was given to the “simple.” This offers a framework for understanding why non-speaking autistic individuals like Josiah, who are marginalized by society due to their inability to speak, may be recipients of profound spiritual insights and prophetic revelations. The modern world may have "shut off" its ability to listen. But God’s desire to speak has not changed.

► Reframing Suffering: Tahni shares how the crisis of parenting a son with extreme autism challenged her to question the blessing of God. Where was the promise of blessing when walking in obedience? Her journey led her to learn the true nature of God during suffering. Josiah’s first independent sentence was: "God is a good gift giver." This realization became a foundational truth for their family to lean on in the midst of hardship.

► The Importance of Spiritual Discernment: While the broader "Telepathy Tapes" phenomenon is often framed through science or New Age spirituality, Tahni encourages Christians to "listen with discernment" rather than fear. The popular-level conversation often may "edit out Jesus" from these experiences; nevertheless, the phenomenon has actually led to spiritual awakenings, prompting seekers and even atheists to want to read the Bible and know God.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tahni Cullen and her son Josiah

02:46 Intersection of Science and Faith via Non-Speaking Autism

12:29 Personal Journey to Find a Hope in Coping with Autism

21:23 Josiah's Breakthrough: “God Is a Good Gift-Giver”

24:06 Josiah's Prophetic Insights and Spiritual Messages

30:48 The Significance of Hebrew Letters and Jewish Holidays

36:21 Learning from a Heavenly Academy

37:30 The Priestly Breastplate and a Letter Board

43:17 Communicating with the Realm of the Dead

47:29 Discernment for Spiritual Gifts and Experiences

55:32 The Interconnection of Body, Soul, and Spirit

01:03:49 Pointing to Jesus

01:10:26 Empowering Non-Speaking Autistic Individuals

👉 Resources

► Josiah's Fire Facebook page

► Book: “Josiah's Fire: Autism Stole His Words, God Gave Him a Voice”

► The Spellers

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.