I will identify these briefly as a series in each of the remaining issues of the Happ-O-getics in 2023. The first is the central truth.

1. A global flood is taught in the inspired Word of God 

• What did God say He would do? “And behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish” (Genesis 6:17). The literal reading here is clearly global. 
• What did God say He did? “Thus, He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark” (Genesis 7:23). Again, clearly global.

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

Beginning with Abraham, God chose the Jewish people to be a separated and divinely prepared people – His witnesses and blessing to the nations (see Genesis 12ff.). Furthermore, God gave Old Testament Scripture which prophesied the coming of a Messiah who would atone for the sins of all people. Rather than extend the hope they had received to the whole world, the Jews viewed God’s offer of salvation in a nationalistic sense. Nonetheless, God was directing history, and whether they intended it or not, He used the Jewish synagogue both as a means to prepare them to anticipate their coming Messiah and as a place for Jesus to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom quickly and widely. 

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and arrayed Him in a purple robe…Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” (John 19:1,2,5 [Emphasis added]).

Christmas is in the rearview mirror and the headlights barely reveal the coming Easter celebration. But archaeology is already helping to illuminate some interesting details about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. 

In 35 BC, Herod the Great built the Antonia Fortress to protect Jerusalem’s vulnerability to attack from the north. This palace or citadel was placed at the northwest corner of the Temple mount. Its towers stood 115 feet high with underground passageways that gave access to the city and the mount. Its footprint was more than the size of a football field, plus additional surrounding area. It served as headquarters for the Roman army in Jerusalem. At times, Roman Governors would stay there during visits.