The Messianic Writings suggest a new reformation.

Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod was a new way to understand how to harness the power of electricity and in the same manner the Messianic Writings help us to better harness the power that comes from the Bible. The revolutionary thinker Copernicus brought a major institutional change when he taught the church that the universe does not revolve around the Earth. The Messianic Writings "revolution" is to point to a new relationship between the church and God's people Israel. The Messianic Writings are a new way of looking at the "New Testament" and will greatly challenge and improve common views that many Jews and Christians hold today - hopefully in a positive way. Some of my own views have been challenged and re-oriented but ultimately this experience has changed some of my spiritual practices and strengthened my faith journey.

According to the book of Acts, the disciples were called Christians or "Chrestians" first at Antioch. Instead of translating the Bible from a Christian perspective, the Messianic Writings are translated from the perspective of a disciple, that is, a student of the God of Israel - in other words, from before terms like "Christian" started in Antioch.

The Messianic Writings explain that the "church" as we think of it is not actually in the Bible! According to the commentary, the word commonly translated as "church" in the Bible, sho

As a Cashew (Jewish father, Catholic mother "Ca..sh..Jew..) growing up I had little affinity or awareness of Israel and its uniqueness.

Fast forward a couple of decades later and I ended up going on a trip to Israel, led by a pastor, Ray Vanderlaan (who leads great trips!). The trip was amazing. It really brought the Bible alive in ways that really can only be understand through experience. But basically, it gives you a better sense of some of the parables and also that much of the New Testament and Gospels are rooted in physical reality, in a real place in the heart of Jewish culture. As one understands this better it will strengthen your faith in Jesus. I recommend (at least) going to Galilee (where Jesus did 90% of his ministry), Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem if you can - it will be amazing!! 

Also, besides the many, many interesting religious sites Israel is, perhaps surprisingly, a very modern place, which reminds me a lot of Southern California! Haifa and Tel Aviv have vibes like Cali!