Time Line New Testament Hoffman Bible

  The Glorious Temple - Dr. Leonard Hoffman,  Time Line New Testament Bible   Roughly 520 BC, the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah wanted to inspire the Israelites. Despite the devastation of the Babylonian invasion in 586 BC, the temple lay in ruins while the people focused on their own homes. Although decades had passed since their return from exile, the temple remained unfinished. Haggai conveyed the Lord's message, urging them to rebuild the temple for His glory.  “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord.” Haggai 1:8 NIV However, the newly reconstructed temple looked much smaller than Solomon's majestic structure. Some of the people were reminded of the former glory of Solomon's temple, leaving them disheartened by the current situation. The current situation was not permanent. God promised to fill the Temple with His glory, reminiscent of past instances where His presence

The Old Testament Israelites had nine basic feasts that they celebrated annually. Seven of those were given by God to the Israelites and, therefore were prophetic as they looked to future promises. These seven are relevant to Jews and Christians alike. Christians believe that the Messiah has come and with the establishment of the Lord’s church on earth with that said, four of those feasts have been fulfilled. This leaves three more feasts to come. We can get into this fascinating topic at another time. Why just seven? Leviticus 23 lists these seven feasts in their seasonal observance: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Booths or Tabernacles. There are two other feasts the Israelites celebrated that are not listed in Leviticus 23. These two “commemorative feasts” were established by the Israelites and not by God. They are more like a memorial of what God did. The two feasts are Hannukah and Purim.  Purim marks the joyful observan

Spinning off of a more recent article that has Philippians 2:5 in it, I’d like to highlight a few more items surrounding this text and the holiday season. You can look back at my previous blog article titled “Radiant Living: Embracing Christ-Like Grace Through the Holidays ”. Echoing the wisdom of Philippians 2:5-8 (TLNT), which urges us to cultivate the same disposition as Christ Jesus, let's dive into the heart of discovering the true meaning of Christmas. During the holiday hustle and bustle, where chaos may reign, our focus must turn to embracing a life empowered with the Spirit of Christ.  Philippians 2: 5-8 (TLNT) Keep on fostering the same disposition that Christ Jesus had. Though He was existing in the nature of God, He did not think His being on an equality with God a thing to be selfishly grasped. But He laid it aside as He took on the nature of a slave and became like other men. Because He was recognized as a man, in reality as well as in outward form, He finally hum

  The Gospel of Luke tells us the story of how our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born. It describes the journey of Jesus’s earthly parents, Mary, and Joseph while on their way to Bethlehem and the special circumstances surrounding this sacred, yet supernatural event. One key detail stands out—when Jesus was born, He was placed in an animal manger. So, what exactly is a manger? And she bore her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him up and laid Him in a manger, for there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 TLNT In typical storytelling fashion, Luke might have added nuances or embellishments to make the setting vivid for readers. However, understanding that God inspires all Scripture assures us that every detail serves a purpose. When Jesus was born, Mary placed Him in what is known as a manger (Luke 2:7). The term "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat." Essentially, it was a feeding trough for livestock. In this humble setting, the angel of the

 As I've matured, my appreciation for the positive aspects of Christmas has deepened. In a society increasingly secular, where referencing the Lord’s name or something holy is often deemed socially unacceptable, it's noteworthy that Christmas brings essential Gospel truths to public attention, showcasing our identity as a nation rooted in our Christian faith. During this season, being out and about within the towns, entering stores, and partaking in business or friendly social events will often expose some of the most beautiful Christian songs, like the timeless "Hark! The Harold Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley, and popular old-time Christmas poems like “ The Christmas Holly ” by Eliza Cook. And who can forget some of the classic movies that bring such a positive message of hope, like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, written by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart? Throughout the holiday season, nativity scenes grace public spaces where any mention of the Lord might otherwise b

  Embarking on the road of faith is akin to a continuous journey, a progression marked by relational and intellectual growth with God. Yet, for many, this odyssey can feel as if it has halted short of the envisioned destination. This topic is addressed several times within the Bible. The book of Hebrews serves as a poignant reminder to keep moving forward, a call to transcend the plateau where dreams and hopes may have momentarily stalled. Hebrews 6:1-3 encourages believers to forsake elementary teachings and strive toward maturity. The scripture underscores the importance of progressing beyond foundational principles, urging believers to move past repentance and basic faith. The promise is clear: progress is attainable, contingent on God's allowance. In contemplating the path to maturity, an Old Testament narrative offers profound insights. The Israelites, on their journey from Egyptian captivity to the promised land, faced a pivotal moment. In Numbers 13-14, God instructed