Biblical Archeology

If you know me, you know that I have varied interest when it comes to Biblical Studies. One subject that I have been particularly interested in, as of late, is archeology. Before I share some links with you, I would like to point out a serious caveat when it comes to Biblical Archeology - it cannot and should not replace faith! While we may find traces of the Hittite empire and stones that have the names of some of the kings of Judah engraved on them, Archeology cannot prove that "God so loved the world." We must understand that Archeology can strengthen our faith in God's word, but it should not replace our faith in God's word.

With those things in mind I would love to share with you a couple links to web pages and three links to sermons/presentations dealing with biblical archeology.

http://ferrelljenkins.wordpress.com/ - as you can see from the name, this blog is hosted by Brother Ferrell Jenkins - Ferrell's Travel Blog. If you know him, you know that he is a well organized and thorough Bible student. His blog is one of the few that I check everyday due to the great pictures and information and its concise nature. His blogs typically deal with some issue of archeology or geography. Both subjects provide for a better background of understanding when it comes to Biblical studies. He has studied, written, and travelled extensively and is well qualified to comment on these things!

The next two links I offer with a disclaimer - I do not know the hosts and this reference is not an endorsement of everything put forth on these sites. However, both contain great pictures and lots of information.
http://blog.bibleplaces.com/
http://www.bibleinterp.com/index.shtml

I have found three mp3 files online of sermons dealing with archeology:

• This first one is by the late Phil Roberts. I regret only being able to study with him for about 2 months before he passed away. These types of archives enable many of us to learn from a man who knew so much! http://www.antiochchurchofchrist.org/apps/blog/show/126702-archaeology-and-the-bible
• These two sermons are by Dr. David McClister. I was privileged to take a number of courses under him, including the Gospel of John, the book of Revelation, and three years of Greek (all too quickly forgotten). http://www.antiochchurchofchrist.org/mcclisterevidencesnt.htm - NT Archeology
  http://www.antiochchurchofchrist.org/mcclisterevidencesot.htm - OT Archeology

I hope you enjoy these links/audio files as much as I did. As I said before, your faith is YOURS, this is a subject that can truly strengthen it!

Churches of the New Testament

In Churches of the New Testament, Ethan Longhenry discusses the individual congregations that are mentioned in the Book of Acts and to whom the epistles were written. For anyone who desires to follow the pattern laid out for churches in the New Testament, this is a great book to go to (aside from the Bible).

For those who are curious about some of the background issues relating to each congregation, the history and geography sections provide that information. Mr. Longhenry then moves on to the beginning of the church and moves from its establishment through what we know of the church’s existence. At that point, the author focuses on some specific issues (i.e. support in Philippi, endurance in Thessalonica). It is with these issues that the author draws the application. The end of the book contains an overview / summary of what God does and does not approve in local churches. This is simply of grouping together of everything learned from each congregation.

If you are wanting and in depth study of the epistles, this is not the book you are looking for. But if you want a book that can be of a real benefit to your knowledge of what Christ wants in His local congregations, this is a book you should read. Each chapter is well organized and easy to read. It is not filled with church or academic language, but a clear and precise summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the churches mentioned in the New Testament.