The Rod of an Almond Tree in God's Master Plan

Rating:
Summary: A great book, but doesn't give much credit where it is due.
Review: "Rod of an Almond Tree" is an absolute must for Messianic Jews and Evangelical Gentiles who want to get a greater understanding of Temple sacrifices and how Y'shua's sacrifice fit perfectly into the picture, physically as well as spiritually. For Catholic and Protestant traditionalists who have visited the Holy Land and are convinced the crucifixion and resurrection took place at either the sites of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Garden Tomb, you will be in for a rude awakening.

I can't really add much to the positive reviews that already appear here, so permit me to take away a star from what would otherwise be a 5-star review and gripe on one point: the authors of this well-written and thought-provoking work give very little credit to the ground-breaking scholarship previously done by the late Dr. Ernest L. Martin in his book "Secrets of Golgotha."

"Rod of an Almond Tree" is much more accessible to general readers than Martin's weighty tome and makes some new revelations, but the authors' failure to give Martin full acknowledgement within the body of their text for his discovery years ago of the true site of the crucifixion (hidden in plain site within the scriptures themselves) is a grave oversight. Don't pass this book up, but if you want to explore this subject in greater depth then "Secrets of Golgotha" is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Challenging and Iconoclastic
Review: All believers in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah, Lord, and God-incarnate would benefit in their spiritual walk by reading this book. A great debate sparker (the Michas's have often been accused of "heresy" by so-called "fundamentalist" Christians) as it walks the reader through the fallacy of many pagan-based Christian traditions, pointing out an accurate timeline of events in of the events leading up to the Crucifixion using information contemporary to the time and culture of Yeshua (Jesus). Before you plan a pilgriamge to Jerusalem, read this book - it'll save you money, time, and make your trip a spiritual eye-opener.

Though often accused of giving too much credence to non-biblical writings the authors only use non-Scriptual sources (Midrash, Talmud, etc.) which support Scripture. Christians, do yourself a favour, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: A great book, but doesn't give much credit where it is due.
Review: All believers in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah, Lord, and God-incarnate would benefit in their spiritual walk by reading this book. A great debate sparker (the Michas's have often been accused of "heresy" by so-called "fundamentalist" Christians) as it walks the reader through the fallacy of many pagan-based Christian traditions, pointing out an accurate timeline of events in of the events leading up to the Crucifixion using information contemporary to the time and culture of Yeshua (Jesus). Before you plan a pilgriamge to Jerusalem, read this book - it'll save you money, time, and make your trip a spiritual eye-opener.

Though often accused of giving too much credence to non-biblical writings the authors only use non-Scriptual sources (Midrash, Talmud, etc.) which support Scripture. Christians, do yourself a favour, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Scripture or Jewish Myths?
Review: Despite the statement in the Editorial Review that this book "uses the internal evidence of Scripture as its greatest source of documentation", the reality is that the authors rely heavily on extra-Biblical Jewish writings as the basis for their theories. A major portion of the book develops the idea that when Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden, they were given a branch from the Tree of Life. This branch was passed down through the generations to Abraham and then Moses, and finally to King David, who planted the branch on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. This branch grew into the very tree on which Jesus was crucified! While it makes for an interesting story, there is no way to use the Scriptures as the greatest source of documentation for this theory! On the other hand, how could you disprove it? This is just one example of numerous fables which the authors try to pass off as fact. There are some good parts of the book, particularly the analysis of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. But this book is filled with so much chaff that the valuable grains are almost lost. The Apostle Paul's advice in Titus 1:14 seems appropriate regarding this book: "...pay no attention to Jewish myths..."

Rating:
Summary: Caused me to study, thankful for the research boost.
Review: I am so thankful for reading a book that opened so many old and new testament ideas for me. As a Christian, I feel I have missed out on the culture from the Jewish feasts and how they all point to my Lord! This book inspired me to get into the Word of God and seek him with all my heart. The bible is becoming so much more than I ever dreamed it was.

Rating:
Summary: A refreshing piece of work
Review: On the surface, this work appears to be very scholarly and thought-provoking. However, Mr. Michas demonstrates an inadequate grasp of the Greek language at times. He utilizes seemingly logical arguments with a subtle twisting of Scriptures to cater to his own personal conclusions. Some conclusions have no basis in Scripture whatsoever! That being said, there are some pearls to be harvested as well. A word to the wise: study this book with a grain of salt!

Rating:
Summary: G-d's plan for us is perfect to the very last detail!
Review: With over twenty years of intensively seeking the Truth of the Word, Pastor Peter Michas' ministry continues to shatter the doctrines and traditions of denominational Christianity. "The Rod of an Almond Tree in God's Master Plan" epitomizes this study. His uncompromising research into our Hebraic roots provides a depth and beauty of the Word that has been lost or corrupted for nearly two millennia. Pastor Michas' ministry and this book have helped resolve many nagging questions I had concerning Protestantism. I highly recommend this book to those desiring "to present [themselves] approved to God..." (2 Timothy 2:15). -- L. Alan Schuetz

Rating:
Summary: Basic Biblical teachings in easy to understand language
Review: You do not have to be a scholar in Greek or Hebrew to understand the true meaning of the Word of God in this book. I have studied for over 25 years and was deceived by many ministries. I found in this book the honest and simple truth. It has helped me tremendously through the years. When I am in doubt, I can check back and see what this book says on the Messiah and his sacrifice for the sins of the world and all mankind. Hope to a generation without hope. Hope to all that feel there is nothing left. The Messiah in this book can and will help you. It was and is a wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone. It will help the believer, and help the non believer.

Rating:
Summary: Basic Biblical teachings in easy to understand language
Review: You do not have to be a scholar in Greek or Hebrew to understand the true meaning of the Word of God in this book. I have studied for over 25 years and was deceived by many ministries. I found in this book the honest and simple truth. It has helped me tremendously through the years. When I am in doubt, I can check back and see what this book says on the Messiah and his sacrifice for the sins of the world and all mankind. Hope to a generation without hope. Hope to all that feel there is nothing left. The Messiah in this book can and will help you. It was and is a wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone. It will help the believer, and help the non believer.