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Bible Insights

An Example of Obedience in the Life of Joseph

An Example of Obedience in the Life of Joseph Four times, Joseph received instructions from God: 1. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him to go ahead and marry Mary (Matthew 1:20). 2. Later, an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, warning him of the threat on Jesus’ life and […]

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Video Review: Time Changer

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan Time Changer cleverly contrasts the moral conditions in the United States circa 1890 with those of today, by allowing upright Bible teacher Russell Carlisle to transport himself from the 19th century into the future using a time machine. The difference is startling and the impact is compelling, allowing viewers to see […]

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Bible Insights

Are You an Alien?

Do You Belong Here? The Bible sometimes calls the followers of Jesus, aliens (Ephesians 2:19, Hebrews 11:13, and 1 Peter 2:11). This seems like a strange and insulting label. Some translations translations of the Bible use words like exiles, migrants, strangers, and temporary residents. The Message uses the phrase, “world is not your home.” An […]

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Bible Insights

Jesus was Jewish

That statement catches many Christians (that is, followers of Jesus) off guard. It is easy to label Jesus, since he is the impetus for Christianity, as a Christian, even though his time spent on earth was as a Jew. Indeed, he was born a Jew, into a Jewish culture, and had a clear Jewish lineage.  […]

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Personal Posts

Wedding Photo and a Few More

Several readers have asked for photos of our daughter’s wedding.  Here is one of the bride and groom, flanked by my wife and I, along with Dan and his betrothed.  

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Bible Insights

The Curtain in the Temple was Torn in Two

The “Holy of Holies” (also called “the Most Holy Place” or “the Holiest of all”) was the innermost part of the tabernacle and later, the temple. It was so sacred that only the high priest could enter it and then only once a year. When Jesus died, the veil (which was very thick, more akin […]

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Bible Insights

Sarah Laughs at God

In Genesis 18:10-15 we read the amazing story of Sarah being promised a son in her old age. When she hears this, she laughs—I would to; it seems preposterous. But for an all-powerful God, nothing is impossible. In fact God rhetorically asks Abraham (Sarah’s even older husband) “Is anything too hard for [me]?” Sarah’s laughter […]

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Personal Posts

Donate Money to Your Favorite Charity Just By Searching Online

Earlier this week, I received an interesting press release. It was about search online to donate money to charity. Though it’s not my habit to post press releases, this one seems worthwhile: Supporters Turn To Innovative Ways To Help Their Favorite Nonprofits This Holiday Season Charities across the nation are bracing themselves for declining contributions this […]

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Personal Posts

I Married a Monk

I really like the TV show Monk. The season premier was last Friday. Since we were a tad busy with Laura and Chris’s wedding, we’ve not yet had the opportunity to watch it, but I’m most anxious to do so. The show features Adrian Monk, a former homicide detective, who has some issues: he struggles with a […]

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Bible Insights

Does God Give Love or Justice?

Most people correctly understand that God is love. They then reason that out of love, he will unquestionably accept them as they are, welcoming them into heaven when they die. This is an oversimplification of his love. God is also just. His just nature requires that there be a punishment for the wrong things that […]