About Yona Tree
Seeking the Mysteries Hidden in Scripture
Yona Tree exists to explore the depth, symbolism, history, and interconnected themes of Scripture while encouraging believers and seekers alike to examine the Word of God with curiosity, reverence, and faith.
Who we are
A biblical study and publishing ministry
Yona Tree exists to encourage close examination of Scripture, biblical symbolism, historical religious literature and theological traditions — and of the mysteries that connect the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. We publish books, articles, studies, audiobooks and video, beginning with Seven Lamps Before the Throne by Jason Turner and Michael Ogden.
We are based in Pensacola, Florida and are non-denominational. We gladly call anyone of any denomination who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ our brother or sister.
Our name comes from the Hebrew word yonah, "dove" — the form the Holy Spirit took at the baptism of Jesus — and from the Tree of Life, which stands at the beginning and the end of Scripture. The dove and the tree are joined in our emblem.
How we study
Four principles
Search the Scriptures
Scripture is the foundation. We cite every passage so you can read it in context — "whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Examine the evidence
We set out historical sources and the original languages, and say plainly what they do and do not prove.
Consider the symbolism
The dove, the menorah, the Tree of Life and the Bride are threads woven from Genesis to Revelation.
Seek God in prayer
Study is not an end in itself. We hope every page leads you closer to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Our presentation standard
Scripture, history, interpretation — kept distinct
Yona Tree holds some interpretations that differ from those of other Christian traditions. To keep our study honest, every article and study marks which kind of claim is being made.
Scripture says
What the biblical text itself states, quoted or summarized with its reference.
Historical sources say
What creeds, Church Fathers, ancient translations and historical texts say — with notes on their weight.
Some interpreters believe
Views held by other Christians and scholars, presented fairly, especially where they differ from ours.
Yona Tree proposes
Yona Tree's own theological conclusions, clearly labelled as the ministry's interpretation.
Where a page advances a distinctive position, a Yona Tree Study Perspective box says so plainly. We never present an interpretation as if it were universally accepted Christian doctrine, and we make no claim of exclusive divine authority. We invite you to weigh everything by Scripture.
Statement of purpose
What we believe
Yona Tree exists to highlight the triune nature of the One True God as revealed through the Persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and to create educational and inspirational works that guide people deeper into the mysteries of God — with a particular emphasis on the identity of the Holy Spirit.
It is our conviction that God's children are begotten of their Heavenly Father and born of the Holy Spirit, and we present the motherly nature of the Spirit as our theological position. Beyond that, it is our mission to proclaim the good news of the atoning death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Yona Tree is first and foremost a ministry dedicated to the Holy Trinity. We love the Holy Father, we love the Holy Son, we love the Holy Spirit — we love the Three in One.
We affirm the Nicene Creed and are open about the few places where our wording differs. You can read about them inBegotten and Born: Reading the Nicene Creed Closely.