Contemporary revelation is a sign of the Messianic Community (Church) in all ages and only ever died out when unbelief, disobedience, or false tradition broke man's connection with heaven. Throughout the ages this lack of belief has forced men to invent doctrines and traditions to justify that spiritual vacuum, typical of which is the claim that revelations (and other supernatural gifts) 'ceased' (cessationism) with the death of the last apostle, John. Messianic Evangelicals are 'continuationists' but with a number of qualifications and reservations because of the use and abuse of false giftings prevalent in antinomian quarters of the Body.
The teaching that revelation ceased after the apostles is, needless to say, without Biblical warranty. Though it is true that the fundamental, saving principles of the Besorah (Gospel) were clearly and unambiguously laid down by the first apostles in what we now call the New Testament or Messianic Scriptures, the need for revelation and prophecy to edify the Bible-based messianic assemblies (congregations) and answer the peculiar problems of every age has never diminished. It is in part because modern revelation (the false variety excepted) has not been forthcoming that endless debates and divisions have occurred in the Body of Messiah. Into this vacuum the cults have come with their false revelations and have led off many unsuspecting Christians and Messianics into treacherous spiritual waters.
The Olive Branch made its entry into the Christian/Messianic world in 1996 to meet some of these urgent needs. Though addressed to a particular denomination or group, it is of potential practical application to all believers who are led by the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit) to implement them. Unlike the spurious works of the cults which demand unquestioning fealty from everyone to their revelations, with threats of retribution if they do not (for example, some of Mormonism's Doctrine & Covenants and some of the prophecies and revelations coming out of some pentecostal and charismatic groups), the Olive Branch has application only to those who are led by Messiah to be a part of this fellowship. It makes no claims on the rest of the Body of Messiah and should be tested against the primary revelation which is the Bible.
The new Second Online Edition (2013) has a number of cosmetic changes (for example, replacing 'Lord' and 'God' with the proper Hebrew Names of Deity), contains a revised and expanded series of footnote references (that replace some of those in the printed edition) and includes revelations received since the First Edition (1996). The entire Olive Branch will be published online in due course.
The revelations are best read in chronological order to appreciate the theological development of this ministry but are also grouped in themes or topics. If you would like to order a printed copy of the first edition of the Olive Branch, along with commentary correction inserts, please click here or the image below.