Berniece and Drusilla — Bad Girls of the Bible (Reblog)

These two women are mentioned in the New Testament and also appear in historical records.

• Berniece (Berenice) — Known historically for her political entanglements and controversial relationships, often portrayed as morally questionable.
• Drusilla — Mentioned in Acts as the wife of Felix, tied to political power and decisions that placed her in a morally ambiguous light.

I asked AI for a critique of my article.

AI says: “Some might say they are complex women navigating power, culture, and their circumstances.”

Whatever AI. I'm HUMINT* and I don't buy that.

(*HUMINT – human intelligence)

They weren't the only women living during that time period. Other women – like Esther, Ruth, Abigail, Mary – were in the same set of circumstances. They were women of faith and chose completely different paths.

I called Berniece and Drusilla “bad” and I'm sticking to it!

See full article/original content.

RELATED POSTS:

The Book is For All People

Believers and non-believers may argue and debate about the facts presented in the Book aka the Bible, but both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.

Believers and non-believers have argued and debated about the facts presented in the Book, aka the Bible, for thousands of years. Is it true or is it false? No consensus has ever been reached. But both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.

– The storyline is woven over 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation.
– There are descriptions of the lands or nations and their inhabitants with a view of what life was like during biblical times.

– The recording and reporting of significant historical events, though some choose to call them fanciful stories or legends.
– There are wise proverbs, profound parables, beautiful poetry, and song lyrics (nobody really knows what the music sounded like).

Almost every year, many make a New Year’s Resolution that they are going to read the entire Bible. They schedule daily readings and by the end of 365 days (366 during Leap Year), hope to have accomplished what they set out to do. How hard can it be?

* The times have truly changed, haven’t they?

There was once a time when the scriptures were a closely guarded “secret”. The common man was not allowed to view these words, let alone read them and try to comprehend their meaning. Self-appointed “keepers” who considered themselves a sort of “religious elite” decided that they were the only ones who should possess this knowledge, and they were the only ones capable of interpreting and teaching the “hidden meanings”. They refused to allow the Bible to be translated or read by ordinary folk.

Brave men, at great peril to their lives, dared not just to read the Word but to translate it into plain English. William Tyndale (1494–1536) was forced into exile and later burned to death as a heretic. But not before he translated the Bible into English. He was determined. There were others who, like Tyndale, were willing to risk it all.

These days, anybody could actually read the Bible in a year or even less than a year. In fact, people don’t even have to read anymore! Just listen. The Bible is available on cassette tapes, CD, DVD, audio files via the Internet, etc. FREE! Translations are in English and hundreds of other languages. Indeed, the Israel Museum partnered with Google and undertook the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Project to make these ancient manuscripts available for up-close and personal examination by everyday people!

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:

“Digital Dead Sea Scrolls.” The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls, http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/. (Image credit.)

“THE DARING MISSION OF WILLIAM TYNDALE – Steven J. Lawson (2015).” Veritas et Lux, 9 Feb. 2015, https://davidsteele.blog/2015/02/09/the-daring-mission-of-william-tyndale-steven-j-lawson-2015/.

The Story of the Bible: The Fascinating History of Its Writing, Translation & Effect on Civilization (Larry Stone, Thomas Nelson Pub., 201, 94 pages) (archived copy)

Flowers in Scripture That Refer to (or Symbolically Foreshadow) Jesus Christ 🌸

Spring is the time of the year for flowers, and in particular, the months of March and April celebrate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity.  The Bible contains many flowers and images of flowers that are used directly or symbolically in connection with Jesus Christ.  Behold the beauty of Christ.

1. Lily

Biblical references:
Song of Solomon 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29

Connection to Christ:
In Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to a lily. While the original context is romantic poetry, Christian interpretation has often seen the Bridegroom as a type of Christ. In Hosea 14:5, God says of restored Israel, “He shall blossom like the lily,” which many Christians read as pointing to the Messiah’s purity and beauty. Jesus Himself references lilies when teaching about God’s provision, which believers connect to His own divine care.

Symbolic themes: purity, beauty, divine provision.

2. Rose / Rose of Sharon

Biblical reference:
Song of Solomon 2:1

Connection to Christ:
The text says, “I am the rose of Sharon,” spoken by the bride or bridegroom, depending on interpretation. Christian theology has historically applied this to Christ as the fairest, most beloved, and most fragrant among God’s people.

Symbolic themes: loveliness, uniqueness, the beauty of the Messiah.

Flowering Plants or Blossoms Used as Messianic Imagery

These are not always “flowers” in the modern gardening sense, but Scripture uses imagery of blossoming and botany to describe the Messiah.

3. The Branch That Blossoms

Biblical references:
Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12

Connection to Christ:
These are explicit messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. While they do not name a specific flower, the imagery is botanical and often pictured as a flowering branch. Jesus is the righteous Branch from the line of David and Jesse.

Symbolic themes: new life, kingship, restoration.

4. Almond Blossom

Biblical reference:
Numbers 17:8

Connection to Christ:
Aaron’s rod miraculously “sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.” Early Christian readers saw this as a type of Christ’s resurrection—life springing from what was dead. Almond blossoms also appear in the design of the lampstand (Exodus 25), which many connect to Christ as the Light of the World.

Symbolic themes: resurrection, priesthood, divine election.

5. Blossoms on the Vine

Biblical reference:
John 15:1

Connection to Christ:
Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” While the passage does not explicitly mention flowers, a vine naturally produces blossoms before fruit. The image emphasizes that all true spiritual life and fruitfulness flow from union with Christ.

Symbolic themes: spiritual life, fruitfulness, union with Christ.

Summary

Category	Flower / Plant	Scriptural Basis	Connection to Christ
Direct floral imagery	Lily	Song 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29	Purity, beauty, divine care
Direct floral imagery	Rose / Rose of Sharon	Song 2:1	Beauty, belovedness
Flowering prophetic imagery	Branch (blossoming)	Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12	Messiah, kingship, restoration
Flowering prophetic imagery	Almond blossom	Numbers 17:8	Resurrection, priesthood
Botanical metaphor	Vine (implied blossoms)	John 15:1	Life-giving union and fruitfulness in Christ

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:

• Brown, Raymond E. The Birth of the Messiah. Doubleday, 1993.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌸 

Christianity: Symbolism of the Palm Tree in Scripture

The palm tree carries deep symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, and many of its themes point beautifully to Jesus Christ and the life He gives.

1. Righteousness and Flourishing

Key verse: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” — Psalm 92:12

The palm stands tall, straight, and evergreen, symbolizing enduring righteousness. Christ, the perfectly righteous One, fulfills this image completely. Believers flourish in Him just as a palm thrives even in harsh conditions.

Themes: steadfastness, purity, spiritual vitality.

2. Victory and Triumph

In the ancient world, palms symbolized victory and were awarded to champions.

Connection to Christ: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches (John 12:13), proclaiming Him as the victorious King.

Themes: kingship, triumph, messianic identity.

3. Peace and Welcome

Palm branches were used in celebrations and joyful processions. When the people laid palms before Jesus, they offered Him honor, peace, and a warm welcome.

Themes: hospitality, joy, celebration of the Messiah.

4. Fruitfulness in Harsh Conditions

The date palm thrives in desert climates by drawing water from deep underground. This makes it a symbol of life in barren places—a fitting picture of Christ bringing life where there is spiritual dryness.

Themes: provision, sustenance, life-giving presence.

5. Uprightness and Integrity

The palm grows straight upward, unlike many trees that twist or bend. This became a symbol of moral uprightness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the One without sin.

Themes: holiness, moral clarity, divine perfection.

6. Resurrection and Eternal Life

Because palms remain green year-round and can live for centuries, they became symbols of immortality. Early Christians used palm imagery on tombs to proclaim the resurrection hope found in Christ.

Themes: eternal life, resurrection, hope beyond death.

7. Heavenly Worship

In Revelation, the redeemed stand before the throne with palm branches (Revelation 7:9). This echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry—now with His victory fully realized.

Themes: worship, final victory, redeemed humanity.

Hosanna Palm Leaf

Sources:

• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• My original content republished from: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner, “Trees Deserve Respect.” Wizzley.Com, 25 Jul. 2013.

PALM TREES

Palmae Family

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses".  Sorry.  I don't have the list to share with you.  But I will share what I know. 

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize.  They are tall, slender, with no branches.  Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes. 

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East.  Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people.  The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine.  Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves.  Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years. 

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

Learn more:  How to Identify Species of Palm Trees

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌴

Bethlehem Through the Ages: 15 Wonder-Filled Facts From the Bible and History

Bethlehem is one of the most recognizable towns in the world — yet few people know its deep, layered story that begins long before the Nativity and stretches into modern times. Below is a time-travel view of Bethlehem: what it was like before Jesus, during His life, and throughout the centuries that followed.

Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay

⭐Before Jesus: Bethlehem in the Old Testament

1. Bethlehem Was Once Called Ephrath or Ephrathah

Genesis refers to the town as Ephrath when Rachel dies there. This highlights its deep antiquity. The name “Bethlehem Ephrathah” emphasizes its ancient identity and distinguishes it from another Bethlehem in northern Israel.

2. A Fertile Agricultural Village

Bethlehem sat on productive land in the Judean hill country. This agrarian reputation appears in the book of Ruth, where barley and wheat harvests form the backdrop of the narrative (Ruth 1–4).  Learn more: Daily Life in Ancient Israel - Biblical Archaeology Society

3. Birthplace and Home of King David

1 Samuel 16 describes the prophet Samuel traveling to Bethlehem to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse. This established Bethlehem as “the City of David,” a title carried into the New Testament.

4. Setting of Ruth and Boaz’s Story

The romance of Ruth and Boaz unfolds in Bethlehem.  Ruth and Boaz become the great-grandparents of King David (Ruth 4:17–22), grounding Bethlehem in Israel’s royal and Messianic history.

5. Micah’s Prophecy of a Future Ruler

Micah 5:2 prophesied that a ruler from ancient times would come from “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” This prophecy becomes central to Christian understanding of Jesus’ birth centuries later.

⭐Bethlehem During the Time of Jesus (New Testament Era)

1. Under Roman Rule in Judea

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Judea was controlled by Rome and ruled locally by King Herod the Great (Matthew 2:1–3). Bethlehem functioned as a small Judean town within this political structure.

2. The Census Journey

Joseph and Mary traveled there for the census under Caesar Augustus.  Because Joseph was of David’s lineage, he returned to Bethlehem for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1–5). This movement fulfilled both Roman administrative requirements and biblical prophecy.

3. Humble Birthplace of Jesus

According to Luke 2:7, Jesus was laid in a manger because there was no room in the kataluma (“lodging place”). This suggests Bethlehem had limited lodging capacity, typical of a small rural town.

4. Herod’s Infamous Decree

Matthew 2:16–18 records that Herod ordered the killing of boys two years old and under in Bethlehem to eliminate the “King of the Jews.” This tragic event is tied directly to Bethlehem’s place in the nativity narrative. (NOTE: The Roman province of Judaea was eventually renamed Syria Palaestina.)  

5. Messianic Recognition

In John 7:41–42, people debate Jesus’ Messianic identity by citing that the Messiah must come from David’s town, Bethlehem. This shows Bethlehem’s recognized prophetic significance during Jesus’ lifetime.

⭐ Bethlehem After the Apostles & Into Modern Times

From the 2nd century onward, Bethlehem grew into a major Christian center — and later a complex cultural crossroads shaped by multiple empires.

1. A Christian Pilgrimage Center

Early writers (e.g., Justin Martyr, mid-2nd century), identifying themselves as Christian identified Bethlehem as the nativity location. By the early 300s, Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, commissioned the Church of the Nativity (completed c. 339 CE).

2. Church of the Nativity: One of the Oldest Churches

Built under Empress Helena and rebuilt by Justinian, the church still functions today.

3. A City Shaped by Many Empires

Through the centuries, Bethlehem came under Byzantine, Crusader, Islamic Caliphate, Ottoman, British Mandate, Jordanian, and modern Palestinian Authority control. This layered history shaped its cultural and religious identity.

4. Modern Demographics

Today, Bethlehem is predominantly Palestinian, with a small but historic Christian community.  Bethlehem historically had a large Christian population, but emigration and geopolitical pressures have reduced the Christian demographic to a small minority of professing believers, still influential culturally and economically.

5. UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Church of the Nativity and its pilgrimage routes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2012. Annual Christmas celebrations draw pilgrims from around the world, affirming Bethlehem’s ongoing global significance.

By Neil Ward - Church of the Nativity, CC BY 2.0 

Bibliography:

• The Bible. New Revised Standard Version, Zondervan, 1989.
• Barker, Kenneth, and John Kohlenberger. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament Survey. Zondervan, 2014.
• Finegan, Jack. The Archeology of the New Testament. Princeton UP, 1992.
• Hachlili, Rachel. Jewish Funerary Customs... Brill, 2005.
• Houssaye, Amelie. “Bethlehem.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024.
• Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome. The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford UP, 2008.
• Pringle, Denys. The Churches of the Crusader Kingdom... Cambridge UP, 1993.
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity...” UNESCO, 2012.

Bible Study: The Story of Abigail and Nabal (A Role Model for Wise Women)

The name Abigail is Hebrew and it means "my father's joy". Because of the story about this man in the Bible the name Nabal gained the figurative meaning of being shamelessly malodorous.

Image credit

• For those who are not familiar with the Old Testament story of Abigail and Nabal, it is as follows:

She is described as “a woman of good understanding” (1 Samuel 25), the wife of an unreasonable scoundrel, named Nabal, who provoked the anger of a future king of Israel, David. So ferocious was David's anger that he determined to wipe out the entire house of Nabal. The servants told Abigail what her husband had done and also clarified their report by saying that David had been very kind to them and had protected them from ruthless marauders. She immediately prepared food and took it to David and his men; apologizing for her husband's disrespect and insult; and imploring David to have mercy on those who were innocent and meant him no harm. Her actions caused David to have a change of heart. She also won his heart. When she informed her husband that he had almost caused the death and destruction of his entire family, servants included, he apparently died from shock!

Original Source

Bible Study: 7 Major Themes of the Book of Revelation

The overall theme of Revelation is TIME. 

The number 7 was used often in Revelation. There are more than 7 themes in Revelation, however these are the major themes.

1) Crown of life (Rev 2:10)

The saints who remain faithful until the end will receive a “crown of life”.

2) War in heaven (Rev 12:7)

The “war in heaven” is a spiritual war for our souls.  Satan does not want the faithful to be saved.

3) Lamb of God (Rev 5:12) is the Alpha and Omega ( Rev 21:6 )

The “Lamb of God” is Jesus Who was “slain”.  Jesus died for us.  He has the power over TIME.  The “Alpha and Omega” means He is the beginning and the end of TIME.

4) The Harvest   (Rev 14:15)

The “Harvest” is the final day when all on earth will be judged for their works; whether they were faithful or unfaithful.

5) A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1)

The earth and heaven we now know will be destroyed.  A “new heaven” and a “new earth” will be the new home for the faithful.

6) Tree of life (Rev 22:2)

Jesus promised us eternal life.  The leaves on the “tree of life” are for healing.  Whoever eats of the tree can live forever.  But they have to be in heaven because that’s where the tree is.  Only the faithful will be in heaven.

7) JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! (Rev 22:12)

The faithful are in the church of Christ.  The church is the “bride of Christ”.  Jesus promised He would come again for His bride.  The church will be glad when Jesus comes!

(Image credit: The map of the 7 churches was found at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Seven churches of Asia.)

* * *

If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:

The Major Themes of Genesis

The Book of Exodus

The Book of Numbers

Book of Deuteronomy

Original Source

The Book of Revelation in Art

https://foxmarksatx.tumblr.com/post/651751591768096768/the-woman-and-the-dragon-revelation-1214

https://foxmarksatx.tumblr.com/post/651751638924673024/the-seven-eyed-seven-horned-lamb-from-the-book-of

Who Was Moses? He Was Called Friend of God

Moses, Friend of God:  "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend."

Moses - the name means "drawn from the water" ~ he was the son of Amram and Jochebed (Exo 2: 10-21)

Image credit: Moses On The Nile Spiritual and Religious Bible Wall Decor Art Print Poster (16x20) by Impact Posters Gallery  

“Moses lived for 120 years, a period divided into three sections of forty years each:

The first forty years – from his birth until the flight into Midian. As Pharoah's son, Moses learned to be SOMEBODY.

The second forty years – from the flight into Midian to the Exodus. In desert places he learned how to become a NOBODY.

The third forty years – from the Exodus to his own exodus. As the leader of God's hosts he learned that GOD WAS EVERYBODY – the One he could speak to face to face as a man speaks to his friends”

QUOTE SOURCE: Lockyer, Herbert. "Moses." All the Men of the Bible: A Portrait Gallery and Reference Library of More than 3000 Biblical Characters. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1958. 

Important People in the Life of Moses

Faithful Christians almost never have to walk alone. Besides the fact that Jesus is always with us, in this life we often have faithful companions. It was the same for Moses, who was a faithful servant of God. Three men were there at times when Moses needed encouragement.

Aaron was the brother of Moses. Because he could speak well, God allowed him to go with Moses before Pharoah and ask for the people to be set free. Even though he held an important position as a leader, he was weakened by the murmuring and complaining of the people. He made a golden calf for the Israelites to worship in the desert. This was a terrible sin of idolatry. They were all punished. Despite this he was Moses' faithful speaker, and the first high priest of Israel.

Jethro was a shepherd and priest who lived in Midian. Moses married one of his daughters, Zipporah, and so he became his father in law. Jethro is also called Reuel. He gave Moses wise counsel on how to properly judge God's people. He told him to judge the hard matters and leave the less difficult cases to able men.

Joshua was a faithful servant to Moses and the son of Nun. He was born as a slave under the bondage of Pharaoh in Egypt. He was one of the 12 spies sent to bring back a report on the land of Canaan. Joshua reported that the land was good. He was a soldier, brave in battle, and a man who prayed and had faith in God. He was chosen to lead the people after the death of Moses. Moses changed his name from Oshea to Hoshea which means “help” to Joshua, which means “God's help” or “salvation”. 

 

Image credit:  Wikimedia Commons ~ Moses and the Ten Commandments, c. 1896-1902, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902), gouache on board, 10 11/16 x 5 5/8 in. (27.3 x 14.5 cm), at the Jewish Museum, New York  c. 1896-1902

The Death of Moses, God's Chosen Prophet, God's Lawgiver, and God's Friend

Moses is honored by many today as a holy man of God, a prophet, the one who gave God's laws to Israel, and the man called God's Friend. Yet unlike many other men who built great tombs so that they would not be forgotten, there is no monument or tombstone to mark his grave. To this day nobody has ever discovered the burial place of Moses. All that is known is that he climbed Mount Nebo, viewed the Promised Land (Canaan) from a distance, and died. The nation of Israel mourned his death for thirty (30) days. His passing is recorded in Deuteronomy 34: 1 – 8.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain, The Death of Moses, as in Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company, 1907

Bible Study: Book of Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, and focused on certain events that were recorded in chapters 31 through 34.

Deuteronomy means “second law”. It ends with Moses' death at the age of 120 years old. This book contains the final teachings he gives to the people. Before Moses dies he sings a song recorded in Deuteronomy 32 and blesses the Israelite tribes. Because he sinned, he never entered the Promised Land. He only viewed it from a distance before his death, but that will never change the fact that Moses is a highly respected man in Judaism and Christianity today.

My favorite verse is Deuteronomy 33:3.

• Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

This is my favorite verse because the thought of everyone receiving the LORD'S words and worshiping at His feet makes me happy. Also,whenever I stumble in my Christian walk I can always remember the LORD loves people and that all His saints are in His hands. I always have the chance to receive His words and study His words.

Bible Study: The Book of Numbers

This is a brief overview of the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Old Testament, and focuses on certain events that were recorded in chapters 10 through 14, and 20 – 14. For example, the people being fed quail and Moses fetching water from the rock. This was done because they said they were brought out of Egypt to die from lack of food and water.

Numbers centers on God's faithfulness to His people and how disobedience will not be tolerated in His eyes. As the tribes set out from the Desert of Sinai the Israelites turn to complaining which provokes the LORD to anger. Even the brother and sister of Moses, Aaron and Miriam, made God angry because they spoke harshly to Moses about his Cushite wife. Miriam was infected with leprosy and had to be confined outside the camp for seven days. 

After leaving Hazeroth, the Israelites camped at the Desert of Paran while Moses sent 12 men to explore Canaan and bring back a report. Ten of the men who brought back a bad report claiming their size compared to the people that lived there was like grasshoppers to giants. The remaining two, Joshua and Caleb, gave Moses a good report. Those who brought back a bad report died by a plague from the LORD.

The Israelites complained often about not having water. The first time Moses miraculously brought water from a rock, God told him to strike it. But the second time, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock. But Moses let his won anger get the better of him and disobeyed God by striking the rock. This sin was the reason Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

The lesson for Christians through the Book of Numbers is God is faithful and always fulfills our necessary needs even though we may have petty complaints about what we need, but He does not tolerate disobedience.

My favorite verse from this book of the Bible is Number 12: 3.

• “Now the man Moses was very humble,more than all men who were on the face of all earth.”

This is my favorite verse in Numbers because it gives me a figure of modesty that I can follow in my Christian walk. Modesty or humbleness in Christian teachings is the fruit of the spirit.



Image Credit: Wikimedia commons, Public Domain  - Miriam stricken with leprosy

Bible Study: The Book of Exodus

The Book of EXODUS focuses on Israelites multiplying and spreading in the land of Egypt resulting in the Egyptians oppressing them with harsh labor due to Pharaoh’s fears of the tribes attempting to oppose him because of their increasing number of people. Pharaoh was so scared that he made an order to throw every Hebrew baby boy in the Nile River,but he allowed girls to live.

Moses was born a Hebrew and because of Pharaoh's order, his mother, Jochebed hid Moses for three months. When she could no longer do this, she then placed him in a papyrus basket and set it in the Nile River. Moses' sister, Miriam, carefully watched to see what would happen to him when Pharaoh's daughter saw him. Although he was identified as a Hebrew baby, Pharaoh's daughter took him to be her own son. Miriam suggested that she could find a Hebrew woman to nurse the child and she went and got Moses' mother.

Moses was raised as a part of Pharoah's family and lived in Egypt for 40 years. One day, he murdered an Egyptian who was mistreating one of the Hebrew slaves. The next day he discovered that his act was not a secret, so he ran away to Midian. There he lived as a shepherd, married, and had children. A life changing pivotal point in Moses' life occurs on Mount Horeb where Moses encounters a flaming bush that was not being burned by the fire. God spoke to Moses from the bush. God said He has heard their cries of agony from His people and Moses would be sent to deliver them. Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey called Canaan.

Listen to the Book of Exodus online free.

* Important Events in the Book of Exodus

1. Moses drawn from the river by Pharoah's daughter
2. God speaks to Moses through the Burning Bush
3. Egyptians were afflicted with Ten Plagues
4. Moses parting the Red Sea
5. Moses receives the Ten Commandments
6. Tribes of Israel worship the Golden Calf
7. God's people gather manna, the bread from heaven
8. Moses' arms held up to win the battle of Amalekites

Bible Study: The Major Themes of Genesis

Probably an excellent way to study the Bible is to start at the beginning. That's what the word "Genesis" means. If you are a new student of biblical studies these notes should get you started.

THE MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS

1. God had a plan to redeem all of humanity.

2. The beginning of God’s creation.

3. Temptation by Satan to sin.

4. Sin against the Lord; mankind’s disobedience.

5. God’s promise to Abram (Abraham)

6. Lives of holy men like Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph and how they walked before God.

7. God keeps His promises.



IMPORTANT EVENTS

• God created the heavens, the earth, and man; and made the Sabbath Day holy.

• Satan tempts God’s children, Adam and Eve, and they sin against the Lord, and are cast out of their first home.

• Noah preaches and warns people about the flood; builds the ark, the flood happens, and only eight souls survive (Noah’s family).

• Nimrod builds the Tower of Babel to reach the heavens and God confuses the language of the people to stop the work and they scatter upon the face of the earth.

• God calls Abram out of his homeland, the Ur of the Chaldees, promises to make of his seed a holy nation. 

Abraham's Seed:  God's Plan ~ God's Promise ~ God's Providence

BRIEF OUTLINE OF GENESIS

• Chapters 1 - 5:  Creation and the fall of man  
• Chapters 6-11 : 9:  Noah, the flood; Tower of Babel, and confusion of languages  
• Chapter 11: 10 – Chapter 36:  Lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 
• Chapter 37 – 50:  The story of Joseph and how God brought His people out of bondage to fulfill His promise to Abraham.
  
  

READ or LISTEN to the Book of Genesis Online

There are many sites on the Internet where you can read or listen to the books of the Bible free.

• If you want to read Genesis online, click here.
• If you want to listen, click audio.

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Related JDV Posts:

And God Said to the Woman "Thou Shalt Not Be Equal" : Did God Really Say That?

Bible Study: 7 Major Themes in the Book of Revelation

The number 7 was used often in Revelation.  There are more than 7 themes in Revelation, but I understand these. 

1) Crown of life (Rev 2:10)

The saints who remain faithful until the end will receive a “crown of life”.

2) War in heaven (Rev 12:7)

The “war in heaven” is a spiritual war for our souls.  Satan does not want the faithful to be saved.

3) Lamb of God (Rev 5:12) is the Alpha and Omega ( Rev 21:6 )

The “Lamb of God” is Jesus Who was “slain”.  Jesus died for us.  He has the power over TIME.  The “Alpha and Omega” means He is the beginning and the end of TIME.

4) The Harvest   (Rev 14:15)

The “Harvest” is the final day when all on earth will be judged for their works; whether they were faithful or unfaithful.

5) A new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21:1)

The earth and heaven we now know will be destroyed.  A “new heaven” and a “new earth” will be the new home for the faithful.

6) Tree of life (Rev 22:2)

Jesus promised us eternal life.  The leaves on the “tree of life” are for healing.  Whoever eats of the tree can live forever.  But they have to be in heaven because that’s where the tree is.  Only the faithful will be in heaven. 7) JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! (Rev 22:12) The faithful are in the church of Christ.  The church is the “bride of Christ”.  Jesus promised He would come again for His bride.  The church will be glad when Jesus comes! Image credit:  "New Jerusalem" Poster by Calgacus | Redbubble #Apocalypse #Revelation #prophecy https:// ~ https://bit.ly/3m0toEk ~ #artposters #wallart

Ten Commandments in Christianity - INTRO (Post Series)

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

This is a somewhat complicated study which hopefully is presented in a simplified, easy-to-read and understand format. Blessings!

Scriptural references for the Ten Commandments are found in the Jewish scriptures: Exodus 20: 1 -17 and also Deuteronomy 5: 1 - 21.

Some think or believe that these Divine edicts were done away with via Christianity. This is false. In Christian Scriptures, these Commandments are restated in the gospels by Jesus Christ and in the epistles by His Apostles.

* * *

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Summarily Restated by Jesus Christ as the 1st and 2nd Greatest Commandments:

MATT 22: 36 - 40 * * * * * 36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37) Jesus said unto him, THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. 38) This is the first and great commandment. 39) And the second is like unto it, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. 40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

THE 2nd COMMANDMENT Also Summarily Restated by Apostle Paul:

ROM 13: 8 - 10 * * * * * 8) Owe no man any thing but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT STEAL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment , it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. 10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

JESUS DID NOT COME TO DESTROY THE LAW OF MOSES:

MATT 5: 17 - 18 * * * * * 17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18) For verily I say unto you, Til heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled. MATT 16: 16 - 17 * * * * * 16) The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of heaven and preached, and every man presseth into it. 17) It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Original Source for content:  My Blog Stop!

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Continue the Series:

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 1st

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 2nd

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 3rd

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 4th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 5th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 6th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 7th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 8th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 9th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - 10th

Ten Commandments in Christianity - Final Post