That the World May Know

The Early Church Discovery Guide contains questions for discussion and reflection, making it an ideal companion to the Early Church video series - the fifth volume of the "That the World May Know" series. You'll discover the passion and ...

Volume 3 | Life and Ministry of the Messiah Discovery Guide

This series by Ray Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures. The Life & Ministry of the Messiah Discovery Guide focuses on Scripture explored in the videos, and includes sidebars, maps, ph...

Volume 2 | Prophets and Kings Discovery Guide

The Prophets & Kings Discovery Guide contains questions for discussion and reflection, making it an ideal companion to the Prophets & Kings video series. You'll explore the turbulent history of Israel's prophets and kings and learn from their stor...

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Articles

Volume 5 | The Early Church Discovery Guide

Volume 3 | Life and Ministry of the Messiah Discovery Guide

Volume 2 | Prophets and Kings Discovery Guide

A Far Country Decapolis

The Decapolis is mentioned by name only three times in the New Testament. In addition to these three instances, on at least two other occasions, Jesus visited specific locations in the largely pagan league of cities to the east of the Sea of Galil...

A New Tomb

Throughout Bible times, the burial ritual was regarded as very important. Jesus, sharing fully in our humanity (Heb. 2:14), was given a typical, though hurried, burial. Understanding the burial customs and practices of first-century Israel can hel...

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Encyclopedia

A Galilean Family Room

This room was the center of family life. It was probably used for eating, for storing food, and for socializing with extended family. Guests could be invited in if the weather was inappropriate for dining outdoors in the courtyard.A small wooden t...

Arad

The town of Arad is not important in the sense of great Bible events, but it does give a sense for the lives of common people during the time of Israel's monarchy. The ruins of a small temple from Hezekiah's time are significant in understanding t...

Bethlehem - Jesus' Birthplace

Today the town of Bethlehem is much larger than it was in Jesus' day. But despite its small size in biblical times, Bethlehem was the location of significant historical events. Discovering its history helps us appreciate why the town was the perf...

Biblical Names

In biblical times, a good name meant more than a good reputation. People understood that a name expressed the essence or identity of a person.In the Near East, a person's name identified something about their character or circumstances, such as bi...

Burial Practices

Burial PracticesThe BodyAccording to Jewish interpretation of the Old Testament Law, burial had to occur within 24 hours (Deut. 21:23). This was partly due to the climate in Israel, and partly because the body was considered to be ceremonially unc...

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Glossary

Baptize Definition

To wash, dip, or immerse in water. Baptism shows that a person's sins are washed away. He or she has joined the family of God and is united with Jesus in dying to sin and rising to a new life.

Bethlehem Definition

Located at the border between the mountains and the wilderness, its inhabitants benefited from the fertile mountain valleys and pastures the wilderness provided for the shepherds' flock.Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Micah prophesied t...

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