Messianic Apologetics

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reflects on a number of important matters, having recently reviewed the massive informational archives of our website.

Shabbat Weekly Reflection

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews the importance of our commentary Acts 15 for the Practical Messianic, and how it is an actual verse-by-verse analysis of the Jerusalem Council, then including the difficulties of implementing the prohibitions of the Apostolic Decree.

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee surveys the Book of Jonah from a Messianic perspective.

The festival of Sukkot or Tabernacles (also commonly called Booths) begins on 15 Tishri and is intended to commemorate the time which the Ancient Israelites spent in the wilderness after the Exodus. Images of the post-Exodus period, God wanting Israel to remember what happened in the desert, and perhaps most importantly the need for His people to physically be reminded of His desire to commune with them, are all themes which are seen throughout one’s observance. The Feast of Tabernacles was considered to be so important in the Torah, that God gave it the distinction of being one of the three times of ingathering, along with Passover and Shavuot (Leviticus 23:39-43).

The Day of Atonement for Messianic people can equally be a challenge, because of a possible emphasis on celebration at Yom Teruah/Rosh HaShanah, instead of a serious attitude and call to reflection from the sounding of the shofar. Many Messianic people likewise have difficulty reverently focusing on their relationship with the Lord, and in considering where they need to improve in their spiritual walk. For us, while recognizing that our ultimate forgiveness is indeed found in Yeshua, we still need to know that we are limited human beings with a fallen sin nature, and that we need the Lord to empower us for good works. We need to be reminded that without Him, we are nothing, and we need to intercede for the salvation of others.

Why does the Jewish community call Yom Teruah “Rosh HaShanah”? I thought the Biblical New Year began in the Spring.

There is a great deal of significance attached to this day in Jewish theology, as it is most often emphasized as a time when God looks down from Heaven and reconsiders where He stands with people. It is a time when His people are to rejoice and celebrate, remembering His goodness, but also begin a sober examination of their humanity, and consider faults and sins which must be rectified.

Shabbat Weekly Reflection

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews the importance of our commentary Colossians and Philemon for the Practical Messianic.

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee surveys the Book of Obadiah from a Messianic perspective.

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews the ascension of King Rehoboam to the throne of the Southern Kingdom of Judah in 1 Kings 12:1-14. What critical lessons need to be heeded from this time in the history of Ancient Israel?

Eitz Chaim, Sarasota, FL - 29 August, 2026

Eitz Chaim, Sarasota, FL - 29 August, 2026

John McKee delivers the August 2026 Outreach Israel News update. How do some of the congregations or assemblies, appearing mainly in the Pauline epistles—compare to some of today’s Messianic congregations and assemblies? What important points or lessons are to be taken from a review of them?

Do you believe that there will be animal sacrifices during the Millennial Kingdom? If so, would not these sacrifices be an affront to the final sacrifice of the Messiah?

How can you say that the Law of Moses is still to be followed by Christians today, when it is quite clear that the Law of commandments has been abolished?

Messianic Apologetics editor John McKee reviews some of the controversies raised by Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist minister and political candidate.

I am having difficulty understanding the writings of the Apostle Paul. In my spirit, I believe his letters to be inspired of the Holy One, but in reading them I sense that they might be opposed to Torah. Can you help me with this?

I have heard that the Torah actually composes the “elemental things of the world”? Is there any truth to this claim?