2024 Issues

Lessons from the Jewish Feasts

March 1, 2024

Leviticus 23 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations — My appointed times are these’” (Leviticus 23:2, Scriptures from NASB).” — Ray Charlton The twenty-third chapter in Leviticus sets out for the Israelites, through Moses, the holy days, the times, and the seasons as they were appointed by God. Each of these holy days had a special meaning to the Jewish Nation and provides lessons for Christians today. […]

From Exodus Until Memorial

March 1, 2024

The Lamb of God “I saw in the midst of the throne … a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6). — Jim Parkinson The first Passover Lamb delivered Israel’s firstborn from death who were under the protection of its blood, and eventually all of Israel. Subsequent Passovers have been annual memorials of that first Passover, to remember the deliverance of all Israel (as well as a mixed multitude). The Passover Lamb in Egypt was a type (an allegory) […]

Hasty Meal and Quick Exit

March 1, 2024

The Last Night “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). A fundamental question about the Passover revolves around five scriptures and three resulting assumptions: “Ye shall keep [the Passover lamb] until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it between the two evenings … And they shall eat the flesh in that night” (Exodus 12:6-8). “And thus shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on […]

Israel’s Passover Celebrations

March 1, 2024

Six Occasions “And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance at its appointed time from year to year” (Exodus 13:9, 10, Scriptures from RSV, Revised Standard Version, unless otherwise noted). — Jeff Earl The Old Testament describes six specific accounts of […]

News and Views

March 1, 2024

Religious Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu was a star, even mentioned as a potential future pope. He is now an accused criminal. Vatican magistrates alleged Becciu had embezzled more than $100,000 through a nonprofit group run by his brother. Since the summer of 2021, the 75-year-old Becciu has been on trial for embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering. He is the first cardinal to be tried in Vatican City’s criminal court. Nine others face charges concerning the alleged theft of money intended […]