Showing posts with label faith studies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith studies. Show all posts

Friday, September 4, 2026

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.
women in the Bible



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!


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Friday, April 17, 2026

The Resurrection. It's All About FAITH.

Recycling a post from my Facebook profile.  Every Easter (which is correctly termed "Resurrection Day"), many people who say they are believers celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Faiithful Christians celebrate this event every day of their lives.  Specifically, they observe His memorial (death, burial, and resurrection) by partaking of the Lord's Supper, every first day of the week; and they await His Second Coming.   He promised He would return for us, although He did not tell us when.  That's why we "watch and pray".

empty tomb

REFERENCE: What Would It Take to Prove the Resurrection? | Scientific American

This Scientific American article says to PROVE the Resurrection, there must be:

- Historical evidence, although historical documentation wouldn’t be enough.
- Science requires repeatability. ~ A one‑time supernatural event just won't cut it!
- Eyewitness testimony is unreliable because psychological research shows that memory is malleable, especially if emotionally charged or culturally significant.
- The article says there's a difference between “proof” and “belief.”
Religious belief doesn’t depend on scientific proof.

BOTTOM LINE: Resurrection claims fall into a category that science cannot adjudicate. TO DATE, no amount of historical or scientific evidence could ever conclusively prove a resurrection. The event is by definition supernatural and non-repeatable.

Belief in the resurrection ultimately rests on FAITH, not empirical demonstration.

The same logic also probably applies to the Ascension, even though there were eyewitnesses.

--- I like this science article. IT'S IN PLAIN LANGUAGE. You either believe the Resurrection is FACT or FICTION. I believe. πŸ’–


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Sunday, March 29, 2026

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.

palm trees

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


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.)🌴


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