Lately I have been sprinkling in classic literature into my regular book reading. I enjoy modern books, biographies, mysteries and suspense, but my absolute favorite is Historical Fiction. Authors like Jane Austen and Mark Twain and ancient texts penned by Homer and Dante have also been among my selections this year. Right now I am re-reading the Pulitzer Prize winning To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. While today we cringe at some of texts of the past saddened and disgusted by what has taken place, history is so important to discern and understand accurately.

I spent this past summer studying in a Seminary Program from the Institute of Jewish-Christian Studies. Written and put together from a Messianic Jewish organization, the program dives into all of Biblical and world history. Suffice to say it was a.lot. From a Jewish-Christian perspective it shows how from the very beginning of Old Testament to the very end of Revelation, God has a great plan to bless all nations through His Covenant to Abraham in Genesis. Messiah Jesus came to fulfill that Covenant and redeem all of mankind through His death, burial and resurrection and is coming again as it says in Revelation. While I am not Jewish by blood, I am so thankful to be grafted into this promise through my adoption into the family of God through Christ as it says in Romans 11.

When I received my diploma a few weeks ago I was so excited. This was quite a feat. I don’t know what God is preparing me for but I know my love to study the Bible has only grown. Hebrews:4:12 says that The Word of God is alive and active and 2 Timothy 3:16 says it is God-breathed. Written by over 40 authors containing 66 books. and spanning 1500 years and 3 languages the Bible is the most historically-accurate and most published in history. Different than any other narrative- God’s story is the greatest. The most brilliant author could never conceive such a work of art.

I so enjoyed these courses and learned more than I ever thought I could. My faith has grown to see the seemingly endless prophesies of the Old Testament (which means Covenant) being fulfilled in Yeshua, Messiah Jesus in the New Testament.

Today I am thankful to look back and look forward with the Lord holding me in the present. As it is often said (and credited to Pastor Theodore Epp) live like Christ died yesterday, rose today and is coming tomorrow.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8