The clash of weapons and the shout of warriors fill the opening scenes of the book of Daniel. Some of God’s people were led from the city of Jerusalem in chains, many of them young men of the royal family.…
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The Second Riddle: Introduction
Do you remember the first time you read through the Book of Daniel? Quick show of hands—how many of you crashed when you got to chapter seven? I know I did! The first six chapters were straightforward stories of heroism…
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What Does “because of the angels” Mean (1 Cor. 11:10) ? | Q&A
Question: What does “because of the angels” mean (1 Cor. 11:10)? Answer: In discussions of how assembly (church) meetings function the subject of whether women should wear a hat or mantilla or some other headcovering is often brought up. This…
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What is a Christian – Conclusion
Our wedding took place in a small fishing lodge in Alaska where it was held in a long, narrow room with just enough space for family and close friends. As I walked in for the ceremony, I greeted those who…
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An Aramaic Enigma: Conclusion
Our study of Aramaic has wound through several centuries and various venues, from Bronze Age Syria and Iron Age Judah to our present-day academic institutions. But amid all of the details, one theme has been especially prominent—the exceptional nature of…
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Why Seven Trips Around Jericho? |Q&A
Question: Why did there have to be seven priests holding seven trumpets at the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:4)? Answer: This question may arise from simple curiosity as in a Sunday School class or it may be a request for…
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What is a Christian – Part 6
Names are fascinating things. While awaiting a new baby, parents ponder over the perfect name choice for the child. Businesses strive to identify just the right label to appeal to their market. Sports teams search for a moniker that will…
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Answering an Aramaic Enigma: Part Four
In my last post, I argued that Jeremiah’s Aramaic declaration is directly linked to the Aramaic section of Daniel. In fact, this verse and its corresponding chapters in Daniel are exactly what one would expect in light of Israel’s history…
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Does God Approve Of Prejudice? | Q&A
Question: Does God approve of prejudice? In the Old Testament, it seems the Lord was very biased in favor of the Israelite. He separated the Israelites from the Gentiles because of their sin and he didn’t allow the Gentiles to…
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What is a Christian – Part 5
I love books. I love hardcovers, paperbacks, old books, and new. I even like ebooks because they let me take a huge library wherever I go. Whenever I move I have to really gear up to pack and transport my…
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Answering an Aramaic Enigma: Part Three
Daniel’s Aramaic chapters stand out as a distinct literary segment written in an “unauthorized” language. Why would the author of this book suddenly shift languages midsentence to compose only part of Daniel in a language that had never been used…
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What Does It Mean To ‘Hand Someone Over To Satan’? |Q&A
Question: What is the meaning of the verses 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Timothy 1:19-20? I do not understand why 1 Corinthians 5:5 speaks of saving the spirit but not the soul. Should it not be the soul that needs…