What is the Messianic Jewish View of Jesus? A Life of Jesus

A wonderful new publication gives a very detailed view of the life of Jesus, as portrayed in the New Testament.  Of course, everybody knows where to obtain a New Testament, but, what may be somewhat less obvious is how to understand the Jewish context in which it was written.
Ariel Ministries has just released a new book that is highly helpful in this regard.  There are longer versions with manifold references, but this is an abridged version for persons who merely wish to know the core message.   Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, learned scholar in these matters, is the author. "Life of Messiah" is the title, and, while it may take a bit out of the budget, it will remain a reference work long after it is read.  As a reference book, it is by no means expensive!

Here is a quote from the Ariel site with regard to this book:

ISRAEL'S MESSIANIC KING
During His ministry to the Jewish people, Yeshua (Jesus) journeyed throughout the land promised to the Jewish patriarchs, presenting Himself to the Jews as their Messiah. He was a Jew living in a Jewish land among the Jewish people. Yet, much of the knowledge of this Jewish society, its culture and traditions has grown dim with the passage of time. In this work, Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum shines a bright light on the life of Yeshua and the land of Israel during the Second Temple period, interpreting the Gospels from a Messianic Jewish perspective. To achieve this, Dr. Fruchtenbaum had done original research in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek source texts, and has also drawn on the works of other scholars and the writings of ancient rabbis.

The book can be purchased from Ariel Ministries at Ariel Ministries New Items. I think it is well worth the while to investigate this volume.

Sacra Script Has Another Exciting Series: Tracing His Story

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned SacraScript Ministries, mainly in connection with their book-by-book Bible studies.  They, however, have other studies, also, and I just viewed one tonight by live stream, in the series called "Tracing His Story: Following God's Faithfulness through the history of His Church." 
I think there was an earlier part of this series, which, while still on the theme "Tracing His Story," dealt with God's faithfulness during the times of both the Old and New Testaments.  This series deals with God's faithfulness after the New Testament era.  Tonight, March 24, 2018, I viewed Part 4 of this series, which was mainly about the time of severe persecution under Diocletian, which was followed by other events, including the accession of Constantine and some changes under his leadership. 
I do find I like the explanations given:  they are understandable and are, as well, at a pace that can be followed.  I hope that some other people may look into this series, and the one prior to it.  I think it will be rewarding.  By the way, all prior videos in the series are available on the SacraScript website, which is at SacraScript Ministries

Elders in a Church -- What Does That Look Like? How Does That Work?

Most of you are familiar with elders.  I know I am not only because my church is organized that way, but, as well, because I am familiar with them from the Bible.   However, having said that, it is always good to look at the collected teachings of the Bible on elders from the perspective of those who study that subject in an intensive manner. And, as well, if you are an elder, you might wish to see some resources available for elders.

There is a website that fulfils some of these aims, and its title is "Biblical Eldership Resources."  It can be found at the following link:

Biblical Eldership Resources

Bible Studies -- One Book at a Time

SacraScript Ministries

Maybe you're like me -- I have attended Bible study meetings for many years, but, for some reason, I have never been to a study on Obadiah. Or Haggai.  Or, sometimes, I have been to a study on another book of the Bible, but it has been rather perfunctory, due to time limits, and it did not give reference to the context of the original writing.

If you have lots of time, then, perhaps, studies at a website called SacraScript Ministries may be an ideal activity for you.  The name of the presenter, Rhome Dyck, born in Canada, may be known to you already -- he was a co-presenter on The Theology Program, some years ago.

The first study on this site that I investigated was "Haggai," probably because I had never heard a study on that book of the Bible, either.  I was quite happy to listen to this SacraScript study.

Gradually, new studies are being added, but, at this moment, studies available are on the books of James, Galatians, Philippians, Haggai, and Obadiah.

There are other studies available on the site, and these are listed here

Just thought I should pass this information along to anyone that is interested.

There are two ways to access these studies: one is to watch them, for free, on the SacraScript website.  If, however, you wish to purchase them on DVD, that is another option which might be convenient if the study is to be watched in an area where there is no internet access.

There is, as well, an app that may be downloaded for Android or Windows 8 or 10, or for Apple, which has an interactive Bible timeline on it.

A Four-Minute Video with Dr. Don Carson on "The Ground of All Human Assurance"

The Ground of All Human Assurance Before God (D.A. Carson) from Desiring God on Vimeo.