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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

CATEGORY 8 — The Nation, the Stranger, and the Kingdom

Weeks 43–48

🌿 Category Description

God calls Israel to be a holy nation, a treasured people, and a light to the world, reflecting His character to every tribe and tongue. From the Torah’s commands about welcoming the stranger and doing righteousness, to the Prophets’ visions of a restored Israel drawing the nations to God, this category explores the identity and mission of God’s people.
It reveals how Yeshua gathers Israel, welcomes the nations, and builds a Kingdom made of every people who walk in His covenant ways.

🌿 6-Week Summary Table

WeekStudy TitlePrimary ScripturesTheme SummaryKey Hebrew WordsMessianic / Moral Focus
Week 43A Holy Nation: Israel’s Identity and CallingEx. 19:3–6; Deut. 7; Deut. 26:16–19Israel is chosen as God’s treasured people to display His holiness.Am segulah, goi kadoshYeshua gathers, restores, and leads the holy nation.
Week 44The Stranger in Your Midst: God’s Heart for the GerEx. 22:21; Lev. 19:33–34; Deut. 10:17–19Torah commands compassion, justice, and love for the stranger.Ger, ahav, mishpatYeshua extends welcome and covenant belonging to all who fear God.
Week 45Justice for the Vulnerable: Widow, Orphan, and PoorDeut. 24:17–22; Isa. 1:17; Ps. 68God defends the powerless and commands His people to do the same.Mishpat, chesed, aniYeshua reveals God’s heart for the least and calls His disciples to it.
Week 46Israel and the Nations: A Light to the WorldIsa. 42:6; Isa. 49:6; Ps. 67; Zech. 8Israel is chosen to reveal God’s glory to all nations.Or, goyim, berakhahYeshua fulfills Israel’s mission by sending disciples to all nations.
Week 47The Ingathering: God Restores His PeopleDeut. 30; Jer. 31; Ezek. 36–37God promises to regather, renew, and restore Israel to covenant faithfulness.Kibbutz, lev chadash, ruachYeshua brings the New Covenant and gathers Israel as Shepherd-King.
Week 48The Kingdom People: One Flock Under One KingEzek. 37:15–28; John 10:14–16; Rev. 7:9–17God forms one united flock from Israel and the nations under Messiah’s reign.Echad, malkhut, shepherdYeshua brings unity, healing, and identity to His multi-national Kingdom.

🔍 For Deeper Study — Inductive Guide

Observation — What do you see?
Look for repeated words, imagery of hope, promises of renewal, contrasts between present suffering and future glory.

Interpretation — What does it mean?
What does this reveal about God’s character?
How does this passage connect to earlier prophecies?
How does it point to Messiah?

Application — How should it shape you?
How does hope strengthen endurance?
Where do you need renewal or repentance?
How does the promise of Messiah’s Kingdom call you to live differently today?

Prayer & Listening —
“Lord, what are You teaching me about hope, redemption, and the world to come?”