Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity Stephanie Pavlantos

Welcome to Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity. Today's guest is Dena Smiley, a seasoned professional whose journey encompasses social work, faith, and service.







Dena began her professional odyssey upon earning a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 1998. With a passion for helping others, she obtained her clinical license in 2000. She delved into psychiatric care, serving in both inpatient settings and within the reputable Kaiser Permanente outpatient mental health clinic.







Transitioning her focus towards the educational domain, Dena found fulfillment in partnering with children and families navigating diverse special needs. Her expertise blossomed as she assumed the role of a district-wide coach for positive behavior support, leaving an indelible mark on the school social work landscape.







The arrival of her own family in 2006 prompted Dena to establish a private practice, allowing her to harmonize professional endeavors with the joys of motherhood. Complementing her professional pursuits, Dena generously volunteered in church counseling ministries and shared the transformative practice of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) at women’s events and bible studies.







Dena's spiritual journey, spanning three decades, has been a transformative force in her life, igniting a genuine desire to utilize her God-given gifts for the betterment of humanity. Driven by compassion, she has embarked on numerous international missions, advocating for the marginalized and underserved in third-world countries.







In recent years, Dena's faith journey has deepened as she and her family embraced the restored Hebrew names, observed biblical feasts, and honored the original Sabbath. Amidst her professional and spiritual commitments, Dena finds solace in nature, indulging in hobbies such as hiking, paddle boarding, and herbalism. Alongside her family, she has cultivated a serene homestead in East Tennessee, where they embrace the joys of homeschooling and cherish the bonds of family and community.







https://foreverfreewitheft.wordpress.com/what-is-eft/







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Welcome to Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity. My guest today is Yoel Ben Yisrael.







Inspired by a profound connection with King Yahweh in 2020, Yoel’s journey into writing became more than just a passion; it became a calling.







It began with a prayer, the Kingdom of Heaven Constitution, and a blog titled Leb Tahor, meaning Clean Heart in Hebrew. Through this platform, Yoel explored anecdotes, delved into Scripture, conducted interviews, crafted poetry, and spun creative tales, all while seeking the presence of Yah in the mundane.







From a young age, Yoel’s fascination with words was nurtured by his family, who gifted him dictionaries, further fueling his love for language. Today, as a devoted citizen of Heaven deeply connected to his Israelite heritage, Yoel recognizes the profound impact of written words across generations.







In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoel embarked on a personal exodus from corporate America to hone his writing skills and understand the transformative power of storytelling. Guided by his unwavering faith, Yoel’s writing is not merely a vocation but a divine mandate—a means to glorify King Yahweh and inspire others on their spiritual journeys.







Yoel’s book: Thoughts of a Kingdom Citizen: Earth Needs Heaven







Yoel’s Website: https://www.setapartkingdomprep.com/







Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thablack.fonz.5







Stephanie’s Links







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Welcome to Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity! My guest today is David Wilber.







David is an author, Bible teacher, Messianic/Christian apologist, and joint CEO of Pronomian Publishing LLC. He has written several books and numerous theological articles. Additionally, David speaks at churches and conferences across the nation. He has served as a researcher and Bible teacher for 119 Ministries, Founded in Truth Fellowship, Freedom Hill Community, Inspiring Philosophy, and Talk About Doubts. David lives in Lake Wylie, SC, with his wife and two children.







His books:







Remember the Sabbath: What the New Testament Says About Sabbath Observance for Christians







Is God a Misogynist?: Understanding the Bible's Difficult Passages Concerning Women 







When Faith Works: Living Out the Law of Liberty According to James







A Christian Guide to the Biblical Feasts















Stephanie's Links:







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Please welcome today's guest, D'vorah Calic!







D'vorah is a distinguished Torah teacher, known as a "morah," whose passion for biblical understanding and connection runs deep. With a rich background in biblical studies, she brings a unique perspective to her teachings, illuminating the intricate links between the Torah of Moses and the teachings of the Apostolic Scriptures.







As a co-founder of Bless Israel Network, a prominent media organization based in Israel, D'vorah, alongside her husband, is dedicated to sharing the prophetic role of the Jewish people and Israel in God's divine plan. Through insightful programming, they aim to inform and inspire viewers, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of Israel in the unfolding of biblical prophecy.







D'vorah's commitment to bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments is evident in her writing and hosting of "Heartbeat of the Torah." In this engaging series, she skillfully connects the beauty of the Torah with the teachings of the New Testament, providing invaluable insights into the Jewishness of the Scriptures, the Gospels, and the Messiah.







Beyond her media endeavors, D'vorah is a beacon of hope and comfort in the online community. As a weekly contributor to "Gift of Thorns," a Facebook community dedicated to spreading positivity, she shares her wisdom through her series, "Getting Down to the Root," offering solace and encouragement to all who engage with her uplifting messages.







With her profound knowledge, unwavering dedication, and compassionate spirit, D'vorah Calic continues to impact lives profoundly, guiding others on a transformative journey of faith and understanding.







https://www.blessisraelnetwork.com/







Other podcast episodes with D'vorah:







Jesus came to make the Torah "Stand up." - This Side of Heaven (stephaniepavlantos.com)







Are We Redressing the Messiah? Part 1 - This Side of Heaven (stephaniepavlantos.com)







Are We Redressing the Messiah? Part 2 - This Side of Heaven (stephaniepavlantos.com)







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Welcome to Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity! Today, I am delighted to introduce my special guest Rebecca Smith.







Rebecca, alongside her husband Ron, is the co-founder of Scholar Ministries. They have been involved in the leadership areas of the Worship Team, Children’s Choir, Royal Rangers, Youth Ministry, Tech Ministry, and Adult Bible Study.







Their relational ministry has influenced many families as they teach scholars of all ages from all walks of faith…Jewish, Messianic, and Christian. When Yeshua/Jesus called them to move to Northwest Arkansas, they struggled with leaving their hometown and, even more difficult still, their home church. However, when they chose to follow the design of their Abba, their Father, they began to feel God’s Shalom (peace) amid each battle that eventually birthed Scholar Ministries. Now the organization is thriving in both committed persons and passionate services providing instruction in Hebrew language and culture as well as acting as a resource for pastors.







Her commitment to excellence in worship extends beyond theory, as she embarked on intensive training in worship photography in 2015.







Rebecca's intellectual pursuits go beyond the realms of theology. With a degree in Landscape Architecture, she founded a design firm in 1992, which has thrived under her guidance.







In partnership, Rebecca has shared the journey of marriage with Ron Smith for over thirty-six years. Described as a walking, talking encyclopedia of biblical proportions, Ron's wealth of knowledge undoubtedly enriches their shared ministry.







Join us in welcoming Rebecca as she shares insights into her fascinating journey on Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity.







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Welcome to Grafted: Jewish Roots of Christianity! My guest is Ryan White, the voice and vision behind Faith of Messiah, where ancient wisdom meets modern hearts through the study of Scripture.







With hundreds of hours of video teachings, he endeavors to bridge the millennia, by connecting the cultural context of the Bible to the relevance it holds for us today. As one of the founders of the Saturday Church Community, he is deeply invested in creating a space where faith and fellowship flourish side by side. Holding a Master's in Biblical Studies with a focus on the Old Testament, he blends academic rigor with spiritual insight, providing a unique perspective that enriches the understanding of my listeners and readers.







His role as a husband and father to five remarkable boys is at the core of my journey. The lessons he learned from his family life often seep into his teachings, providing a personal touch that resonates with those navigating the beautiful chaos of everyday living. Join him as he unravels the threads of ancient texts to clothe them in contemporary relevance, all while balancing the dynamic roles God has bestowed upon him. Dive into the depths of faith with him at faithofmessiah.com and be a part of our growing fellowship at saturdaychurchcommunity.com.







Stephanie's Links:







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