Sunday School Supplements
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By Kerry A. Shirts
#1 (January 4, 2003) An overview of how the Dead Sea Scrolls may help us in understanding more about the Messiah
#2 (January 11, 2003) A discussion on John the Baptist as the Forerunner of Christ as the Messiah. Possible connections with the Dead Sea Scroll Essenes.
#3 (January 18, 2003) This discussion is considering the Jewish verses the Early Christian interpretation of Isaiah prophecying of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. Analyzes the Greek and Hebrew usage of the word for "virgin" and how Early Christians, especially Jerome, understood it to connect to Jesus' birth. Detailed a bit, but worth reading.
#4 (January 21, 2003) Discusses the Magi who visited Jesus. Shows the Biblical differentiation between the "Wise Men" who visited Jesus, as compared to other types of "wise men" mentioned in the Biblical record. Analyzes their origins also.
#5 (January 25, 2003) Discusses the Lord's Prayer beginning with "Our Father, who are in heaven..." and discusses the literalness of Jesus' words concerning "our" Father. Analyzes the ramifications of God being the Father of our Spirits, as well as we being brethren and sisters with Jesus Christ of the Great Father in Heaven. I come away with realizing there is far and away more impact to Jesus' prayer, than being a mere prayer. Jesus' prayer is nothing short of astonishing as a doctrinal discourse.
#6 (February 7, 2003) Concerning the discussion of Jesus with the despised Samaritan woman at Jacob's well at the foot of Mount Gerizim. The significance of the Samaritans in Jesus' Gospel teaching. Somethings we may be overlooking.
#7 (February 15, 2003) Concerning Jesus' Miracles. Magic or the Power of God? Compares the methodologies from the Greek Magical Papyri with Jesus' Method
#8 (February 19, 2003) Concerning the parallels with Jesus' beatitudes in his Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Contemporary documents demonstrate a historicity to Jesus in interesting ways.