by avministry | Feb 16, 2023 | Blog
The Moabite Stone, also known as the Mesha Stele, is a large slab of basalt that has provided linguists and historians with the most significant source of the Moabite language to date. The stele was discovered in fragments in 1868, about 15 miles east of the Dead Sea, and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Despite its discovery over a century ago, it wasn’t until recently that scholars have been able to confirm with a high degree of certainty that the slab contains references to King David.
The Mesha Stele features a detailed account of King Mesha of Moab’s battle with Israel. The description in the stele corresponds, albeit loosely, with a similar account in 2 Kings chapter 3. Although the text contains references to the Israelite god, it also features allusions to the “House of David” and the “Altar of David.” Previously, scholars were unsure about how to interpret these references to King David.
The Moabite phrase “House of David” is composed of five letters: bt dwd. The first and fourth letters were already clear, but the other three were not. Recently, researchers André Lemaire and Jean-Philippe Delorme re-examined the evidence and were able to uncover the remaining letters through a method called Reflectance Transformation Imaging. This technique involved taking new digital photographs of the restored stele and the paper squeeze and combining them to create a precise, three-dimensional digital rendering of the piece. By using this method, the researchers were able to see previously hidden, faint, or worn incisions that revealed the letters taw, dalet, and dalet.
The new findings provide compelling evidence that the Mesha Stele contains explicit references to King David. This discovery is significant not only for biblical studies but also for historical and linguistic research.
More About the Moabite Stone:
Moabite Stone
The Moabite Stone, also known as the Mesha Stele, is a large slab of basalt that was discovered in Jordan in 1868 by a German missionary named Frederick Augustus Klein. The stone dates back to the 9th century BCE and is covered in an inscription that provides valuable insights into the history and culture of the ancient kingdom of Moab.
The Moabite Stone is over four feet tall and is inscribed with about 1,000 lines of text in the Moabite language, which is a dialect of Canaanite. The text describes the reign of King Mesha of Moab, who successfully rebelled against the Israelites and restored the kingdom of Moab.
The Moabite Stone is significant for several reasons. It is one of the most important archaeological finds of the 19th century and has provided scholars with valuable insights into the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Additionally, it is one of the few sources of information on the Moabite language, which was spoken in the ancient kingdom of Moab.
The Moabite Stone also provides insights into the relationship between the Moabites and the Israelites. The text describes King Mesha’s rebellion against the Israelites and contains references to the Israelite god, as well as the “House of David,” which was the dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Judah in the southern part of Israel.
Recent discoveries related to the Moabite Stone have further enhanced our understanding of this important historical document. In 2018, researchers from the Louvre Museum used a technique called Reflectance Transformation Imaging to uncover previously hidden inscriptions on the stone. This method involves taking digital photographs of the stone from different angles and combining them to create a precise, three-dimensional digital rendering of the piece.
In conclusion, the Moabite Stone is a fascinating and valuable artifact that provides valuable insights into the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Its discovery and decipherment have greatly contributed to our understanding of the Moabite language and its relationship to ancient Hebrew. The recent discoveries related to the Moabite Stone have opened up new avenues of research and promise to further our understanding of this important historical document.
by avministry | Feb 14, 2023 | Sermons
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Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease
to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Colossians 1:10 That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power,
for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins.
I. INTERCEDING MEANS PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER AS ONE.
Colossians 1:9 “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease
to pray for you, …”
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in
one hope of your calling;
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all,
and in you all.
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in
Me through their word;
John 17:21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;
that they also may be one in Us,
Romans 8:34 “… It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even
at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Lyrics “And He’s ever interceding”
And He’s ever interceding, to the Father for His children;
Yes, He’s ever interceding, to the Father for His own;
Through Him you can reach the Father, So, bring Him all your heavy burdens;
Yes, for you He’s interceding, So, come boldly to the throne.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience,
in all things desiring to live honorably.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, …”
II. INTERCEDING MEANS PRAYING FOR SAINTS DOING WELL.
Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease
to pray for you, …
Colossians 1:4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for
all the saints;
Romans 15:30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through
the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
John 15:5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.
John 15:6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been
in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
John 15:8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
John 15:9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
John 15:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you
have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.
Matthew 12:43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through
dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
Matthew 12:44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.
’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.
Matthew 12:45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked
than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is
worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”
III. INTERCEDING FOR SAINTS MEANS NOT CEASING TO PRAY.
Colossians 1:9 ” … we do not cease to pray for you …”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing,
Scripture records that out of approximately 667 recorded prayers in the Bible,
there are about 454 recorded answers.
Dwight Spurgeon said, “As you are tempted without ceasing, so pray without ceasing.”
Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
IV. INTERCEDING MEANS PRAYING FOR OTHERS TO BE FILLED.
Colossians 1:9 “… and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will
Psalm 23:5 ” … My cup runs over.”
Colossians 1:9 “… and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth
shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Luke 13:4 “… Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do
you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?
Luke 13:5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not … willing that any should perish but that all should
come to repentance.
Turkey the country where Colossae originally was is the least Christian nation
in all the earth.
They say there are only a few thousand Christians in Turkey.
Carl Henry said, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”
Jude 1:22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
Jude 1:23 But others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, …
Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Reporter’s question: “What made you decide to volunteer to do this?”
Rescue worker’s answer: “It’s for humanity. We’re all humans. I’m doing my
best to save a life, even one if I can.”
All scripture is from the NKJV or specified otherwise.
by avministry | Feb 8, 2023 | Sermons
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Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,
Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for
all the saints;
Colossians 1:5 Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which
you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
Colossians 1:6 Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is
bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew
the grace of God in truth;
Colossians 1:7 As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
I. PRAYING LIKE PAUL.
Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you,
It’s been said, “The best way to really get to know somebody is to hear
them pray.”
II. THANKING GOD FOR YOUR FAITH.
Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for
all the saints;
III. LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR HEAVENLY HOPE.
Colossians 1:5 Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, …”
Colossians 1:5 “… of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,”
Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having
the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth–to every nation,
tribe, tongue, and people —
Colossians 1:6 Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is
bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew
the grace of God in truth;
Acts 12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
IV. SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE UNSUNG.
Colossians 1:7 As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
The greatest ministry comes from the deepest pain.
2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves
are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort
others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort
God has given us.
Acts 9:5 And he [Paul] said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am
Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Galatians 1:13 “… I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried
to destroy it.
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Philippians 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church;
Philemon 1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Romans 1:14 I am a debtor …”
I am in debt to those who shared the gospel with me, and I’m in debt to share
the gospel with others.
by avministry | Jan 30, 2023 | Blog
At Victory Baptist Church, the NKJV Bible is used for all of our teachings and services. This version of the Bible is a modern translation that combines accuracy and readability, making it one of the most commonly used translation in churches today.
The NKJV stands for “New King James Version,” and its purpose is to be a word-for-word update of its predecessor, the King James Version (KJV). The KJV was translated from original Greek and Hebrew texts between 1604 and 1611 by 54 scholars appointed by English monarchs. The NKJV was published in 1982 with the goal to make an updated version while still retaining much of the poetic qualities that many Christians hold dear.
One advantage to using the NKJV at Victory Baptist Church is that it incorporates language updates so that it can be easily understood in contemporary society. This helps attendees gain a better understanding of God’s Word without sacrificing any meaning or historical context. In addition, this version uses more formal language than other translations which can provide additional levels of accuracy when understanding Scripture.
Although precision is critical when studying Scripture at Victory Baptist Church, accessibility might be equally important as we share Christ with others outside our walls. That said, early research has found that individuals prefer reading from an easier to follow translation like the NKJV since even small phrases used can create confusion for non-Bible readers or those who are unfamiliar with some theological terminology used within previous versions like KVJ Bible; therefore making it easier for people without biblical expertise to understand spiritual concepts better when conducted through this particular bible version being use inside our church walls during fellowship time undertakings..
Ultimately using an up-to-date version helps attendees study God’s Word accurately as well make it more accessible to nonbelievers who may not understand unfamiliar words or terms found within outdated biblical translations such as KVJ bible.. We believe this makes a huge impact on both existing members visiting our service seeking religious devotion plus friendly strangers alike just looking into greater understanding behind Christianity values along finding out what actually lies beneath theological discussions having around this book centuries after centuries.. Finally Worshiping at Victory Baptist Church provides consistent access to God’s Word through updated translations such as NIV or NLT Bible marked out transparent consistency by trusting on the King James Version over 400 years ago which later gave rise into New King James Version helping us connecting men’s hearts nearly now!!
by avministry | Jan 30, 2023 | Sermons
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Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy
our brother,
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Over and over in Colossians Paul speaks of “Living the Christ-Centered Life”
In this letter, Paul writes of “Christ, who is our life,” (3:4) that “your life is hidden
with Christ.”(3:3) and “in Him you have been made complete.”(2:10)
Paul speaks of “the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (1:27)
Also that “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”(2:3)
He proclaims “the stability of your faith in Christ.”(3:5)
So “we are to walk in Him, (2:6) be built up in Him.”(2:7)
You are to “let the peace of Christ, … rule in your hearts” (3:15) and you are to
“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (3:16) because “It is the Lord Christ
whom you serve.”(3:24) so “whatever you do, do heartily, as for the Lord (3:23)
He states that “Christ is all, and in all.” (3:11)
We are “to please Him in all respects,”(1:10) because “He Himself will come
to have first place in everything.”(1:18)
Paul speaks of being “in chains” (4:3), he speaks of “my fellow prisoner”(4:10)
He concludes this letter by saying “Remember my imprisonment” (4:18)
Yet Paul is a prisoner of hope
Paul speaks of “the hope of the gospel” (1:23) and “the hope which is laid up
for you in heaven, (1:5) and again, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (1:27)
Colossians 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
I. PAUL’S AUTHORSHIP.
Colossians 1:1 Paul, …”
The controversial final Jeopardy clue on November 16, 2022 under the category
“The New Testament was:
“Paul’s letter to them is the New Testament epistle with the most Old Testament
quotations.”
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God …”
II. PAUL’S APOSTLESHIP.
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,…
A job is something that you choose a calling is something that God chooses
for you.
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you …”
III. PAUL’S ASSOCIATE.
Colossians 1:1 “… and Timothy our brother,”
IV. PAUL’S AUDIENCE.
1) THE SAINTS.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints …”
2) FAITHFUL BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
The Bible speaks of ” faithful in all things ” ” faithful children ” ” faithful brother ”
” faithful unto death ” ” a faithful minister in Christ ” ” faithful brethren in Christ ”
” a faithful and beloved brother ” “the faithful servant ” ” the faithful witness ”
“faithful in that which is least is faithful in much also.”
All of our relationships are based upon our faithfulness.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
The house church in Colossae couldn’t have been more than 30 or 40 people.
V. PAUL’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Colossians 1:2 “… Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith …
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 10:15 “… How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of
peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Hell is a place where there will be no grace, there will be no peace and
there will be no hope.
The Moabite Stone also provides insights into the relationship between the Moabites and the Israelites. The text describes King Mesha’s rebellion against the Israelites and contains references to the Israelite god, as well as the “House of David,” which was the dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Judah in the southern part of Israel.
