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A Summary of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible

Today is the 50th anniversary of my completing the reading of the Christian Bible for the first time as a 16 year old. I have re-read it daily ever since. Wondering how best to commemorate this day, I decided about a month ago to complete my brief online summary of the Bible. It is fitting …

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The advantages of the King James Version of the Bible

Many students of Scripture will notice that there are multiple variations in different versions of the English Bible. Study will reveal that there are many verses and phrases in the King James Version of the Bible that are omitted from current versions. Textual basis The King James Version, or Authorised Version, published in 1611 is …

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Hellenization and Hanukkah

Today is the final day of the Jewish Hanukkah celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes.  It is a winter festival, mentioned in the New Testament: 'it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem, and it was …

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How long does the biblical Millennium last?

The biblical Millennium is mentioned in every verse of Rev 20:2-7. 'He laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent who is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him that he should deceive the nations …

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Hebrew or Aramaic?

Bible commentators and academics are in the habit of describing the native language spoken by Jesus and His contemporaries as Aramaic or Syro-Chaldaic.  Those who wish to show their academic credentials will do the same.  This is servile copying of academia. The New Testament repeatedly calls it Hebrew Lk 23:38, Jn 5:2, Jn 19:13,17,20, Act …

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When did the Gospel first reach Europe?

It is common to hear preachers say that the Gospel first came to Europe when Paul responded to the Macedonian call, ‘Come over into Macedonia and help us’ Act 16:9.  This is wrong, and it is one of many manifestations of the readiness to copy ideas without checking out if they are true. The Gospel …

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The liberation of Jerusalem 1917 and 1967

One hundred years ago today, Jerusalem was liberated during the first World War by the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) led by British forces.  It was a significant event in the long journey towards recognizing and re-establishing the state of Israel in the native homeland of the Jews. On 11th December 1917 British General Sir Edmund …

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America’s total solar eclipse today

A total solar eclipse will bisect the USA today for the first time in 99 years. It could be the most viewed total solar eclipse in history.  Millions will experience it for the first time, but another solar eclipse will cross America in another direction seven years later on 8th April 2024. The midday Moon, …

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American Independence Day

Today, American Independence Day, reminds us of "no taxation without representation".  This was the principle on which the American War of Independence was fought. It was not simply a desire for independence, but a revolt against undemocratic control.  This is the same motivation behind Brexit  – the vote by the UK on 23/6/2016 to leave …

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Signs of the Times

We are living in interesting and significant times, with a number of notable anniversaries co-inciding. 31st October 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Martin Luther unwittingly commenced the Protestant Reformation when he posted his 95 Theses for discussion on the door of the Castle …

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