Archaeologists uncover Philistine temple in Goliath's hometown

by Ethan Cole, Christian PostPosted: Thursday, August 5, 2010, 4:51 (BST)

Archaeologists in Israel have recently discovered a Philistine temple at the site where the giant warrior Goliath’s hometown would have been.

The temple ruins are located in the ancient city of Gath and date back to the 10th century BC, according to Aren Maeir, an archaeology professor at Bar Illan University.

The uncovered temple has a similar architectural image to the one described in the Bible story of Samson pulling down the Philistine temple of Dagon on himself.

“We’re not saying this is the same temple where the story of Samson occurred or that the story even did occur,” Maeir, who has directed excavation at the site for the past 13 years, told The Jerusalem Post last week.

“But this gives us a good idea of what image whoever wrote the story would have had of a Philistine temple.”

This is the first Philistine temple found at Gath.

In addition to the temple discovery, the team also found evidence of a major earthquake from the 8th century BC that could be the quakes mentioned in the books of Isaiah and Amos.

“If the seismologists are right, an 8 on the Richter scale would have levelled a major city,” said Maeir. “The intensity of the energy required to move the walls seem to have been from something very powerful.

“What we have here is very strong arch-evidence of a dramatic earthquake, a natural event that left a very significant impression on the biblical prophets of the time.”

Maeir and his international team uncovered the temple amid ruins on ancient mounts in Tel Tzafit National Park on the southern coastal plain.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/archaeologists.uncover.philistine.temple.in.goliaths.hometown/26436.htm

Hunger for Bibles 'growing' in China

The church is growing in China and with it the demand for Bibles, visitors to this year's international Christian Resources Exhibition heard yesterday. The head of Bible Society's China Partnership programme, Kua Wee Seng, said that Amity Printing Press, the only government-approved Bible printer in China, was struggling to keep up with demand. Although the number of Bibles being printed for distribution in China rose to four million last year, Kua said even more Bibles were needed to meet the needs of the estimated 500,000 people turning to Christ in the communist nation each year. He urged Christians in the West to support Bible Society's 2010 campaign to raise funds for a new printing press to increase the number of Bibles being printed for the Chinese market to 12 million. Kua said that financial and practical help from Christians outside of China had made Bible printing there possible, most notably through the shipment of tonnes of Bible paper. Now that China is producing its own Bible paper.
source:http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hunger.for.bibles.growing.in.china/25895.htm

Israeli justice minister wants return of biblical law

Israeli Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman on Tuesday said he hopes to oversee the first stages of a return of biblical or Torah law in Israel.

Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem on Jewish monetary laws, Neeman that "Israel should regain the heritage of our Fathers, the primary and ultimate words of the Torah, which contain a complete solution to all the questions we deal with."

Neeman added that in a series of steps or stages, the biblical laws given by God through Moses could be reestablished as the law of the land in Israel.

Neeman came under heavy fire from left-wing opposition parties, which accused him of being akin to the Taliban and trying to trade civil law that protects all citizens with a religious law that will favor only those who adhere to that particular religion.

Neeman's office later clarified that he was not speaking of replacing the current civil law, but only of enhancing it by introducing more biblical morals and improving the image of biblical law among average Israelis.
source: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=20127

BBC to mark 400th anniversary of the King James Bible

The 400th anniversary of the King James Bible will be marked in a brand new documentary on BBC Two in 2011.

The one-hour documentary - which will form part of the BBC’s wider anniversary celebrations on TV, radio and online - will be presented by Melvyn Bragg.

The King James Bible is a remarkable work of faith and historical piece of literature that has shaped our language, history and culture.

Bragg will look at the Bible’s extraordinary legacy and how ultimately, as it spread to the new world and the colonies, it helped to shape the world.

Aaqil Ahmed, the BBC's Commissioning Editor, Religion and Head of Religion and Ethics, says: "I am delighted to be working with Melvyn Bragg on what I am sure will be a unique and insightful documentary which will form the cornerstone of our programming to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible across TV, radio and online. "

The documentary will be produced by the BBC’s Religion and Ethics Department in Manchester.

source: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bbc.bragg.to.mark.400th.anniversary.of.the.king.james.bible/24611.htm

Americans Protest the Obama-Pelosi-Carhart Abortion Funding Scheme

by Staff
November 4, 2009

WASHINGTON, (christiansunite.com) -- Americans gathered outside the White House on Saturday and laid down in the street to form the number 71, representing the percentage of Americans who oppose taxpayer funded abortions in our nation's health care plan.

The group was part of the IAM71.org coalition, which has a multi-faceted campaign against tax-funding of abortions that includes a ground-breaking virtual protest that can be found at www.IAM71.org. The protest was led by coalition member Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition.

The protest came on the heels Speaker Nancy Pelosi's unveiling of the House version of the health care "reform" bill that specifically provides for the tax funding of abortions. Present at the Pelosi invitation-only rally was late-term abortionist LeRoy Carhart, whose failing abortion business in Bellevue, Nebraska, would stand to handsomely profit from the Pelosi scheme to force taxpayers to foot the bill for abortions. This was particularly disturbing since Carhart is currently under criminal investigation in Nebraska for illegal abortion practices after his former employees blew the whistle on him in August.

"The Obama-Pelosi-Carhart scheme would lead to more abortions and would cost the taxpayers millions of dollars that we don't have. It is a morally bankrupt plan that could contribute to fiscally bankrupting our nation," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who helped found the "I AM 71" Coalition.

Speaking to the American people, Newman said, "Even if you have already done so, we urge Americans of conscience to contact your Representatives and Senators today to voice your opposition to tax funded abortions in our health care system. Then go to IAM71.org and upload your photo to add your voice to the growing number of Americans speaking out against this injustice."

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Operation Rescue is now headquartered in a former abortion clinic that it bought and closed in 2006. From there, Operation Rescue launches its innovative new strategies across the nation, exposing and closing abortion clinics through peaceful, legal means. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to stop abortion and ultimately restore legal personhood to the pre- born in obedience to biblical mandates.

source: http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08697.shtml

Suffer Not the Trick-or-Treaters

By Lori D'Augostine
CBN.com Associate Producer

CBN.com -- How can you resist? How could anyone refuse adorable little children all dressed up, longing for sweets? I could, and I did for years.

Truth be told, I was one of those irresistible children dressed up in a bunny costume, ringing your doorbell, and singing my "Trick or Treat" song. Yet I was hiding behind a mask, and you couldn't see the "real me." If you had, you may have noticed that what I really needed was more than just your candy.

Though I didn't grow up in a Christian household, my parents were very concerned with protecting me from harmful influences -- whether it be the cartoons I watched or the video games I played. They had no idea that their daughter was falling prey to a much more dangerous world that went beyond the physical, parental-controlled television set.

My interest in the spiritual realm began very innocently in elementary school. My girlfriends and I would play games such as "light as a feather, stiff as a board" at our birthday parties. It seemed like harmless fun, until my best friend was lifted into thin air by what seemed like more than just the two fingers that I placed beneath her.

By fifth grade, I was fascinated with Friday the 13th and was convinced that "Jason" was peering through my windows at night. Now I realize that most children believe that there are monsters underneath their beds, but my fixation didn't go away.

In middle school, I met some friends who introduced me to another world. They told me that they could contact the dead and learn hidden secrets about their lives. I'll never forget the time I asked the ouija board who I would marry. It replied, "the Devil." That's when I knew that I was in a very dangerous place.

Sadly, the demonic hauntings I experienced growing up are common among many young children today. I would venture to say that 20 years later, it has gotten much worse. The lures of the Enemy are running more rampant. Children do not have to sneak over to their friends' houses to access demonic influences. There are online ouija boards that require only a mouse, as well as thousands of Web sites that specifically recruit young people to join the occult.

Occultic-oriented rock performers have flourished in this generation. Some rockers even try to persuade teenage listeners to kill themselves and their parents. The influence of the occult has been behind some of the most horrific school shootings of this past decade.

Seventeen-year-old Luke Woodham killed two students and wounded seven others in his Mississippi school after he became involved in Satanism, which he said bestowed "power over many things."

This is the state of some of the American children who are showing up at your doorstep on October 31st. I'm not saying that each of them are secret agents of the occult, yet it is important to consider the souls of the children behind the masks.

In Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus instructed:

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Did you ever wonder why Halloween seems to primarily feed off of a market of 3-13 year olds? This is a Satanic ploy for our children. I don't think that Christian children should completely abstain from the festivities of costumes and candy, because they can be a light through their alternative behavior. [I personally plan on dressing my children up in Biblical and God-honoring characters that will draw people to ask questions.]

I'm talking to those of you who will be opening up your door to children of whom you do not know the state of their soul. Consider the gift that you offer them at your doorstep.

Matthew 7:11 (NIV) says:

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"

Consider your options. There are many message-driven alternatives to offer, other than a bowl full of candy. For instance, there are Gospel tracts designed for trick-or-treaters that can be purchased online or at your Christian bookstore. You might also want to consider designing your own tracts or attaching scripture messages to the treats.

Scripture Candy, the makers of Fish Mints™ contain wrappers that have scriptural text. Also, EvangeCandy, "the only candy with color-coded Gospels on every wrapper" are fun for children.

This Halloween, spiritually invest in your neighborhood children and don't make the mistake that I have made of ignoring the doorbell. Please do not shut yourself off to this generation. You have a unique opportunity to invest in the Kingdom of God without even leaving your home. Suffer not these little children and consider how you can protect them from the hauntings of the Enemy.

Source: CBN - http://www.cbn.com/SpiritualLife/Devotions/DAugostine_Halloween.aspx#

Herod’s Quarry

Quarry that supplied stones for Herod's renovations of the Second Temple found at a time when Moslem authorities are trying to destroy any proof of the existence of the Israelite temples.

By Netanel Doron

Israeli archaeologists believe they have found the quarry that provided the biblical King Herod with the huge stone blocks used to renovate the Second Temple compound. It was discovered in Ramat Shlomo, a relatively new suburb of Jerusalem about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of the Old City.

The municipality planned to build a school at the site, but archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) went in first to make sure that construction did not harm artifacts that could be buried there. In the wake of the find, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski halted construction of the school and provided $90,000 for continuing the excavations.

The quarry covers an area of some 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet) and consists of massive stone blocks from 9 to 24 feet (3 to 8 meters) long. This is the same size as the stones seen today on the foundations of the Temple Mount and parts of the Western Wall. The 20-ton stones were hewn out of bedrock.

Rabbi Haim Richman of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem sees this as a confirmation of the presence of God, saying the quarry was found at a time when Moslem authorities are trying to destroy any proof of the existence of two ancient Temples on the Temple Mount.

“God is sending a kiss to the Jewish people, as if He wants to say: ‘Do not fear, I did not forget you. There are those who want to give the Temple Mount away, and there are those who want to take it away from you, but I have great plans for you and the holy Temple. The Temple will be the center of the world again,’” Rabbi Richman said.

IAA archaeologist Yuval Baruch said the stone blocks were cut in steps: First, deep and narrow crevices were hewn around the projected piece of stone. Then dozens of iron stakes were driven into the bottom side of the stone block, a few inches apart, until the stone could be broken out of the bedrock. Archaeologists found one of these iron stakes, about 6 inches (15 cm.) in length, which was lodged in the stone for the past 2,000 years.

Members of the upper class at that time used this white limestone, called malcha (royal), for public buildings and palaces. But while many quarries have been found in and around Jerusalem, stones with these gigantic measurements could not have been hewn from them.

“This is the rst time stones which were used to build the Temple Mount walls were found,” Baruch said.

The quarry sits on Mount Shuafat, about 240 feet (75 meters) higher than the Temple Mount. A road was built next to it and oxen in pairs pulled the giant stones downhill to the temple area.

Archaeologists also found coins and pottery shards dating back to the time of Herod, who was the Jewish proxy ruler of the Holy Land under Roman occupation from 37 BC until his death around 4 BC. Known as the master builder, his most famous construction project was the renovation of the Second Temple, replacing a smaller structure built after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Archaeologist Ehud Nesher said the quarry was a massive public project worked by hundreds of slaves. “This is the work of Herod,” he said. “This is a sign of him.”

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=136&view=item&idx=1640