1997 – Volume 8
Turning Point¹
The year 1878 is significant in Bible Student reckoning It marked the end of the Jewish double or mishneh of 1845 years. The first half of favor began with the death of Jacob and blessing of the 12 tribes of Israel and extended to our Lord's death in 33 AD. The second half of disfavor commenced there and extends to the year 1878. Incidentally, [...]
Samson
Samson was one of the most colorful figures among the heroes of the Old Testament. Paul lists him in the company of such stalwarts as Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who “through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, [...]
Horses Ready for Battle
“Hast thou given the horse his strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Cans't thou make him afraid as the grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver [...]
Following the Star¹
Matthew 2:1-12 (Translations are from the NASV) “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him” And when Herod the king heard it, [...]
Why Rachel? Why Ramah?
“Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel [Rachel] weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and shine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the [...]
The Trial of Jesus Christ
Each year, as we celebrate the Memorial of Jesus' death, we are brought closer to Him through the realization of what he suffered during that last day which ended in his death. Nothing that is recorded of his life has such an impact on our appreciation of the magnitude of his suffering and sacrifice on our behalf. At the conclusion of the celebration of [...]
Dan and Benjamin
In a previous article (May 1997) evidence was presented that Samson pictured the church. The narrative of his experiences appears in Judges chapters 13-16. Following this appear two other narratives which close this book. The first is about the tribe of Dan, explaining how a large portion of this tribe fell into a form of idolatry which continued “until the day of the captivity [...]
Two Genealogies of Christ
Sceptics of all ages have urged the impossibility of reconciling the difficulties in the two accounts of the descent of Jesus. Even Alford says it is impossible to reconcile them. But certainly several possible explanations have been suggested. The chief difficulties will be discussed. 1. In Matthew's list several discrepancies are pointed out. (a) It is objected that Matthew is mistaken in making three [...]
A Subtle Hint of the Resurrection
Sometimes we look so hard at the antitype that we completely miss a little blessing in the story (or type) itself. For example, at the end of Job's trial it says: “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.” Then it lists what he received. [...]
Growth of the Righteous
“The Righteous shall flourish as a Palm Tree; he shall grow up as a Cedar of Lebanon.” - Psalms 92:12 There is a wealth and depth of meaning in every line of the Bible could we but fathom the divine intention. Some have questioned - Why is not Scripture given in simple language so all might readily understand? We might well reply - for [...]
Common Root for All the Branches
From the beginning, God chose Abraham and his seed for blessing all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3, 22:17-18). Careful Bible Students recognize that at the end of the Jewish dispensation “God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name” (Acts 15:14). “I will call them my people, which were not my people” (Romans [...]
Where Will All Nations Be Gathered?
The concept of a “gathering of all nations” to the final battle between good and evil is a common one in Biblical prophecy. Seven different Old Testament prophecies refer to this event, as well as the well known reference to “Armageddon” in Revelation. However, though there are numerous references to such a gathering - and, being in end-time prophecies, they all appear to refer [...]
The Resurrection
“The doctrine of the resurrection appears to have been thought of much more consequence among the primitive Christians than it is now. How is this? The apostles were continually insisting on it, and exciting the followers of God to diligence, obedience, and cheerfulness through it. And their successors in the present day seldom mention it! So apostles preached, and so primitive Christians believed; so [...]
Historic Confirmation of Bible Student Chronology
Summary report of L.A. Times feature article, “Time Keepers,” by staff writer Thomas H. Maugh, II, August 29, 1996. Metro section, p. B-2. (See also NATURE, “The Exodus Enigma,” July 18, 1996, p. 213, a scientific report in more technical terms.) OVERVIEW In a breakthrough of historic proportions, researchers from Cornell University have developed the first tree-ring chronology from the Middle East, allowing precise [...]
Are You Moving?
If you change your address, please inform us early. Non-Profit mail is not automatically forwarded and requires an attempt to locate you and re-mail the material. Download PDF