I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast | Messianic, Apologetics, & Biblical Truth

I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Hanukkah S1. Ep. 2

SEASON 1 EPISODE 2: “LET’S TALK HANUKKAH” 🎙 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f399.svg] EPISODE TITLE: HANUKKAH:  CLEANSING AND REDEDICATION – A BELIEVER’S CALL TO ACTION HOSTS Rev. Dr. Sanette Fleming, President of I Was Just Thinking Ministries Rev. Garritt Fleming, Chaplain and Co-host of I Was Just Thinking Ministries ---------------------------------------- [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IWJTM-2025-Podcast-Relaunch-1080-x-1080-px-1-1024x1024.png] Episode Overview In episode two of the Let’s Talk Hanukkah (Chanukkah) series, we continue to explore Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, and why it still matters for believers today. Further building on our article, Understanding Hanukkah: Is Hanukkah Biblical? Should Christians Celebrate Hanukkah? [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/understanding-hanukkah-the-feast-of-dedication-is-hanukkah-biblical-should-christians-celebrate-hanukkah-a-deep-dive-into-the-biblical-and-historical-roots-of-hanukkah-part-1/] This conversation moves beyond history and asks deeper discipleship questions: * Why does Hanukkah matter for followers of Yeshua today? * How does Yeshua’s ministry teach us the importance of cleansing and rededication? * How do I resist the urge to compromise and instead remain steadfast to Adonai? This episode inspires listeners to put the meaning and intent of Hanukkah into action so that they might become vessels for the Ruach Elohim, Spirit of God. ---------------------------------------- KEY THEMES DISCUSSED Warning Against Compromise God commands us to hold fast to Him and not seek after the gods of other nations. Our heart is to belong to Him and no one and nothing else. Cleansing and Dedication Before any service of dedication could take place, the Temple needed to made clean first. High Priest’s Cleansing of the Temple The High Priest did the work of cleansing the temple. As High Priest, Yeshua cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem (John 2:14-16). Hanukkah: the Feast of Light Light returns to the Temple once it has been cleansed and dedicated. Yeshua cleans us (John 13:8) and calls us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16) Why Christians Should Celebrate Hanukkah Celebrating Hanukkah is not legalism but is an opportunity for us to rededicate our hearts to Yeshua. As we celebrate Hanukkah, we ask ourselves: What has defiled the Temple of my life? What needs to be cleansed? What needs to be rededicated? ---------------------------------------- SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS * Deuteronomy 12:29–31 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2012%3A29–31&version=TLV] (TLV) “Do not inquire about their gods… You are not to act like this toward Adonai * John 8:12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208%3A12&version=TLV] (TLV) — “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) * Matthew 5:14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A14&version=TLV] (TLV) — “You are the light of the world.” * Psalm 51:12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051%3A12&version=TLV] (TLV) — “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord. And renew a steadfast a right spirit within me.” ---------------------------------------- WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS Hanukkah moves us to take action, to make a stand: * Just like Maccabee’s protected God’s physical Temple, we are to refuse to let our temples to become defiled by the patterns of the world. * Hanukkah is an annual reminder to cleanse and rededicate. * Yeshua’s celebration of Hanukkah cements its relevance and importance for the believer today. * Today we have the opportunity to return to God and rededicate our lives to Him. ---------------------------------------- Shalom, and thank you for listening. May you walk in His truth and peace. 🎟 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f39f.png] UPCOMING EVENTS: LIVE WEBINAR Passover (Pesach) Webinar: Jesus in the Passover & The Passover Lamb [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/passover-pesach-webinar-jesus-in-the-passover-the-passover-lamb-tickets-1982733477204?aff=oddtdtcreator]  April 28, 2026 Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 PM (EST) Discover Jesus in Passover (Pesach). Explore the Passover Lamb [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/the-power-of-the-blood-protection-in-egypt-and-the-end-times/], God’s redemption plan, and the Biblical meaning of Pesach—live webinar. Passover is not just history; it’s not just Jewish; it is God’s revealed plan of redemption for the world. Understanding Passover [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/understanding-pesach-the-significance-of-passover-celebrations/] unlocks the unity of Scripture, deepens faith, and reveals Messiah in powerful ways. This teaching will help you see the Bible with fresh clarity and renewed depth. Register Now CONFERENCE  I Was Just Thinking Ministries Truth Conference | In Defense of the Bible [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-conference-in-defense-of-the-bible-tickets-1712512674509?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl] November 7, 2026 Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST) Location: Lancaster Bible College God’s Word has stood the test of time, but our generation is facing growing challenges—from cultural confusion to rising attacks on the authority of Scripture. The Truth Conference 2026, hosted by I Was Just Thinking Ministries (IWJTM), is a one-day gathering designed to equip believers to stand firm, think clearly, and live boldly in defense of the Bible. In-Person Register Now 📌 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png] RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 📧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4e7.png] Contact us: Podcast@IWJTM.org 🌐 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f310.png] Visit us online: IWJTM.org [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org] 📖 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4d6.png] Read related blogs and articles: Blogs and Articles [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/blog-posts/] 📲 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4f2.png] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @IWasJustThinkingMinistries The post I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Hanukkah S1. Ep. 2 [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/i-was-just-thinking-ministries-podcast-lets-talk-hanukkah-s1-ep-2/] appeared first on I WAS JUST THINKING MINISTRIES [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org].

I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Hanukkah S 1. Ep. 1

🎙 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f399.png] Episode Title: Hanukkah and the Believer: Why Hanukkah Matters Today Podcast: I Was Just Thinking Ministries Host: Dr. Sanette Fleming Co-Host: Rev. Garritt Fleming ---------------------------------------- SHOW NOTES: Episode Overview In this episode of the Let’s Talk Hanukkah (Chanukkah) series, we explore Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, and why it still matters for believers today. Building on our article, Understanding Hanukkah: Is Hanukkah Biblical? Should Christians Celebrate Hanukkah? [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/understanding-hanukkah-the-feast-of-dedication-is-hanukkah-biblical-should-christians-celebrate-hanukkah-a-deep-dive-into-the-biblical-and-historical-roots-of-hanukkah-part-1/] This conversation moves beyond history and asks deeper discipleship questions: * Why does Hanukkah matter for followers of Yeshua today? * What does Hanukkah reveal about holiness, identity, and dedication? * How does the Feast of Dedication point us to Messiah—and to our role as God’s dwelling place? This episode invites listeners to see Hanukkah not merely as a historical event, but as a living, prophetic call to rededication and resistance against spiritual assimilation. ---------------------------------------- KEY THEMES DISCUSSED ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] Hanukkah Is Biblical—not merely “Jewish” Hanukkah is rooted in biblical theology, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive history. ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] Yeshua Celebrated Hanukkah If we claim to follow Messiah, we must wrestle honestly with why He observed the Feast of Dedication, and what that means for our discipleship. ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] The Temple Then and Now Hanukkah centers on the purification of the Temple. In Messiah, the Temple is no longer only a building; we are now God’s dwelling place. ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] From Physical to Spiritual Dedication The Feast of Dedication reminds us that worship cannot continue in a defiled place. Today, the call to purification begins with us. ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] Resisting Assimilation The original crisis behind Hanukkah was forced cultural and spiritual assimilation. That same pressure exists today, through culture, theology, education, media, and social norms. ✔ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2714.png] Identity, Holiness, and Discipleship Hanukkah calls believers to remain faithful, distinct, and uncompromised in a world that rewards conformity. ---------------------------------------- SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS * 1 Corinthians 3:16 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A16%20&version=TLV](TLV) – “Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that the Ruach Elohim dwells in you?” * 1 Corinthians 6:19 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A19&version=TLV] (TLV) – “Your body is a temple of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.” ---------------------------------------- WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS Hanukkah is more than a remembrance of past deliverance, it is a prophetic reminder that: * Identity matters * Holiness matters * God’s Temple must not be defiled * True discipleship requires intentional resistance to compromise For believers navigating cultural pressure and theological confusion, Hanukkah speaks directly to our moment. ---------------------------------------- 🔗 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f517.png] RELATED RESOURCES Read the full article: Understanding Hanukkah: Is Hanukkah Biblical? Should Christians Celebrate Hanukkah? 👉 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f449.png] https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/understanding-hanukkah-the-feast-of-dedication-is-hanukkah-biblical-should-christians-celebrate-hanukkah-a-deep-dive-into-the-biblical-and-historical-roots-of-hanukkah-part-1/] 🎧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3a7.png] Subscribe to the Podcast: Search I Was Just Thinking Ministries wherever you listen to podcasts. 📩 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4e9.png] Connect with Us: Website | Blog | Teaching Resources 👉 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f449.png] https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/] Email | Podcast@IWJTM.org The post I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Hanukkah S 1. Ep. 1 [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/i-was-just-thinking-ministries-podcast-lets-talk-hanukkah-ep-1-pt-1/] appeared first on I WAS JUST THINKING MINISTRIES [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org].

I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Messianic, Messianic Judaism, and the Jewish Roots of Christianity

Season 1 Episode 1: “Who is a Messianic Jew?” Hosts Rev. Dr. Sanette Fleming, President of I Was Just Thinking Ministries Rev. Garritt Fleming, Chaplain and Co-host of I Was Just Thinking Ministries ---------------------------------------- EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this inaugural episode, we explore the foundational question: Who is a Messianic Jew? We unpack the identity, beliefs, and heritage of Messianic Jews, those who embrace the Jewish roots of their faith in the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth. [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IWJTM-2025-Podcast-Relaunch-1080-x-1080-px-1-1024x1024.png] We discuss how believing in Yeshua deepens, rather than abandons, a Jewish heritage; how the covenants, the Tanakh (“Old Testament”), and the Brit Hadasha (“New Testament”) interconnect; and the implications for both Jewish and Gentile believers. Along the way, we touch on the early first-century context, the concept of Gentile believers being grafted into Israel, and the ongoing tension of replacement theology. This episode lays the groundwork for our multi-part series on the intersection of Judaism, the Messiah, and the “Church’s” Jewish roots. ---------------------------------------- KEY TOPICS COVERED * Definition: “Messianic Jew” as a Jew who believes Yeshua is the promised Messiah and Believers grafted into God’s Covenant with Abraham, Israel . * The continuity of God’s covenant with Israel, and how Yeshua’s coming fulfils rather than negates God’s Word (Matt 5:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%205%3A17&version=TLV]). * Salvation originates in Israel: “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204%3A22&version=TLV]) and Romans 9:4-5 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%209%3A4-5&version=TLV]. * The early Jewish followers of Yeshua: Torah observant, active in the Temple/synagogue (Acts 2:46 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A46&version=TLV]; Acts 17:2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2017%3A2&version=TLV]). * Gentile believers as grafted into Israel—not replacing Israel (Romans 11:17-18 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2011%3A17-18&version=TLV]) — and why replacement theology distorts Scripture. * The term “church” (Greek ἐκκλησία/ekklēsia) means “assembly” or “congregation,” rooted in the Jewish assembly tradition, not what we commonly refer to as “church” today. In fact, the word “church” is an addition to the Bible, not one originating in it. * Historical drift: how Gentile-dominated Christianity gradually separated from its Jewish roots (Bar Kokhba revolt, Council of Nicaea in 325 AD). * The heart of Messianic Judaism: Jews and Gentiles together in Yeshua, walking God’s ways, embracing the Torah, the Feasts, and the biblical calendar (Eph 2:14-15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph%202%3A14-15&version=TLV]). ---------------------------------------- WHY THIS MATTERS * Most importantly, it helps us better understand Scripture in its original context and thwarts misunderstanding and misinterpretation. * Understanding Messianic Judaism helps Christians grasp the Jewish context and roots of their faith. * It clarifies how Gentile believers fit into God’s story, not as replacements, but as fellow citizens with Israel. * It invites Jews who believe in Yeshua to reclaim a full Jewish identity, rooted in covenantal fidelity and rich heritage. * It sets the stage for deeper episodes: the restoration of the original faith, the Hebraic context of the Church, Assembly, and practical ways believers live out this identity today. ---------------------------------------- LINKS & RESOURCES * Visit our website’s blogs and articles [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/blog-posts/] for further reading * Learn more about Messianic Judaism [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/category/messianic-faith-and-jewish-roots/] and its scriptural foundations. Be sure to check back on our site for further blog posts tied to each upcoming episode. ---------------------------------------- WHAT’S NEXT In Episode 2, we’ll dive deeper into the restoration of the faith once delivered, showing how Messianic Judaism is not merely a 20th-century movement but a return to the original faith practiced by Yeshua and His first followers. We’ll explore the continuity of covenant, the role of the Torah and God’s Appointed Time [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-return-to-gods-appointed-times-registration-1664253871129?aff=oddtdtcreator] (Biblical Feasts), and how the modern Church can learn from the Jewish roots of Christianity. Don’t miss it! ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH US * Follow I Was Just Thinking Ministries on Instagram: @iwjthinkingministries [https://www.instagram.com/iwjthinkingministries/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] instagram.com [https://www.instagram.com/iwjthinkingministries/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. * Engage with us on the blogs and articles and share your thoughts, questions, and testimonies. ---------------------------------------- Shalom, and thank you for listening. May you walk in His truth and peace. 📌 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png] RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 📧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4e7.png] Contact us: Podcast@IWJTM.org 🌐 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f310.png] Visit us online: IWJTM.org [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org] 📖 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4d6.png] Read related blogs and articles: Blogs and Articles [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/blog-posts/] 🎟 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f39f.png] Upcoming event: A Return to God’s Appointed Time [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-return-to-gods-appointed-times-registration-1664253871129?aff=oddtdtcreator] Online event, Jan 20 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm EST 📲 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4f2.png] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @IWasJustThinkingMinistries The post I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast: Let’s Talk Messianic, Messianic Judaism, and the Jewish Roots of Christianity [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/messianic-judaism-and-the-jewish-roots-of-christianity-2/] appeared first on I WAS JUST THINKING MINISTRIES [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org].

I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast | Messianic, Apologetics, & Biblical Truth

Episode 1 | I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast | Messianic, Apologetics, & Biblical Truth Welcome to the I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast! This is the official podcast of I Was Just Thinking Ministries (IWJTM), hosted by Dr. Sanette Fleming and Rev. Garritt Fleming. Our mission is simple but urgent: to equip believers to know, articulate, and defend the truth of Scripture and reveal Yeshua from Genesis to Revelation. In this first episode, we share who we are, why we launched this podcast, and how you can connect with us at IWJTM.org [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org]. You will hear the story of IWJTM, what drives our ministry, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes. We are passionate about Biblical Messianic and apologetics, and we want this podcast to be your trusted resource for Biblical truth. So, what makes the I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast different? We connect the Jewish roots of Christianity with real-life discipleship today. We do not shy away from hard questions. Instead, we believe honest questions deepen faith. Through Scripture and sound reasoning, we defend truth while pointing you to Yeshua, the Living Word. Future episodes will explore the Biblical Feasts, the authority of Scripture, Messianic apologetics, and cultural issues facing believers today. We will also connect these teachings with our blogs, our events, and the upcoming Truth Conference 2025: In Defence of the Bible. [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-conference-in-defense-of-the-bible-tickets-1712512674509?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl] Every episode will challenge you to think deeply, live faithfully, and stand boldly. Join us weekly on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe today so you do not miss a single episode. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @IWJThinkingMinistries for updates, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes insights. The I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast is more than a podcast. It is a movement. It is a community of believers standing firm on God’s Word. And it is a call to live Scripture as God originally intended. ---------------------------------------- 📌 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4cc.png] RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 📧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4e7.png] Contact us: Podcast@IWJTM.org 🌐 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f310.png] Visit us online: IWJTM.org 📖 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4d6.png] Read related blogs and articles: Blogs and Articles [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/blog-posts/] 🎟 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f39f.png] Upcoming event: Truth Conference 2025: In Defense of the Bible [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-conference-in-defense-of-the-bible-tickets-1712512674509?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl] 📲 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4f2.png] Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @IWasJustThinkingMinistries The post I Was Just Thinking Ministries Podcast | Messianic, Apologetics, & Biblical Truth [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org/i-was-just-thinking-ministries-podcast/] appeared first on I WAS JUST THINKING MINISTRIES [https://iwasjustthinkingministries.org].