Origin of Israel

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology; July, 2013 The origin of Israel is fascinating. From the descendants of Abraham and Isaac came Jacob. Several generations were involved in this time frame, but every generation is not detailed, as in the case of these who are very significant in history. Abraham was visited by God (Genesis 17) and was promised that through his seed he would become the father of many nations, “as the sand of the sea.” In his old age, being 100 and Sarah in her 90’s, they had their son Isaac. Later, Jacob was born, who had twelve sons. When he had an encounter with the Angel of the Lord, God changed his name to Israel. (Genesis 35:10-12) One of these sons was Joseph, who wound up in Egypt after his jealous brothers, who initially wanted to kill him, sold him as a slave instead. By the providence of God, many years later, Joseph became a leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. (Genesis 39-47) Through a series of events, including a famine throughout all the land, Joseph schemed to get his father Jacob (who thought Joseph was dead all these years) and his brothers, with their families, into Egypt where they could survive. When the whole story came out, Joseph told his brothers (who at first did not know it was Joseph who was laying out this scheme) not to worry. What they had done to him was meant for evil, but God had meant it for good, to save alive all of Jacob’s household. Later on, just before Israel died, he brought his sons together, spoke his blessing upon each one, and these became the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Much later, when they left Egypt under Moses, estimates are there were at least 1-2 million. (I’m not trying to be exact here). I’ve always thought it amazing to see and follow how through God’s promise to Abraham, and then through one man whom God named Israel, the whole nation was born, and was kept through all of the good, bad, and ugly events of history. This of course created the framework, types and shadows, prophecies, and location for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus the Christ! This is the most important purpose in all of history, and God created a nation through which He brought the Christ into the world! NOTHING IS AS AMAZING AS SEEING HISTORY THROUGH SCRIPTURE, as God lays it out through this period of existence called time. What does this have to do with archaeology? Well, there are multitudes of anti-God, evolution-minded scientists and archeologists, who attempt to discredit the true account of Israel, thus discrediting the Bible. (As they also try to do with most anything else in the Bible) Now for those who believe, they don’t need confirmation of archaeological finds. Their world view starts with Scripture, everything else follows. Nevertheless, here are a few of the many references concerning Israel and its existence according to the Scriptural timeline: • The Exodus conquest, Biblically dated at 1446-1406 B.C., (including the 40 yr. wandering in the wilderness) during Late Bronze I period, has historical and chronological support in Scripture. Associates for Biblical Research http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2009/03/30/The-Biblical-Date-for-the-Exodus-is-1446-BC-A-Response-to-James-Hoffmeier.aspx The correctness of this date is vital, because looking for references and evidence of the Exodus in the wrong century, as some claim to be 13th-12th century, will obviously produce negative and incorrect results. • The Merneptah Stela (1210 B.C.) mentions Israel as an enemy force of which they boasted “is wasted.” This "wasting" they did not accomplish, but it reveals their acknowledgement of Israel. (Wikipedia; Associates of Biblical Research, www.biblearchaeology) • The Moabite stone (846 B.C.) Moabite record of the revolt of Mesha, king of Moab, recorded in 2 Kings18:3:5. Also mentions Omri, king of Israel, the “House of David”, YAHWEH, God of Israel. Associates for Biblical Research, Mesha, King of Moab. • In archaeological digs of Jericho, evidence of its destruction, such as excavated stone and block rubble appear as walls having “falling down flat”, and ash 3 feet deep shows evidence of being destroyed by fire, as recorded in Joshua 6. http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2008/05/01/Did-the-Israelites-Conquer-Jericho-A-New-Look-at-the-Archaeological-Evidence.aspx

Finding Noah's Ark

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology, July 4, 2013. How important is it if Noah’s Ark is discovered and reasonably verified? From time to time we hear about those who have searched for Noah’s Ark, and some say they are reasonably certain it is there. Many of those searches had to cease because of local laws and restrictions. I don’t know if anyone is currently active in their search. Noah’s Ark, for the most part, is said possibly to be in modern Turkey, within the mountain ranges of Mt. Ararat, according to some relatively recent archaeological expeditions. Even back when Josephus lived (37-100 A.D.) he said in his writings that some Armenians in that locale claimed to know where it was and were showing it to people! “…the Armenians call this place…The Place of Descent: for the Ark being saved in that place, its remains are shewed by the inhabitants to this day.” Flavius Josephus, “Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Ch. 3:5b. How important is it to us? Well, of course it would be great if God allowed that to happen, and there was an actual verifiable find. It would be awesome! However, it doesn’t really mean much in relation to our faith in Christ. Real faith is based on belief in the Scripture, relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit, being born of the Spirit. Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (John 20:29). By the way, Jesus is The Ark to us, or better yet, the Ark is a type of Christ. He is our safety and protection from eternal destruction. Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus. I should point out here that Jesus told a story, being God in the flesh, it was from real experiences. Whether it was what He saw and learned growing up, or given to Him by revelation of the Spirit, or a combination of both, He told real stories! Anyway, Lazarus had died, and also the rich man died and went to hell. (You can read the entire discourse on your own if you want) Towards the end of the rich man’s talk with Abraham, he said this: “…I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him (Lazarus) to my father’s house, (which Abraham could not do anyway!) 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16: 19-31 NKJV). Basically, Jesus quoted Abraham as saying, “they have the Law and the prophets, let them believe the Scriptures.” Many times God allows us to see things that will cause us or others to believe. But that is not the basis of faith. It is believing Jesus Christ is who He says He is, the Savior of the world, “especially to those who believe.” Will you believe? You would never be sorry. God bless!

Tale of Three Cities

Gale Brown, Biblical Archaeology June, 2013. The Three Woes is a tale of three cities. There was a popular book written by Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities”. This is nothing like that! The title and much of the contents are taken from the article “Three Woes!” by Henry B. Smith Jr., MA, Associates of Biblical Research, August 15, 2007. This archaeological and comparative study of three thriving ancient villages has in common their relationship to Jesus Christ and their decisions for their own destiny. In these three “cities”, called the Evangelical Triangle, was where Jesus performed a major portion of His miracles. God in flesh was in their towns. The objective is to relate their stories to our own lives, our present day communities, our own cities, our own nation, and the nations of the world. The three cities are Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Other things they have in common are: They all existed at the time of Christ on earth, they all are near the north end of the Sea of Galilee, they all had significant purpose and function, they probably were all proud of their greatness, and they all are ancient ruins today. Chorazin on the north side has never been excavated. A major highway runs between the north side and the south side. The south side has had significant excavation, but yet only a small percentage of its 80-100 acres. It sits 2.5 miles from the Sea. Chorazin was known for its grain. There were two synagogues, one a 1st century and another 4th century. The 1st would be in existence when Jesus was there. One item uncovered was the “Seat of Moses” carved from basalt block. The rulers would “sit in Moses seat”, read the Torah, judge the people, and demand strict obedience to the law, but did not obey it themselves. Jesus renounced their hypocrisy in Matthew 23:1-3 while teaching in the Jerusalem temple. Bethsaida dates back to around 10th century B.C. and back to the time of David. It was destroyed 732 B.C. (Tiglath-Pileser). It was once rebuilt since it appears much in the New Testament. It is known as the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44; 12:19). According to Josephus, Bethsaida was involved in the revolt against Rome, 67 A.D. (Smith) It was considered a fishing village, though its location is 1-1/2 miles from the Sea of Galilee. This is generally thought to be because of sediment movement, volcanic or tectonic activity. There are two proposed sites, one closer to the shores; but its exact location is disputed, having faded into history. Both proposed locations have significant reasons and evidence for their claim. (1. Bethsaida Excavation Project; 2.Nun, Mendul) Capernaum’s location is basically undisputed, its archaeological ruins and literary information provide its validation. Traditionally, the name came from it being the birthplace of Nahum the prophet. Peter owned a home in Capernaum. (Mk.1:29-31; Mt.8:14-15) It was Jesus’ home in Galilee (Matt. 4:13-14), though He did not own any property as the Son of Man (Matt.8:20). The central focus of Capernaum was its synagogue. It was built in 1st century A.D. of basalt block. After this structure was destroyed, another synagogue of limestone was built on top of its ruins around 4th century A.D. The 1st century synagogue was in use when Jesus was on the earth, where He cast out a demon (Mark 1:21-28) and spoke the parable of the Bread of Life (John 6:25-59). In Capernaum, He cast out demons, healed the sick, and fulfilled at least two prophecies there concerning Himself (Matt. 8:5-17), and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:40-56). However, the religious leaders refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah, and refused to repent of their sin and idolatry. Jesus denounced these three cities for their lack of faith and refusal to receive Him: “Then Jesus began to rebuke the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21-24 The New Testament tells us that Jesus performed many of his miracles in the "evangelical triangle. In Mark 2:1-12, a paralytic was let done through the roof by four of his friends so they could get him in front of Jesus, the room being so crowded. When Jesus “saw their faith”, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” The religious rulers, who were always trying to trip Him up, said “This is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus said, “which is easier, to say ‘your sins are forgiven you’, or to say, rise, take up your bed, and walk?’ But that you may know the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, He said to the paralytic, ‘Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” The man was healed, and forgiven, but the rulers hated Him still. They failed to see it was God Himself standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ. (Jn. 8:58) Jesus fulfilled prophecy, spoke prophetically, revealed the secrets of people’s hearts, worked miracles, healings, and even raised the dead. Then died and rose from the dead, according to the Scripture, to pay the penalty of the sins of the whole world. Although Scripture was filled with the knowledge of Christ and His coming, they would not believe. Today, there are people, cities, state governments, and leaders of the United States rejecting Jesus Christ. It is to the point where you can say or do most anything, except say that you believe Jesus is the only Way to God, the only means of forgiveness, and the only Way to heaven and eternal life with God the Father. If you do, persecution will usually follow. However, persecution is to be expected as a follower of Christ, and it appears that it will only get worse. Regardless, it is a sad thing to watch your home and country fall, the way so many have cities, nations, and empires have fallen before. In our land we have groups and movements that demand their freedom from the Words of Scripture. We stand on the brink of destruction from a multitude of enemies; other countries are buying up our own land, there is threat of nuclear war, and we have surrendered to a host of voices except to the only One who can halt our demise. Note that Jesus said it would be worse for these cities, which once had great synagogues, who said they believed in God, who said they believed the Scripture, but then denied Him; than for the ones who were known to be just plain wicked. In this United States of America, we were built on the principles, standards, and faith in God and His Christ. Now there are enemies within who want to change history and deny this truth. Did we make some mistakes as a nation? Yes, we all know that. However, our mistakes then and now cannot be a reason to say we were not and are not a Nation under God. We need to seriously heed this lesson. God is not our enemy, He is our friend! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) But in no way will He allow man to rule over Him! The thought is absurd! It is better to go to God every day and say, “God forgive us, help us!” than to try to justify our wrongs. We do not want our lives, our families, our Churches, our cities, our state and nation, to go the way of Chorazin, Basaida, and Capernaum. We don’t have to let it happen, and we cannot allow anti-Christ voices, groups, special interest movements, and other nation’s belief’s take over and control the USA. This is not a joke. We cannot stick our heads in the sand, and think “everything will be alright.” We don’t want our own to suffer untold miseries. We can turn to Jesus, and fight the fight of faith. That was what He was asking of those three cities, and that is all He is asking of us.

Casual Post

This is just a casual post to sort of refresh my blog site. My previous entries were mostly for school projects. I intend on adding blogs to this site in the future, and hopefully keep it a little more updated! I read an article a few hours ago that said atheism is increasing in America. I can understand people being confused with all the different voices clammering for attention, but to deny God is foolish. We are made in His image and likeness. There is an origin for the realities of love, peace, joy and hapiness, sorrow and pain. The Bible also explains the origins of hate, selfishness, tragedy, rebellion, lies and deception. His name is Satan. Jesus' love is for all the world to receive, if they will only believe. He gives eternal life to all who will. Why doesn't God just save everybody, whether they believe in Him and in Jesus as the Savior of the world sent by Him, or not? Simply because you'd have, not an eternal paradise of love, peace, and totally fulfilled knowledge, but a world that would just be the same as this! If God just brought this world over to the next, then there would be God-haters, unbelief, all the other evil that exists in this world. What would be the point? God gave free pardon, a promise to change our fallen nature into the Christ nature if we believe, because Jesus paid the penalty for our wrongs. God was in Christ, reconcilling the world unto Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19

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Redeming the Time

Redeeming the Time Study guide

This section is to give an overview of one of my study books, Redeeming the Time Study Guide. The author is Rick Grubbs from Life Changing Seminars (lifechangingseminars.com), based in Salisbury, N.C.

The book opens with a short dialogue on time, what it means, and then allows someone else to give a clearer definition. That person is Benjamin Franklin. He has accomplished more in his lifetime than most any of us could even imagine! That's something you can look up on your own, but I'll give a few. First to invent/create/have idea for, did or accomplished: bifocals, lightning rod, Ambassador to France, discovered electrical properties, pos & neg, founded 1st Library, diplomat to London, Signed Declaration of Independence, Daylight Savings Time, the first militia, the first fire department, the Franklin Stove, school desk with one arm attached to chair, one of the founders of the University of Pennsylvania, started a Life Insurance Company, was a printer, a publisher, started Saturday Evening Post, started Poor Richards Almanac. HE SAID: “DO YOU LOVE LIFE? THEN DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT LIFE IS MADE OF.”

Redeeming the Time continues by giving the reader perspectives on what time wasters are, how to identify them. It goes into great depth on the eternal perspectives of time, whether we use it to the benefit of eternity, or lose it for eternal sorrow and tragedy. We will continue on, whether with God's receiving us as “well done, good and faithful servant,” or “depart from Me, I never knew you”. Now, here is a good place to say that our works are not taking us to heaven. Jesus Christ's sacrifice, and our faith in Him as a finished work of and for salvation, is our only means to eternal life. But that faith will result in good works in honor and thankfulness to Him.

Rick Grubbs lays out a time line of the average life expectancy, and we can place ourselves somewhere on that line. When can see how much we've used, and maybe how much we have left. It can be sobering to say the least. What are we going to do with the rest of our time? I'm speaking as one who feels I've wasted major amounts of time, major parts of my life, and it will shock you to take a serious look.
Time is not recoverable, says Grubbs on pp. 35. Once it is gone, it is gone. The clock keeps ticking, and doesn't stop for nothing or no one. There is no other asset so valuable as time.

Grubbs goes on to talk about ways of redeeming time. He told how several years ago, read a Proverb in the Bible about the slothful (lazy) man turning on his bed as a door turns on it's hinges” He said, “that's me, hitting the snooze button, rolling over, hitting it again, etc, etc. Grubbs took his clock apart, cut the wire to his snooze button, and that settled that! He may not still have that same clock, but he taught himself something valuable. Fifteen minutes saved each day will give you 92 hours of waking life each year! As I said, I'm in the process, with God's help, of applying these things.

Other discussions in this book: * Organization-have a planner and a plan *Getting rid of time wasters
*The activities you choose; what will be their profit in years to come, and much more important, in eternity? *Stopping procrastination

Life Changing Seminars with Rick Grubbs can be a source of help for nearly everyone. If you've read this far, then take another step and contact them!



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Part 2: This section is a continuation of the study on Redeeming the Time Study Guide.
The purpose here is to outline and briefly discuss three major areas that stood out to me personally in R.T.

First, the reality of how quickly time goes by. Obviously, since I'm older, I will see that more so now. However, I can remember thinking seriously about how time is continually moving in my 30's. I do want to make the best of the time I have left, and serve God in it. I must keep telling myself to use my time wisely. Yes, I have areas in my life that I know need re modification, moderation, or deletion. Then there are areas that need acceleration, amplification, and implementation. By God's grace and His working in my life, I will be able to make those changes, and live a more productive life, resulting in a happier life.

Second, trying to grasp the concept of eternity by the study of Ten Duotrigintillion. (Grubbs works with the largest number that on record (somewhere!) that is One with 100 zero's behind it. Ten Trillion is One with 13 zero's. The estimated electrons in the universe is 1 to the 85th power. Still, this doesn't touch eternity.
I know as a Christian I should be happy to think about spending eternity with Jesus Christ, but most of the time I'm thinking about all there is to do. I also realize that if I just “do what God wants me to do right now", (R. Grubbs) I will be happy. That's what I need to to keep working on.

Third, the challenge to get organized. With some people, this has been or is a strong discipline in their lives. I struggle with these things. Yes, I've been able to organize areas at different stages of my life, I know I can do it, but also at times I may allow things to go back into disorganization.

The good thing is, like you, reading material like this, and have taken this course of study! There are important things that I must remember and keep in focus, and prioritize, so that I may accomplish what God wants me to accomplish.



Part Three: In this section I will lay out a simple plan on how to implement these particular areas that need attention.

To be time conscious, I will begin to keep better track of where my time goes, even writing it down on a chart. In doing so, I'll have an actual record of where my time is effective as well as identifying my “time wasters”. Yes, I know in a general sense where my productive times are and where the time wasters are, but if I write my time down, I'll be less likely to excuse my time wasters and my procrastinational periods. I will continue to pursue reading and studying on Time Management information.

As for the matter of time in relation to eternity, my best resource for keeping this clear in my mind is Bible study. All of Scripture encourages us to be conscious of our time and what we do in relation to eternal perspectives, and standing before God to give account of our lives. This is the very sobering part, but if can get ourselves into the practice of, as Mr. Grubbs stated, asking “What does God want me to do right now?”, that will be a big help to us. That is worth repeating. Remember to ask, “What does God want me to do right now?”

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Thirdly, in planning how to implement my goals to better manage my time, it's going to take a lot more organization in my life. In seeking to accomplish more at this period of my life than I have in previous years, I'm finding that better organization will be one of my greatest assets, or I should say necessities. Things like filing items correctly THE FIRST TIME, so I don't have to handle the same material more than necessary, have better control over my email, which seems to get way out of hand for me! Mr. Grubbs spoke about learning to handle email once! Respond, file, or trash it, in simple language! Sometimes I can benefit from finding someone else, who is willing to do so, to help me with things that they may be better at than me. Or someone who simply has the time to do so.
Also, as I mentioned in another place, having a good planner will save time and keep me better organized. I have been using a simple weekly planner, but I realize it is becoming inefficient for my needs.
Simply, any means of saving valuable time that works well and doesn't affect something else in an extremely negative way are the things I need to be on the look out for. Time is what we trade our life for, to paraphrase B. Franklin.
Time is precious.

Oceans of Knowledge and Helps

The Following 5 web-sites offer an ocean of Educational Information, Regardless of Your Learning Stage. Samples are below. Enjoy!

1. Life Changing Seminars: Rick Grubbs Lifechangingseminars.com
This site offers free resources to aid the Christian in Biblical studies and Time Management
The sources are not all Christian, but are still good sources for organizational articles and material, articles on good study habits and time management.
One example is Daytimer.com. It consists of many links to additional sites such as: “Organizing For The Creative Person”, by D. Lamping & D. Lehmhuhl. Some others are: “15 Ways To Save Time”; “Controlling Paperwork...”; “Procrastination”; 10 Tips On Information Overload”.
This is a very good resource and information site, giving the visitor many options of interest. There is a radio link for information on the organizations radio program, a schedule for Time Management Seminars, and a Newsletter is available. There is also lots of help resources, a link for home schoolers, articles, and much more. I would like to come back to it.

2. Education Atlas: http://www.educationatlas.com

Make clear and accurate notes. If you don't, your notes may not help you remember what the teacher was saying.
Come to class prepared. Have assignment read and your notes reviewed from last class.
Other note taking points were: *Compare Notes, *Minimize Distractions, *Organize Your Notes, *Review Notes, *Write Clearly, *Write Down Questions.
This also a good site for information and educational resources. It offers links for Online Degrees; Early Childhood Ed.; Special Ed.; Careers; Higher Education.

3. Education Atlas: Listening In Class http://www.educationatlas.com
Hearing and listening are two different things. We must process what we are hearing.
Listen for meaning. Understand the intended purpose of what is being taught.
Other points are: *Adjust Your Note Taking Style to the Lecture, *Tackle Difficult to Understand Material (use your brain power to comprehend). *Concentrate/Focus On What's Important, *Choose to Be Interested.
This is the same site as #2, offering a wide range of educational information. Education Atlas is a keeper for those who are looking for good web-sites to use or recommend to others.

4. Study Guide and Strategies: A.S.P.I.R.E. http://www.studygs.net/aspire
A. Approach/Attitude/Arrange: A positive Approach and Attitude, Arrange undistracted schedule.
S. Select/Survey/Study: Select reasonable amount of study material, Survey components and questions, Study marking information not understood.
P. Put Aside/Piece Together: Put Aside books and notes, Piece Together what you've studied, alone or with others.
I. Inspect/Investigate/Inquire: Do all of these with your notes and information learned, especially what you don't understand, using resources of books, web-sites, students, teachers, tutors, etc.
R. Reconsider/Reflect/Relay: Reconsider content, what questions do you need to ask?, Reflect on materials: How can I apply this?, Relay understanding: How could I make this information interesting to others?
E. Evaluate/Examine/Explore: Evaluate grades and look for patterns, Examine your process toward improvement, Explore options with teacher of support professional
.This site is quite amazing once you look it over! The index lists a huge variety of topics, with several links under each, such as: T.M., Meeting Challenges, Learning, Studying, Classroom Participation, Thinking, Project Management, Wring Basics, Writing Types, Math, Science, and the list goes on. Side tabs offer 35 languages to click on. The information about the author/owner Joe Landsberger is very interesting. It's worth the time to look at his experience and credentials on his personal info page.



5. About.com 10 Great Study Habits http://homeworktips.about.com
1.Write Down Every Assignment
2.Remember to Bring Your Homework to School
3.Communicate With Your Teacher
4.Organize With Color
5.Establish a Study Zone at Home
6.Prepare Yourself for Test Days
7.Know Your Dominate Learning Style
8.Take Fabulous Notes
9.Conquer procrastination
10.Take Care of Yourself

These are discussed in some detail on the About.com site. This is another web-site that has much to offer about most anything, but for our educational purposes it is a tremendously informative resource.