Page 15 - The Messiah Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

Introduction

There is a third area that adds light to our study of the Messiah and the Appointed
Times, which is tracking time in Israel. As the name suggests, timing is an integral part of the
Appointed Times, so it follows that we should seek to understand how the ancient Israelites
tracked time. A study of the ancient Jewish calendar provides valuable keys that give insight into
the meaning of the Appointed Times, especially in their messianic significance. This knowledge
can also add color and accuracy as we interpret other stories of the Bible, making it a useful tool
for every student of the Word.

Beyond Magnificent

The message of the Appointed Times is the message of the Lord. Through these
ceremonies, He has intimated truths that are important to Him, and they should be of supreme
importance to each of us. The concept of the Messiah is beyond magnificent, yet my words are
wholly inadequate to convey this message with the grandeur that it deserves. I pray that the
Spirit of Christ will move in your heart to consider this message so that you will know the hope
of His calling and the riches of the glory of His inheritance for those who believe.

Four Goals

This book has four underlying goals:
The First is to demonstrate, beyond a shadow of doubt, that Jesus is truly the Messiah.

The Second is to show how God’s desire and plan for saving mankind was orchestrated from the
very beginning of time—His Messiah and salvation were not simply a bandage that was applied
after the fall of man.
The Third is to fortify believers in their faith in Jesus. As we study the Messiah in the Appointed
Times, believers’ confidence and trust in God’s Word and in Jesus as the Messiah will be
strengthened.
The Fourth is to give hope, not simply in the forgiveness of the Messiah, but that we will one day
be liberated from the futility of living mortal lives in a world that is laced with grief. For we will,
one day, be raised from the dead to live forever as immortals in paradise, at peace with God—a
hope like no other—a hope that can sustain believers in their darkest hours in this life.

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