Jacob Gen 28; 10-17 Gen 35; 9-15 Someone could ask if it is possible for man to secure the blessings of God solely through their own efforts; or perhaps, if a believer has to cling to God, and completely lean on Him in order to receive His blessings. More often than not, believers find themselves in situations whereby they are forced to fight the temptation to rely on their own 'guts'

Matthew's Gospel Most scholars agree that Mark's Gospel was written between 60 and 75 AD and that Mark's account served as a source for Matthew's Gospel, which was written at around the same period. However, while Mark wrote his Gospel for the Gentiles, Matthew wrote to the Hebrews in and around Palestine. Thus, their audiences were completely different with very different needs. For the Hebrews, it was important to understand how

Messiah in the Old and New Testaments The Jewish origins of the word "messiah" are found in the ancient consecration ritual of the Hebrews, who "anointed" something or someone by purifying it with holy oil (1 Sam 10:1-2). It is to this act of anointing that the word "messiah" is derived, as it means "anointed." Kings, priests, prophets, the Temple, and the special bread (which also takes on a unique significance

Julius Scott Jr.'s work of literature Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament, is quite fascinating. The manuscript is well researched and dedicated to a number of crucial events that influenced the form of practice of both Christianity and Judaism. The author incorporates a variety of sources, both traditional and otherwise, in an attempt to reconstruct some of the critical elements in the intertestamental period that greatly influenced both of these

Communicating in Small Groups Christian fellowship ministry is the replication and continuation of ministry of Jesus Christ and of His Holy Spirit through His disciples on earth today. Each ministry is formed as a small group or team and in fulfillment of the teachings of the Holy Bible, which read: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the

Book Of Ruth Ruth, and God's apparent absence. The Old Testament is filled with stories of mighty works between God and man. In supernatural ways, god seem intimately involves with his creation in order to reveal himself in their lives, and weave Himself into their history. Moses, Joshua, Abraham, and Elijah - these mighty leaders seem to be lead, or maybe pushed, to great deeds by intimate interactions with the creator of