Sermons and Biblical Studies

Yitzhak Magen When Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar (modern Nablus), she said to Him, “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain” (Jn 4:20). She was referring to Mount Gerizim 2 km (1.2 mi) to the southwest, the center of Samaritan worship since the eighth century BC. After nearly two … Continue reading “THE
SACRED PRECINCT ON MOUNT GERIZIM”

By now you probably know that the new millennium actually began on January 1, 2001. Our 365-day year is based on the time it takes the earth to completely circle the sun. The Jewish calendar was based on lunar cycles; thus the Bible frequently speaks of the new moon. The Hebrew word for moon is … Continue reading “FOR
YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS:
ANOTHER MILLENNIUM”

Fossils (Latin for “dug up”) are supposed to be remains of very ancient creatures, long ago encased in stone. Yet, many animals living today are identical to fossils supposedly millions of years old. That is not what evolution expects. Since evolution teaches that things continually evolve into higher, more complex, forms over time, these creatures … Continue reading “FOR
YOUNG PALEONTOLOGISTS:
LIVING FOSSILS”

Erich A. von Fange [Our English word “astronomy” comes from two Greek words: astro (star) and nomos (law), meaning the law of the stars. In this article, Dr. von Fange addresses Creation/Evolution issues from the field of astronomy.] The universe up there. No one can fait to be awed by the absolutely marvelous photos beamed … Continue reading “ASTRONOMY:
TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, OR SPECULATION?”

Tiglath-pileser III King of Assyria, Menahem King of Israel, Ahaz King of Judah, Peqah King of Israel and Rezin King of Aram Bryant G. Wood [In this continuing series, ABR director Bryant Wood profiles Biblical characters whose lives have been attested in archaeological finds. This article features five kings from four different nations during the … Continue reading “BIBLE
PERSONAGES IN ARCHAEOLOGY”

Brian Janeway [“For sheer melodrama—gruesome murders, sexual exploits, superhuman feats of strength, a bizarre mutilation—no tabloid can offer you more, “So reads the introduction to the Book of Judges in the Quest Study Bible. Such a juicy enticement to begin the study of Scripture! Hopefully, this study will be motivated by more noble incentives!] The … Continue reading “EHUD’S
ESCAPE”

Hela Crown-Tamir [Biblical Dor. on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, was an important site during both the Old and New Testament periods. One of Palestine’s most important ports for 1, 500 years, few Israelites may have actually lived there. It was the home of Canaanite, Sea People and Phoenician mariners. In this article, Israeli tour guide Hela … Continue reading “TEL
DOR: RULER OF THE SEAS”

Stephen Caesar [Christianity generally spread throughout Palestine and the Mediterranean world among the middle and lower classes. Author Stephen Caesar points to new studies which reveal everyday life of the common man and help us understand the Gospel’s impact during the days of Jesus and the Apostles.] Recent archaeological investigations in the lands of the … Continue reading “SOCIOECONOMIC
FACTORS IN THE SUCCESS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY”

David P. Livingston [2000 was the Associates for Biblical Research’s 19th dig season at Khirbet Nisya, under the direction of ABR founder Dr. David Livingston. In this article, Dr. Livingston summarizes the result of his 2000 excavation. With his research at Kh. Nisya winding down, this dig included only a small team working on specific … Continue reading “KHIRBET
NISYA 2000”

William Geating Many possibilities have been suggested to explain the astronomical phenomena known as the “Star of Bethlehem” as recorded in Matthew 2:1–12. Is there a scientific explanation for this “Star of Wonder” that remains true to the Scriptural account? To answer this question, we must first establish, accurately, the year when Christ was born, … Continue reading “THE
STAR OF BETHLEHEM”