Speaking with Mormons & JWs / Naomi & Orpah / Hebrew Acrostic Poems

Author

Douglas Jacoby
March 13, 2024

Good afternoon!

It’s been a truly interesting week, with very helpful life coaching sessions for both of us, a home invasion (they didn’t get away with much) which has made us the talk of the neighborhood, and exploring more of our fascinating local area—this time in Heysham, which is 4 miles away (photos below).

8th-century Saxon Chapel

Ancient rock-cut graves

Looking out to Morecambe Bay

Swim to the left and soon you’ll be in the Irish Sea!

Speaking with Mormons & JWs (Mike Licona)

Guest article by N.T. professor Mike Licona (Houston Baptist University) — and a free online book, too.

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching a football playoff game when my doorbell rang. To my surprise, three Mormons had come to my home. To their surprise, I invited them in and turned off the TV.

In order to establish rapport, I shared with them that I am a professor of New Testament Studies and that in 2022 I had lectured on the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus on the BYU campus, at the invitation of their philosophy department. KEEP READING …
and receive a free book, Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock

And if you like Mike Licona, be sure to sign up for his evidences talks on 27 April. (Click HERE, then scroll down to second blue tab in middle of page.) This is part of the Evidences & Evangelism unit of the Athens Institute.

Naomi and Orpah: Living by Faith or Living by Sight?

The first three podcasts in the new Naomi series are ready. For Vicki’s podcast, please click on her picture.

The Naomi Series | Vicki Jacoby

Follow Vicki Jacoby as she ponders anew the women of the Bible, the well-known and also the little-known. Women of Worth is a fresh look at scores of interesting biblical characters. The current season (book of Ruth) concentrates on Naomi and her relationships. There’s much to learn! The third talk, just recorded, is entitled “Naomi and Orpah: Living by Faith or Living by Sight?”

www.douglasjacoby.com/women-of-worth-podcast

The ABCs of Hebrew Acrostic Poems

From INK, Research & Resources from Tyndale House, Cambridge

Megan Alsene-Parker delves into the artistry of the Hebrew acrostic form and the vivid pictures these little-known poems paint.

Psalm 119 is one of the most well-known psalms, principally because of its impressive length of 176 verses. Yet, another part of its notability is its unique structure: it is an acrostic psalm in which each group of eight lines begins with consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

The Heart
Today, our final three quotes on the topic of the heart:

  • Great tranquility of heart is theirs who care for neither praise nor blame. – Thomas à Kempis

  • Jesus says our disposition must be right to its depths, not only our conscious motives but our unconscious motives. Now we are beyond our depth. Can God make me pure in heart? Blessed be the name of God, He can! – Oswald Chambers

  • Sabbath celebrates the God who frees the heart from slavery. God has not only redeemed us from Egypt, but he has turned our hearts toward eternity. — Dan B. Allender, Sabbath

Next week will begin a series of quotation sets from G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936). Even though he lived long ago, his perceptions feel uncannily like observations of the 21st century.

Until Next Week…

That’s all for this issue. If you are learning through the weekly bulletin, please encourage your friends to sign up, too. It’s quick, free, and a great way to support the ministry. Thanks!

We appreciate your interest and support. God bless.
Douglas