HEBRAIC ROOTS: AN INTRODUCTORY STUDY

Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study has been written as a primer for the emerging number of people who are being drawn into a more comprehensive grasp of the ancient roots of our Biblical faith. As a family that has been active in the Messianic movement since 1995, we came to the unanimous conclusion that a book about many of the areas for growth would be beneficial for the many thousands who are being prompted into a fuller and richer pursuit of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob--and who truly want to live the way that Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), our Jewish Savior, lived. 

Have you heard about the Messianic movement? Have you heard about the significance of the Torah for a Believer's walk of faith? Have you been in the Messianic movement for some time? Do you even know why you are in it? Do you need a foundational introduction to the Hebraic Roots of our faith and who Yeshua truly is in His Biblical and historical Hebraic context? Do you want to know more about what God is doing in this hour? If you have ever asked any of these questions, then this workbook will help get you started! 

This volume examines a number of areas for study and discussion, and will prompt questions for personal reflection or group exchanges in twelve easy lessons. Each chapter has study questions that will enable you to think and examine the Scriptures like never before. If you are unfamiliar with the Messianic movement, some of its basic beliefs and lifestyle practices, and the great potential it offers God's people today--then Hebraic Roots is the book for you!

© 2003, 2009 TNN Press

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INTRODUCTION TO THINGS MESSIANIC

Are you new to the Messianic movement? Do you have questions about what the Messianic movement, lifestyle, and theologies are all about? Do you need answers on a wide variety of issues with some detailed information? If these are the questions you have been asking, then Introduction to Things Messianic is a book that will definitely benefit you.

Written to the new person investigating Messianic things, Introduction to Things Messianic is a compilation of articles that will inform the inquirer on a wide array of Messianic topics relevant to the current state and growth of our movement, including:

• Is “the Church” truly a new group of elect?
• Is the Torah or Law of Moses really relevant for Believers today?
• Who were the ancient Pharisees and what did they believe?
• What is this “Two-House teaching” that I hear so much about?
• Am I required to keep the Sabbath?
• What are the Biblical festivals?
• Am I required to eat kosher?
• Why do many Messianics use the proper name of God?
• What do Messianics think about the end-times?
• How do I properly grow in this new walk of faith?

These questions, and many more, are discussed and detailed in Introduction to Things Messianic. This book builds on the foundational material in Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study in a much more thorough way for those wanting an in-depth view of these basic issues. Introduction to Things Messianic can be used for a single person or a group Bible study, as study questions follow each chapter. It can also be easily used along with the available lecture series companion by author J.K. McKee.

© 2005, 2009 TNN Press

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MESSIANIC FALL HOLIDAY HELPER

The Fall holiday season of Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot—also including Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah—is a very special, sacred time of year for God’s people. It is considered to be the most holy time of year in Judaism. As such, this season can teach us all important things about the great value of corporate repentance of sin, and an annual inspection of our individual spiritual maturity. We can learn lessons about the Lord’s ongoing plan of salvation history, especially the Second Coming of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and the future establishment of His Millennial Kingdom!

The Messianic Fall Holiday Helper is a valuable compilation of resources designed to assist you, your family, and your Messianic fellowship for this season. We have included a selection of articles summarizing the role of mainline Jewish tradition, and reflective articles that focus on day-to-day observances of the Ten Days of Awe and the eight days of Tabernacles. Messages from customary books of the Tanach (Old Testament) like Deuteronomy and Ecclesiastes, which are often studied and discussed during the Fall high holidays, have been offered. A few FAQs on the Fall high holidays have also been provided. Finally, some significant liturgy derived from Conservative Jewish sources—including a template for both a Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur morning service—is available.

If you have ever wondered what role the Fall high holidays should play in the life of a Believer, then the Messianic Fall Holiday Helper is definitely something for you. You will be blessed by what you can learn during these convocations!

© 2004, 2009 TNN Press

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from the Messianic Fall Holiday Helper (PDF)

WHEN WILL THE MESSIAH RETURN?

For almost two millennia, multiplied millions of Believers in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) have eagerly anticipated His return. Many theories, doctrines, and creeds have been produced concerning the Second Coming, as well as an entire score of books. In today’s world, many Christians think that the Messiah can return at any moment in an event called the “pre-tribulation rapture.” Even among those who do not believe in this imminent rapture are those who still think that the final days of humanity are upon us. Are they? Is everything in place for the Messiah to return in the next decade, or even in the next year? Or, is there anything in the Scriptures that might be overlooked, or is not being considered, regarding the Messiah’s return?

Before Yeshua was taken into Heaven, the Apostles asked Him, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Apostles were eagerly awaiting the Messiah to restore Israel, and guide the world back to the fullness that had once been experienced in the Garden of Eden. But much work still had to be accomplished, as Yeshua commissioned them to go out and make disciples. That work still has not been completed today, especially with the advent of the modern-day Messianic movement.

A major part of the work that needs to be accomplished is that most Believers in Yeshua do not understand who the Lord is actually returning for. They consider themselves part of a separate “Church,” often with no connection to Israel. Because of this, it is concluded that the Messiah can imminently come for “the Church,” to leave Israel behind to face the Tribulation and the antichrist. Is this a valid teaching? Are Israel and “the Church” separate entities? If they are not, how would this change our perception of the end-times? Furthermore, if a Believer is a part of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12), how does it affect what we think will happen in the Last Days and when the beast system will arise?

When Will the Messiah Return? is a unique book addressing the end-times from a distinct Messianic perspective. The Messiah tells us plainly that He will gather the saints “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (Matthew 24:29). Discussed are common false understandings as they relate to “the Church” being taken to Heaven for the duration of the Tribulation period, and how instead all Believers in Messiah Yeshua get to participate in the end-time restoration of all Israel.

© 2002, 2009 TNN Press

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MESSIANIC WINTER HOLIDAY HELPER

The Winter holiday season is frequently a conflicted time of year for many people in today’s Messianic movement. On the one hand, most Messianic Believers do not celebrate the holiday of Christmas on December 25, due to some of its pre-Christian origins and questionable traditions. On the other hand, the birth of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) is a Biblical event which we all must acknowledge in some way. Furthermore, during this same Winter season, the Jewish community commemorates the Festival of Dedication or Chanukah. What is a Messianic Believer to do?

The Messianic Winter Holiday Helper is a valuable compilation of resources designed to assist you, your family, and your Messianic fellowship for this season. We have included a selection of articles summarizing the holiday of Christmas, and how Messianic Believers need to have a proper attitude toward our Christian brothers and sisters. We have included a variety of teachings on Chanukah, common traditions associated with it, and how this can be a blessed time of spiritually rededicating ourselves to God and to each other. Information on the time period of the Maccabees in Second Century B.C.E. Judea, the wars that they fought, and the long term impact they left on subsequent generations, has been provided. A few FAQs on the Winter holidays are offered, as are some delicious recipes, and liturgy you can recite for your Chanukah celebration.

Do not let the Winter holiday season be a difficult time for you any more. The Messianic Winter Holiday Helper can assist you greatly in making this a very special time for you and your family!

© 2003, 2009 TNN Press

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TORAH IN THE BALANCE,
VOLUME I

The Messianic movement largely advocates that the Torah or Pentateuch is relevant instruction for Believers today, and that modern Christianity has too often ignored God’s revelation in the Tanach or Old Testament—not benefiting from this dismissal. Yet the subject of “Torah observance” can often be a point of contention, not only between the Messianic and Christian communities, but even internally among Messianics. Why is this the case? Do we have to be negative about this? Is it possible that people claiming to be Torah observant do not often know why the Law of Moses is to instruct and teach today’s Believers? Have some Messianics simply lacked an appropriate perspective on how the work of the Holy Spirit is to guide God’s people into greater holiness and maturity, given the promises of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27)? How are we to balance how following the Torah includes outward practices, but also includes a greater manifestation of God’s love and goodness to all we encounter?

Torah In the Balance, Volume I is a well needed resource for our time, as it addresses the main aspects of how to follow God’s Torah. Subjects addressed include: why Believers need the Torah, the Acts 15 Jerusalem Council, the foundational importance of the Ten Commandments, the role of the appointed times, and the dietary laws. While Messianic positions on these aspects of faith can often clash with those of our Christian brothers and sisters, they are considered in a fair and reasonable way that encourages positive solutions between all people who have called out to Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) for salvation. A large amount of scholastic engagement and support is offered for the validity of these aspects of faith on the part of today’s Believers.

This book is an important addition to any Messianic library, and should be read by those desiring not only a comprehensive understanding regarding what the Lord has started in this hour—but the great responsibility we have been endowed by Him. With everything we have been called to do, the transforming power of God’s love is emphasized above all! This resource encourages growth and maturity on the part of all of His people.

© 2003, 2009 TNN Press

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MESSIANIC SPRING HOLIDAY HELPER

The Spring holiday season is a very busy time for those in today’s Messianic movement, beginning with Purim, continuing to the week of Passover and Unleavened Bread, and then culminating with Shavuot or Pentecost. This broad season is one of the most demanding for Messianic Believers, not only as it concerns the many things to celebrate and reflect upon, but also as we strive to exhibit a positive testimony to both the Jewish and Christian communities: to Jewish people remembering the Passover and deliverance of Ancient Israel from Egypt, and to Christians memorializing the death and resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ).

The Messianic Spring Holiday Helper is a valuable compilation of resources designed to assist you, your family, and your Messianic fellowship for this season. We have included a wide selection of articles discussing the different salvation historical themes from the Spring season. The significance of Purim is addressed. The role that the Passover and the Exodus play, and how they relate to our redemption in the Messiah, is described. We go into great detail discussing the Last Supper, and the death and resurrection of the Messiah. We consider what it means to observe Shavuot as a time for both the giving of the Torah (Law) and the Holy Spirit. We offer a fair-minded and loving way to communicate to those who observe an Easter holiday often separated from anything in the Tanach or Old Testament. A selection of FAQs on the Spring holidays has been provided, as are some delicious recipes, and an educational Passover haggadah you can use for your home or congregation.

Let the Messianic Spring Holiday Helper be a resource of great blessing to you during this sacred season!

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© 2004, 2010 TNN Press

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COLOSSIANS AND PHILEMON FOR THE PRACTICAL MESSIANIC

The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon are two of the most overlooked letters in the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament) by today’s Messianic community. Too frequently, our engagement level with Colossians is limited to words that Paul issues about Torah practices like Sabbath-keeping or kosher eating or about something being nailed to the cross. Because Christian friends and family often use partial quotes from Colossians to refute Messianic Believers who are Torah observant, we often try to avoid Paul’s letter. And like many of today’s evangelical Christians, Paul’s letter to Philemon is totally avoided, simply because we do not know what to do with the issue of slavery. Ignoring these two letters cannot be allowed to continue any longer.

Colossians and Philemon, two letters of Paul written together, are actually not too difficult to understand when read as a whole—and when we consciously make a point to interpret them for their original, First Century audiences first. What was the false teaching circulating among the Believers in Ancient Colossae? Was it first Jewish, and then pagan—or first pagan, and then Jewish? When the Apostle Paul uplifts Messiah Yeshua, is he simply claiming that He is like the impersonal force Wisdom—or something much more than Wisdom? Does Paul really affirm Yeshua as being the Deity—God Himself incarnated as a human? How were things like the Sabbath and appointed times improperly used by the false teachers in an ascetic philosophy designed to appeal to the cosmic powers over which the Messiah had prevailed? What can we learn about the mystery of the ages, and how the power of the gospel can change anyone? What role does a letter like Philemon play in our reading of the Bible?

In the commentary Colossians and Philemon for the Practical Messianic, TNN Online editor J.K. McKee shows us why today’s Messianic Believers need not be afraid of these two letters any more. A wide array of scholastic opinion is considered in regard to these two texts, especially the various proposals made about the false teaching that disrupted the Believers in Colossae. Contemporary applications for some negative trends being witnessed in today’s Messianic movement are also proposed, especially in terms of the false philosophy and worship of angels refuted by Paul. Colossians and Philemon are both important letters for us to understand, as today’s Messianic community strives to move forward in its reading of the Pauline Epistles.

© 2010 TNN Press
Volume VII of the Pauline Epistles

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Would you like to see high quality, scholastic, and loving Messianic books like Hebraic Roots, Introduction to Things Messianic, Torah In the Balance, and When Will the Messiah Return? available from major booksellers? Do you want your friends to be able to purchase these books without the “fear” of having to contact a Messianic ministry? Join the ongoing TNN Press Book Fund today and make this a reality!

The TNN Press Book Fund is the most ambitious project ever embarked upon by our ministry. For over five years, we have been on the cutting edge preparing materials for the long-term future of the Messianic movement, ranging from introductory books to home study guides to commentaries on various books of the Bible. These publications now need to be able to have a wider distribution than just our ministry. They need to be out there to  counterbalance some of the unfair and unloving materials that bring discredit to the Messianic community. They need to promote a Messianic movement that is going to be an influence of positive change in the world. TNN Press offers some of the most well-researched and theologically stable Messianic materials on the market, and it is time to see that our publications are professionally printed.

It is our goal to produce two new paperback books every two months. This does take a great deal of our energies, as previous publications are proofed to reflect our current array of ministry materials and resources. At this rate, it will take at least another two to three years to see all of our current titles produced as paperback publications. Furthermore, any new titles we will be releasing will go directly to paperback. Your continued support of this ongoing project is greatly appreciated.

The new commentary Acts 15 for the Practical Messianic
is presently at the printers.

ACTS 15 FOR THE PRACTICAL MESSIANIC
coming 2010

There is some shifting going on in today’s Messianic world as it concerns the unity that Jewish and non-Jewish Believers are to experience in Messiah Yeshua, and whether or not non-Jewish Believers are really called to obey God’s Torah. Much of this controversy is not based in an objective, historically conscious reading of the Scriptures—but instead in shifting ministerial alliances and religious politicking. The answer is not going to be found in evaluating who-said-what, but will be found in going to the Biblical text and in accurately evaluating what the trajectory of God’s Word is.

Around two decades after the ascension of Yeshua into Heaven, the message of salvation began being spread to the Mediterranean world outside the Land of Israel, and many from the nations eagerly embraced it. Was this just a bi-product of the message going to the Jewish people in the Diaspora, or was it the Father’s Divine plan? What was to take place with the new, non-Jewish Believers? Did they have to be circumcised and become Jewish proselytes? Or were all of the Believers, regardless of their ethnicity, to come together in a new environment rooted in the completed work of God’s Son? The Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 assembled to consider these issues, and it fairly ruled on what was to be done.