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Welcome to Day 2939 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2939– “Grave Warnings for the IN Crowd” – Luke 11:29-36 Putnam Church Message – 08/23/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Grave Warnings for the “IN” Crowd” Last week, our message was “The Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness,” and we learned that Jesus Christ was sent to reclaim the nations and finalize God's kingdom. Today, we continue with our thirty-fifth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Grave Warnings for the “IN” Crowd.” Our core passage today is Luke 11:29-36, starting on page 1615 of your pew Bibles. The Sign of Jonah 29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Lamp of the Body 33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy,[b] your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today asking for more than information. We ask for illumination. Shine the light of Your Word into every corner of our hearts. Lord Jesus, protect us from becoming people who stand close to You outwardly / while resisting You inwardly. / Keep us from demanding more evidence when You have already given us more than enough. Expose our pride, our hidden motives, our fears, and our excuses. Holy Spirit, give us clear eyes, humble hearts, and willing spirits. Help us not merely to admire the Light, but to walk in it. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction: Being “In” Does Not Mean Being Right By this point in Luke's Gospel, Jesus was no longer an unknown teacher from Galilee. His name was everywhere. John the Baptizer had drawn huge crowds and pointed people toward Him. Jesus had healed the sick, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, fed thousands, commanded storms, raised the dead, forgiven sinners, confronted hypocrisy, and commissioned His followers to carry His message throughout the land. People were talking about Him. / Some loved Him. / Some hated Him. / Some were afraid of Him. / And many were simply watching to see which way things would go. That is human nature, isn't it? / When something becomes popular, people begin asking, “Is this going to succeed?” / When an election approaches, some people wait to see who appears most likely to win. / When a business reorganizes, employees may quietly watch to see which executive is gaining influence. / When a controversy divides a community, some people hesitate to take a position until they know which side will cost them the least. And apparently, many people surrounding Jesus were doing something similar. / They were interested. / They were impressed. / They were curious. / But they were not committed. / They wanted Jesus to prove that following Him would be a safe investment. / Give us another sign. / Give us one more miracle. / Give us enough assurance that we can join Your side without risking too much. / But Jesus refused to play that game. Last week, in “The Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness,” we saw Jesus draw a sharp line. There is no neutral ground. The Stronger Man has entered the strong man's territory. The Kingdom of God has come near, and everyone must decide where their allegiance lies. Now Jesus takes that truth one step further. / He turns from the obvious darkness around them to the hidden darkness within them. / And that is where this message becomes uncomfortable. Because Jesus' strongest warning is not directed toward people who know nothing about God. / It is directed toward the people standing closest to the revelation. / The “IN” crowd. / The religiously informed. / The culturally familiar. / The people who have seen much, heard much, and know much. And Jesus says, in effect: The greater the light you receive, / the more responsible you are for what you do with it. Let's look at four truths that will help us to understand this passage, which are on your bulletin insert. Main Point 1: Demanding More Proof Can Become an Excuse for Not Believing Luke tells us that as the crowd pressed in around Jesus, He said: “This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah.” That sounds almost shocking. / Hadn't Jesus already given signs? / How many signs did they need? He had healed the blind. / He had cleansed lepers. / He had restored crippled bodies. / He had raised the dead. / He had fed thousands. / He had cast out demons. Immediately before this passage, He had delivered a man who could not speak because of demonic oppression. / And some still said, “Show us a sign.” At some point, the problem is no longer a lack of evidence. / The problem is unwillingness to respond to the evidence already given. The Sign of Jonah Jesus says Jonah will be the sign. / Jonah carried two powerful meanings. First, Jonah was a prophet sent by God with a message. / He went to Nineveh and said, essentially, “Judgment is coming. Repent.” / There were no fireworks. / No extended miracle campaign. /No entertainment. Just the Word of God. / And Nineveh responded. Second, as Matthew 12 makes clearer, Jonah's experience in the great fish also points forward to Jesus' death and resurrection. Jonah disappeared into the depths and emerged alive. / Jesus would descend into death and emerge victorious on the third day. The ultimate sign would not be another temporary miracle. / It would be the empty tomb. Ancient Context: Nineveh Nineveh was not a pleasant little Gentile village. / It was associated with Assyria, one of the most brutal imperial powers of the ancient world. / Assyrian warfare was infamous for cruelty. They terrorized conquered...
Esarhaddon inherited the Neo-Assyrian Empire at the height of its power—but his kingship looked very different from that of the warrior-kings who came before him. Plagued by questions of legitimacy, surrounded by prophets and diviners, and often absent from his own military campaigns, Esarhaddon nevertheless presided over an extraordinarily aggressive and successful Assyrian state.This episode follows the first half of Esarhaddon's reign: the rebuilding of Babylon, the rise of prophecy as a political force, wars against Chaldeans and Arabs, the arrival of the Cimmerians, the destruction of Sidon, the treaty with Baal of Tyre, and the strange expedition to Bazu. Along the way, we look at how Assyrian kingship was changing, how religion and factional politics shaped the court, and how an empire built for conquest could continue functioning even when its king was no longer personally leading every army.Music from the show: oldeststories.net/music (or search "Oldest Stories Music")Support the show:Books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate: oldeststories.netPatreon / YouTube members get bonus episodes: patreon.com/JamesBleckleyNo-AI readings of ancient texts: youtube.com/@osnightreading
Pastor Russell Johnson opened the Like Never Before series with the movie cameo, the famous face that flashes on screen and disappears. He said that is how Gentiles looked in Israel's story: Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, Nineveh, rare. Then Jesus arrives and the cameos become regular cast. In John 4:4, the word behind "had to pass through Samaria" is not geography. John uses it for divine necessity, the same compulsion behind the Son of Man being lifted up. Samaria was not a detour. It was the destination. Devout Jews would add days to their journey to avoid that ground, carrying centuries of contempt back to the Assyrian resettlement of 722 BC and the rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Jesus went straight through, sat down tired at Jacob's well at noon, and asked a Samaritan woman with five husbands behind her for a drink. Samaritan, woman, sinner: three walls, walked through on purpose. Pastor Russell showed this was always God's heart, from Genesis 12:3 to Isaiah 49:6, but in the Old Testament grace flowed through the nation. Now God sits on the well Himself. He closed with the first two pastors of Faith Bible Church, Bill Elkins and Dave Anderson, and fifty years of grace now handed forward.
This chapter highlights Hosea's warning of the coming Assyrian invasion.
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/archaeology
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/architecture
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/israel-studies
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/geography
This interview with Professor Amihai Mazar was conducted by Željko Stanojević for the New Books Network. The conversation focuses on Tel Reḥov: A Bronze and Iron Age City in the Beth-Shean Valley, especially Volume V, where the report turns from architecture and pottery to smaller objects and scientific evidence that help reconstruct life at the site. Amihai Mazar is a leading archaeologist of ancient Israel. His research examines the Bronze and Iron Ages, archaeology and biblical history, ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, and historical geography. Tel Reḥov is especially important because it offers a rich archaeological sequence from the Beth-Shean Valley and evidence for the social, economic, and environmental history of northern Israel. Volume V is particularly revealing because it asks what can be learned from material that might appear secondary beside monumental architecture. Its first part examines clay, bone, stone and gypsum vessels; grinding stones and other stone implements; metal objects and metallurgical evidence; beads; objects connected with textile production; scale weights; and lithics. Together, these finds illuminate household work, craft activity, exchange, measurement, and technology. The volume also analyzes the spatial distribution of finds in a distinctive group of ninth-century BCE buildings in Area C. Archaeology is also about understanding where objects were found and how groups of finds functioned together. Distribution patterns can help reconstruct activities within buildings and suggest how work, storage, production, and daily routines were organized. It also includes Assyrian-period burials and later Islamic-period material, showing the site's long history. The second part of Volume V brings natural-science methods directly into the archaeological interpretation. Radiometric dating contributes to chronology. Studies of animal and fish remains, molluscs, and botanical material offer evidence for diet, agriculture, environment, trade, and the use of local and non-local resources. A soil-flotation project recovers small botanical remains that might otherwise disappear from the archaeological record. These studies show how modern archaeology depends on collaboration between excavators and natural-science specialists. One striking example is the paleomagnetic study of tilted walls in Area C, Stratum V. Instead of treating damaged architecture only as a descriptive feature, the researchers used physical evidence to investigate seismic destruction. This demonstrates a central strength of Volume V: interpretation is built by combining objects, context, chronology, biological remains, geology, and physical-science methods. Our discussion with Professor Mazar therefore uses Volume V to ask a larger question: how do small finds and scientific analyses change the historical picture created by excavation? The volume shows that understanding an ancient city requires more than identifying buildings or connecting archaeological horizons with historical narratives. It requires reconstructing technologies, food systems, craft production, movement of goods, environmental conditions, patterns of use within buildings, and the events that transformed them. Željko Stanojević is a host with the New Books Network and President of the Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the European Hebrew Journal, an international Diamond Open Access journal supporting research in Hebrew, biblical, Jewish, linguistic, historical, and related studies. He also coordinates the European Hebrew Journal International Online Conference, New Discoveries and New Directions in Biblical, Hebrew, and Theological Studies. Authors of recent academic books are welcome to contact him regarding possible New Books Network interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two Australians among hundreds rescued from a ferry fire in Indonesia; Australia's largest aluminium smelter bailed out of financial trouble, and in football, Lionel Messi expresses doubts about continuing his career after the death of his father...
Welcome to Day 2926 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. Day 2926 – Theology Thursday – Biblical Leadership: A Study in Character, Consequence, and Integrity Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2926 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2921 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website, theologyinfive.com. Biblical Leadership: A Study in Character, Consequence, and Integrity. Leadership in Scripture is never measured by charisma, military strength, or political skill. The biblical authors consistently judge leaders by their faithfulness, humility, and devotion to justice. The accounts of kings and rulers throughout the Bible reveal both the blessings that follow righteous leadership and the judgment that falls on those who abuse authority. These stories span Israel, Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, showing that Yahweh holds all nations and rulers accountable, not only His covenant people. The first segment is: Pharaoh of Egypt: Pride That Brought a Nation to Ruin. The Pharaoh encountered in the Exodus account held absolute power within Egypt. His refusal to release Israel revealed a heart resistant to the authority of Yahweh. Even as the plagues displayed divine judgment, Pharaoh's pride pushed him toward decisions that harmed his people and devastated his land. His story is an enduring illustration of how leaders who elevate their own authority above truth bring suffering upon themselves and those they rule. The second segment is: King Saul: A Leader Consumed by Jealousy. Saul began his reign with promise, but his insecurity grew once David rose to prominence. Rather than celebrate Yahweh's deliverance through David, Saul viewed him as a rival. His jealousy hardened into paranoia, which shaped his leadership and led him to focus on David instead of protecting Israel. Saul's downward spiral demonstrates how internal corruption eventually reshapes every part of a leader's public role. His tragic end stands as a warning about the destructive nature of envy and fear. The third segment is: King David: A Leader After God's Heart Who Still Faced Judgment. David is remembered for his devotion to Yahweh and his role in unifying Israel. He displayed courage, integrity, and a shepherd's heart. His failures, however, reveal that even great leaders are not exempt from judgment. His sin with Bathsheba and his involvement in Uriah's death led to personal and national consequences. David's repentance and willingness to return to Yahweh show the humility that sets righteous leaders apart, even when they falter. The fourth segment is: King Solomon: Wisdom, Prosperity, and the Danger of Compromise. Solomon's early reign reflected wisdom and devotion. His construction of the temple and his administration brought peace and prosperity. Over time, his alliances and accommodation of foreign worship drew his heart away from Yahweh. The resulting spiritual compromise planted seeds that eventually fractured the kingdom. Solomon's life illustrates how gifted leaders fail when they drift from faithfulness. The fifth segment is: King Ahab: Greed and the Abuse of Authority. Ahab represents the danger of a leader who lacks moral grounding. His coveting of Naboth's vineyard and his willingness to accept Jezebel's deadly scheme expose a pattern of selfishness and corruption. Ahab used his authority to secure his own desires without regard for justice. The consequences that followed highlight the seriousness of exploiting power for personal gain and ignoring the responsibilities of righteous leadership. The sixth segment is: Sennacherib of Assyria: Blasphemy and the Fall of an Empire's Pride. Sennacherib's reign represented the height of Assyrian power. His campaigns were marked by cruelty and the oppression of surrounding nations. When he threatened Jerusalem and mocked Yahweh, he crossed the line from political aggression to spiritual defiance. Scripture records that Yahweh struck down his forces in a single night, showing that no king, no matter how powerful, can stand against the God of Israel. Sennacherib's fate reveals the limits of human power and the certainty of divine judgment on arrogant rulers. The seventh segment is: Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon: Pride Confronted by Divine Sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar ruled one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. His military victories and monumental building projects fostered a sense of self-exaltation. He demanded worship of the golden statue and boasted about his achievements without acknowledging Yahweh. His temporary downfall, recorded in Daniel, reveals how Yahweh humbles rulers who place themselves at the center of their own glory. Nebuchadnezzar's eventual repentance shows that Yahweh seeks restoration rather than destruction, even for pagan kings. The eighth segment is: Belshazzar of Babylon: Arrogance Without Repentance. Belshazzar provides a stark contrast to Nebuchadnezzar. During his infamous feast, he mocked Yahweh by drinking from the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple. His actions demonstrated reckless arrogance and spiritual blindness. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar showed no humility or willingness to learn from past judgment. His rule ended immediately after Yahweh declared his kingdom weighed and found wanting. Belshazzar's story highlights the danger of leaders who dismiss warnings and treat sacred things with contempt. The ninth segment is: Religious Leaders in the Time of Jesus: Failing to Shepherd God's People. The Pharisees and Sadducees held positions of spiritual authority but often used their influence to elevate themselves rather than guide the people faithfully. Their fixation on outward observance blinded them to the heart of the Law. Jesus confronted their hypocrisy and exposed their failure to shepherd the people entrusted to them. Their example reminds readers that leadership becomes corrupt when it seeks reputation rather than responsibility. In Conclusion The biblical accounts of kings and rulers create a consistent moral vision of leadership. The stories of Pharaoh, Saul, David, Solomon, Ahab, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and the religious leaders of Jesus' day show that authority is a trust given by Yahweh, not a tool for personal elevation. Leaders who walk in humility and justice create space for flourishing. Leaders who embrace pride, greed, or cruelty bring destruction on themselves and those under their care. Scripture reveals Yahweh as the one who judges unrighteous rule but also restores those who turn toward Him. True leadership reflects wisdom, integrity, and a heart aligned with His purposes. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions. How does Pharaoh's resistance to Yahweh set the tone for understanding how pride shapes destructive leadership throughout Scripture and the ancient world? In what ways do the stories of Saul, David, and Solomon show that a leader's private character inevitably affects the nation they govern? How does Ahab's corruption compare to the arrogance of Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar, and what patterns connect their failures? What can modern readers learn from Nebuchadnezzar's temporary repentance and Belshazzar's lack of repentance, especially regarding how leaders respond to correction? How does Jesus' confrontation of the Pharisees demonstrate that even spiritual leadership can collapse when authority is used for reputation rather than responsibility? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Ascended Masters and the Return of Ancient Spiritual Deception. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek of life together, let us always: Liv Abundantly, ...
In this program, Oliver Slewa talks about Census, Deryawish Zakrya talks about his life of 102 years, in Australia explained, What are the basic rights and obligations when approached by the Police
The signs, visions, and prophecies included into today's reading span from the death of King Uzziah into the beginning of Ahaz's reign, who continues the lineage of Davidic kings. In chapter 6 we get an awe-inspiring sneak peek into the throne room of God. Isaiah senses that he is unfit to be in God's presence, but an angel approaches to cleanse him in a unique way. After this, the Lord God commissions Isaiah to be his messenger. In chapter 7, Isaiah prophesies to King Ahaz of a virgin who conceive and give birth to a son and name him Immanuel. This prophecy had an immediate fulfillment, as a statement about the amount of time which would pass between then and the invasion of the Assyrian king, but it has it's ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Christ. Isaiah 6 - 1:06 . Isaiah 7 - 4:16 . Isaiah 8 - 9:44 . Psalm 128 - 14:10 . Psalm 129 - 15:00 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
The message to the church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3 is one of the most encouraging passages in all of Scripture. Though the church had only a little strength, they kept God's Word and refused to deny His name, and that was enough. Christ, who holds the key of David, promised to open doors no one could shut and to keep them through the coming hour of temptation. True faith is not built on what we can see but on what we have heard and believed. The patience of the saints is not passive waiting but active, daily endurance rooted in the conviction that God will do exactly what He promised. Like Hezekiah surrounded by the Assyrian army, the Philadelphian posture is total dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency. He is not asking us to be strong enough on our own. He is asking us to hold fast, trust His Word, and believe that He is working on our behalf.
In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0809db.mp3 Listen to Bible reading Through My Bible Yr 03 – August 09 Hosea 11 – 12 God's Love for Israel Hosea 11 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called to them, the more they went away from me. [1] They kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. 3 Yet I was the one who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them in my arms, [2] but they did not realize that it was I who healed them. 4 I drew them with cords suitable for a man, [3] with ropes of love. For them I became like someone who lifts a yoke off their neck, and I bent down to feed them. 5 They will not [4] return into the land of Egypt. Instead, an Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent. 6 The sword will slash against their cities. It will destroy the bars of their gates, and it will devour them because of their plans. 7 My people are determined to turn away from me. Though they call him the Most High, he certainly will not exalt them. 8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? [5] My heart is changed inside me. All my compassion is stirred up. 9 I will not carry out my burning anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again, because I am God, and not man, the Holy One among you. I will not enter a city. [6] 10 They will follow the Lord. He will roar like a lion. Yes, he will roar, and his children will come trembling from the west. 11 They will come trembling like a bird from Egypt, and like a dove from the land of Assyria. I will settle them in their houses, declares the Lord. Israel Must Repent 12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from [7] God, even from the Holy One, who is faithful. [8] Hosea 12 1 Ephraim feeds on wind and chases the east wind all day. He multiplies lies and violence. They make a treaty with Assyria, and olive oil is carried to Egypt. 2 The Lord has a case against Judah. He will deal with Jacob according to his ways. According to his deeds he will repay him. 3 In the womb Jacob grasped his brother by the heel, and when he was a grown man, he struggled with God. 4 He wrestled with the Angel and prevailed. He wept and sought his favor. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with him, [9] 5 namely, with the Lord, the God of Armies. The Lord is the name by which he is to be remembered! 6 So return to your God. Observe mercy and justice, and wait for your God continually. 7 A merchant has fraudulent scales in his hand. He loves to defraud others. 8 Ephraim said, “Surely I have become rich. I have secured wealth for myself. Among all my possessions no one will find anything that makes me guilty of sin.” 9 But I have been the Lord your God from the time you left the land of Egypt. I will make you dwell in tents again, as in the days of the appointed festival. [10] 10 I have spoken to the prophets. I have given numerous visions. I taught meaningful lessons through the prophets. 11 Since Gilead is wicked, it is certain that they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Yes, their altars are like piles of stones in the furrows of a field. 12 Jacob fled to the territory of Aram. Israel worked as a servant to get a wife, and for a wife, he took care of sheep. 13 By a prophet, the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet he took care of Israel. 14 Ephraim has provoked bitter anger. Therefore his Lord will leave him bloodied by his guilt and bring his disgrace back on him. Footnotes Hosea 11:2 A variant reading is the more they called them, the more they went away from them. Hosea 11:3 The text of the pronouns in this verse is uncertain. The translation follows the Greek Old Testament. Hosea 11:4 Literally cords of mankind. The words translated man and love have homonyms meaning leather, so there may be a play on words here. Hosea 11:5 Not is missing from some manuscripts. Hosea 11:8 Admah and Zeboiim were daughter cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Hosea 11:9 Or come in wrath. The Hebrew is difficult. Hosea 11:12 Literally wanders with. Translations disagree whether the term is negative or positive. Hosea 11:12 English verse 11:12 is verse 12:1 in Hebrew. In chapter 12 the subsequent Hebrew verse numbers are one higher than the English numbers. Hosea 12:4 Variant us Hosea 12:9 The Festival of Shelters in the autumn The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
In a world flooded with bad news — where fear spreads instantly and conflict drives engagement — this message calls us back to the only response that truly works: prayer. Drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the threatening letters of the Assyrian king, we see how the enemy uses intimidation, whispered lies, and just enough truth to shake our faith. Jerusalem was surrounded, outnumbered, and facing certain destruction. But rather than panic or complain, Hezekiah took the threat directly to God. He didn't ignore the letter, and he didn't glorify it — he laid it before the Lord. One man's prayer moved God to send one angel, and 185,000 enemies fell overnight. The enemy's words were convincing, but they were no match for God's power. Whatever threatening letters life has handed you, this message reminds us — don't argue with the bad news, take it to God.
News items read by Laura Kennedy include: Ancient Amazon civilization reshapes understanding of rainforest history (details) (details) Byzantine shipwreck yields remarkable gold treasure (details) Ghost DNA study uncovers unknown human ancestors (details) (details) Newly identified Assyrian kings reshape ancient royal history (details) (details)
From “In the Beginning” to Amen // God's Grace Sin Can Take Us Farther Than We Ever Intended to Go Grace Can Reach Farther Than We Ever Imagined Restoration Produces a Transformed Life 2 Kings 21:1-9 (NLT)“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah. He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed. He constructed altars for Baal and set up an Asherah pole, just as King Ahab of Israel had done. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them. He built pagan altars in the Temple of the Lord, the place where the Lord had said, ‘My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.' He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the Lord's Temple. Manasseh also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord's sight, arousing his anger. Manasseh even made a carved image of Asherah and set it up in the Temple, the very place where the Lord had told David and his son Solomon: ‘My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem—the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. If the Israelites will be careful to obey my commands—all the laws my servant Moses gave them—I will not send them into exile from this land that I gave their ancestors.' But the people refused to listen, and Manasseh led them to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the Lord had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land.” Sin Never Remains Satisfied… It Always Asks for More James 1:14-15 (ESV)"Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." Sin Always Promises Delights but Eventually Produces Destruction Manasseh Led Others Astray But God in His Love and Care for Us Will Warn Us and Discipline Us 2 Chronicles 33:10-11 (NLT)“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.” Grace Meets Us in the Place of Humility 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (AMP)"When he was in distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers." Grace Doesn't Only Forgive—It Restores True Grace Produces Real Change Manasseh Points Us to Jesus What Does This Mean for Us? We Are Required to Pay It Forward…
Micah borrows a wonderful passage from Isaiah, then goes on to talk about "The Assyrian." His most famous words are probably his prophecy of Messiah coming out of Bethlehem!
Doing the right things does not guarantee an easy life, and King Hezekiah's story proves it. Even in the middle of a national revival, the Assyrian army came knocking. Hezekiah's response gives us a practical blueprint for navigating seasons of resistance. First, expect opposition and stop trying to negotiate with the enemy. Second, remember you are not meant to fight alone. Bring trusted, faith-filled people into your battle and pray together. Third, dig the tunnel before the siege arrives by building consistent habits of prayer, worship, and obedience long before the crisis comes. The Holy Spirit is the hidden reservoir the enemy can never cut off.
PA602 Isaiah 14:16-32 mp3 In this message, the King of Babylon is brought down to Sheol, and many gaze at him in astonishment. The kings of the past are all laid in state, but he is cast out of his grave as abominable. Yehovah will rise against them and cut them off, and the Assyrian […]
The US vows to strike Iran in retaliation for recent attacks, as Israel's leader meets with the Trump administration; Australia and Singapore sign a deal to strengthen energy supply and joint security; and in swimming, Australia's Kyle Chalmers scores a record 10 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games...
When the U.S. wages war in the Middle East that American Christians support, do we remember that some of the people beneath those bombs are fellow Christians? And even when they are not Christians, how can we forget that Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and enemy alike? Mennonite pastor, writer, screenwriter, and activist Nathan Perrin joins Craig for a conversation about the people Western headlines often leave out. Nathan has spent nearly a decade working alongside Assyrians, Kurds, Palestinians, and other Middle Eastern communities through local organizing and visits to northern Iraq. He recounts visiting an Assyrian church that had been rebuilt again and again after attempts to destroy it. A cross in its courtyard covered in bullet holes. Yet when new bombardments began, Christian and Muslim neighbors exchanged keys to their homes so each family would have a place of safety. That act of neighbor-love stands in sharp contrast to the fear often preached in American churches. Craig and Nathan explore why the word evangelical carries painful baggage in parts of the Middle East. Ancient Christian communities have sometimes been treated as mission targets, while humanitarian aid has been tied to conversion. Nathan challenges us to consider whether people abroad encounter Jesus through Western Christianity, or the pressure of empire. The conversation also covers: Christian communities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine How US military action creates blowback against local Christians and Muslims Dispensationalism and unquestioning Christian support for the State of Israel The difference between loving Jewish neighbors and defending a government Craig's Ramadan meal with a Muslim neighbor Assyrians, Yazidis, Mandaeans, and other overlooked communities Christian nationalism, political personality cults, and closed media silos Books, sermons, documentaries, and films for deeper learning Nathan reminds listeners that ordinary Muslims he has met often describe Christians in simple terms: “Christians are our neighbors.” What would change if the Western church began there?
The US vows to strike Iran in retaliation for recent attacks, as Israel's leader meets with the Trump administration; Australia and Singapore sign a deal to strengthen energy supply and joint security; and in swimming, Australia's Kyle Chalmers scores a record 10 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games...
The ancient story of Ahiqar follows a legendary wise man and royal adviser at the court of the Assyrian king Sennacherib. After adopting his nephew Nadan and teaching him a long collection of proverbs, Ahiqar is betrayed, falsely accused of treason, condemned to death, and forced to hide beneath his own house. His eventual return leads to a strange contest of riddles with the Pharaoh of Egypt and a final confrontation with the student who rejected his wisdom.Preserved in an ancient Aramaic papyrus from Elephantine and in later Syriac, Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Slavonic, and Ethiopic versions, the Tale of Ahiqar may be the oldest Mesopotamian story to survive beyond the disappearance of cuneiform culture. This episode explores the story's Assyrian background, its relationship to ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, its memorable proverbs and insults, and the way traditional stories were used to form memory, judgment, and moral character.Topics include Ahiqar, Nadan, Sennacherib, ancient Assyria, Nineveh, Elephantine, Aramaic literature, Syriac literature, Mesopotamian wisdom, ancient proverbs, the Tale of Ahiqar, the Thousand and One Nights, ancient Egypt, Pharaoh, Assyrian court culture, and ancient Near Eastern storytelling.Music from the show: oldeststories.net/music (or search "Oldest Stories Music")Support the show:Books: https://a.co/d/7Wn4jhSDonate: oldeststories.netPatreon / YouTube members get bonus episodes: patreon.com/JamesBleckleyNo-AI readings of ancient texts: youtube.com/@osnightreading
John 4 is one of the most beloved stories in the Gospels—but what if it is about far more than a private conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman? In this lesson, we explore John chapter 4 through the symbolic world of the Bible, uncovering how John's Gospel presents Jesus as the divine Bridegroom who has come to reclaim His bride. Throughout the Old Testament, wells are repeatedly the setting for covenant and betrothal. Abraham's servant meets Rebekah at a well. Jacob meets Rachel at a well. Moses meets Zipporah at a well. By intentionally placing Jesus at Jacob's Well, John invites us to recognize a familiar biblical pattern: a bridegroom has arrived. But who is the bride? By the first century, the region once known as the northern kingdom of Israel was called Samaria. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman becomes a symbolic encounter with the people of Samaria themselves—a people long separated from Judah, yet still sought by God. We also examine Jesus' enigmatic statement that the woman has had "five husbands." Rather than focusing on her personal morality, we connect these words to 2 Kings 17, where five foreign nations were settled in Samaria following the Assyrian conquest. Their gods and religious practices profoundly shaped the identity of the region, providing a remarkable historical backdrop to Jesus' words. Finally, we explore Jesus' statement that the woman is "living with a man who is not your husband." We consider how this points beyond an individual relationship to the political and religious realities of first-century Samaria, including Roman rule and the temple to Caesar Augustus built by Herod the Great in the city of Samaria (Sebaste). Against this backdrop, Jesus calls His people away from earthly allegiances and back into a covenant relationship with God. Join us as we uncover the historical, cultural, and symbolic richness of John 4 and discover how this familiar story proclaims God's enduring desire to restore His covenant people. --------------------------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeministries.org **New Site!! www.figtreeteaching.com (Old Site) Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/the-hidden-meaning-of-john-4-a-bride-at-a-well Article: John 4 & the Samaritan Woman at the Well https://www.figtreeministries.org/post/john-4-the-samaritan-woman-at-the-well
In this program, a lecture by historian Homer Abramian about the discovery of the ancient city of Nineveh; Oliver Slewa explaining the significance of Census 2026 and in Australia Explained, the true meaning of GARMA.
In this Bible Story, we return to the kingdom of Judah, where the wicked King Ahaz perished. In his place was Hezekiah - a young king whose righteousness was unmatched, not even by David himself. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 29-31 & 2 Kings 18:1-12. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 20 from the King James Version.Episode 149: As the armies of Assyria surrounded the kingdom of Judah, Hezekiah met with his men. As his men were brainstorming, they noticed a river on the map that gave water to the surrounding armies. The King ordered them to dam it and the armies of Assyria had nothing to drink. While Judah prepared for attack, Sennacherib sent men to taunt and divide the people of Judah. But Hezekiah, strong in faith, took his taunts and prayed to God for His intervention. And God answered by sending the Assyrian army away in shame.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Daily Dose of Hope July 27, 2026 Scripture: 2 Kings 19 Prayer: Almighty God, Thank you for today and new week. Thank you for providing for us, caring for us, and protecting us. Over thousands upon thousands of years, you have taken care of your people. We give you glory and praise, for who you are. Thank you, most of all, for sending Jesus, who moved into our neighborhood so that we could begin to understand your love. Wow. There are no words to adequately thank you for the sacrifice that saved our lives. Lord Jesus, we love you and we thank you. Help us grow in holiness, continue to transform us so we can be a better reflection of you. In Your Name, Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. What a great summer in the Word it has been. We have been working our way through 1 & 2 Kings. There is so much substance in these books. On the surface, you might not think so, but we learn a lot about God's intolerance for sin, but also his deep mercy for his people. Our reading for today is 2 Kings 19. In today's chapter, the Assyrians are just chomping at the bit to conquer Judah. King Hezekiah and his leaders are grieving and pleading before the Lord. They have put on ash and sackcloth. Someone wanting to show a deeply repentant heart would often wear sackcloth, sit in ashes, and put ashes on top of his head. Sackcloth was a coarse material usually made of black goat's hair, making it quite uncomfortable to wear. The ashes signified desolation and ruin. In an effort to seek Godly wisdom, they go to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah, not surprisingly, says that God will not allow the Assyrians to conquer them. But the Assyrian king taunts them in a letter, asking how in the world they think their God can defeat the mighty Assyria. Hezekiah's reaction is moving. He takes the letter and lays it out before the Lord. Humbly (key word there), Hezekiah asks the Lord to deliver them from the hands of the Assyrians. And God answers. God is responding to the Assyrians' letter with his own taunts. He is quite clear that he despises the Assyrians' mockery and he will take care of them. Judah will come out on top and it will be clear that God Almighty is the one who accomplished it. Sure enough, an angel of the Lord ensures that 185,000 Assyrian soldiers die in their camp that night, so many that they must withdraw. And then Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, is killed by his own sons. Judah is the victor. God has saved them. There are certain things that really stand out to me in this chapter. The first is that arrogance does not pay. Assyria was so full of themselves that they did not and could not even conceive of anyone beating them. Arrogance and pride will always lead to negative consequences. Humility is difficult but this is what Jesus modeled for us. Is there any arrogance or pride that needs to be rooted out of your life? Second, I was so impressed and moved by how Hezekiah just laid everything out before the Lord. He knew that Judah was weak and had no power. But God has plenty of power. He simply gave it to the Lord and asked for his help. He surrendered it to God. God hears and responds. How many of us have something we need to surrender to the Lord right now? Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 36–37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together each day through the Scriptures. In today's episode, Hunter guides us through dramatic moments from Isaiah 36 and 37, revealing the challenges faced by King Hezekiah as the Assyrian army threatens Jerusalem. We'll also reflect on the hope and triumph found in Psalm 76, and discover the message of enduring faith and joy in trials from First Peter chapter one. Join Hunter as he encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness through the hard seasons, find joy beyond our trials, and root our lives in the life-giving Word. Settle in for a time of scripture, reflection, and prayer as we renew our hearts in God's presence today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There are trials ahead, but there is strength for the trial and joy beyond that. First Peter 1:6 says, so be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. Trials are certain, and sometimes the little while doesn't seem that little. We all go through trials. No one is exempt. We all face hard times, really hard times. We've all gone through a pandemic, for crying out loud. And yet our hope lies in the promise of hope and even joy beyond that. Unfortunately for many of us, the trials of this life can lead to despair and defeat. The walls of our souls begin to crumble under the weight. Hezekiah was tempted to crumble in fear, to accept defeat. He could see the circumstances and the outcomes of all those other kingdoms. They had crumbled when facing the overwhelming terror of the Assyrian king and his armies. But instead of crumbling, Hezekiah turned to God. He didn't go to Egypt for help. He didn't try to manipulate his way out by surrendering or offering some tribute. He didn't give in to despair. No. Instead he trusted God, and God gave him the victory. But that victory took some time. Isaiah told him that it would take three years, but to hold on because there would be joy ahead. He let him know that the first year would be hard, very lean. The people would eat only what grows up by itself. The second year it would be a little easier. They would eat what sprang up from the first growth. But in the third year, they would see a breakthrough. In that third year, they would plant crops and harvest them. They would tend vineyards and eat their fruit. And those who escaped the ravages of the siege, who endured the hard times and had gone through the trials, would put roots down in their own soil. They would grow and flourish. There it is. We're all going to go through hard times, but there's strength available in the trials. And beyond that, there's joy. It may take some time. It may take a season or several seasons, but if we lay out our hearts before God and trust him, we can find the strength we need. If we believe him that these trials are for a season, then we can find joy. Our roots will grow down into the soil of his faithfulness, and we will flourish. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my sons. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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Welcome to Day 2912 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2912 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 145:8-13 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2912 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2912 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The tiel for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Everlasting Realm of Compassion – Unveiling the Majesty of Yahweh's Kingdom On our previous expedition—on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Ten—we stood in awe at the royal threshold of Psalm One Hundred Forty-Five, exploring verses one through seven. We listened as King David laid down his military sword, picked up his harp, and declared that Yahweh's unsearchable greatness must be proclaimed from one generation to the next! We witnessed how the remembrance of God's overflowing, gushing goodness naturally erupts into exuberant, generational praise. Today, we step directly onto the next elevation of this magnificent acrostic summit, advancing into Psalm One Hundred Forty-Five, verses eight through thirteen. As we continue along this pristine trail, David shifts our focus from the unsearchable, transcendent splendor of the Creator to the profound, heart-level warmth of His character. In these six verses, we are invited to gaze into the very heart of the Sovereign King of heaven—a King whose authority is not marked by cold, tyrannical control, but by boundless mercy, universal compassion, and an unshakeable, everlasting dominion that spans every physical and spiritual realm across all generations. The first segment is: The Heart of the King: Abundant Mercy and Universal Compassion Let us open our ears to the deeply comforting words recorded in the New Living Translation, grouping together the logical, contiguous thoughts found in verse eight and verse nine. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. In these two breathtaking lines, David delivers what can only be described as the supreme theological confession of the Hebrew Scriptures, declaring, “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.” If these words sound familiar to your ears, it is because David is directly quoting the sacred, self-revealed character statement that Yahweh declared to Moses on Mount Sinai in Exodus chapter thirty-four! To fully appreciate the revolutionary impact of this revelation, we must view it through the ancient Israelite divine-council worldview. In the ancient Near East, the pagan nations surrounding Israel lived in perpetual, paralyzing fear of their localized deities. Gods like Baal, Chemosh, or Marduk were viewed as erratic, moody, quick-tempered, and selfish entities who demanded bloody sacrifices and cared nothing for the well-being of ordinary mortals. Furthermore, in the cosmic geography of the ancient world, those foreign nations were assigned to rebellious, territorial spiritual principalities who ruled through fear, oppression, and enslavement. Standing in stark, brilliant contrast to those dark, fickle powers, Yahweh reveals His true nature as the absolute Sovereign of the cosmos! He is not quick to wrath; rather, He is patient, long-suffering, and profoundly merciful. The Hebrew term used here for "unfailing love" is chesed—that deep, unwavering, covenant-keeping affection that never gives up on its people. But notice how far David expands this divine love in verse nine! Yahweh's goodness is not restricted to a single tribe or a select elite; He is good to everyone! He showers His tender, fatherly compassion over all His creation—from the highest angelic seraphim in the heavenly assembly, down to the smallest bird resting in the forest canopy. In a world often battered by chaos and cruelty, David reminds us that the supreme ruler of the universe is defined, at His core, by overwhelming, relentless grace. The second segment is: The Chorus of Creation and the Realm of Glory The narrative now moves from the internal character of the King to the explosive, cosmic response of His subjects, linking together the contiguous thoughts found in verse ten, verse eleven, and verse twelve. All of your creatures will thank you, Lord, and your godly people will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. David paints a panoramic, glorious vision of universal adoration, declaring, “All of your creatures will thank you, Lord, and your godly people will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.” Look at the dual choir David brings together in this passage! First, he points to “all of your creatures”—the entirety of the natural order and the unseen heavenly hosts—offering a continuous, harmonious echo of thanksgiving to their Creator. But then, he highlights a special group: “your godly people”—the chasidim, those who are bound to Yahweh in a loving, loyal covenant relationship. While creation offers silent, instinctual praise, God's redeemed people are given an articulate, vocal mission! They do not remain quiet; they step into the cosmic courtroom to publicly testify about the true nature of Yahweh's reign. Notice the three specific themes these covenant heralds proclaim: they speak of the glory of His kingdom, they give tangible examples of His power, and they tell about His mighty deeds. In the ancient divine-council framework, earthly kingdoms were constantly boasting about their military conquests, erecting arrogant monuments to their mortal kings. But David's godly people look past earthly empires and fallen principalities to exalt the true, overarching kingdom of God! They share concrete stories of how Yahweh broke the chains of slavery, how He defeated spiritual powers of darkness, how He provided manna in the barren wilderness, and how He heals broken hearts. Their testimony serves as a vibrant, undeniable public witness to the entire world—and to the watching spiritual realms—demonstrating that Yahweh's rule is unmatched in majesty, splendor, and liberating power. The third segment is: The Unshakeable Dominion: An Everlasting Kingdom The psalmist now reaches the ultimate, unshakeable bedrock of his royal hymn, anchoring his narrative in the eternal stability of God's rule, as recorded in verse thirteen. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule through all generations. The Lord is always faithful to his promises; he is gracious in all he does. With triumphant, absolute confidence, David seals this section of his psalm, exclaiming, “For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule through all generations. The Lord is always faithful to his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” This verse contains a colossal, mind-boggling truth that provides ultimate comfort for our daily trek through life. Throughout human history, massive empires have risen with terrifying power, only to crumble into forgotten dust. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs, the ruthless Assyrian conquerors, the mighty Babylonian kings, and the vast Roman legions all believed their rule would last forever. Yet, every single one of those human regimes—along with the fallen, territorial spiritual principalities that animated them—faded away into the pages of history. But David declares that the kingdom of Yahweh belongs to a completely different category! His rule is an everlasting kingdom—a reign that knows no geographical boundaries, no political decline, no military defeat, and no expiration date! Furthermore, look at the second half of verse thirteen, which highlights the moral foundation of this eternal throne. Unlike human rulers who break treaties, abandon alliances, and act out of selfish ambition, Yahweh is "always faithful to his promises; he is gracious in all he does." In the ancient Near Eastern world, a king's word was often treacherous. But the Supreme King of the divine council binds Himself to His word! Every promise He makes to His children—promises of presence, protection, forgiveness, and ultimate restoration—is locked in an unshakeable, eternal vault. His authority is executed through pure grace, ensuring that those who take refuge under His reign will never be disappointed, forgotten, or cast aside....
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In this Bible Story, we learn about the wicked King Ahaz. He rules Judah with idolatry and evil, and his twisted practices and unstable mind make Judah vulnerable to attack. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 28 & 2 Kings 16. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 28:22 from the King James Version.Episode 147: Every year, King Hoshea would send a tribute to Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, to protect them. One year however, he betrayed his allegiance by sending a plea to the king of Egypt begging for his help against his current masters. However, Assyrian spies found out before the message could arrive and their fate was sealed. Because of his rebellion, Shalmaneser raided Israel, uprooted its people, and imprisoned its king. After years of rebelling against God and ignoring His warnings, all were led back to Assyria as slaves.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Daily Dose of Hope July 23, 2026 Scripture: 2 Kings 17 Prayer: Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing. Thank you for the way you care for us. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you. We want to hear your voice. Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading. We are about two-thirds done with 2 Kings and this has been quite a journey. Today's reading, 2 Kings 17, is what we have been dreading. The kings are once again leading the people astray. In the north and the south, they are worshiping other gods, committing child sacrifice, and they have set up altars in the high places. Both nations are depending on the protection of the pagan nations around them. They are paying tribute to some and not others, and the political consequences are bad. God allows Aram and Israel to conquer Judah, and the casualties are significant, although God doesn't allow them to be totally decimated. But destruction does occur in Israel. All the disobedience, the years of pushing God away, the horrific kings over generations, and the constant warnings that were not heeded, it has all come to a head. The Assyrians have taken over. While there is priest allowed to stay to teach the people about their God, it's a warped Judaism mixed with pagan influences. This is the end of the Northern Kingdom. I had always been taught that once the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom, that was basically the end of them. The Assyrians were known for their brutality and moving the native people out of their land, sending their own people to populate it. But we do see here that some Israelites stay. Again, Chronicles helps fill in some of the gaps. Hezekiah (who we will read about tomorrow) invites many from the north to settle in Judah after the Assyrians take over the north and they take him up on that offer. Most likely, many of the residents stayed, mixing with the new immigrants from Assyrian lands. This helps make sense of why the Samaritans were so despised in Jesus' time by the Jews. They were not pure Jews, having many different mixed cultural and religious influences. While this chapter was expected, it is also incredibly sad. There is a high cost to disobedience. God offered so much mercy, giving many chances, and sending many prophets to warn the kings and the people. But they just didn't listen. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
IntroductionAbraham struggled to trust God's promises even after receiving a vision and an explicit word from God. The Lord assured Abraham that he is Abraham's shield (Genesis 15:1). The Lord will protect him and defend him. Peter also doubted the path to glory through the suffering of the cross. The thought of a distant God protecting a people who seem so far away just seems absurd. Christians today may wonder whether God has abandoned his people. We face trials, and we might wonder if God is really in the midst of them. This becomes even more apparent when Peter addresses us as exiles. If we are in exile, we would think that God is even more removed from us. Peter, who struggled to believe Christ would protect him, assures the church that the Triune God has neither forgotten nor forsaken His people. Rather, He is actively guarding them until they receive the inheritance He has prepared for them. The Triune GodPeter tells us that the Father has chosen us. It is his foreknowledge. Why does he know? It is because he has decided it (1 Peter 1:1). Our exile status is intentional. The Son has redeemed us through his blood. The Holy Spirit is sanctifying us to conform to Christ. (1 Peter 1:2) Peter writes to believers living in exile. We are outside the promised land. We have to see that exile does not mean abandonment. The Father elects/chooses His children, the Son continues to reign as Lord and Redeemer, and the Spirit remains present, sanctifying and preserving God's people. The Lord refines his people through the painful trials. The trials are like gold passing through the flame. These trials are not signs of God's absence. No, the trials are used to burn away the impurities of our faith, conforming us to be more faithful children of God. The Triune God is personally guarding us as he protected and guarded his people in foreign lands. We are currently in exile on a Christian pilgrimage to the promised land, being guarded by God. It is true that we are reminded of our creaturely status when we contemplate the doctrine of the Trinity. We know that our God is beyond our full comprehension. However, we can know and do know our God. We know that he is actively working on our behalf. Our Certain ApplicationYes, we are in exile. We are away from the promised land. However, our Lord works to protect us. The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that the Holy Spirit has been given to me. We might think of someone more spiritual having the Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit is given to me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit by God's grace. The Holy Spirit will be with us from this age to the age to come. We might not think that this is very important. However, Peter assures us that God is giving us double protection. The inheritance that Christ has won for us is being guarded in heaven. We are continually and actively being guarded by God to receive that inheritance. The assurance of this is that no Babylonian or Assyrian can take our inhertiance like we saw with Israel in the past. Yes, we will face trials in this age. We will get some bumps and bruises along the way, but the Lord will be the shield and defender, guaranteeing that we will receive what he has set apart for us. This means that as the Holy Spirit is given to us by Christ, we will be protected. It means that as the Father has chosen us, we will receive his chosen inheritance. This is not because it is grounded in us, but by our God working in history. Conclusion Peter knows the struggle of the Christian life. He too wanted glory now. He did not understand Christ's mission to gain heaven through the cross. In fact, Peter denied Christ three times when Christ was heading to the cross. Peter did not understand the suffering to glory. Peter had an awkward breakfast with the Lord, where the Lord asked him three times if Peter loved him and charged Peter to care for his people after Peter's three answers. Peter knows the grace of Christ. Peter was assured that he would persevere until the end. It is not because Peter is so competent, but because the Lord is that faithful. Let us take Peter's testimony seriously. Let us hear his inspired words to encourage us in this life. Our God is not distant. We might not fully understand the doctrine of the Trinity, but we know that our God guards our inheritance and he actively guards us. We will receive what he has set out for us. Christ has earned it. The Father has chosen us. The Spirit applies Christ's distinct blessings. As we face trials in this age, let us be confident that the Lord is refining us to be the people he has called us to be. He is shepherding us in the midst of it. We will dwell with him in our inheritance he secured for us. Let us live out the days he has numbered for us in the confidence of his protection and faithfulness. I did a series on “Sojourning Under the Sun.” You can read a short summary of exile on the Gospel Coalition's website.
Before we can fully appreciate Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, we must first understand the long and painful history between the Jewish people and the Samaritans. In this lesson, we trace the history of the northern kingdom of Israel—from its division after Solomon, through the Assyrian conquest, to the resettlement of the land by five foreign peoples who would eventually become known as the Samaritans. We'll examine how this history shaped Jewish attitudes toward Samaria by the first century and why Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria was so unexpected. We'll also explore the Samaritan claim of descent from Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, and discover how the geography of Israel itself reflects one of the Bible's most compelling family stories. The tribal territories place Joseph in the north, Judah in the south, and Benjamin between them—echoing the tension between Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. This remarkable biblical pattern provides a deeper backdrop to Jesus' ministry. Just as Joseph chose forgiveness over vengeance and brought reconciliation to a divided family, Jesus calls His followers to forgive those who have wronged them. Only then can we truly fulfill the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Join us as we uncover the historical, geographical, and theological significance of Samaria and discover how understanding its past reveals a richer message in the Gospel of John. In this lesson you'll discover: - The history of the northern kingdom of Israel - How the Samaritans originated - Why Jews and Samaritans were divided in the first century - The Samaritan connection to Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh - The symbolic geography linking Genesis to the Gospel of John - How Jesus fulfills the story of Joseph through forgiveness and reconciliation If this lesson deepens your understanding of Scripture, be sure to subscribe, like, and share to help others discover the rich historical and cultural background of the Bible. -------------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeministries.org **New Site!! www.figtreeteaching.com (Old Site) Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/who-were-the-samaritans-the-history-behind-jesus-and-the-woman-at-the-well
In this program, after the news bulletin, Oliver Slewa talks about elderly abuse, repeats part one of Deryawish Zakharia's legacy, in Australia Explained; When can my teenage child start work in australia.
When You Have Nothing but God by Autumn Dickson This week, we find a righteous but imperfect man surrounded by legitimate reasons to be afraid. How do you respond when you've been backed into a corner? Let's talk about how Hezekiah responded. Hezekiah was a righteous king especially when contrasted with his wicked father, Ahaz. When Hezekiah rose to the throne, he threw out all of the idolatry and tore down all of the false places and altars of worship. He was reforming Judah, and he was helping them repent and turn back to the Lord. Assyria was a superpower in the ancient world. They had just dominated the northern kingdom of Israel, and they set their sights on Judah next. I am a firm believer that the Lord protects the righteous. It's one of the main themes of The Book of Mormon, and yet, we see something interesting happen here. Judah is not completely protected. Assyria is able to take some of their fortified cities, and Hezekiah responds by offering to pay them a tribute to go away. In order to afford the tribute required by Assyrian, Hezekiah strips the temple. It doesn't work. Assyria sticks around. One of the Assyrian commanders comes to the walls of the city and starts speaking in Hebrew so that the people of Jerusalem can fully understand the danger they're in. It's psychological warfare, and the people respond with silence as instructed by Hezekiah. Hezekiah responds differently this time. He covers himself in sackcloth and ashes and goes to the temple to pray to the Lord. He prays and tells the Lord, “They're mocking Thee. Show them who You are.” The Lord does. He slays 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib goes home to be assassinated by his sons. We get to see Judah change and repent at this particular period in time. There are many good details; let's cover a few. Detail one. The Lord allows Assyria to defeat some of the fortified cities in Judah. Judah was in the process of repenting. Hezekiah had torn down a lot of the idolatry, and this was incredible faith. Unfortunately, Judah had a long history of turning away from the Lord. Losing these cities was not an indication of the Lord being powerless. It was about discipline so that Judah could learn. I actually find it really poetic that the fortified cities were conquered, but Jerusalem remained. What was in Jerusalem? The temple. The kingdom of Judah was being stripped down to its center, specifically to that covenant relationship that it held with the Lord. I've seen this kind of repentance in my own life. I didn't actually recognize it until a couple of days ago as I sat in my car in a parking lot. There was once a time when the Lord dismantled huge parts of who I used to be in order to make way for more important things. Music used to be the most important thing in my life. I would drive down the highway, listen to some good country songs, and I always felt like I was on fire. It was such a strong feeling. So much of my identity revolved around music. There were a lot of reasons I was worried about getting married and starting a family, but I actually think music was a huge portion of those reasons. I didn't want to sacrifice music. Music was taken away from me. I stopped college to try and be a musician. I was working in the industry. I was entering competitions and playing small shows. I did it for months. Then it all collapsed a bit. I was surrounded by darkness, both within my own mind and in what I had surrounded myself with. After being separated from that dark period, I put up a barrier between me and music. It didn't touch me like it used to. I couldn't write anything anymore. It was too associated with darkness. As I sat in my car pondering this, I found myself bawling my eyes out that the Lord had taken it away. Only, I was bawling in gratitude not in despair. Music is powerful and wonderful and I don't think I'm done with it yet. However, it had become an idol to me. I needed it taken away because the Lord had something much more important in mind. If I had kept music, regardless of whether I was successful or not, I think it would have prevented me from fully stepping into more divine callings. I wouldn't have had room for these other things that the Lord wanted to give me. Would I have willingly chosen children or resented them? Would I have ever had time to bear my testimony in the capacity that I do now? Would I even have been able to enjoy my role as a wife as much as I do now if music hadn't been taken away from me? I can't totally be sure, but I think music would have robbed me of those things. I was that obsessed. It was an idol. I know that's not the case for other musicians, but it was for me. It would have kept me from some of the most important parts of my life. As I think about the beautiful life I've been given, it makes me sick to think that I could have missed it. The Lord stripped away all of these parts of me that felt so important, and He left just Himself and His covenant with me. With all of the problems I had accumulated combined with the music having been taken away, there wasn't much of me left. Just a covenant. And the Lord upheld that covenant. He somehow got me on a mission and gave me my family. He had to remove all of that other stuff so that He could build something better with nothing but the covenant protection He had given me. Detail two. Hezekiah goes from stripping the temple of riches to praying in it. Hezekiah originally tried to give money over to Assyria to get them to leave, and it didn't work. They camped outside of Jerusalem. He doesn't make the same mistake twice. Hezekiah receives a letter telling him, “Don't trust anyone who tells you that your God can save you. We've defeated so many other gods before you.” Hezekiah had overturned altars and torn down idolatrous images in Judah; he did all the things. Now he gets to prove how much he really trusts the God of his fathers. Hezekiah tells the Lord that the Assyrians have done all of these major feats of strength and power, but Hezekiah also acknowledges that it is only the power of mankind. He continues his beautiful prayer with this sentiment. 2 Kings 19:19 Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only. He implores the Lord to show the Assyrians who the true God is. This isn't about saving his own skin anymore. Hezekiah's heart has turned towards God's glory. That is the result he wants: God's glory. God shows up with a whole lot of glory, and He shows Judah and the rest of the world who holds the real power. Hezekiah repented. He spiritually up-levelled. He went from knocking down idols to facing fear with nothing but his trust in God's covenants with Judah. He went from fear of losing his life and kingdom to simply wanting the glory of God. He stood to lose a lot in facing off with Syria, but he chose trust and it saved him. I testify that a covenant relationship with Christ is a powerful foundation. I testify that sometimes the Lord strips away parts of us that feel so important so that He can uncover that foundation and start anew with something more powerful. I testify that spiritually maturing means stepping into trust, and I testify that trusting in God saves us. It's not enough to keep the commandments and do the things. Hezekiah did the things, and they were SO important and necessary, but even that was not enough. Hezekiah still had to trust, and that was what turned the tides of Judah. It can turn the tide for you. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 2 Kings 16–25 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.
In the final years of Sennacherib's reign, the Neo-Assyrian Empire entered a strange period of peace. After decades of war, conquest, rebellion, and the destruction of Babylon, the greatest military power of the ancient Near East suddenly stopped expanding.Was Sennacherib simply more interested in building Nineveh than campaigning abroad? Had Assyria reached the natural limits of profitable conquest? Or were omens and divination beginning to restrain the king's decisions?The question became far more dangerous when Sennacherib unexpectedly removed his established crown prince and elevated a younger son: Assur-ahu-iddina, better known as Esarhaddon. Sickly, deeply religious, and apparently favored by prophets and diviners, Esarhaddon was proclaimed the heir during a period of intense religious activity surrounding the restoration of the Akitu festival.His older brothers did not accept the decision.This episode follows the final years of Sennacherib, the religious and political logic behind Esarhaddon's elevation, the rivalry among the Assyrian princes, the assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons, and the brief civil war that brought Esarhaddon to the throne.Along the way, we examine how omens actually influenced Assyrian policy, why sacred oaths may have mattered more than modern historians assume, and how royal propaganda transformed a violent succession crisis into proof that the gods themselves had chosen the new king.Topics include Sennacherib, Esarhaddon, Urdu-Mullissu, Naqia, the Neo-Assyrian Empire, Assyrian divination, the Akitu festival, the destruction of Babylon, Assyrian succession, ancient prophecy, royal assassination, and the religion of ancient Mesopotamia.
Start Here QuestionWhy did King Josiah remove objects from the temple?Short AnswerKing Josiah removed temple objects because many had become closely associated with pagan worship and Assyrian religious practices. Rather than rejecting the temple itself, he sought to restore covenant worship by removing symbols that no longer pointed people toward God. According to this episode, these reforms represented spiritual cleansing and covenant renewal rather than political power or religious innovation. Key TakeawaysKing Josiah inherited Judah during a period of political, economic, and spiritual collapse.The rediscovery of the Book of the Law sparked a national covenant renewal rather than the creation of a new religion.Many temple objects Josiah removed had become symbols of idolatry under Assyrian influence.Jeremiah praised Josiah for defending the poor, seeking justice, and remaining faithful to God’s covenant.Josiah’s death at Megiddo marked the end of Judah’s last righteous king before the Babylonian captivity. Continue readingThe post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 2 Kings 16–25 – Jennifer Roach Lees appeared first on FAIR.
"You were not spared because you are righteous! In fact, God hates your so-called mitzvos!"
The Bible foretells a mysterious character called “the Assyrian” who seems to have a role in the end times war against Israel. Who is he? What's odd is the Hebrew text of Micah 5:5–6 (and Isaiah 14:25, 31:8, and 52:4) lacks the definite article “the.” In other words, there is no “the Assyrian” in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word Assur can referred to Assyria, its capital city, or its chief deity, who was the equivalent of the Sumerian/Babylonian god Enlil (called Ellil in Akkad), El of Canaan, Dagon of the Philistines, and Milcom of Ammon—and thus Molech, the netherworld god who demanded the sacrifice of children from his followers. We believe the passages in Micah are an “already but not yet” prophecy, referring to the imminent conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel by Assyria, which occurred during Micah's lifetime in 722 BC, and a future return of Assur in the end times as the Destroyer, Abaddon/Apollyon, who is released from the abyss for five months to torment those without the seal of God on their foreheads. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been battling stage 4 bowel cancer and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our latest book The Gates of Hell is available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch JOIN US IN ISRAEL (NOTE NEW DATES)! We will tour the Holy Land Oct. 25–Nov. 6, 2027 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Follow us!• X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Substack: GilbertHouse.substacdk.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.com• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation | @thebiblesgreatestmysteries• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.
Just before God brought the judgment of exile upon Judah, the people were profaning and desecrating His temple by worshiping unclean animals, Tammuz the Assyrian fertility god, and the sun inside of it. This was the last straw for God. This message is an overview of the book of Ezekiel. The whole book is needed to understand why God punished His people. Ezekiel VF-2553 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved
→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) Israel is scattered because they rejected God's statutes and covenants.(09:05) Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire and the Lord was very angry with them for this. These chapters are a warning to us today. We are to take care of the weakest among us. When we do, we show the Lord we desire his presence.(11:48) In 721 BC the Assyrian empire carried away the ten tribes of Israel. The text offers clues as to when this record was written.(13:21) King Hezekiah sends an invitation to all of Israel to return to the temple in order to avoid destruction. Individual families who are obedient are saved.(19:01) The Israelites have divided loyalties to many gods. Being committed to our faith significantly impacts our posterity.(21:33) In Isaiah's day, the kingdom of Judah is ruled by King Hezekiah. He takes a bold stand against the Assyrian army and Rabshakeh's rhetoric. This story is also found in Isaiah 36-37.(26:23) Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises to stop the Assyrian army, defend Jerusalem, and preserve a remnant of Judah. The incredible fulfillment of this prophecy is a pivot point in world history.(36:37) Hezekiah allows Babylon to see all the precious things of his house and he is reprimanded by Isaiah for doing so. Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will carry Judah into exile.(39:09) Hezekiah secures the city of Jerusalem by building a tunnel to divert water from the Spring of Gihon into the pool of Siloam inside Jerusalem's walls. He also covers up the water source so that his enemies cannot access it. God honors our best efforts with blessings.(43:43) Manasseh is an evil king of Judah who shed innocent blood, including sacrificing his own son. According to tradition, he even killed the prophet Isaiah.(46:12) Josiah is 8 years old when he began to reign as king. Hilkiah, the high priest in Josiah's day, discovered “The Book of the Law,” which many believe to be the core text of Deuteronomy. The prophetess Huldah proclaims that God's wrath will come upon the people of Judah.(50:29) Josiah's religious reforms are outlined in 2 Kings 23. Josiah burns the Asherah, takes down the high places, slays many priests, stops child sacrifice, and holds Passover.(55:37) The Book of Mormon and doctrines of the Restoration help bring balance to the reforms of Josiah.(1:04:42) Josiah is killed in battle and is replaced by a series of unrighteous kings. King Zedekiah is the last of the kings of Judah. Many of the people of Judah are carried captive into Babylon during this time. This is where the story of Lehi in the Book of Mormon picks up. He prophesies of the coming destruction and takes his family into the wilderness for safety.(1:09:33) After King Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed by the Babylonians. Gedaliah, a Judean, is appointed to govern the remnant. King Jehoiachin, after over 30 years of captivity in Babylon, is released and allowed to live, sparking hope for the return of the Davidic dynasty.(1:12:05) One son of Zedekiah, Mulek, flees to the Americas and his posterity are the people of Zarahemla, or the “Mulekites” in the Book of Mormon.(1:15:01) Christ is The King. If we put someone or something else on that throne, we will end up lost, captive, and scattered. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.
Follow Him: A Come, Follow Me Podcast featuring Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Why did Jerusalem's kings keep gambling with the Assyrian Empire, and how did that set the stage for the Book of Mormon? Dr. Michael Day explores Hezekiah's faith crisis in the late monarchy world of Lehi.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/pcAUyS3PdBESHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229ESFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 1 - Dr. Mike Day2:29 Mike's Top 34:55 Bio8:51 Late monarchy overview10:26 Chapter flyover12:38 Hezekiah's last stand15:53 Ahaz and syncretism19:01 What is a tribute?21:33 Scattering begins26:03 Deuteronomistic history28:36 Trauma and the Bible31:15 D&C 88 sidequest33:50 Scattering timeline36:43 Fortunate scattering41:07 Hezekiah's reign44:04 Temple gold tension45:03 Rabsakeh's taunting Israel49:49 Turn to Isaiah 3753:10 Hezekiah's prayer57:28 Angel strikes Assyrian army59:26 Prism1:02:48 Promise to Hezekiah1:04:48 Connection to Nephi1:08:22 End of Part 1 - Dr. Mike DayThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com
Dr. Petra Creamer, an Assyriologist, archaeologist, and professor of the Ancient Near East at Emory University, joins Lexie to discuss focusing on the Assyrian Empire to understand how non-elites experienced state power, Assyrian deportation as a labor and control strategy that often moved families and aimed to resettle people as productive “Assyrians,” and conducting fieldwork at Katrash near Erbil, an unexpected rural Neo-Assyrian administrative/storage center likely tied to agricultural extraction and imperial bureaucracy. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week's exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded July 31, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Creamer: https://mesas.emory.edu/people/biographies/Creamer-Petra.htmlFollow her on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/petramcreamer.bsky.social Follow her research on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Petra-CreamerFind her publications on Academia: https://emory.academia.edu/PetraCreamerCustom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’” (Jonah 1:1–2 NLT) Throughout this month, we’ll be addressing the need for revival in our nation. To help frame our discussion, I want to look back at one of the greatest revivals in human history. This week we’ll be talking about what happened in the Assyrian city of Nineveh, as recorded in the Old Testament book of Jonah. The first thing we need to understand is that one of the greatest revivals in human history began with one person who was willing to step out of his comfort zone. Okay, maybe Jonah wasn’t exactly willing at first. But after a short stay in the digestive tract of a giant fish, he was quite willing. By the way, if the idea of a person being swallowed by a giant sea creature seems far-fetched to you, you should read the story of Michael Packard, a veteran lobster diver from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. One day, while Packard was in the water, he was washed into the mouth of a humpback whale. He recalled, “All of a sudden I felt this huge shove, and the next thing I knew it was completely black.” After about 40 seconds, the whale spit him out. The same thing happened to Jonah—it just took about three days longer in his case. Jonah ended up in the belly of a giant fish because he wanted to stay in his comfort zone. Jonah 1:1–2 says, “The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are’” (NLT). But Jonah refused. The Ninevites were enemies of Israel and were known for their wickedness and cruelty. The idea of God forgiving and showing mercy to them was far outside Jonah’s comfort zone. He had no concern for the souls of the Ninevites. He took comfort in the notion that God would judge Nineveh. He wanted the Ninevites to suffer for all the suffering they had caused Israel. But God didn’t call Jonah to make himself at home in his comfort zone. He called Jonah to leave his comfort zone far behind and do something that must have felt not only out of character but also beyond his ability. That’s how revivals begin: ordinary people respond to an extraordinary call. They step outside their comfort zone and place their trust in God to accomplish what He would have them do. Are you willing to leave your comfort zone to reach people who need Jesus? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are of a different political persuasion than you are? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are of a different race than you are? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are just different from you? Don’t forget—that’s how revivals get started. Reflection question: What would it look like in your life to reach out to someone who is different from you? Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you watch online! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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