Spoken language, political background, and cultural influence matter for the overarching story of the Church.

Envy, jealousy, anger, and violence against those we disagree with.

I believe that people are ultimately drawn to the book of revelation because it is also the word of God, but it has a prophetic nature as well. There is an immense value in studying it because in the same way that the Old Testament foretells the first coming, revelation gives way to the second coming.

It’s encouraging to have something to look back on, especially when considering the birth of the Holy Spirit as it was released to the people. The Holy Spirit being the advocate and the greatest helper, we begin to see that live in action throughout acts and Paul’s teachings as well. It also shows the character of God more in depth, and how he…

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Although, we read the book as the old and the new they’re all one story. Therefore, getting a good understanding of what was happening while it was being written, will give more depth to the text and allow us to be able to see and understand more of what Jesus was talking about and who he was during this time.

I think it’s very vital to always remember that we are stewards of what God has given us. In Saul’s case, he was a king who looked within for the source of his own strength and provision rather than to God. And same to Solomon. Everything we have is because God gives it to us and we don’t own it, I think it’s very vital to always remember that…

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It’s always encouraging to know that God is both a loving God and just God at the same time.

The low and high elevation make crucial differences in a battle. The higher elevation is hard to attack by the enemy but easier to defend from the enemy. This was the reason for the stand off between the two opposing armies until David showed up.

AT the moment of crisis, Saul proved to be carnal, lack of courage, and not trusting God, while David was full of faith. David was intelligent in choosing the right spot to strike the goliath, i.e the forehead.

The meeting sets up the first missionary to the continent of Africa. It is also the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 56.

Shephelah lies between the Central Mountain Region and the Coastal Plain, and this makes it a ideal place for the meeting; it is the meeting of the Eastern and the Western Region.

No doubt it can be very difficult to see that the battle is the Lord’s. It is a battle of faith (spiritual) versus sight ( the flesh). One tends to operate by the flesh when the battle is immediate, waiting on the Lord is hard.

Jerusalem is located on the Central Mountain Region, while Joppa and Caesarea are located on the Coastal Plain. Jerusalem is a religious center for the Israelites, while the other two are pagan worship centers.

I have to be intentional about balancing work with my other life obligations. It is hard sometimes, but I try to be obedient to it, one day at a time.

I found the Hebrew words written about the salvation of Rahab and her family very interesting, specifically as they are interspersed with the text about the destruction of Jericho. I had never seen that before.

The Coastal plain, as the name suggest, is a Palin by the coast, and it makes it a perfect place for commerce to thrive. It is therefore a richer place than other regions of the holy land. This make it a “play” place , whereas the Central Mountain Region, where Jerusalem is located, a “prayer” place. Roughly, this is a secular and religious divide.

Like: People then and now look for routes that are safe, direct, and manageable. In biblical times, travelers considered water sources, shelter, and security—much as today we plan for rest stops and to top-up fuel.

Just as we rely on maps, GPS, ancient travelers depended on local knowledge, or landmarks to find their way.

Unlike: Terrain…

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The Old Testament is the starting block and without it we will not have a solid foundation to build upon our understanding.

The Old Testament is the starting block and without it we will not have a solid foundation to build upon our understanding.

We need to have a solid foundation of God’s plan and principles and the Old Testament provides a detailed overview.

so you can understand in context what a specific passage is saying. so you can know the heart/meaning. I thought it was said great you have to see how the stage is set up to understand the context.

Jesus must be so hungry, thirsty, tired, and a weakened body.

He needed a good hiding place and a source of water which is scarce in the barren wilderness.

Travel today is much safer and more convenient than in biblical times, thanks to modern transportation and technology. However, both then and now, travel can involve uncertainty and challenges, reminding me that trusting God’s guidance and protection is always essential.

A good shepherd protects, provides and guides. Believers can confidently trust Him for all these.

Ask heart questions & listen well. Love well and build relationships.

I think how difficult it would be to try to reason with someone who has no need for Truth and accepts anything as “your truth”.

it seems like a really good way to share the Truth about Jesus with an agnostic is to share your own testimony and what you’ve seen The Lord do in your own life and how you’ve seen HIM work.

Share with them the hope that I have found in Christ alone. Acceptance never comes from trying harder or following rules.

Jesus alone died for our redeption…He paid the price that no sinful human could pay because of his sinless life. David was an earthly king but sinned, Moses was a great leader and brought the law (through God) but also sinned… Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice to bring us into relationship with a perfect & HOLY God.

Megiddo lies in the intersections of international trade routes. Whoever control Megiddo controls the trade routes.

Jesus can and does bring peace. Buddhism offers detatchment while Christianity offers relationship. We can have peace with God and assurance of salvation…incredible.

Jesus is God- he’s the image of the invisible God-the only TRUE God.

Grace is a concept that is hard to “receive” as people strive in most aspects of life…live better than others, do more good than bad. Christianity is all about what God did for us through Jesus. Grace is a gift we must receive…and it’s the game changer.

Knowing Jesus came to earth as a humble baby and lived to go to the cross for me and my sins gives me courage to share my faith with others.

Of particular interest to me is the clever statement that Scripture never means what it never meant. I wonder how often well-meaning Christians (myself included) have violated that maxim. Going forward, I don’t think I will ever forget it. Same is true of other principles of exegesis and hermeneutics. I wonder how many thousands of hours…

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Start with something that would entice them to listen to the next part of your sermon. A story or illustration that related to something they were not indifferent about might get their curiosity going and have them listening a little longer.

This is a little bit like getting to know a person. At first, you observe how they present themselves, color of hair and eyes, grooming habits, etc. Then, if you want to have a relationship, you begin to drill down on who they really are. In a sense, the Bible study is how we get to know God so that we can have a relationship with Him.…

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The collective memory of the Israelites is the parting of the water of the Red Sea, and the water eventually drowned the pursuing Egyptians. Water is also scarce; they have to depend on rain, well, cistern and irrigation canals for water.

This flat valley is the breadbasket.; the soil is rich and the climate suitable for agriculture.

Certainly it is important. These are historical places and they point to the humanity of Jesus Christ living in the places and spaces he created. He is indeed Immanuel, god with us and among us. It is also important to prove the accuracy of the bible when places mentioned in the bible are discovered and preserved.

The Christian belief that truth is revealed through Jesus gives us something solid to place our faith in. While agnosticism struggles with uncertainty, Jesus shows us who God is and gives us purpose and hope. In John 14:6, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we can find the answers, peace, and meaning we are…

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I would explain the hope I have in Jesus.

Jesus fulfills God’s promises in ways the law alone never could because the law reveals our sin but cannot save us. God promised David an everlasting kingdom, Moses spoke of a greater prophet to come, and the prophets foretold a Savior. Jesus fulfills all of these promises through His life, death, and resurrection. Through Him, we receive…

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Christ gives hope because he paid the penalty for my sin. His work on the cross has brought me into a right relationship with God the Father.

Luke 17:11-19- Jesus w/ the 10 lepers. they cried out for help but Jesus made them go show themselves to the priests. they had to choose to obey and then go…

There are so many different types of leadership and scenerios where “leadership” is needed. Because we are all created so differently and with different gifts, each person and scenerio requires a different style of leadership. it’s complex and we’ll never get to the bottom of it.

traditional is typically transactional… what can i give in order to receive something back… vs. biblical leadership is concerned with the heart and making others better

When I first started to read my Bible, I was on Mid-Way Island, and the only available Bible was the old KJV. Never in my lifetime did I ever read Old English. A Roman Catholic Priest got me a New American Bible in modern English and it read fine for me to understand. That Bible took about 4 weeks to get. It was worth the wait.

before- someone who shows you the way… now- someone who takes us to a better place than where we are now.