THE TWO HOUSES OF ISRAEL:
THE COMING RESTORATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
© 2008 TNN Press

The Messianic movement originally started in the 1960s as an evangelistic outreach of Jewish Believers in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) to their fellow Jews. As an unforeseen side effect, it has swelled considerably since the late 1990s with significant numbers of non-Jewish Believers embracing their Hebraic Roots. Why is this the case? Are such people just eager to know more about the Bible and experience greater spiritual fulfillment? Or is there more that needs to be considered for the future?

With a Messianic movement, whose majority of people are not Jewish, important questions about Israel have undoubtedly been asked. Are non-Jewish Messianics people who are beginning to reclaim their lost Jewish ancestry? Are they actually members of the scattered Northern Kingdom of Israel or the “Lost Tribes”? Or is it that the prophesied restoration of Israel as testified in the Scriptures is simply more involved and more comprehensive than exclusively including the Jewish people? These are all provocative questions that have been asked over the past decade, and have obviously stimulated a great amount of debate and controversy.

A diverse array of answers has arisen to these questions, with today’s Two-House Messianic movement often in the center of the discussion. Some of the answers offered are Biblically sound, and others are not. Some of the issues that have presented themselves have been conducted in an honest spirit of inquiry, and others have been forced because of sensationalism and opportunism. It is undeniable that a great deal of opposition to the basic Two-House message has come forth from both Messianic Judaism and evangelicalism, but also that various Two-House advocates have added outside teachings to the basic message of Israel’s restoration, perhaps compounding some confusion.

For a Messianic movement preparing to enter into the 2010s, TNN Online editor J.K. McKee takes a fresh and reasonable look at the Two-House teaching of Judah, scattered Ephraim, and the nations being brought together as one people in the Lord. The Two Houses of Israel: The Coming Restoration of the Kingdom of God examines the Biblical basis of the Two-House teaching, various objections that have arisen to it, required refinement and change that must take place among its advocates, and also the mission of what it means to be “Israel” often overlooked by most Messianics (Two-House or not). He offers a new style of looking at the Two-House teaching, especially for a broad Messianic movement that is trying to determine what its long term goals are to be—as we eagerly await the return of Yeshua and the establishment of His reign from Zion!

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from The Two Houses of Israel: The Coming Restoration of the Kingdom of God (PDF)

INTRODUCTION TO THINGS MESSIANIC
© 2005 TNN Press

Are you new to the Messianic movement? Do you have questions about what the Messianic movement, lifestyle, and Messianic 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 truly 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 used easily along with the available lecture series companion by author J.K. McKee.

212 pages
spiral bound

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from Introduction to Things Messianic (PDF)

THE NEW TESTAMENT VALIDATES TORAH
© 2004, 2008 TNN Press

Does the New Testament Really Do Away With the Law?

The New Testament Validates Torah is a study that we all need. We as Messianic Believers know that we should follow the Torah or the Law of Moses, and that Yeshua the Messiah did not come to abolish or do away with it. Yet, many of us cannot respond to arguments commonly made by Christian theologians and pastors from the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament), which supposedly prove that the Law has been “done away.” The New Testament Validates Torah answers the so-called Scriptural claims against Torah obedience in a fair-minded and scholarly way.

TNN Online editor J.K. McKee addresses many of the claims given as why we should follow God’s Torah. He addresses how the words of Yeshua are final in relation to how we handle other New Testament Scriptures that address the Law of Moses. He addresses claims such as: “we’re not under the Law,” “Christ is the end of the Law,” “all things are lawful,” and “He abolished the Law of commandments contained in ordinances.” These Scriptures are placed into a proper Biblical context, and when necessary translation errors from Greek into English are discussed and analyzed.

The New Testament Validates Torah is an apologetic study that all Messianic Believers need. It emphasizes the need for us to know what we believe, and above all be the testimony of a positive spiritual change to Christians who do not understand our convictions. It encourages a return to holy living and an appreciation for the tapestry of all of God’s Word.

212 pages
spiral bound

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from The New Testament Validates Torah (PDF)

THE DANGERS OF PRE-TRIBULATIONISM
© 2003 TNN Press

The pre-tribulation rapture is an extremely popular doctrine that advocates that Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) will one day come, unexpectedly, for the saints, and gather them into Heaven prior to the Tribulation period. This teaching has sold many books and created a large financial market for prophecy materials. But in spite of its popularity, few Believers question it. When presented with alternative points of view such as post-tribulationism, those of the popular pre-tribulational position oftentimes vehemently criticize or call such people heretics.

This report is an expanded edition of one of TNN Online’s most controversial articles. It answers the top reasons why people believe in the pre-tribulation rapture from a Messianic post-trib perspective. It exposes the manipulation of Scripture on the part of pre-tribulationists and why the pre-trib rapture cannot be ideologically supported. It refutes the fifty reasons given in support of the pre-trib rapture by former Dallas Theological Seminary chancellor John F. Walvoord. This book supplements When Will the Messiah Return? by responding to the arguments of the escapist pre-tribulation rapture doctrine, but with the fairness that is often not given to post-tribulationists.

92 pages
spiral bound

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from The Dangers of Pre-Tribulationism (PDF)

TORAH IN THE BALANCE, VOLUME I
© 2003 TNN Press

“The Validity of the Torah and Its Practical Life Applications”

Torah In the Balance, Volume I is a desperately needed book, as it addresses many of the important aspects of God’s Torah for today’s emerging Messianic community. Subjects addressed include: why Believers need the Torah, the foundational importance of the Ten Commandments, the Biblical appointments and various human replacements for them, and the validity of the dietary commandments. While Messianic positions of these issues often clash with those of evangelical Christianity today, they are considered in a fair and reasonable manner that encourages positive dialogue and solutions. A great deal of scholastic engagement and support is offered for a positive view of these aspects of faith on the part of today’s Believers.

This book will prove to be very important as it emphasizes the importance of the Messianic lifestyle, and those struggling to demonstrate it properly in today’s world. It encourages understanding and grace between Messianic Believers who differ on the life application of God’s Torah, and between Messianics and Christians who may not presently see eye-to-eye on the Torah’s place in the life of a follower of God. Torah In the Balance, Volume I is an important addition to any Messianic library, and should be read by those desiring not only a comprehensive understanding regarding what the Lord is doing in this hour, but the great responsibility we have been endowed by Him. And with everything, the transforming power of God’s love is emphasized above all! This resource encourages growth and maturity on the part of all His people.

236 pages
spiral bound

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from Torah in the Balance, Volume I (PDF)

TORAH IN THE BALANCE,
VOLUME II
Coming 2008-2009

"The Set-Apart Life in Action--The Outward Expressions of Faith"

This anticipated sequel to Volume I will deal with various "outward commandments" that have a wide variance of interpretations and applications in today's Messianic community. Subjects analyzed will include: how to keep the Sabbath, the laws of kashrut, personal dress and grooming, head coverings, religious symbols, and human sexuality.

WHEN WILL THE MESSIAH RETURN?
© 2002 TNN Press

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 believe 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 mankind are upon us. Are they? Is everything in place for the Messiah to return in the next decade or even in the next year? Is there anything that has been overlooked relating to 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 the world to the fullness that God had promised 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 returning for. They consider themselves part of a separate “Church,” often with no connection to Israel. Because of this, it is believed 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 does our perception of the end-times change? Furthermore, if a Believer is a part of the Commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:11-12), how does it effect what we believe will happen in the Last Days and when the beast system will arise?

184 pages
spiral bound

Click here to read the Table of Contents and excerpts from When Will the Messiah Return? (PDF)

John Kimball McKee is the founder and principal writer for TNN Online, an Internet website that specializes in a wide variety of Biblical topics. As a young man who has grown up in a family that has been in constant pursuit of God’s truth, he has been exposed to things of the Lord since infancy. Since 1995 he has come to the realization of the post-tribulational return of the Messiah for His own and the Hebraic origins of our faith. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma (Class of 2003) with a B.A. in political science, and holds an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary (Class of 2008).

John is an apologist for the Creator God and the faith of the Biblical Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Much of his ministry has been campus based to the multitudes in evangelical Christianity who are associated with a wide variety of Protestant denominations and persuasions. John has introduced college students to things that are Messianic such as the original Hebrew name of our Savior, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), a name that he has known since 1983.

John’s testimony before his Christian friends at college challenged much of their previous thinking about the whole of the Holy Scriptures and the need to follow the commandments of the Most High. His college peers asked him many questions: Why do you not believe in the pre-trib rapture? What do you think of the Left Behind books? Why do you observe the seventh-day Sabbath? Why do you eat kosher? Why do you wear a beard? Why do you celebrate the feasts of Israel? Why do you wear tzit-tzits (fringes/tassels)? Why do you use a tallit (prayer shawl) and wrap tefillin/phylacteries? Why do you consult original language texts of the Bible? Why don’t you come to church with us on Sunday? This led John into Messianic apologetics and the defense of our faith. John strives to be a man after God’s own heart, who has a testimony of being born again and who diligently strives to obey the Holy One of Israel.

As the editor of TNN Online, John’s ministry has capitalized on the Internet’s ability to reach people all over this planet. TNN speaks with challenging, provocative, and apologetic articles to a wide Messianic audience, and those Christians who are interested in Messianic beliefs. In the past decade, TNN Online has emerged as a moderate and Centrist voice in a Messianic movement that is trying to determine its purpose, relevance, and mission to modern society. John feels a strong calling to assist in the development and maturation of our emerging Messianic theology.

John has had the profound opportunity since 1997 to engage many in dialogue so that they will consider the questions he postulates, as his only agenda is to be as Scripturally sound as possible. Through John’s writings and the outreach of TNN Online, many have been exposed to the truths of the post-tribulational return of the Messiah, the validity of the Torah, and the reality of all Israel being restored.

J.K. McKee is author of several books, including: The New Testament Validates Torah, Torah In the Balance, Volume I, When Will the Messiah Return?, and The Dangers of Pre-Tribulationism. He is co-author Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study with Mark Huey. He has also written many articles on the Two Houses of Israel and Biblical theology, is presently focusing on Messianic commentaries on various books of the Bible, and is also continuing to add Messianic FAQ entries to an ever-expanding database.

J.K. McKee is a native of the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati, OH area. He has also lived in Dallas, TX, Norman, OK, Kissimmee-St. Cloud, FL, and Roatan, Honduras, Central America.