of Anointing in Jewish Tradition In the Old Testament, the Israelites were honored as God’s chosen people, while those not among them were known as Gentiles. Yet, from the beginning, Gentiles were included in God’s plan of salvation. When God established the covenant with Abraham and promised to give him descendants, He was referring to…
In the Old Testament, the Israelites were honored as God’s chosen people, while those not among them were known as Gentiles. Yet, from the beginning, Gentiles were included in God’s plan of salvation. When God established the covenant with Abraham and promised to give him descendants, He was referring to both the Israelites who would…
The Samaritans lived in a region between Galilee and Judea. They were originally from the tribes of Ephraim and half of Manasseh. Long ago, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and took many Israelites away as prisoners. He brought people from other nations to live there as well (2 Kings 17:24; Ezra 4:2-11). These new…
The Sea of Galilee is a famous place from the Bible, known for many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings. It’s also called Lake Gennesaret or Lake Tiberias. This oval-shaped lake is about 21 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, making it the lowest freshwater lake on Earth at 208 meters below sea level. Surrounded…
Throughout the history of God’s people, God sent people out to proclaim His messages. This mission was never easy, as they were sent to a people that Moses had described with these bitter words: “You have been rebellious against the LORD ever since I have known you” (Deuteronomy 9:24). This rebellion against God was evident…
HOW WERE TAX COLLECTORS IN JESUS’ TIME PORTRAYED? They were seen as bad people and sinners. In the Bible, tax collectors are often shown in a bad light. They were seen as greedy and dishonest, working for the Roman government and sometimes taking more money than required. People thought they were doing wrong and treated…
The wise men are often mentioned during Christmas, and their story is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. They were part of a class of scholars or wise men, often called Magi, and they sought the Savior and King of mankind in order to worship Him. We usually know the story of the wise men with…
Over 300 years before Jesus was born, the Greek Empire ruled much of the world and spread its culture everywhere. After the Greeks, the Roman Empire took over, with strong leaders who controlled most of the known world. Around 60 years before Jesus was born, the Romans made Herod the ruler of Judea. He…
01: Meaning of the word: Joy or rejoicing describes a state of great gladness and inner happiness in one’s soul, often expressed outwardly through a smile, dancing, singing, or laughter. For Christians, true joy doesn’t come from outside circumstances but is a joy that comes from inside your heart, inseparable from God Himself: “Rejoice in…
INTRODUCTION TO THE NINEVITESNineveh, located along the eastern shore of the Tigris River near modern-day Mosul in Iraq, was one of the most prominent cities of ancient Assyria. It was a significant cultural, commercial, and political center in Mesopotamia. HISTORYEstablished around the 3rd millennium BC, Nineveh rose to prominence in the 7th century BC under…