The Father and His Son- The Greatest Story

 The Father Yahweh and His Son- Yeshua the Messiah
    The Greatest Story of Truth- 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God – who is and who was and who is to come – the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

Truly, God is. (Exodus 3:14) He is the eternal Father who always has been and always will be above all. (Psalm 90:2) His existence precedes all creation for he is the origin of the heavens and the earth and all life within it. (Revelation 4:11) It is through his Word (logos) that all things were made. (John 1:1-3) Indeed, God is the foundation of law and order. (Jeremiah 51:15) And the government of God is the basis from which all logic, natural laws and moral realities are realized within the world. (Romans 1:18-20) With unlimited power the everlasting king rules according to infinite knowledge and righteous purposes. (Psalms 147:5) The Lord of Hosts – He is the sovereign master of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:22) Although the things of this world fade away, the Holy Father will always be the all-powerful and only wise God. (Romans 16:27) For the immortal God is incorruptible – ever holy and unchangeable in his being. (James 1:17) Eternally perfect and immutable, the authority of his word remains forever. (1 Samuel 2:2)

Out of his infinite power and perfect wisdom, God created heaven and earth. (Jeremiah 51:15) He is the father of humanity having made of one blood all nations of men. (Malachi 2:10) From his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10) “In him we live, and move and have our being”. (Acts 17:28) We depend on the “Father of light”, for every good thing. (James 1:17) The father of creation is ruler and judge over all that he has made. (Psalms 50:3-6) We are his, he is our God, and we are the sheep of his pasture. (Psalms 100:3) He who upholds the world looks down from heaven seeing every place and knowing all that transpires. (Hebrews 4:13) For there is no place that man can hide where God is not afar off. (Jeremiah 23:23-24) His awareness transcends space and time into the depth of all things, even within the hearts of man. (Jeremiah 17:10) Being immanent everywhere within the universe yet infinitely superior, God alone is able to rule with perfect justice. (Ephesians 4:6) Government belongs to the transcendent creator of all things. (Psalm 9:7-8)

God is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4) He is the only true God and there is no other God besides him. (Deuteronomy 4:35) For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth, there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6) Pre-eminence excludes all but one Lord who is the first, greatest, highest, and supreme. (1 Samuel 2:2) And the Lord is one within himself- undivided in person and character. (Mark 10:18) This is in accordance to the creed, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might”. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Accordingly, we are to love God with oneness of person, regarding the Father alone as the Most High God – the Almighty. (John 17:1-3)

God our Father is a living being active in personality and character. (Acts 14:15) As the individual from whom man was made in his image, the divine Father possesses intellect, sensibilities, and will. (Genesis 1:26) God makes conscious choices according to his will. (Psalm 135:6) Yet, unlike mankind, he is morally perfect in character. (Numbers 23:19) Indeed, the Father of Light is holy and righteous, having a purely good nature. (Psalm 33:4-5) He is perfectly righteous and perfectly loving. (1 Kings 8:23) Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Although perfect, God is not just an ideal, principle, or moral law – rather he is a living Father who jealously desires loving relation with his children. (Exodus 34:14) His identity as a personal being is profoundly demonstrated through the loving sensibilities he has shown in acts of mercy, loving kindness, and grace. (Exodus 34:6) He who is faithful and true has expressed his good will toward creation. (James 1:17)

Our all-present Father knows all things about us, yet we are limited in knowledge of the “invisible” God. (Deuteronomy 29:29) God is spirit, not of a body of flesh and blood, but is imperishable. (Luke 24:39) No man has ever beheld the immortal Father directly. (John 1:18) He dwells in unapproachable light in the realm of heaven with his angels looking down from on high. (Psalm 113:5-6) In fact, it is insufferable for man to see God in all his glory lest he die in the presence of the Holy One. (Exodus 33:23) Likewise no man can grasp the fullness of God since finite mortals cannot search the one who is infinite nor attain the wisdom of him who is eternal. (Psalm 145:3) Yet he is everywhere and his eyes are at every place and he could be known if we would just grope for him. (Acts 17:26-27) God can be found, if he is sought in righteousness with clean hands and a pure heart. (Deuteronomy 4:29) The Father delights in the welfare of his servants showing his face and giving salvation to all who fear him and follow after truth. (Psalm 41:12)

In the fulfillment of time, God principally manifested his wisdom and love through his Son, Yeshua the Messiah, having perfectly represented the Father in expressing his character, declaring his truth, and doing his will. (John 6:45-47) Scripture is the principal record of God, his law, his dealings with man, and the testimony to his Son. (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Father furthermore demonstrates himself through his Holy Spirit given through Yeshua in fulfillment of the Gospel. (Acts 2:33)

Through Yeshua, whom he has chosen, God will judge the world in righteousness. (Acts 17:31) In the end, after the destruction of every opposing rule and power through the Messiah, God will be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:28) Regardless of all opposition, his eternal word will certainly come to pass. (1 Peter 1:24-25)

The King James Only Crowd

The KJV - a beloved translation- but KJV-Only?

Finding Freedom in God’s Word: Beyond the KJV-Only Debate

For many of us who’ve walked through the doors of a Fundamental Independent Baptist church—or similar circles—there’s a familiar refrain: the King James Version (KJV) is the only true Bible, and anything else is suspect, even “perverted.” It’s a teaching that can weigh heavy on the heart, especially if you’ve ever felt curious about other translations but were told they’re off-limits. If that’s been your journey, I want to share some thoughts and facts that might lift that burden and help you see the beauty of God’s word in a fresh way.

A Look Back: The KJV’s Place in History

Let’s start with where the KJV came from. Picture England in 1611: King James I wanted a Bible that would bring unity to a divided church. The result was the King James Version, a stunning translation that leaned on the groundbreaking work of folks like William Tyndale, who’d risked his life to get scripture into English hands. Written in the flowing, majestic language of the time—like “thou shalt” and “verily”—it was perfect for its day. It wasn’t just a book; it was a gift to a nation hungry for God’s word in their own tongue.

But here’s the thing: the KJV wasn’t meant to be frozen in time. It was built on the best manuscripts available back then, like the Textus Receptus for the New Testament. Since 1611, though, we’ve uncovered thousands more ancient copies of scripture—some older, some closer to the originals. Plus, English itself has changed. Words like “conversation” once meant “behavior,” not a chat over coffee! Modern translations, like the NIV or ESV, aim to reflect those discoveries and speak in language we use today. The KJV is a treasure, no doubt—but it’s one chapter in a longer story of bringing God’s word to life.

Not a Perfect Translation

     Key Revisions of the KJV

1. 1611 First Edition – The original edition contained printing errors, marginal notes, and some words that have since been revised. The spelling and typography were also much different from modern editions.

2. 1613 & 1629 Revisions – Some typographical errors were corrected, and minor wording adjustments were made.

3. 1638 Cambridge Revision – Scholars improved textual consistency and corrected additional errors.

4. 1762 & 1769 Updates (Blayney’s Revision) – These revisions modernized spelling, punctuation, and grammar, bringing the KJV closer to what most people use today.

5. Other Editorial Changes – Later printings further refined the text, including standardizing italics, correcting misprints, and harmonizing verse structures.

Evidence Against Absolute Perfection

• Comparing Early Editions: A comparison between a 1611 KJV and a modern KJV (such as the 1769 Oxford edition) reveals over 75,000 spelling, punctuation, and wording differences—though most are minor, some affect meaning.

• Example of Errors: The infamous "Wicked Bible" (1631) omitted the word "not" from "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), dramatically changing its meaning.

• Apocrypha Issue: The original 1611 KJV included the Apocrypha, but later editions removed it. If the KJV was divinely inspired as-is, which version should be considered authoritative?

Untangling the “Perverted” Claim

Now, let’s tackle that tough word: “perverted.” If you’ve been taught that other Bible versions twist the truth, it’s natural to feel protective of the KJV. The argument often hinges on differences between the Textus Receptus and other manuscript families, like the Alexandrian texts behind many newer translations. You might hear that verses are “missing” or altered—like the longer ending of Mark 16 (verses 9-20) or the Trinity reference in 1 John 5:7-8. It can sound alarming, like someone’s trying to pull the wool over our eyes.

Here’s a different lens: those differences aren’t about deception. Back in 1611, scholars worked with what they had—a handful of manuscripts. Today, we’ve got a treasure trove, over 5,000 New Testament fragments, some dating back to the second century. When modern translators “skip” or footnote a verse, it’s often because it’s not in those earliest copies. They’re not stripping away truth; they’re chasing clarity, piecing together the puzzle with more pieces than ever. It’s not a conspiracy—it’s a commitment to getting as close as we can to what the apostles wrote. The KJV is still a faithful voice in that chorus; it’s just not the only one.

The Comfort of the Gospel’s Core

Here’s the heartbeat of it all: no matter the translation, the Gospel sings the same tune. Open the KJV to John 3:16, and you’ll read, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” Flip to the NIV, and it’s “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” The words shift, but the truth holds fast—God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, the invitation to believe. From Genesis to Revelation, that story doesn’t waver, whether you’re holding a 400-year-old text or one printed last week.

Think of Bible translations as tools in a toolbox. The KJV’s poetry might stir your soul, and that’s a gift. But if a modern version helps someone else hear God’s voice without stumbling over “thee” and “thou,” that’s just as precious. There’s no need to pick sides or feel trapped—God’s word is alive in all these pages, ready to meet us where we are.

A Simple Step Forward

If you’re wrestling with this, let me leave you with a personal nudge: the best thing you can do is pick up a Bible—any Bible—and read it. Don’t let the debate over versions keep you from the treasure inside. Start where you’re comfortable, whether that’s the KJV or something new. As you grow in faith and discernment, you’ll figure out what speaks to you most. Spiritual growth isn’t about having the “right” translation from day one; it’s about letting God’s word shape you over time. So, grab that Bible off the shelf, crack it open, and let Him meet you there. The rest will sort itself out.

Gender Identity- Woke Mind Virus

Crisis Core- The Woke Mind Virus and Gender Identity. 

This Gender and Sexual Identity garbage has been floating around on Facebook and other social media platforms, and I am so over it. The Missouri History Museum is showcasing a new exhibit that highlights this chart and more LGBTQIA+ propaganda. It's not science, not biology, not the created order- it's brainwashing from the LGBTQIA+ crowd meant to dissolve the minds of young people, dissolve our great Nation from the inside out, and to dissolve the natural order designed by Yahweh.

Here's a breakdown of their displayed chart:

1) PINK (Sex Assigned at Birth): Like a doctor flips a coin to decide your anatomy. Ridiculous.

2) RED (Sexuality): Who you love or lust after- your call, but don't act like it's pure instinct.

3) ORANGE (Gender Identity): Feelings masquerading as fact, fueled by the Woke Mind Virus- aka Gender Dysphoria, a real mental health issue.

4) GREEN (Gender Expression): Flamboyant, offensive getups that often demand attention- not some sacred 'right'.

Only pink and red make sense. Your sex (pink) is simple: XX or XY chromosomes, what's between your legs- biology, not a social construct. Nature sets it, and for some, God seals it. Your sexuality (red) is your business, though this Woke Mind Virus (orange) muddies that too. The rest? Expression (green) turns into drag queens with wigs and piercings reading to kids- sorry, that's not normal.

I've seen it myself: a guy at Wal-Mart, towering over me, outweighing me, deeper voice, pink hair and a skirt, nametag with 'she/her,' strolling into the women's restroom while my wife or daughter may be in there. That's not 'identity'- it's a disorder.

This isn't just about restrooms or drag queen story hour- it's about these radical progressives infiltrating schools, libraries, music and television so they can indoctrinate kids telling them they can 'choose' their gender. Sadly, in the wake of this movement is often much worse things, such as pedophilia being relabeled as "minor-attracted persons." We can't stand for this mental illness to be normalized.

But "it's about freedom!" They'll say it's about 'living your truth,' but truth isn't a costume you swap out when you feel like it or life starts handing you lemons.

At least the current President gets it- check out Executive order 14168 at whitehouse.gov, 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism.' Sanity's making a comeback.

Genesis 1:27 says 'male and female,'- God didn't leave room for the Gender Unicorn.

-From the Author of FCF

The Holy Spirit of God

 

The Holy Spirit: God’s Active Power, not a Third Person

As a Unitarian fellowship, we proclaim that Yahweh alone is the one true God, with His Son, Yeshua, serving as the firstborn of all creation and the divine agent through whom Yahweh’s will is enacted (Colossians 1:15; John 1:1-3). In this same vein, we understand the Holy Spirit not as a third person within a triune Godhead, but as Yahweh’s personal force and power, dynamically active in the world and among His people. This belief, grounded in Scripture, upholds God’s unity and rejects the Trinitarian doctrine as a later human construct read into, rather than derived from, the biblical text.

Scripture consistently presents the Holy Spirit as Yahweh’s operative power, not a separate entity. In Genesis 1:2, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters,” where the Hebrew ruach—meaning “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit”—denotes God’s life-giving force shaping creation. Psalm 104:30 reinforces this: “When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” The Spirit is Yahweh’s breath, not a distinct being. Likewise, Isaiah 59:21 declares, “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart,” linking the Spirit inseparably to Yahweh’s presence and will. In the New Testament, Acts 2:17-18 cites Joel 2:28—“I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh”—where “my Spirit” is unmistakably Yahweh’s own power, enabling prophecy and renewal.

Yeshua’s life further illustrates this. At his baptism, the Spirit descends as a dove (Matthew 3:16), symbolizing divine empowerment from the Father, not a separate person’s arrival. In Luke 4:18, Yeshua quotes Isaiah 61:1—“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”—to affirm his anointing by Yahweh’s force. John 20:22 captures a striking image: Yeshua “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit,’” echoing Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam. The Spirit is God’s breath, shared through His Son, not an independent entity.

Historically, the Trinity emerged not from Scripture but from post-biblical debates. The New Testament never explicitly teaches a triune God; terms like “Trinity” or “three persons” are absent. The doctrine crystallized in the 4th century at councils like Nicaea (325 CE) and Constantinople (381 CE), influenced by Greek philosophy and efforts to reconcile Christ’s divinity with monotheism. Yet, this required reading Trinitarian assumptions into texts, as the Bible lacks any clear statement of three co-equal persons. Our view aligns with the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)—“Yahweh our God, Yahweh is one”—preserving the oneness early Christians affirmed.

Trinitarians often cite counterarguments. John 16:13 says the Spirit “will guide you into all truth” and “will not speak on his own,” suggesting personhood. We see this as metaphorical, like Wisdom in Proverbs 8, reflecting Yahweh’s authority, not a distinct will. Matthew 28:19’s baptismal formula—“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”—is another point raised. Yet, this aligns Father, Son, and Spirit in purpose, not personhood, emphasizing Yahweh’s authority, Yeshua’s agency, and the Spirit’s power—all from one God. A third argument comes from Acts 5:3-4, where lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God. This confirms the Spirit’s divine nature as Yahweh’s presence, not a separate entity. Finally, some point to Romans 8:26—“the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings”—as evidence of personality. However, this depicts the Spirit as God’s active compassion within us, not an autonomous being.

These interpretations avoid eisegesis—reading later theology into Scripture—and honor the text’s plain sense. The Spirit lacks the distinct relational identity of the Father and Son; it does not speak independently or receive worship apart from Yahweh. Trinitarianism, while widespread, imposes a framework foreign to the Bible’s monotheistic roots.

Understanding the Holy Spirit as Yahweh’s personal force magnifies His sovereignty and intimacy. It is His breath animating creation, His power transforming lives, and His presence renewing the earth. This belief invites us to experience Yahweh directly, unencumbered by later doctrines, and to marvel at the unity of His purpose through Yeshua and His Spirit.

Eternal Life and Death

 Statement of Beliefs: The State of the Dead, Resurrection, and Final Judgment

We believe that human beings are mortal souls, formed by God as a unity of body and breath, destined to sleep in death until the resurrection and judgment at Yeshua the Messiah’s return. This understanding of the soul, death, and eternal destinies reflects God’s creative design, justice, and promise of renewal, as revealed in scripture.

1. The Soul: Body + Breath, What We Are

• We affirm that a “soul” (nephesh, Genesis 2:7) is what we are—a living being formed when God shaped dust into a body and “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” This union, not a separate immortal essence, defines the soul. Animals too are nephesh (Genesis 1:20-24), showing its life itself, not a possession we have. At death, “their spirit departs, they return to the ground” (Psalm 146:4), and the soul ceases, entering unconscious sleep where “the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10). Jesus likened Lazarus’s death to sleep (John 11:11-14), and Peter declared David “did not ascend to heaven” but rests in his tomb (Acts 2:29, 34). The soul, as life’s totality, pauses until God restores it.

• Counterargument: “Souls under the altar” (Revelation 6:9) might imply consciousness, but we see this as apocalyptic symbolism of martyrs’ lives crying out, not literal afterlife activity, consistent with sleep.

2. Resurrection and Judgment

• We hold that the dead “sleep in the dust of the earth” (Daniel 12:2) until Yeshua’s return, when “all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28-29). The righteous, saved by faith in Yeshua, rise to eternal life “at the last day” (John 6:40), joined by the living faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The wicked, too, are raised for judgment (Revelation 20:12-13), a unified event at Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:1). Scripture ties judgment to this future moment—“after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)—not an immediate post-death reckoning, ensuring God’s equitable timing for all.

• Counterargument: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) suggests instant reward, but the unpunctuated Greek allows “I tell you today” as a promise of future paradise, aligning with resurrection.

3. Eternal Life and Final Destruction

• We proclaim eternal life as the resurrection gift for the righteous through Yeshua (Romans 6:23), when “the dead will be raised imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:52-54). Conversely, the wicked face “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), where God “can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Gehenna, Matthew 10:28). Sin’s wage is death—“perish” (John 3:16), “ashes under your feet” (Malachi 4:1, 3)—not eternal torment. This preserves the biblical contrast: life for the saved, cessation for the lost, as “the soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

• Counterargument: “Eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46) is often seen as ongoing suffering, but we interpret “eternal” as the irrevocable outcome of destruction, not perpetual agony.

4. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

• We view Luke 16:19-31 as a parable, not a factual afterlife map. Addressing wealth-obsessed Pharisees (Luke 16:14), Jesus used familiar imagery to stress repentance and reversal of fates, not to define death’s mechanics. Its physical details (tongues, chasms) suit storytelling, not doctrine, and clash with resurrection timing.

• Counterargument: Some treat it as literal torment proof, but its figurative style and inconsistency with judgment’s future placement (Revelation 20) suggest a moral lesson.

5. ‘Absent from the Body’

• We interpret “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) as Paul’s longing for resurrection, not instant soul flight. He ties hope to the body’s renewal (1 Corinthians 15:45), desiring “to depart and be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23) at the raising of “those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The soul, as body plus breath, awaits this restoration.

• Counterargument: Often read as immediate transition, it aligns instead with Paul’s resurrection focus, not an interim state.

In summary, we believe the soul is our living essence—body and breath united—ceasing in death’s sleep until Yeshua’s return brings resurrection, judgment, and eternal life for the righteous or final destruction for the wicked. This honors God’s holistic creation and redemptive plan.

First Century Faith

 First Century Faith – Core Beliefs

In Essentials, Unity. In Non-Essentials, Liberty. In All Things, Charity.

Yahweh, the One True God -

We believe that the Father, Yahweh, alone is the one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5-6, Mark 12:29). He is the Creator and sustainer of all things and the source of life, wisdom, and righteousness (Isaiah 44:24, 1 Corinthians 8:6). Yeshua Himself affirmed that His Father is “the only true God” (John 17:3).

Yeshua, the Son of God -

We believe that Yeshua, the Son of God, was the first of God’s works and was with God before the creation of the world as His divine Word and Wisdom (Proverbs 8:22-31, Colossians 1:15-16). By God's command, all things were made through Yeshua and for Yeshua (John 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Hebrews 1:1-3). He was not co-equal or co-eternal with the Father but was begotten by Him and given authority and dominion as Lord and Messiah (Psalm 2:7, Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:36). The name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is unique and deeply significant because it directly connects to Yahweh, revealing His role in salvation and pointing to Yeshua as the true Son of God.

The Meaning of Yeshua -

The name Yeshua is derived from the Hebrew root יָשַׁע (yasha‘), meaning to save, deliver, or rescue. It is a shortened form of Yehoshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ), which means "Yahweh is salvation". This name emphasizes that salvation comes from Yahweh through His chosen Messiah, Yeshua.

The Angelic Announcement -

When the angel appeared to Joseph, he confirmed the significance of Yeshua’s name:

"You shall call His name Yeshua, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

This declaration reinforces that Yeshua’s mission and identity are inseparable from Yahweh’s purpose of redemption. His very name proclaims that He is the agent through whom Yahweh saves His people.

Connection to Old Testament Prophecy -

The name Yeshua appears throughout the Hebrew Scriptures in reference to salvation from Yahweh:

"The LORD (Yahweh) is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation (yeshuah)." (Exodus 15:2, Psalm 118:14)

"Behold, God is my salvation (yeshuah); I will trust, and will not be afraid." (Isaiah 12:2)

In these passages, yeshuah (יְשׁוּעָה) is used as a noun meaning “salvation,” directly linking the name of Yeshua to Yahweh’s deliverance. This linguistic connection is not accidental; it points to Yeshua as the fulfillment of Yahweh’s saving promises.

The Name Above All Names -

Paul emphasizes that because of Yeshua’s obedience and exaltation, His name is supreme:

"God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow." (Philippians 2:9-10)

This does not mean that Yeshua is Yahweh, but that Yahweh has bestowed upon Him supreme authority as His Son and Messiah. The name of Yeshua brings glory to the Father (Philippians 2:11), confirming that salvation belongs to Yahweh but is accomplished through His Son.

The name Yeshua is not random; it is divinely appointed to reveal that Yahweh is the source of salvation. His name alone among men proclaims Yahweh’s deliverance, marking Him as the true Son of God and the anointed Messiah through whom all nations will be saved.

The Trinity: A Later Man-Made Doctrine -

We reject the doctrine of the Trinity, which was not taught by Yeshua, the apostles, or the early believers. The concept of a triune God developed gradually over centuries and was formalized in the fourth century at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) and later refined at the Council of Constantinople (AD 381). Instead, the Bible consistently teaches that Yahweh alone is God and that Yeshua is His Son, the Messiah, and the appointed ruler of all creation (1 Timothy 2:5, Acts 5:31, Philippians 2:9-11).

**Dive Deeper with This Subject Here**

Death, Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment -

We believe that death is the cessation of life and is often described in Scripture as sleep—a temporary state of unconsciousness until the resurrection (Job 14:10-12, Daniel 12:2, John 11:11-14). The dead are not conscious, nor do they experience torment or reward until Yeshua returns to resurrect them (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, Psalm 146:3-4).

The Resurrection at Yeshua’s Return -

Scripture teaches that all who have died will be raised when Yeshua returns.

This resurrection is divided into two outcomes:

1)        The Righteous unto Eternal Life – Those who belong to Messiah will be raised to immortality and reign with Him in the Kingdom (John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Philippians 3:20-21). Eternal life is a gift granted only to the saved (Romans 6:23, Titus 1:2).

2)        The Wicked unto Judgment and Destruction – Those who have rejected God will also be raised but for judgment, resulting in their complete destruction in the lake of fire (John 5:29, Matthew 10:28, 2 Thessalonians 1:9).

The Second Death and the Lake of Fire -

The final judgment is referred to as the second death (Revelation 20:14-15), where the wicked will be utterly consumed. The Bible does not teach eternal torment in hell but instead describes the fate of the wicked as destruction:

"The soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:20)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Messiah Yeshua our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"They will be ashes under the soles of your feet." (Malachi 4:1-3)

Unlike Greek-influenced notions of the immortal soul, Scripture consistently portrays eternal life as a reward given to the faithful, while the wicked perish (John 3:16, Matthew 7:13-14, Psalm 37:20). Yeshua warned that the wicked would be destroyed, not tortured forever (Matthew 10:28).

The Hope of the New Heavens and New Earth: Paradise Restored -

We believe that the ultimate promise of salvation is not escaping to an ethereal heaven but inheriting a restored, perfect earth—the New Heavens and New Earth—where God will dwell with His people in righteousness and peace. This has been the hope of God’s faithful throughout history and is the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

The Original Purpose: Dominion Over the Earth

From the beginning, God created the earth as a home for humanity and gave mankind dominion over it:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth.’” (Genesis 1:26)

“The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth He has given to the children of man.” (Psalm 115:16)

Adam and Eve were placed in Eden, a paradise, to live in perfect communion with God. However, sin brought death and corruption, cursing the earth (Genesis 3:17-19). Yet, God’s plan has always been to restore what was lost.

The Prophetic Promise of a New Creation

The prophets foretold a future time when God would renew the heavens and the earth, removing sin and suffering:

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)

These passages indicate that God’s plan was always to renew the earth, not to abandon it. The hope of the faithful was a restored paradise where righteousness dwells.

Yeshua’s Teaching: The Meek Will Inherit the Earth

Yeshua affirmed that the inheritance of the faithful is the earth:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, quoting Psalm 37:11)

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

If the ultimate hope was to escape to heaven, why would Yeshua teach that the meek will inherit the earth? This confirms that the earth is central to God’s eternal plan.

The Apostles Confirm the Restoration of Creation

Paul and Peter emphasized that creation itself will be set free from corruption and restored:

“The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19-21)

“But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)

Paul describes creation as groaning, waiting for resurrection and renewal, showing that salvation involves a physical transformation of the world, not its destruction.

The Final Vision: The New Jerusalem on Earth

The Book of Revelation provides a glorious picture of the New Heavens and New Earth:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (Revelation 21:1)

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

This passage does not describe believers leaving for heaven; rather, God brings His dwelling place down to earth. The New Jerusalem descends, and God restores perfect communion with humanity.

The Tree of Life Restored

Revelation describes Eden’s restoration, complete with the Tree of Life, confirming that the saved will enjoy eternal life on a renewed earth:

“The tree of life was on either side of the river… and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2)

“They shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5)

This parallels Genesis 2:9, showing that God’s plan from Eden is finally fulfilled. The curse is lifted (Revelation 22:3), and the righteous inherit a restored, perfect paradise on earth.

Conclusion: The Kingdom on Earth

The Bible does not teach that believers will spend eternity in heaven but rather that heaven and earth will be united, and God’s people will live on a new, perfect earth, free from sin, death, and suffering. The righteous will inherit what was originally intended:

Paradise restored (Luke 23:43, Revelation 2:7)

A physical resurrection to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

A new creation where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-4)

This is the true biblical hope—not escaping to a spiritual realm, but a physical, eternal life in a new, restored world where God dwells with His people forever.

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The Fulfillment of Prophecy -

We hold a partial preterist perspective on biblical prophecy, meaning that much of what Yeshua and the apostles foretold regarding the "last days" was fulfilled in the first century, particularly with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The Great Tribulation – Yeshua prophesied in Matthew 24 that Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies and destroyed, an event that took place within that generation (Matthew 24:34, Luke 21:20-22). The Jewish-Roman War (AD 66-70) resulted in the devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy of the abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:26-27, Matthew 24:15).

The Coming of the Son of Man – Yeshua's language about coming on the clouds (Matthew 24:30) mirrors Old Testament judgment language (Isaiah 19:1, Psalm 18:7-15) and refers to His coming in judgment against Jerusalem through the Roman army, not a physical return at that time.

The End of the Old Covenant Age – The destruction of the Temple signified the end of the Old Covenant system of sacrifices and priesthood, as prophesied in Hebrews 8:13, where the Mosaic covenant was said to be "obsolete and ready to vanish away." The Kingdom of God was fully inaugurated, and the New Covenant was established in its fullness.

Revelation and the Beast (666) – The Book of Revelation, written to the first-century churches (Revelation 1:1-3), describes events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem. The beast (Revelation 13:18) is best understood as Emperor Nero, whose name in Hebrew numerology (Neron Caesar) adds up to 666. Nero persecuted believers, set fire to Rome, and was associated with the tribulations leading to Jerusalem’s fall.

The New Jerusalem and the Kingdom Now – The "New Heavens and New Earth" (Revelation 21:1) represent the New Covenant reality in which God dwells among His people (Revelation 21:3, 2 Corinthians 6:16). The Kingdom of God, which Yeshua proclaimed as at hand (Mark 1:15), is a present spiritual reality, though we still await the final resurrection and restoration of all things (Acts 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

Baptism, the Spirit, and the New Covenant -

We believe in baptism by full submersion as a public declaration of faith and repentance (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38). The gifts of the Spirit remain active in the body of Messiah for edification and ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Through Yeshua, we live in the freedom of the New Covenant, justified by faith and called to walk in love and obedience to God (Galatians 5:1, Hebrews 8:6-13).

Scriptural Foundation -

We believe that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and the final authority in matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105). Our beliefs are rooted in careful study of the Bible, and we rely on faithful translations that preserve the integrity of God’s Word. Our preferred Bible translations include:

• The King James Proper Names Bible – Preserving the original Hebrew names of God and key figures.
• The American Standard Version (ASV) – Known for its accuracy and literal translation of Yahweh’s name.
• The 1995 New American Standard Bible (NASB) – A highly literal translation that maintains readability.
• The 1984 New International Version (NIV) – A clear and widely used translation for study and teaching.

These translations serve as the foundation for our understanding of doctrine, prophecy, and the hope of the coming Kingdom. However, we maintain that the best Bible translation is the one you read.

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