D. Thomas Lancaster

Title: The Holy Epistle to the Galatians
Author: D. Thomas Lancaster
Pages: 292
Year: 2001
Publisher: First Fruits of Zion
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
I always like to read the introductions to books because I learn about the author’s purpose in writing a book. Such is that with this book. The author states how this book came about. It is a collection of sermons the author wrote and gave to his home congregation. It is written with a Messianic Jewish perspective that will at times challenge those with a Western though process but press forward if you are one who is challenged. You will be rewarded with new understanding, an accurate historical perspective and questions answered.
It certainly is applicable to today’s believers and is in no way out-of-date. The Bible can be used alongside this book as many Scripture references are given as support documentation. The background information and historical context of the book of Galatians that is included in this book is so important to understanding what Paul is writing to his audience. Clarity to Paul’s message in Galatians can be received from Mr. Lancaster’s scholarship and his use of God’s word to support his writing.
There is much to be learned from the Jewish perspective presented by the author. As Christians must remember, Paul was a Jew. His writing and thought process was entirely Jewish and much different from Western thinking. The author offers new insights on how to understand Paul’s viewpoint, and thus better understand the message he was trying to communicate to his audience. I learned a lot from the book, and there was plenty of food to think on long after I finished reading. The writing is reader-friendly, and I would recommend this book to anyone with a desire to study God’s Word.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.… (más)

Title: Grafted In
Author: D. Tomas Lancaster
Pages: 190
Year: 2009
Publisher: First Fruits of Zion
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Want to think outside the box? Do you want to gain a different perspective?
Grafted In by D. Thomas Lancaster is a thought-provoking book that explores the Scriptures regarding how Gentiles are grafted into the olive tree of Israel. There are chapters exploring the mystery of the gospel as Paul wrote, or how God spoke at Sinai. Throughout the book there are places where the original language is compared to transliteration and what the consequences have been throughout time. The author attempts to help people understand the Scriptures and its writers from their Jewish world. In the book, Daniel Lancaster explores and explains the role of Israel and the Gentiles coming together but not replacing the God-created order.
One section of the book I found fascinating was how Jewish understanding made baptism more meaningful to me. Another section of the book shares how Jesus came to Israel and the lost sheep to save them, and then expands that to how Gentiles come into the same fold. I learned how special Israel is to God’s heart and how Gentiles have a role too. One without the other isn’t possible. There are some things the author shares I either didn’t understand and need to investigate further or had questions that I would like answered. But the book is a great place to begin allowing God to stretch your understanding of Him and what He is doing today.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.… (más)

Title: What About the Sacrifices? A Messianic Perspective on Messiah and the Purpose of the Levitical Sacrifices
Author: D. Thomas Lancaster
Pages: 104
Year: 2011
Publisher: First Fruits of Zion
Website: https://ffoz.org/
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Before studying and learning from a Messianic Jewish perspective, the book of Leviticus was anything but enjoyable, insightful or offering hope to me. No one person, ministry, translator, etc. has a corner on the proverbial market of being right all the time. Now that those two premises have been stated, let me encourage you as to why this book would be beneficial to read and think seriously about afterwards.
I have come away with new understanding, though by no means complete, of just how beautiful the book of Leviticus is and what deeper truths it contains that now, in small part unearthed, have brought joy to my heart. I no longer “dread” reading Leviticus or studying it either. There are such entrenched and lifechanging truths therein. Those who haven’t read Leviticus in the past may very well find themselves changing their mind and habit of avoiding it to one of embracing it!
Don’t be fooled by the small number of pages in this book because this book packs powerful truths that bring a powerful punch! I was encouraged and caused to meditate on the points presented. I no longer dread reading Leviticus. Here, Daniel T. Lancaster shares a small amount of the treasure that is found in the Bible as a whole but also goes deeper into the Word so that it can impact our hearts.
The book answered questions for me and left me desiring more understanding of Scripture. Please, get a copy for yourself to read and discuss with others. You will come away from the book renewed
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.… (más)