Tom Ruggirello
Hosea, A Minor Prophet with a Major Challenge
“I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God” (Hosea 2:23). On a number of occasions the heavenly Father asked some faithful individuals to do things they could not understand at the time. Those who obeyed received a profound glimpse at the wisdom of God. One such individual was the prophet, [...]
Correlating the Spring and Fall Burnt Offerings
The feasts of Israel were special observances designed to help Israel recall the many blessings and providences of God. They were observed in both the spring and fall of the year. Before addressing the feasts of Israel it may be helpful to examine the basic meaning of burnt offerings. THE PEOPLE’S BURNT OFFERINGS As described in Leviticus 1, any Israelite was free to bring [...]
Four Generations Illustrating God’s Plan
A study of Old Testament heroes is inspiring as we see their faith demonstrated in real life situations. Those described in Hebrews 11 remained true to God and the principles of righteousness in very difficult circumstances. When examining some of these examples, there is an interesting possibility in connection with the fathers of Israel. Their experiences may illustrate the plan of God. It is [...]
Rubbed Upon the Touchstone
The use of the word torment in the Bible has mislead many to believe in the false teaching of eternal torment. In the King James version, the Greek word basanos (G931, βασανος) is commonly translated torment or tormented. However, the concept of hell as a place of sorrow and pain is inconsistent with the true Biblical teaching that hell means the grave, a condition [...]
Resolving Differences at the Garden Tomb
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6). In comparing the Gospel accounts of the Garden Tomb experience some apparent differences appear. For example, the Matthew account says Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” came to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body (Matthew 28:10). Mark adds Salome (Mark 16:1), [...]
Glimpses of God
Strong's #3068 - Yehovah - (the) self existent or eternal, from Strong's #1961, hayah, to exist, i.e. be or become, come to pass. Oldest manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from the greek tetra meaning four and gramma meaning letter). These four letters are YHWH. The Hebrew alphabet was composed of 22 consonants. The vowel sounds [...]