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 Ikeja, Nigeria, 21 September 2016
Since our last bulletin, I've given a lesson on Jonah in the Minor Prophets (at North River), taught 7 AIM lessons on Healthy Doctrine (colleagues Tom Jones and Joey Harris taught another 5 classes), and spoken to our campus ministry group on The Validity of Jesus. (Every seat in the theatre was filled, with an overflow of 50 more seats on the stage.) Dozens of young men and women studying the Bible to become Christians were in attendance -- the ministry is serious about evangelism and is making a tremendous impact among the Atlanta universities. I feel proud to speak before groups of disciples and seekers where the expectation of discipleship is high.
Now, on the way to Ethiopia I have a stopover in Nigeria. Today I landed at 4pm, and speak at 6:30 pm. (Prayers for energy and alertness!)
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Biblical Words Series:
N.T. Greek – O.T. Hebrew – O.T. Aramaic
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Last Words
In the past eleven weeks we've zoomed in on a number of key Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic words in the Bible. Our purposes was to gain insight, that we might better read and implement the word of God in our daily lives. For our 12th and final lesson in the series, I thought I'd give you 12 more things to ponder -- with a chance to click on whichever links you find most interesting.
1. Agonidzomai -- What the NIV renders "make every effort" (Luke 13:24) -- a powerful challenge to our commitment.
2. Arsenokoitēs -- A controversial word these days in the homosexuality debate.
3. Bara' -- Rendered "create" in Genesis and elsewhere. Contrary to popular belief, it does not always mean creating something from nothing, nor even creating instantaneously.
4. Eis -- The preposition in Acts 2:38 that those who separate baptism from the conversion process often want to mean "on account of" instead of "for."
5. Hypernikômen -- The word for "we are more than conquerors" in Rom 8 NIV. Inspiring.
6. Katakurieuo -- Lording it over others (Mark 10:42). There's also a podcast
on this important teaching of Christ.
7. Maranathá -- Though it appears but once in the NT, it captures a key Christian doctrine.
8. Paroxysmos -- What sort of "paroxysm" do we find in the Bible? Find out.
9. Physioō -- Are you puffed up? Click to understand this word appearing in Paul's letters.
10. Teleios -- Perfect, complete, or mature? (Or all three?) Key to interpreting 1 Cor 13 and other passages.
11. Gal 5:19-23 has two dozen more N.T. words!
12. Finally, you've been learning words from the Bible's three languages. Click to see what they look like. Or listen to a podcast on the subject (website membership required).
Next week: Leaving behind the tantalizing world of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, prepare for something completely different, a review of an influential book on Jesus.
The book is Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth, by Reza Aslan. It's a mixed bag of valid historical observation and a mountain of unbridled assertion and speculation. Zealot has dampened the faith of many, and muddied the waters not only for those opposed to God and his Word, but also for genuine seekers. Zealot is overflowing with criticisms and charges about the life and times of Christ. The review should help you not only to see where Aslan has (completely) misunderstood Jesus, but also be prepared to answer such questions and claims.
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 Africa!
During the next six days I'm speaking in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda, in the capital cities of Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Kigali. Then I will head to Southern Africa, to speak in three more nations. I'll send a short report once I arrive in South Africa.
Last, thanks for your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support. As the trip is still underfunded, we're seeking those willing to donate -- to offset the many travel expenses. Just click on Support. (This will take you to my website.)
Until next week!
Douglas Jacoby
IBTM, T&R, AIM
www.douglasjacoby.com
   
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