Summary of New Testament From a Jewish Point of View Class - 12/26/2022

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We had a fairly small turnout on 12/26/2022 since it was in the middle of the holiday season, but those who attended had a great time visiting with one another and learning and discussing together.

Jo Ann, Dan, Steve, Ruth, Kim, Karen, Dave, and Merrill attended.  Steve only was there at the very beginning due to family commitments and Merrill arrived a bit late, but got to do the majority of the study. We read a bunch of chapters!

Below is a summary, written by Dan on what went on:

We went through Revelation chapters 9-12. We read a fascinating word picture of what was supposed to happen on Earth in response to the actions in Heaven:

A great abyss is opened and spews out terrible locust/scorpions who torment people with pain
Death takes a holiday leaving pain ridden people with no way to end their misery
200,000,000 riders riding horses with lions heads belching sulphur and snake tails that hurt people, 1/3 of humankind killed
   And the remaining people on earth still unrepentant

A scene taken from Ezekiel follows with the writer eating a scroll. Then the tale of 2 prophets, possibly Elijah and Moses, who are killed. Perhaps the most amazing picture is of a woman who gives birth to a son, who is attacked by a red dragon who is the devil, but she and her son are miraculously protected.

We had a discussion of numbers which are important in the Tanakh, and different stories in which they are used. We also spoke of how writings like Revelation helped early Christians deal with the fact that Jesus of Nazareth had not returned.

Note:  We will NOT have class on Monday, January 2, 2023 so that everyone can enjoy New Year’s Day festivities like the Rose Parade. 

If anything is missing from this summary, please add your input by clicking on the comment box.

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