25 Wednesday Sep 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
I am pleased to report that on September 21st, Ed Hird and I won a Word Award of Merit in the Biblical Studies category for our book The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival. We are both thrilled and grateful for this recognition from The Word Guild.
Lord, bring revival to our homes and churches. Amen.
New from David Kitz
To purchase or for a closer look click here.
02 Thursday May 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
Christians, church history, David Kitz, Elijah, Elisha, Gaza, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jesus, John the Baptist, miracle, New Testament, Old Testament, renewal, repentance, revival, spiritual renewal, Ukraine
David, what event in your life inspired you to write The Elisha Code & the Coming Revival?
On February 11th, 2018, I delivered a sermon entitled Healing the Water. My message
was based on Elisha’s first public miracle, the healing of the spring at Jericho. I was struck by the parallel nature of this miracle when compared with Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine. This triggered a quest to discover if Elisha’s other miracles resembled the miracles of Jesus. To my amazement they do. Further research uncovered the parallel nature of the ministry of Elijah and John the Baptist, and later, the ministry of Elisha and Jesus. But what are the practical implications of this biblical discovery for believers today?
The Old Testament dynamic duo of Elijah and Elisha sparked spiritual renewal in their day. John the Baptist and Jesus did the same in New Testament times. My friend, Dr. Ed Hird, has been writing about men and women from church history who spark revival in their day. Together we decided to partner in bringing a message of renewal and revival for the people of our time.
David, how is the topic of your book personal to you and why did you choose to share it with readers?
I stumbled upon a unique, unexplored perspective of Elijah and Elisha’s prophetic ministry that linked directly to the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus. These four men preached repentance and brought revival and new life to the people of their time. Along with many Christians today, Dr. Ed Hird and I believe this message of deep spiritual renewal is urgently needed now.
Why should people purchase and read the book you coauthored with Dr. Ed Hird?
This book is a blueprint for the revival we need in our lives and in our churches today. Furthermore, the thread of practical life applications is both impactful and encouraging.
What are some current and newsworthy world events that relate to the topic(s) of your book?
We live in dark times—times of fear, pestilence, national and international intrigue, and political and environmental turmoil. War rages in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and other countries across the globe. Many are in despair. Moral rot is evident everywhere in society. Meanwhile, churches are closing, and faith is in decline. Spiritual renewal is urgently needed.
Explain two things you most want readers to walk away with after reading your book.
Further decline is not inevitable. Throughout history God has sent spiritual fire starters among us—men and women who turn people’s hearts toward God. Now is the time to renew our faith in a miracle working God who powerfully draws people to himself by his Spirit. It has happened before. It will happen again before Christ’s return.
To purchase or for a closer look click here.
24 Sunday Mar 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion.
Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets of Jerusalem from erupting into open rebellion.
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
A biblically accurate portrayal of Christ’s Passion. For book purchases of The Soldier Who Killed a King try Amazon or the author’s Canadian website.
Here’s a journey to the cross and the open tomb you will never forget. Reignite your love for the One who first loved you.
18 Sunday Feb 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
book review, crucifixion, Easter, Jesus, Lent, Pontius Pilate, resurrection, Roman centurion, the cross
A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion.
Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.
Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.
Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.
If you’ve heard the story of Passion Week so often it’s become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus’s humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ’s resurrection changed history, one life at a time.
Lent is here. Easter is approaching.
Are you ready for a journey to the cross?
For a closer look or to purchase click here.
17 Saturday Feb 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
Bible, book review, Christian, Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, leaders, New Testament, Old Testament, revival
In their fascinating biblical expose of the Elisha Code—the typological parallels between Elisha and Jesus—Foursquare pastor David Kitz and Anglican pastor Ed Hird demonstrate remarkable insight into the nature of a Spirt-endowed, audacious faith. Their call to live the surrendered and crucified life, illustrated with compelling stories of key Christian leaders, will inspire and instruct every reader to explore Jesus’ blueprint for engaging culture and embracing revival. I offer my commendation for The Elisha Code & The Coming Revival. — Roger Helland
I thoroughly enjoyed this “connect-the-dots” blueprint between the Old Testament ministries of Elijah and Elisha and the New Testament ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. I found each chapter engaging, relevant to today, and insightful in a way that makes me eager to revisit these passages in my Bible. The Elisha Code has helped me see deeper connections between the Old and New Testaments, and has truly helped the Bible come alive in my own reading! I’m thankful to know author David Kitz and am grateful for this book and more books to come! — Danny Covey
Many Christians long for an end-time revival — one similar, or even greater, than the first and second great awakenings. The premise of the book, that there is a code in scripture that gives believers hope for a greater than ever end-time revival, one where Jesus “saves the best wine until last.” Political measures, as the authors point out, may be the calling of some, but for most, who put all their eggs in that basket, it leads “to the devil’s lair,” and to disappointment. Better to pray and wait on Him. A very encouraging book. — Rose McCormick Brandon
To purchase or for a closer look at The Elisha Code & the Coming Revival click here.
Or visit the author’s website here.
11 Sunday Feb 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
Christ's Passion, Christianity, crucifixion, Easter, faith, Jerusalem, Jesus, Lent, photography, religion, resurrection, Roman centurion
With Lent and the Easter season approaching, now is the time to reconnect with the most important event in human history—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. See this pivotal week through new eyes—the eyes of the Roman centurion, who at the foot of the cross exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).
With 90 reviews on Amazon and a 4.8 star rating, you can’t go wrong. Take a journey to the cross. Step into the empty tomb. Let this book take you there.
This 288-page historical novel takes you on a fast paced ride through Christ’s passion, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to his suffering and death, and finally his resurrection. We see all this through the eyes of the Roman centurion Marcus Longinus. In this account the author stays true to the biblical record by incorporating more than a hundred direct bible quotes.
For a closer look or to purchase click here.
20 Saturday Jan 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
Bible, Christian, David Kitz, disciples, faith, Holy Spirit, Jesus, prophecy, prophet, revival
Wow! This is terrific. ReadingThe Elisha Code and the Coming Revival is like walking the road to Emmaus with the resurrected Jesus and two of his twenty-first century disciples—Ed Hird and David Kitz. Share their excitement as Jesus opens their minds to the Old Testament prophecies about Himself. With the added benefit of New Testament insights and lessons from history, we see the Holy Spirit preparing to ignite fresh revival fires in our day.
Don Hutchinson, pastor, lawyer, and author of
Church in Society: First Century Citizenship Lessons for Twenty-First Century Christians
My initial reaction to drawing a parallel between two “dynamic duos”—Elijah/Elisha and John the Baptist/Jesus—was not favorable. The Bible never makes such a claim. Or so I thought, until I read The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival. I did so mainly because co-author Ed Hird is one of my oldest and dearest friends. I was genuinely surprised at the compelling argument he and David Kitz make for this connection as they spur the reader onto revival expectation.
— Alan Gilman, Bible Teacher, Writer, & Podcaster
I found The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival by David Kitz & Dr. Ed Hird to be a rollercoaster-thrill-read from beginning to end … I could not put it down! The authors take you on an adventure of discovery—seeking bold faith—in readiness for the revival to come.
— Alan Kearns, Devotional Treasures blogger, Glenrothes, Scotland
Canadian readers for a closer look or to purchase click here.
American readers click here.
13 Saturday Jan 2024
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
author, Bible, Christian, Christian writers, David Kitz, Elijah, faith, God, Interviews and Reviews, Jesus, Ottawa
FT (Faith Today): You’re a retired schoolteacher and ordained Foursquare minister who writes a daily blog on the Psalms (davidkitz.blog) and performs one-man Bible dramas. Why prioritize those things?
DK (David Kitz): These priorities come out of my objective and motto which is “Bringing God’s Word to life and lives to God’s Word.” If we want to see real change in people’s lives, we need to connect them with the living Word of God. Jesus is the living Word, and in knowing him I have discovered love, peace, and joy. Writing and drama are two vehicles I use to bring the living Word to others.
FT: Congrats on the Word Alive Press award you and your co-author Ed Hird got for your manuscript The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival. What’s the book about and when does it come out?
DK: The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival explores the relationship between the Old Testament prophetic dynamic duo of Elijah and Elisha, and their New Testament counterpart, the duo of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Jesus identified John as “the Elijah who was to come” (Matthew 11:14). An examination of Elisha’s miracles reveals that they run parallel to the miracles of Christ in a most remarkable way. Furthermore, this has implications for believers today as we live in anticipation of seeing even greater works (John14:12) in days of spiritual revival ahead. The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival is available now.
FT: You’re chair of the board at The Word Guild, a national association for Christians in writing and publishing. How does that group benefit the church community?
DK: Writers change the world, and they have been shaping the world we live in for thousands of years. Our goal at The Word Guild is to encourage, equip, and strengthen Canadian Christian writers so they can impact our society at every level. God uses Christian writers to inform and inspire the church community. We can all agree the written living Word needs to be present and active in Canada.
FT: Tell us a bit more about yourself anf your development as an author.
DK: I’m a farmboy born and raised in Saskatchewan but now living with my wife Karen in Ottawa, Canada’s capital. We have two adult sons and a daughterinlaw.
My first book, a novel, was published in 2003. God has blessed my efforts, and over the years I have won multiple awards across several literary genres. Prior to The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival, my most recent publication was a three book devotional series entitled Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by Elk Lake Publishing.
In all this my goal contunues to be “Bringing God’s Word to life and lives to God’s Word.”
For a direct link to David’s website click here.
05 Tuesday Dec 2023
Posted in Books by David Kitz
Tags
For the month of December, Dr. Ed Hird and I were featured in the Word Alive Press spotlight for our book The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival.
Are you ready to rediscover Jesus’ blueprint for spiritual renewal?
Here then is the reposted Word Alive Press author of the month feature article:
We are pleased to introduce our Braun Book Award-winning authors, David Kitz and Dr. Ed Hird. David and Ed teamed up to write their recently released book The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival which is now available through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked David and Ed to share a little bit about their new book. But first, a little bit about them.
Both Ed Hird and David Kitz are seasoned award-winning Christian writers. Both men have authored a variety of books and articles, and both are active ordained ministers of the gospel—Ed with the Anglican Mission in Surrey BC, and David with the Foursquare Gospel Church in Ottawa, ON. In addition, David Kitz serves as the chair of The Word Guild, and Ed Hird is a frequent contributor to BC Christian News.
What drew them to combine their skills to write this book was their common desire to see Christ’s bride, the church, renewed, refreshed, and revived after years of struggle and decline.
Q: The Elisha Code and the Coming Revival — that’s an intriguing title. David, please tell me more about the Elisha Code. Why this title?
A: On February 11th, 2018, I delivered a sermon entitled “Healing the Water”. I was struck by the parallel nature of Elisha’s first public miracle, the healing of the spring at Jericho, to Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine. This parallel triggered a quest to discover if Elisha’s other miracles resembled the miracles of Jesus, and to my amazement, I found they do. In the process of my research, I uncovered the blueprint Jesus was following to bring about spiritual renewal and revival in his day. We urgently need the same renewal in our lives and our churches in our day.
Q: Dr. Ed Hird, how did you become involved in writing this book, and how did the writing process unfold?
A: Having co-written three books—For Better for Worse, Blue Sky, and God’s Firestarters— with my wife Janice, God has given me an anointing and passion for co-writing books. When David Kitz approached me to co-write The Elisha Code, I jumped at the chance. Over fifteen months, we met weekly by zoom, and typed out hundreds of pages from recorded zoom conversations. David is so well organized that it was a privilege and challenge to weave related stories into the revival theme. I am more surrendered to the Lord because of this ‘iron sharpening iron’ experience. Writing this book has been a positive experience for both of us. Seasoned writers may want to consider working with another likeminded author. While we cannot produce revival, we can prepare our hearts so that we don’t miss it when God pours revival upon his people. The Elisha Code is about not missing what God is about to do.
Q: Why do you believe a nationwide revival is possible in the days ahead?
A: Biblical history and more than 2,000 years of church history tell us revivals occur and reoccur. Furthermore, they often begin in dark times of uncertainty and turmoil. Ed Hird and I were young men when we were caught up in the Jesus people movement of the early 1970s. It was a revival that emerged from a counterculture revolution. Was it unexpected? Absolutely. Can something similar happen again? Can these dry bones live again? Ezekiel 37 provides the answer to that question.
Q: On a personal level, are there certain preconditions that make spiritual renewal possible or likely?
A: A growing level of discontent with our current situation personally and nationally can prompt a deep hunger for change. When the Holy Spirit engages, spurs, and directs that hunger, repentance, and a turning to faith in Jesus follows. On a personal level, we need deep repentance rooted in complete humility. We cannot save ourselves or our society. We need Jesus.
Q: In the fourth chapter of your book, you make this statement: “The voice of the prophet is needed today, just as it was in Jesus’ day. A national call to repentance is needed now. Who will voice that call? Where are the prophets for our time?” What do you mean by that statement? Are there prophets among us?
A: Throughout history, prophetic voices have called people to repentance. That was the primary role of the Old Testament prophets. Their mission was to turn wayward people back to their loving Creator-Redeemer. But there were New Testament prophets too. Acts 13:1-3 lists some of them by name. Throughout church history, prophetic voices have heeded God’s call and spoken truth and grace to a broken world. The Elisha Code highlights the work of several of these historic, church-age prophets, who challenged the world systems of their time. We need to hear prophetic voices in our day calling us back to God.
Q: What do you want readers to take away from reading this book?
A: We both want readers to walk away with a deep hunger for personal, national, and global revival. This troubled world needs to turn to Jesus. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The Elisha Code establishes the clear biblical link between the Old Testament prophetic duo of Elijah and Elisha, and the New Testament duo of John the Baptist and Jesus. Plotting the parallel nature of their ministries makes for a fascinating read. For most Christian readers this will be new unexplored territory. But Elijah and Elisha, John and Jesus did not come for our entertainment. They were sent to this world for our salvation and transformation. We want saving transformation to take root within us and in the world around us.
Find and follow David Kitz here:
Website: David Kitz Productions
Facebook: Facebook
YouTube: david kitz canada – YouTube
Find and follow Dr. Ed Hird here:
Website: www.edhird.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ed.hird.5
YouTube: Dr. Ed Hird – YouTube
25 Saturday Nov 2023
Posted in Books by David Kitz
By studying the ministry of Jesus, we can rediscover the blueprint he was following to launch the first century church. It is a blueprint patterned after the prophetic Old Testament ministries of Elijah and Elisha.
Together, let’s crack the Elisha Code, renew our first love, and become participants in the next great end-times revival—a revival marked by a double portion of Christ’s miraculous anointing.
American readers: To purchase or for a closer look click here.
Canadian readers: For a closer look or to purchase directly from the author click here.
I love the Psalms 