Building Toward the New Jerusalem | Revolutionary Voices in Faith and Messianic Vision

Eric P. Felton Jr.
5 min readOct 25, 2024

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In an era of spiritual awakening and exploration, numerous faith leaders are catalyzing the bridge between Messianic Judaism and modern Christian thought. Key figures, including Dr. Jolynne Whittaker, Jentezen Franklin, Devon Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Ryan K. Holly Jr., and Toure Roberts, advance a shared vision centered around Yeshua HaMashiach and the pursuit of the New Heaven and Earth (Shamayim Chadashim ve-Eretz Chadashah). Drawing from Hebrew texts, Christian wisdom, and interdisciplinary insights, these leaders serve as architects of a transformative vision, blending revelation, community uplift, and messianic prophecy.

Dr. Jolynne Whittaker: A Prophetic Voice for Restoration and Divine Inheritance

Dr. Jolynne Whittaker’s prophetic teachings, rooted in the sacred heritage of Israel (Am Yisrael), call for a renewed divine inheritance among believers. Her focus on spiritual restoration aligns closely with the Brit Chadashah (New Covenant), where, as prophesied in Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 31:31–34, God promises a new, eternal relationship with His people through Yeshua. Whittaker’s emphasis on identity parallels the concept of divine heritage discussed in The Bloodline of the Gods (Redfern, 2015), highlighting a deeper lineage shared among believers that transcends genetics and grounds them in divine purpose.

Jentezen Franklin: Unifying Nations through Teshuvah and Purpose

Pastor Jentezen Franklin’s commitment to teshuvah (repentance) invites believers from all nations to unify under a common purpose. His teachings, resonant with Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:6, serve as a clarion call for the restoration of Israel and the Gentile nations. Franklin’s ministry embodies the “reconciliation and unity” themes of The Incomplete Church (Roth, 2007), fostering spiritual solidarity that aids in constructing the New Jerusalem (Hitgalut 21:2). His practical support for Israel and focus on Messianic prophecy reflect a shared vision for the Malchut Shamayim (Kingdom of Heaven) on Earth.

Devon Franklin: Creativity as a Catalyst for Kingdom Manifestation

Devon Franklin’s exploration of creativity in faith emphasizes storytelling’s power in conveying divine truths, an approach deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of Midrash. His work extends beyond media into transformative education, akin to what The Possible Human (Houston, 1998) suggests as a path for enhancing physical and spiritual abilities in alignment with divine intent. By weaving biblical principles into his films, Franklin exemplifies the role of Am Segulah (a treasured people), inspiring a Messianic narrative through modern channels, as prescribed in The Council of Light (Hoffman, 2013).

Tye Tribbett: Worship as Spiritual Connection and Warfare

Tye Tribbett, a dynamic gospel artist, channels the power of Tehillim (Psalms) through music, leading his audiences into worship that breaks spiritual chains and aligns them with God’s purpose. Tribbett’s music is a form of spiritual warfare, reminiscent of the principles in Needless Casualties of War (Jackson & Sanford, 1999). Through praise, Tribbett invites the Kehilah (community) into direct communion with God, preparing them for the advent of the New Heaven and Earth — a vision echoed in Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus (Juster & Hylton, 2018), which reveals worship as the bridge to divine presence.

Ryan K. Holly Jr.: Youth Empowerment Rooted in Torah and Kingdom Calling

Ryan K. Holly Jr. emphasizes the importance of scriptural grounding for youth, fostering their identities within the Beit Yisrael (House of Israel) through the wisdom of Torah. His teachings on early spiritual training are reflective of Mishlei (Proverbs) 22:6, which stresses training a child in godly ways. Holly’s ministry aligns with the principles in A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith (Rudolph & Willitts, 2019), where young believers are encouraged to see themselves as active participants in God’s redemptive plan, a critical component of the New Jerusalem vision.

Toure Roberts: Building a Purpose-Driven Community

Toure Roberts emphasizes creating communities centered on vision and spiritual alignment with divine principles, a reflection of tikkun olam (repairing the world) that the Torah envisions. Roberts’ teachings on communal purpose are akin to the foundational principles in Roberts’ Rules of Order, promoting structured, purposeful collective engagement. His vision for a unified Kehilah calls believers to become one people (echad) in anticipation of the New Jerusalem, as prophesied in Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 37:22, a theme he shares with transformative works like A Purpose-Driven Life (Warren, 2002).

Moving Toward the New Jerusalem: A Unified Collective Vision

The convergence of these leaders’ teachings manifests a collective movement toward the New Jerusalem — a vision harmonizing diverse perspectives on spiritual unity and eschatological hope. Each leader amplifies the ancient call to “Arise, shine” (Yeshayahu 60:1–3), where believers gather as one family under Yeshua, embodying kedoshim (holy ones) aligned with the Malchut Shamayim. Their work, inspiring spiritual growth and unity, parallels themes found in Alchemy & Mysticism (Roob, 1997) and illuminates the transformative process each believer undergoes in the pursuit of divine purpose.

As we approach the promise of Olam Haba (the world to come), these voices urge us to reclaim the roots of our faith. Guided by insights from leaders across generations and disciplines, we find ourselves on the path to the New Jerusalem, a divine city prophesied and prepared by the Most High (El Elyon). This spiritual evolution and commitment to unity pave the way toward a world not built by human hands but shaped by the hands of God.

References

• Hoffman, D. R. (2013). The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul. Bear & Company.

• Houston, J. (1998). The Possible Human: A Course in Enhancing Your Physical, Mental, and Creative Abilities. TarcherPerigee.

• Jackson, J. P., & Sanford, J. (1999). Needless Casualties of War. Streams Publishing House.

• Joseph, H. B. (2005). Book of Wisdom. Sterling Publishing.

• Juster, D., & Hylton, M. (2018). Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus: How the Torah Fulfills Its Goal in Yeshua.

• Redfern, N. (2015). Bloodline of the Gods: Unravel the Mystery of the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us. New Page Books.

• Roberts, S. J. (2017). Power Moves. Thomas Nelson.

• Roob, A. (1997). Alchemy & Mysticism. Taschen.

• Roth, S. (2007). The Incomplete Church: Unifying God’s Children. Destiny Image Publishers.

• Rudolph, D. J., & Willitts, J. (2019). A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith.

• Taylor, S. (1993). In the Spirit. Amistad.

• Tesla, N. (1905). “The Problem of Increasing Human Energy”. Century Magazine.

• Warren, R. (2002). A Purpose Driven Life. Zondervan.

• One for Israel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.oneforisrael.org

• Various Authors. (1611). The Holy Bible, King James Version.

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Eric P. Felton Jr.
Eric P. Felton Jr.

Written by Eric P. Felton Jr.

Visionary | Performance Driven Consultant | Transformation Consultant | Creator | Thought Leader

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