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Kingdom of Heaven, Part 2
In 30 AD Galilee, As the season for sowing seed ended, farmers and their families were anxiously awaiting the first signs of growth. Hope was rampant that their own personal needs for would be met, and extra crops raised to share, barter, or sell for other family needs. It was a perfect time for families to venture away for a day to see Jesus and listen to His stories. “A farmer went out to scatter…
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The Importance of Words
I remember many years ago a great friend telling me about taking his brother to hear his pastor’s Sunday message. At lunch my friend excitedly asked his brother what he thought of this great sermon. His brother, that taught Greek to college students, quietly remarked, “His passion was great, but unfortunately the phrase he made the central part…
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KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, PART 1
EVER BE ALERT For many Americans, the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” may seem insignificant or abstract. However, for those living in countries ruled by a single, absolute leader—such as North Korea—the concept carries much greater weight. In such places, obedience to the ruler often determines survival itself; disobedience can mean severe punishment or even death. In kingdoms,…
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What if…..part 5
We call it Good Friday. Then we realize it is only Good because of the horrendous torment,suffering, and agony Jesus allowed himself to experience for us. I urge you to read this account of the horrid suffering Jesus underwent. Chapter 41 Malchus, continued Caiphas might be the cause of Yeshua’s crucifixion, but he refused to attend. I had once heard Caiphas say that only once had…
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What if?
What if the Apostle Matthew was retelling the story of Palm Sunday and the next day’s visit to the Temple? This chapter from the book Yeshua…Reedemer…Savior…Friend tells the story in a modern style. Might this 6 minute read add to your understanding of the days of the Holy Week. Might it lead you to a…
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Importance of Roman Empire
POWER SHIFTS THE LEAD UP Political futures have not changed much in the last 2000 years. There is always a world power that is striving to maintain its position and even gain more authority. About 150 years before the birth of Christ, the Ptolemy reign was the superpower, but the Seleucid empire fought to be the dominant force. The battle for power began after Alexander the Great’s death. The Ptolemy empire was given control of Egypt and Palestine; the…
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A COMMON FOLK BIBLE
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON FOLK BIBLE You are on Jeopardy and the topic is “Famous Individuals of Christianity.” You should be able to answer question one on Jesus’s mother or even the $400 question—Jesus’s most beloved disciple (John). Most could even guess at questions about Martin Luther (Justification by faith alone) or John Wycliffe (translated the…
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From Tragedy to Redemption the Israelites and the Messiah
Chapter 1 The Beginning One will never know why Yahweh—God—chose Abraham, then his son Isaac, then his grandson Jacob, and then his great-grandson Joseph as the bearers of Yahweh’s promises. If Yahweh was looking for a sinless individual, He missed the mark. From the start, sin followed. (Read the book of Genesis.) It is a perplexing question how…
FAITH & REFLECTIONS