Articles

Two Trees, Two Kingdoms, Two Kings

Vol. 1 and 2

By Bill and Karen Bishop

A Book Review

 By Barbara L. Klika, MSW Undershepherd

I became acquainted with the authors and their material at The Raising Up the Remnant conference in December 2019. Since beginning to read Volume 1 soon after, these two books have remained within my reach almost constantly. I cannot find adequate words to express the importance their insights have for the well being of the Body of Messiah as we draw ever closer to the time of His return. It definitely needs more exposure, and testing if you will, by more of His people!

When evaluating material, I am always aware of the attitude presented by the author. This is particularly true when dealing with Scriptural material and insight. It is one thing to be elated with revelation of truths within the Words of the Bible, but another to present it in a way that seems to speak down to the readers, or in some way elevates the author. I find that hard to continue when I see such an attitude.

Bill and Karen Bishop have presented deep and challenging insights in a humble yet encouraging way that drew me on, and hopefully will do the same for others! They have carefully expressed their background and lack of formal connections with religious doctrines as they just as carefully lay out what their study has shown them and they hope to convey to others. It is all within a Hebraic context and thematic understanding of the culture and language our God chose for His people and the introduction of His Son, the Redeemer of all who will look to Him.

The topic is treated with utmost respect as are the readers. Initially, I wondered why it seemed to begin slowly, and in measured pace, and with great humility, expressing concerns for readers and what they might experience as they continued. Not because what was coming is wrong or farfetched, but because it is so foundational! They have taken the implicit message of the two trees in the garden and made it explicit, not only in ancient context but in how it plays out today.

For those who have come to the realization that the Whole Word is true and valid for today, they may not have needed to be so concerned! When I began to grasp their basis and direction of teaching, I could hardly read fast enough to take it all in! But for those who see a vast abyss between the God of the “Old Testament” and the God of the “New” it may well be that every ounce of respect and humility with which they wrote will pave the way for some hard truths to be recognized.

They have taken the message of what happened in the garden as the adversary was able to insert doubt into the minds of mankind about the good character and plan of God; and demonstrated through the study of the Word how this same strategy has continued and is employed today. This doubt led to division and loss of the intimacy between God and mankind, as originally intended. It created a division over whether we would entirely depend on God for our understanding of what is good and what is not, just as it has created division in our relationship with the Father today. The alternate plan was to suggest that if mankind took that understanding into human hands, we would be “like God” knowing good and evil, and it would be so much better for us! The Tree of Life is singular and represents all that is good and true and right and holy to our God and His Son. The Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil is dual in nature and effectively created a counterfeit of that good… something that has been good enough to “pass” for God’s ways.

Please take some time to prayerfully read and consider what is presented here…and to move through the careful foundation of information and truths that is laid for this amazing journey about the two trees, the two kingdoms and the two kings. It WILL no doubt impact your understanding of how we honor the King of Kings and walk in His ways. May Messiah Yeshua’s Name be lifted up in it all as our Living Word and soon coming King!

We hope to have these books available at our website soon. In the meantime, you can obtain them at

https://www.returningtothegarden.com/books.html