The Messiah Project

Dear friends – I do not want to oversell what we’re up to, but I certainly do not want to undersell it, so please bear with me as I explain.  

If you had only one opportunity to teach in your entire lifetime and you could choose the subject, what would it be?  In my mind, the answer is very clear and has been on the forefront of my mind two decades.  The most significant subject and also the most profound is, without a doubt, The Messiah in the Appointed Times – we sometimes call it The Messiah Project.  

I truly believe this project can make a powerful contribution to the Kingdom of God and have a far reaching impact on our world.  

You may wonder what is involved in this subject.  The Messiah and Christ are clear, but what are the Appointed Times?  They are teachings from Leviticus 23 in the Law of Moses that teach about the work of the Messiah.  In them, we learn of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, along with the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost – they are foretold on a timetable that Jesus fulfilled down to the hour.  They also teach about the second coming of the Messiah, and perhaps the central subject is the atonement – our eternal redemption that was obtained by Jesus, which is the heart of the gospel.  Finally, they project images of our eternal life, home, and rest in heaven with the Lord.  

You may ask, “If this subject is of such great importance, why haven’t you been teaching it all along?”  And my answer is that I have… I’ve lost count, but I’ve taught the subject around forty times in the USA and in Asia.  Until now, I have taught courses that were dictated by my work, but the time has come to create a complete course that explores this subject.

In our experience, we have learned that one of the best ways to make a course take root is to base it on a book that people can reference long after the classes are over.  But I also know that the great majority of books – especially books about theology – end up being perused and then placed on a shelf forever.  

So we have decided to write a book that is filled with entertaining, captivating, colorful pictures and illustrations that will draw people into the subject and help them explore and learn.  If I could have my full wish, the final product would look like an attractive coffee-table book that people and their guests could browse and enjoy in their idle time or whenever they relax in their living rooms.  

The Ancient Words Board of Directors deeply believes in this initiative and has given me full reign to do whatever it takes to bring the project to fruition.

Perhaps it would be easier if I give you more information in Q&A format:

Q: Why is the Messiah Project such a valuable endeavor?  

A: I have seen, many times, that believers become fortified and established in their faith when they grasp the concepts of the Messiah in the Appointed Times.  I believe it grounds believers in their faith, draws unbelievers to the Faith, and even gives food for thought to the Jewish community to reconsider that Jesus might actually be the Christ.  I also anticipate some backlash from people in many different realms.  After all, the gospel can be a source of great offense to those who do not believe.  Come what may, our goal of accurately proclaiming Christ is clear and we believe that this is an excellent way to accomplish it.  

…we will explain it clearly for the seeker,
but also be enlightening and educational even to mature believers.

Q: Have you started writing the book?

A: Yes, as of February 4th, 2019, the first draft is about 60% complete
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Q: Does the first draft include the illustrations and images?

A: No, but I have been inserting temporary images that will be replaced with the final images.
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Q: What is your greatest need for this project?

A: Our greatest need is for an artist or artists.  Our Board has been praying about this since July 2018, but we have not found anyone with the talent that we need.  I will be creating temporary, proof of concept images, but we really need a true artist who has vision and talent in this area. Please pray that God will raise up someone who is a perfect fit for this role.
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Q: Will you seek a publisher or will you self-publish?

A: We are planning to self-publish because it gives the most flexibility to develop the book as we see fit.  It would take a lot of time and effort to find a publisher and meet their requirements (I’ve been down that road before).
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Q: How will the book be marketed?

A: I don’t know at this point… I’m praying for God’s guidance.  Global distribution is easy nowadays, but global advertising is very challenging.
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Q: How will this affect the Myanmar teaching?

A: The Myanmar teaching is the #1 priority of Ancient Words, so we will continue the work as we have been doing, as the Lord leads.  We will diligently interleave The Messiah Project with our Myanmar work.
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Q: How do you think the Myanmar people will receive this course?

A: I think they will be overwhelmed and filled with joy when they come to understand the things that God buried in the Law of Moses.  The Asian believers love the Old Testament and they always want to learn how it fits together with the New Testament.  The Messiah Project will reveal the threads that weave the two testaments together.  I think they will love it.
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Q: What is the development plan for the Messiah Project?

A: When the English version of the book is completed, we will immediately begin the Burmese translation for our Myanmar work.  While the Burmese translation is underway, we will be developing the course in English, and conducting pilot courses in the USA.  When we are satisfied with the quality, we will have it translated into Burmese and teach it in Myanmar… Deo volente.
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Q: Do you think that you are capable of creating such a work?

A: Only with God’s help.  I have been praying diligently that God will equip and guide me in this process.  I have seen very clearly that God’s Spirit blesses content that is faithful to His Word – the sword of the Spirit.  I plan to rely on content coaches, editors, proofreaders, artists, etc., so this will certainly not be a solo act.
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Q: Is the “coffee table” version the only version of the book that you are planning?

A: No, but it will be the first version since it is the most complex and comprehensive version.  We are also planning a black & white version that will have limited illustrations and contain study questions and will be useful as a study guide for an adult class.  We will, of course, have a teacher’s guide that can be used to lead discussions.
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Q: How familiar are you with the Appointed Times material?

A: Quite familiar – it is not just a Bible study for me.  I love the subject and study it as a hobby and have done much research in the Bible, the Babylonian Talmud, and writings by other authors, both Jewish and Gentile; I am always watching for hints about it in ancient words.
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Q: Dreaming big, eh?

A: Asking and praying big.