Shows
in the middleThe Plagues - Ep 5: More Gray AreasIn this episode, Roy and Cedric close out their discussion of the Parashat Bo Torah portion by discussing the plague of the death of the firstborn. They also touch on the consolidation of people as the Israelites left Egypt. Roy talks about how he came to understand Jesus Christ and the issue with trying to explain who He is. They talk about the actual requirement of being born again. Cedric considers why Jesus did the things He did on this earth.
Passages referenced: Exodus 11:2-7,12:35-36
2025-06-0726 minin the middleThe Plagues - Ep 4: Not A Transparent DarknessIn this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy and Cedric discuss the plague of darkness that fell over Egypt and what set it apart from a typical darkness. Cedric ponders the conceptual difference between the identity of “Christian” versus “believer.” Roy revisits what it means to be a lover of the truth.
Passages referenced: Exodus 10:21-22, 11:4
2025-05-3122 minin the middleThe Plagues - Ep 3: The Atrocities Are NumerousIn this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy and Cedric talk about how we will be held accountable for our actions and history and establish that repentance is a requirement of having a relationship with God. They further discuss the battle between Pharaoh and God, moving from the locust plague to the plague of darkness.
Passages referenced: Exodus 10:5-21, Psalms 33:12
Thomas Jefferson quote
2025-05-2422 minin the middleThe Plagues - Ep 2: A Battle Over NatureIn this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy discusses the idea that God's Word does not return to Him void. Cedric speaks to the plagues being representative of the different Egyptian gods. They discuss the difference between being a slave and being enslaved and which the Isrealites in Egypt were. Roy speaks to the importance of that difference in acknowledging poor work treatment and relates the Israelite experience in Egypt to modern times.
Passages referenced: Exodus 10:1-2, Proverbs 29:2
Video Links: Locust Super Swarm
Locusts Hit Egypt
2025-05-1720 minin the middleThe Plagues - Ep 1: The Pharaoh Command CenterWelcome back to In the Middle! Roy and Cedric discuss the relationship between God and Pharaoh in this introduction of the Parashat Bo Torah portion. They also talk about the responsibility of God’s people in finding their redemption in Egypt.
Passages referenced: Genesis 12-13, 15, Exodus 12:29, Numbers 3:12-13, Exodus 10:1
Video Links: Locust Super Swarm
Locusts Hit Egypt
2025-05-1019 minin the middleIn the Middle Returns!In the Middle will be returning for its third season this week, on Friday at 6:30 PM CT! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
2025-05-0703 minin the middleOptional War - Ep 4: How Do We Dispose of the Body?Roy and Cedric discuss the parallels between the instruction the Isrealites received regarding disposal of bodies and the crucifixion of Yeshua. Cedric talks about the biblical instruction on helping others. They reflect on the concept of the crucifix. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion.
Passages referenced: Malachi 3:13-18, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 & 22:1-4
2024-12-2521 minin the middleOptional War - Ep 3: Who Raised You?Roy and Cedric talk about how societal norms affect a child’s upbringing. Roy touches on the difference between being led by God and being in His will. They come back to addressing the importance of motive. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion.
Passages referenced: Matthew 5:19-20 & 7:22-23, Genesis 6:5 & 8:21, James 4:1-10, Ephesians 6:10-13
2024-12-1819 minin the middleOptional War - Ep 2: Why Do You Wanna Be In Charge of the PTA?Roy talks about the importance of motivation in choices. Cedric goes into the consequences of not being able to imagine the process of getting to where you want to be. They discuss who is responsible for the actions of a child and why. Roy talks about the application of these scriptures in the context of a changing world. A continuation of the Ki Teitzei portion.
Passages referenced: Matthew 6:23; Deuteronomy 21:14-19
2024-12-1122 minin the middleOptional War - Ep 1: Live With Your ChoiceWhat do you do when you go to war? Roy and Cedric discuss the optional war discussed in the Ki Teitzei portion and what rules were given to the Israelites to hold them to a certain standard. Cedric delves into the instruction the Israelites were given for when they did not follow instruction. Roy talks about the Four Kings in the Midrash and the danger of self-deception in facing one’s own wars. Cedric shares insight on the process of learning to police his own mind.
Passage referenced: Deuteronomy 21:9-13
2024-12-0420 minin the middleVows & Oaths - Ep 4: The Lord Had An AttitudeRoy and Cedric continue to speak on the war between the Israelites and Midianites. They talk about how the Israelites brought back the women who originally seduced them and discuss the different interpretations on how they were told to handle them. They close the series with a discussion of what happened with the land taken in the conclusion of the Matot-Masei portion.
Passages referenced: Numbers 31 & 32
2024-11-2723 minin the middleVows & Oaths - Ep 3: Expensive Stereo with WheelsRoy and Cedric discuss the concept of desire and lust, and contextualize the negative connotations of it. Roy speaks to the necessity of looking within oneself to address issues one may take with others. They talk about how God dealt with the Midianites regarding their attack on His relationship with the Israelites and acknowledge the abnormality of this situation. A continuation of the Matot-Masei portion.
Passages referenced: James 5:16, Ephesians 4:25, Numbers 31:1-2
2024-11-2017 minin the middleVows & Oaths - Ep 2: Let Your Yes Be YesRoy and Cedric begin discussion on the Matot-Masei portion by defining oaths and vows and the differentiations between the two. Roy speaks to the contextual location of the Torah’s specifics on the rules of vows. He also expands on the expectations regarding how vows are made and followed through (within reasonability).
Passages referenced: Numbers 30, Matthew 5:37
2024-11-1322 minin the middleVows & Oaths - Ep 1: Desire On A Gold PlatterRoy and Cedric kick off the Vows & Oaths series by discussing the relationship between the Old Testament law and New Testament interpretation. Roy speaks to the rigidity of systems, versus the necessary pliability of individuals. They summarize the Pinchas Torah portion in preparation for discussion of the Matot-Masei portion, with Cedric explaining how the Midianites disrupted the journey of the Israelites in an effort to overcome them, and how God responded to the Israelites’ idolatry.
2024-11-0620 minin the middleThe Last Days - Ep 4: Tabernacle Boot CampRoy and Cedric discuss the true meaning of “the Lord knows my heart.” They also talk about the rules of the tabernacle. Roy connects the dots between the instructions given to Nadab and Abihu and the last days. Cedric talks about how being the light would inherently cause one to stand out. Roy brings it all back to community and how you cannot follow God’s instruction without other people. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 16:1-2, Revelation 19:7-8, Ephesians 5:26
2024-10-3019 minin the middleThe Last Days - Ep 3: Thank God for the WomenRoy discusses which good works are meant to be seen and which aren’t and the importance of working on your heart when working on good works. Roy and Cedric deliberate on the difference between good works and works of righteousness. Roy gets into the accessibility of atonement. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.
Passages referenced: Matthew 5:13-20, 6:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:17-18
2024-10-2319 minin the middleThe Last Days - Ep 2: Law & GraceRoy and Cedric delve deeper into interpretation of scripture. Roy talks about apparent contradictions in scripture and how Jewish law was not done away with. They discuss the importance of conduct and participation in the process. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.
Passages referenced: 1 Peter 2: 11-12, Ephesians 2:9-10
2024-10-1622 minin the middleThe Last Days - Ep 1: You Can't Pay with Corn ChipsIn this first episode on the Acharei Torah portion, Roy explains the manner of how one is supposed to enter the temple. Cedric speaks to God’s desire for obedience over sacrifice. They discuss the relationship between faith and trust. Roy breaks down some misconceptions of the Jewish faith and the role of the veil in the temple, and Cedric talks about the piecemealing of scripture for personal use.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 16:1, Hebrews 10:16-18, 20-22
2024-10-0921 minin the middleThe Golden Calf - Ep 4: I Don’t Have to be What I InheritedRoy and Cedric begin the final episode of The Golden Calf series by setting the scene for a conversation between Moshe and the Lord wherein God proclaims His name. They discuss the possibility of choosing your actions outside of your lineage and further discuss the 13 attributes of God. Roy closes with addressing a parallel to the written Commandments being broken due to the sins of the people.
Passages Referenced: Exodus 33, Romans 12:2, Exodus 34:5-7
2024-10-0234 minin the middleThe Golden Calf - Ep 3: Moses’ Workout ProgramRoy and Cedric further discuss proof of concept and how there should be a representative of scripture. Roy points out that everyone is at different points in their own process. Cedric speaks to the Commandments being instructions on how to show your love for God. Roy considers the imagery in the Hebrew language and the importance of it, as well as the “push-pull” of scripture. They end the episode by analyzing the effort Moshe would have had to put in to bring the tablets to the top of the mount.
Passages Referenced: Leviticus 26, Exodus 34:1
2024-09-2519 minin the middleThe Golden Calf - Ep 2: Go Get Your PeopleIn this episode, Roy and Cedric discuss the golden calf and the events leading up to its creation. Roy delves into the language differences between Jewish and English translations of the Word and explains the meaning of Elohim. Roy digs into the Jewish interpretation of the golden calf and the hidden meanings in seemingly insignificant language in the text. They end the episode with addressing what it is to be influenced by the “outside world” and the role of the priests being proof of concept.
Passages referenced: Exodus 32:1-7, 21-24
2024-09-1824 minin the middleThe Golden Calf - Ep 1: The Creation of ChoiceRoy and Cedric start this series by discussing the census and counting people equally. They get into the details of how sin adds to righteousness. Roy talks about conduct through trials where God is not felt and the creation of choice. Knowing the difference between God’s wisdom and our own.
Passage referenced: Exodus 30:11-12
2024-09-1119 minin the middleTruth - Ep 4: The Biblical ConstitutionRoy and Cedric delve into the First and Fourth Commandments and their more literal meanings. They also discuss the standard of believers under Yeshua. Roy talks about the apparent shortage of those whom God can show himself strong in. They close the Truth series by talking about the self sacrifice required to create positive change to help others.
Passages referenced: Exodus 20:1-3, 7, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Matthew 22:14
2024-09-0424 minin the middleTruth - Ep 3: “Because I Told You So” Don’t WorkRoy and Cedric consider the power of the truth and how it can conflict with religion. Cedric speaks to the decrease of biblical literacy amongst Christians. Roy explains how the destruction of the temple was a result of the Jewish community allowing religion to become a business. They consider the frailty of humans in the context of overall existence.
Passages referenced: 1 John 3:15, Romans 3:4, John 18:37-38
2024-08-2826 minin the middleTruth - Ep 2: The Cosmic Source of OrderRoy and Cedric discuss the way in which Yitro added to Torah. Roy talks about being a searcher of truth. They discuss the meaning of “logos” and its roots in Greek mythology. Roy explains the meaning of hatred from a Jewish perspective.
Passages referenced: Exodus 18:13-26, John 1:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Psalm 119:140-144, Deuteronomy 25:13-15
2024-08-2126 minin the middleTruth - Ep 1: The Chair’s Gonna Tell On MeRoy and Cedric begin to discuss Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro (or Jethro), and his role in Moshe’s inner circle. Roy talks about the context of the usage of the name Elohim as opposed to other iterations of the name of the Lord. They speak to the function of nature in spirituality and religion.
Passages referenced: Exodus 18:1-12, Romans 12:2
2024-08-1422 minin the middleMinisode - PalestineSome brief thoughts on Palestine from the In the Middle team.
2024-08-0707 minin the middleThe Tithe - Ep 3: The Medicine BookRoy and Cedric consider the agricultural background of tithing in the Bible and contemplate converting the concept to a modern, monetary equivalent. They also discuss the responsibility of a believer to hold accountable the leaders of the organizations they tithe to. Roy closes The Tithe series by explaining the importance of community in correcting people and using scripture as a point of reference to provide explanations for his experiences.
Passages referenced: Malachi 3:10-12, Galatians 6:1, Micah 6:8
2024-07-3123 minin the middleThe Tithe - Ep 2: The Taking SideRoy delves further into tithing as a Messianic Jew. He and Cedric discuss the complications of applying biblical tithing rules to the modern day. They also talk about the intricacies of considering how the tithe is ultimately handled by the people or entities that receive it.
Passage referenced: Deuteronomy 14:22
2024-07-2422 minin the middleThe Tithe - Ep 1: The Giving SideRoy and Cedric discuss what it means to tithe, what its purpose is, and what one’s purpose should be when they tithe. Roy analyzes tithing from a biblical perspective. Cedric explains his beliefs on tithing from a Christian perspective.
Passages Referenced: Genesis 14:18-20, Deuteronomy 26, Genesis 28:10-22, Deuteronomy 8:8, 14:22-23
2024-07-1724 minin the middleChoice of Motivation - Ep 4: You Lookin' Like PreyRoy speaks to the requirements to become sons of God and how one’s attributes align with who they follow. Cedric talks about the instruction of praying in the Lord’s name and the meaning of the word “Amen.” They finish out the Choice of Motivation series by discussing the importance of interceding for the whole as opposed to the individual.
Passage referenced: Acts 19:11-20
2024-07-1020 minin the middleChoice of Motivation - Ep 3: Christianese InterpreterRoy and Cedric discuss the dangers of being overzealous in attempting to enact the will of God. Roy expands on this by reiterating the importance of considering the community in your actions. Cedric speaks to his own experience of realizing the importance of holding himself accountable before trying to hold others accountable, as well as coming to corrective conversations with solutions.
2024-07-0322 minin the middleChoice of Motivation - Ep 2: The Suffering ServantRoy explains that believers are not allowed to delight in the destruction of others. Cedric and Roy discuss the purpose and responsibility of priesthood and what it means to stand in the gap for others.
Passages referenced: Proverbs 24:17, Romans 12:1-2, Numbers 20:1-13, Matthew 13:24-30
2024-06-2623 minin the middleChoice of Motivation - Ep 1: Heaven's Black EyeCedric speaks to the struggle of calling himself a Christian in the modern day and the connotations that come with the title. Roy breaks down how legalism comes about and the importance of structure in community.
Passage referenced: Numbers 25
2024-06-1923 minin the middleThe Mixed Multitude - Ep 4: We'll Take AnybodyRoy and Cedric close out the Mixed Multitude series with a discussion of issues that may arise when a mixed multitude comes together and the difficulties some have with separating from their experience of oppression. Roy speaks about lashon hara (evil speech) and the biblical consequences of it. They end with discussing the process of removing leaven from a household for Pesach, what it represents, and when it should end each season.
Passages referenced: Numbers 8:5-7, 11:16-25
2024-06-1230 minin the middleThe Mixed Multitude - Ep 3: What the Problem Is?Roy and Cedric further discuss the Seven Middot and how they interlink with each other. Roy speaks to his experiences with the Jewish interpretation of scripture. He and Cedric consider believers’ common struggles with interpreting scripture and how to dig deeper. They also speak to the reality of a mixed multitude.
Passage referenced: Hebrews 5: 8-9, Daniel 3:16-28
2024-06-0520 minin the middleThe Mixed Multitude - Ep 2: The Seven AttributesRoy and Cedric discuss the role of believers in the world. Roy explains the Seven Middot (Seven Divine Emotive Attributes) and each corresponding personality type.
Chabad Article on the Seven Middot
Passages referenced: Numbers 8-12
2024-05-2922 minin the middleThe Mixed Multitude - Ep 1: Polar Opposite ThoughtsRoy and Cedric speak to the differences between Jewish and Christian tradition and understanding. Roy explains why there are seemingly contradictory thoughts within Judaism.
Passage referenced: Romans 12:2
https://bible.cc/
2024-05-2222 minin the middleHeavenly Minded - Ep 3: Biting a Demon in the ToeRoy and Cedric discuss the importance of taking time to study and examine scripture. Roy explains the context of kosher eating in a modern time.
2024-05-1515 minin the middleHeavenly Minded - Ep 2: No Performance Enhancing DrugsRoy and Cedric discuss the experience of being in God's presence. Roy expands on the concept of being heavenly minded and the importance of being effective on earth. They also talk about the meaning of purpose and how to find it.
2024-05-0819 minin the middleHeavenly Minded - Ep 1: A Supernatural MomentRoy and Cedric dig into the Shemini Torah portion, discussing the “eighth day” when the laws of nature are altered and the roles of Moshe and Aaron. They also begin to contemplate how we can bring the Lord to His people.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 9:1-3, 6, 22-24, 10:1-2
2024-05-0119 minin the middleMilk to Meat - Ep 4: 5 Minutes Ago, You Were An IdiotRoy asks for Cedric’s perspective of the Christian experience of the Ruach Ha-Kodesh (Holy Spirit) and its accessibility. They also dig into conversation around baseless hatred and biases in the church, the difficulty in changing culture, and the importance of teaching truth from the beginning. They end the Milk to Meat series by reiterating the importance of reflecting Christ in our conduct and being as one in community.
2024-04-2427 minin the middleMilk to Meat - Ep 3: A Problem with the GentilesIn this episode, Roy and Cedric discuss the importance of studying the Old Testament. They also analyze Paul’s experience with the Gentiles and not being able to “feed them meat,” and how this has affected the modern church.
Passages referenced: Psalms 37:23, 1 Corinthians 3:2-6, Hebrews 5:7-14, 6:1-6, 1 John 5:4
2024-04-1725 minin the middleMilk to Meat - Ep 2: The Price of AdmissionRoy and Cedric discuss the process of sacrifice that leads to redemption. Cedric speaks to his thoughts on what it means to reflect the Father’s love and why it is important. They also consider the perceptions of “leaving Christ on the cross” and carrying your own cross, as well as what it means to walk before the Lord versus walking with Him.
2024-04-1025 minin the middleMilk to Meat - Ep 1: Slaying a LionIn the first part of the Milk to Meat series, Roy and Cedric discuss the meaning of sacrifice and its purpose, as well as memorial offerings and their role in God’s remembrance of our circumstance.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 1:1, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 10:1-9, Leviticus 2:2
2024-04-0318 minin the middleThe New Testament Standard - Ep 3: Gamifying SpiritualityIn the final iteration of The New Testament Standard series, Roy and Cedric discuss applying biblical principles to everyday life and creating light in darkness. Roy expands on the notion of adjusting your expectations in life to allow for changes in perception. Cedric delves into the difference between the standards held by the Old Testament God and the New Testament Mashiach.
Passages: 2 Corinthians 3; Exodus 32
2024-03-2722 minin the middleThe New Testament Standard - Ep 2: Split PersonalityIn part two of The New Testament Standard series, Roy and Cedric discuss battling with the desire of the carnal self to follow the path of spirituality, as well as the relationship between the heart and the mind. Roy talks about taking control of your mindset to keep it from negatively affecting your peace.
Passages: Luke 8:43-48
2024-03-2019 minin the middleThe New Testament Standard - Ep 1: Losing Sainthood By LunchtimeJoin Roy and Cedric in the first episode of The New Testament Standard series as they begin to deconstruct the concept of separation between the "Old Testament God" and the "New Testament God." They also discuss the process of sanctification and the necessity of biblical law for believers.
Passages referenced: Exodus 28:1-3
2024-03-1321 minin the middleBuilding the Tabernacle - Ep 4: Bending the Laws of RealityIn the final episode of the Building the Tabernacle Series, Roy and Cedric discuss letting go of past experiences to embrace love and creating personal connections with people.
Passages referenced: Philippians 4:8
2024-03-0619 minin the middleBuilding the Tabernacle - Ep 3: Somewhere You Should've Taken A BathIn this episode, Roy and Cedric discuss every day idolatry, taking responsibility while living under grace, and answering to conviction.
2024-02-2819 minin the middleBuilding the Tabernacle - Ep 2: A Lot Of BadgersIn this episode, join Roy and Cedric as they further analyze the materials used to build the tabernacle, including the "animal that no longer exists." They also discuss having discernment to know what comes from within and what comes from God, as well as the responsibility of God-given gifts.
Passages referenced: Exodus 25, Isaiah 60:3, Genesis 3:1 & 7
2024-02-2114 minin the middleBuilding the Tabernacle - Ep 1: A Noble CallingWelcome to the first episode of the second in the middle series, Building the Tabernacle! In this episode, Roy and Cedric begin delving into the requirements set by God for the tabernacle and being called to a higher purpose.
Passages Referenced: Exodus 23:1 Exodus 25
2024-02-1418 minin the middleThe Family Fight - Ep 5: The Information IssueWelcome to the final episode of The Family Fight series! In this episode, Roy and Cedric discuss the juncture where Christianity and Judaism connect and the importance of study in addition to spirit. Roy also introduces the concept of Teshuvah.
Passages referenced: Zechariah 8:23; Leviticus 26:40-43
2024-02-0724 minin the middleThe Family Fight - Ep 4: The UN On My BlockWelcome to the fourth episode of The Family Fight series! This week, Roy and Cedric discuss celebrating differences within the community and finding success in the familial aspect of faith.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 26:8-28
2024-01-3120 minin the middleThe Family Fight - Ep 3: Jesus Christ's Approval RateWelcome to the third episode of The Family Fight series! Roy and Cedric discuss a believer's responsibility to not only follow the Word, but act in righteousness. Cedric also discusses Jesus's approval rate, along with that of the church and its representation according to this Barna report.
Passages referenced: Leviticus 20:22-24, Psalms 106, Leviticus 26:3-13
2024-01-2421 minin the middleThe Family Fight - Ep 2: Torah CourtWelcome back to "The Family Fight" series! Join Roy and Cedric as they discuss the importance of valuing each member of the community and providing support for them.
Passages referenced: Numbers 1:2-3, 2 Samuel 24:1-15, Leviticus 19
2024-01-1720 minin the middleThe Family Fight - Ep 1: Preacher Vs. RabbiWelcome to the first episode of "The Family Fight" series! In this episode, join Roy and Cedric as they speak on their backgrounds and how they came together in study and community.
2024-01-1017 min