Worship The King

25/04/2024

17/04/2024

07/04/2024

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

-Deuteronomy 7:9

13/03/2024

A THOROUGH, SCHOLARLY, YET HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE STUDY ON THE 'INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD'

The "Intertestamental Period" has long captivated my curiosity. Throughout my formative years as a Christian, I repeatedly encountered descriptions of this period as a time when God was perceived as silent or seemingly disengaged from human affairs. These notions, frequently shared within religious circles, have left me both intrigued and perplexed. This is the reason why I am so excited about George Athas' new book, Bridging The Testaments.

Bridging the Testaments is a thorough exploration of the often-overlooked Second Temple Period, offering a deeper look at the rich historical and theological developments that transpired in Israel's post-exilic history. Published in hardback format by Zondervan Academic, this 600-page tome may seem a daunting read at first glance, but its depth and clarity make it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the centuries leading to Jesus' birth.

From the outset, Athas sets out to dismantle two prevailing notions: the idea of an 'Intertestamental Period' characterized by God's silence and the assumption that the Old Testament merely serves as a literary preface to the New Testament. Instead, he accurately terms this as the Second Temple Period, emphasizing the continuity and significance of the historical and theological developments during this time.

Divided into four parts—the Persian Era, Hellenistic Era, Hasmonean Era, and Roman Era—Athas meticulously guides readers through the complexities of the Second Temple Period. This division makes the volume an invaluable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the time between Malachi, the last canonical prophet in ancient Israel, and the New Testament Gospels. The breakdown into eras also allows readers to delve into the specific nuances of each period.

Furthermore, I highly commend Athas' mastery, meticulous research, and attention to detail, clearly evident throughout this volume. Drawing from a wide range of biblical and extra-biblical sources, he reconstructs the history of Judah and Samaria, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on God's covenant people. Athas successfully weaves together political, social, and theological threads, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and changes faced by Israel in the centuries preceding Jesus' birth.

Athas also achieves his goal of dispelling the notion of a four-century prophetic silence before Jesus. He argues persuasively for a more nuanced perspective, highlighting the dynamic nature of the relationship between God and His people during this period. By contextualizing historical events and theological developments, Athas bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments, presenting a cohesive narrative that dispels the idea of prolonged silence and darkness. To aid readers in understanding the text, I appreciate the inclusion of tables, illustrations, charts, and indexes throughout the volume.

Final thoughts:

George Athas's Bridging the Testaments is a highly academic, scholarly yet accessible work that enriches our understanding of the Second Temple Period. This book answers and challenges the prevailing beliefs that label the 'Intertestamental Period' as an era of divine silence or inactivity. Athas provides a detailed survey and commentary on this period through historical, theological, and cultural perspectives. I highly recommend this book!

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Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Bridging the Testaments (ISBN 9780310520948) from Zondervan in exchange for a fair and honest review. You may purchase a copy on this link: https://faithgateway.com/products/bridging-the-testaments-the-history-and-theology-of-god-s-people-in-the-second-temple-period?variant=41150597333128

26/10/2023

After Death takes audiences on a journey through the realms of the unknown, tackling life's most profound question: What happens after we die? Produced by Angel Studios, the same team behind the successful recent film Sound of Freedom, this thought-provoking film delves into near-death experiences by interviewing renowned figures, including New York Times bestselling authors, doctors, scientists, and survivors. The movie offers a unique blend of personal accounts and scientific insight, leaving viewers to ponder the existence of an afterlife.

After Death is an apologetics feature film that delves into the profound and often unsettling questions surrounding life, death, and the afterlife. The movie makes an earnest attempt to explore these themes from biblical, historical, medical, and scientific perspectives. It seeks to convince the audience that we are not merely flesh and bone but spiritual beings destined for an eternity in heaven or hell, thereby rejecting the notion of non-existence or reincarnation after death.

The film is captivating, weaving together personal testimonies from individuals who have undergone near-death experiences. Their stories fall into two distinct categories: encounters with a place of unknown light and love, and experiences of darkness and confusion. These narratives align with biblical depictions of heaven and hell, reinforcing the movie's central message.

One of the film's major strengths is its ability to provoke thought about the afterlife and the transient nature of life itself. It serves as a reminder that our time on Earth is limited, and the choices we make matter in eternity. The film also offers a glimmer of hope, assuring us that one day we may be reunited with our departed loved ones who died in Christ.

While After Death benefits from the testimonies of scientists and medical professionals, it falls short in terms of theological support. The deficiency in insights from pastors or theologians leaves a noticeable gap in the film's quest for a solid theological foundation. Such input could have enriched the narrative by providing a more comprehensive biblical perspective on the accounts and claims presented.

Additionally, the film missed an opportunity to share the gospel message explicitly, which could have provided a more profound spiritual impact. While it encourages viewers to consider their eternal destinies, the absence of a clear gospel presentation leaves the film somewhat unsatisfactory from a spiritual perspective.

In conclusion, "After Death" is a thought-provoking feature film on the afterlife that presents an intriguing blend of personal testimonies and scientific insights. It effectively challenges viewers to contemplate the eternal aspects of life and the choices we make. However, the film would have benefited from more robust theological support and a clearer presentation of the gospel message. Nevertheless, it succeeds in encouraging us to reflect on the unknown, reminding us that life's brevity should prompt us to consider our eternal destiny.

Get your tickets to see this movie in theaters starting 10/27!

You also have the option to Pay it Forward for After Death, providing a movie ticket to someone who may not otherwise have the chance to see it. When you Pay it Forward, you are part of the first movement in history to share stories that amplify light in this incredible way: https://www.angel.com/pay-it-forward/after-death



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Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

02/10/2023

What does it truly mean to live a life of freedom in Christ?

In this expanded edition of Traveling Light, Peterson takes us on an enlightening journey, delving into the very essence of Christian freedom through the lens of Paul's perspective: what it is, where we can find it, and who is the Giver of this gift.

Much like his equally captivating book, Run With The Horses, a commentary on the book of Jeremiah, Traveling Light can be viewed as Peterson's modern commentary on Paul's letter to the Galatians, often regarded as the Magna Carta of Christian Liberty. Published by InterVarsity Press in an appealing hardback format, this expanded edition includes a thoughtful foreword by Karen Swallow Prior and a set of reflection and discussion questions.

Eugene Peterson was undoubtedly a masterful writer. This engaging and passionate commentary on Galatians offers fresh insights into the meaning of Paul's letter, making it relevant for contemporary Christians. As an experienced pastor, Peterson's writing style exudes warmth and wisdom, and is easily accessible.

Comprising 15 thought-provoking chapters, Traveling Light presents short, manageable chapters that allow readers to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed. Chapter three—Free to Curse—stands out as my personal favorite, where Peterson dissects Galatians 1:6-12, which contains Paul's defense of the gospel of grace. His insights are truly eye-opening, and his handling and explanation of topics such as heresy, the gospel, and God's character are commendable. In subsequent chapters, Peterson delves into themes such as obedience, self-worth, love, and religion, providing readers with a comprehensive exploration of the Galatian letter.

Traveling Light is a remarkable work on Christian freedom, offering a literally liberating experience. If you’re experiencing fear or legalism in your spiritual journey, I highly recommend this book. It is a refreshing and insightful perspective on the profound message of Galatians.

31/05/2023

19/05/2023

17/05/2023

LORD, you are the peace that guards my heart, my help in times of need.

30/06/2022

Enter Now

27/05/2022

We PREACH CHRIST and Him CRUCIFIED.

19/05/2022

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Romans 1:20 ESV

26/04/2022

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:17

08/02/2022

Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.

-John Bunyan