Israel and the Land of Promise (Part 1)

In talking about the Land of Promise, we must begin with the land that was promised to Abraham in approximately 2100 BC: Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your country; and from your relatives; and from your Father’s house, to the land that I will show you;

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The Biblical Roots of Antisemitism

Let’s begin with a definition of “antisemitism” — “Antisemitism is hostility to, prejudice towards, or discrimination against Jews.” It is, plain and simple, racism! Interestingly enough, antisemitism finds its roots in the Bible. In this blog, I want to look at three sources of antisemitism, all found in the Bible. 1)

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The First 40 Years – An Unexpected Divine Encounter (AD 32)

In my last blog, we traveled with Philip to Samaria where he encountered a man named Simon who practiced magic arts. Simon received the message of the Gospel, but wanted to receive the Holy Spirit so that he could lay hands on others, either for profit or for personal acclaim.

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The First 40 Years – A Misplaced Quest for Power and Prestige (AD 32)

In last week’s blog, we focused on Stephen’s hard-hitting message to the Council, and when he concluded, they began shouting and covered their ears and rushed at him, and when they had driven him out of Jerusalem, they began stoning him until he died. But, if you recall, that’s not

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The First 40 Years – Stephen Calls Out the Council (AD 31)

In last week’s blog, we focused on the two occasions where Peter, after he had been imprisoned, confronted the religious leaders who formed the Jewish Council known as the Sanhedrin. Peter told them in no uncertain terms: “…we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). Threats

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The First 40 Years – Peter Confronts the Council – Again!  (AD 30)

If you recall, in the fourth chapter of Acts, Peter and John were thrown into prison overnight, but then released in the morning. After their release, they continued preaching the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, proclaiming that: “…there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men,

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The First 40 Years – Liars in the Early Church (AD 30)

In my last blog, we focused on sharing, which was a hallmark of the early church in Jerusalem. We also discovered that the writer of the Book of Hebrews admonished his readers to not: “…neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). If you

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The First 40 Years – Sharing – The Early Church Sets the Pace  (AD 30)

In my last blog, we discovered that Peter and John were thrown into jail after preaching about Jesus’ death and resurrection. But their jail time did not last long, as the next morning they were released, with the “command” that they no longer speak the name of Jesus. But Peter

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The First 40 Years – Catch and Release! (AD 30)

The title of today’s blog comes from an often-used fishing term where anglers are allowed to catch fish and then release them back into the water. No eating your catch! The whole point is that for most fishermen, the thrill comes from outsmarting those little creatures, not eating them! They

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The First 40 Years – Peter’s Second Sermon (AD 30)

Well, it’s time to jump back into the next phase of growth in the early church in Jerusalem. We have focused upon their commitment to maintaining fellowship and prayer, and to always listening to the Apostle’s teaching about Jesus’ life and ministry, including His death, resurrection, and ascension. Peter’s first

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