Some Quick Thoughts On Popular Christian Memes About The 2017 Eclipse

Some Quick Thoughts On Popular Christian Memes About The 2017 Eclipse

1. Total Solar Eclipses Are Not Rare, But Seeing One May Be

Although an individual, remaining in a single region her or his whole life, may never see a total eclipse or perhaps witness such an eclipse only once or twice in a lifetime, the occurrences of total eclipses is not rare. Total solar eclipses happen somewhere in the world about every 18 months. There will be five in the next six years:
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Rising Star, Ruthless Rebel, and False Messiah: Bar Koseba, Bar Kokhba, Bar Koziba

Rising Star, Ruthless Rebel, and False Messiah: Bar Koseba, Bar Kokhba, Bar Koziba

Fifty-seven years ago today Yigael Yadin announced the discovery of letters written by Bar Kochba, the leader of the third Judaean rebellion against Rome (from 132-134 C.E.). These letters reveal that his real name was Shimon Bar Koseba. Tradition holds that the name Bar Kokhba was given to him by Rabbi Akiva, who believed that the rebel leader might be the Messiah. Bar Kochba means “son of a star” and alludes to a portion of Numbers 24:17as a Messianic prophecy: “There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Continue reading

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A Name Reveals A Lot

A Name Reveals A Lot

Sometimes the scripture has these often brief, but revealing, almost tongue-in-cheek elements (that I love) in which it feels like the reader is sort of let in on a joke or a story where everything may not quite be what it seems.

In the Book of Judges, the people come to Gideon and say, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” Continue reading

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Jordan: Our First Home Visit

Jordan: Our First Home Visit

Our first afternoon in Mafraq, John Hollon, two other volunteers, and I had the opportunity to go on a home visit.  These are visits where we accompanied one of the local full time servants who provide on-going care and have relationships with Syrian refugees who have moved into the area.  For us, this servant was Egab, a man with a huge smile and a humorous joy that seems unending.  On our way we make a stop to pick up some diapers, formula, and a few other supplies.  These are for a new baby in the family.

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