Topics

Article: Many Believers have begun to take an interest in studying into the Hebraic Roots of their Faith. Many feel a desire to return to a form of worship more in line with that of the First Century Believers. Perhaps you too have felt this urge. Dean and Susan Wheelock explore the historical roots of, and the Father's purpose behind, this "Quiet Revival". (Reproduced with permission from issue 00-3 of Hebrew Roots)

Article: The proper relationship among the members of the Body of Messiah is often a subject of confusion among Believers today. The Apostle Paul adresses the subject in the book of Romans. Dean and Susan Wheelock examine Pauls teaching in "Grafted In", the first of two companion articles on this topic reprinted from issue 00-2 of Hebrew Roots.

Article: The subject of the proper relationship among the members of the Body of Messiah is expanded upon by Dean and Susan Wheelock in this second article of the series reprinted from Hebrew Roots issue 00-2. In "The Wild Ones", the authors explore the fascinating subject of the identity of the goyim. The Hebrew word goyim means "nations", and is commonly used by the Jewish people to identify those who are not Jewish, i.e. the Gentiles. (We recommend first reading the article "Grafted In" in order to lay the proper background and framework, before reading this second article in the series).

Article: What principles do you use when choosing materials to use in your Bible study, or in choosing a teacher to learn from? This article by Norman Edwards and Pam Dewey, reproduced from the Sept./Oct. issue of Servants' News, brings to light a number of issues that should be considered.

Article: When "Emperor" Constantine enacted the Sunday laws of 321 and 325 AD, there was more at stake than the unscriptural "changing" of the Sabbath to Sunday. The shifting paradigm already at work in the "church" at this time has resulted in other significant changes in church doctrines and beliefs that continue to affect us to this very day. Even Sabbatarians have not been immune. In this article, reproduced from the May-June 2000 issue of The Sabbath Sentinel, Dr. Sidney Davis examines the issue that was (and still is) at the heart of our "Sunday Roots".

Article: Has "grace" replaced "law"? What relationship, if any, does the "New Covenant" have with the law? Ed Spurlin examines this often misunderstood subject in this article reproduced from the June 2000 issue of Voice in the Wilderness.

Article: Falling Away - by Hannah Rychlik. We at Olive Branches are strong advocates of the need for Christians to become "reconnected" with their "Hebraic Roots", and to "disconnect" from inherited pagan roots and traditions. However, we have also seen that in some cases the Christian who has recently "rediscovered his Jewish roots" can become so enthusiastic in his walk along this path that he becomes "at risk" to temptations that can throw him into the opposite ditch, leading to a denial of Yeshua. Hannah Rychlik discusses this subject from the vantage point of personal experiences, and reveals some of the warning signs that can mark this dangerous detour.

Commentary: What is the Feast of Tabernacles?

Resources: Study resources on the Annual Festivals / Holy Days.

Commentary: What is Hanukkah, and why might it be of interest to us?

Article: In Paul's letter to the Romans, Chapter three, verse one, he asks the question, "What advantage then hath the Jew?" Then he answers his own question, "Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." In this study we will explore what Paul meant by these words.

Article: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Christians are often confused about these words, spoken by Christ as he hung on the crucifixion stake/tree. Did Christ really feel that the Father had forsaken him? Did he, as some ministers have eloquently proclaimed from the pulpit, see God's back as he turned His face away from His son? Christ’s cry has puzzled scholars down through the ages, but it contains a profound message if understood in the context of the time and culture in which it was uttered.

Article: "I will bring you out..." (Ex 6:6) The Passover is the first "feast of the Lord" listed in Leviticus 23. In Exodus 12:14 God said " And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." God places a great deal of importance on this "appointed time" and so should we. However, there is much about the Passover that has not been well understood, and differences of practice and belief abound surrounding its observance. In this first in a series of articles about Passover, we will begin by reviewing the account of the original Passover in Egypt and examine the foundational questions of what took place, and when.

Article: Yom HaBikkurim (Day of the Firstfruits, also called "Early Firstfruits") is the day when the "wave-sheaf" offering of the first barley was made by the priest in ancient Israel. It was made on the "morrow after the Sabbath" that occurs within the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The wave-sheaf offering represents the resurrected Messiah (Yeshua/Jesus) being waved before (presented to) the Father (YHWH) as the "Firstfruits" of many brethren. This "mini-article" gives a brief introduction and overview of this important day.