Biblical Heritage Center Blog

  The first story in the Bible is loaded with wisdom and instructions for Bible readers to guide their lives. For a novice Explorer of the Bible, following those instructions doesn’t sound like a difficult thing to do – husbands and wives simply have to act together and walk with Elohim . Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/bb12605ea34c/be-the-family-that-does-tov-and-survives

  The ADAM is the only creature in Elohim’s Kingdom that is created with two separate parts that have the ability to choose whether they will cooperate with the other part. In this story, “male” and “female” are spiritual components not “reproductive organs.” Animals have similar reproductive organs, but they do not the spiritual components of “male” and “female.” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/8121541d94c2/how-will-the-adam-function-in-elohims-kingdom

  The word Elohim is both a plural and a singular noun, like “deer” in English. But a multipart view of God is foreign to a Jewish reader steeped in the idea of one God, indivisible despite the multiplicity of names. I realize, listening only to the name of God and not to whether God is singular or plural, that grammar basically evaporates in translation. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/dffa26c13e58/some-things-you-probably-did-not-know-about-humankind

  The phrase “ Elohim rested ,” seems to mean that He is going to “ kick back ” and watch the war. But in the early 20 th century, archaeologists began to translate the writings of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. This is where the keys to unlock the meaning of “Elohim rested” were found. Elohim clearly did not became a passive bystander. Continue to read at - https://mailchi.mp/18b6354c1483/elohim-rested-does-not-mean-what-most-people-think

  The first five books of the Christian Bible are called the Torah in Jewish Scriptures. The Torah Scroll was the Wisdom Scroll of the Second Temple in Jerusalem . It is a very different type of wisdom from that of other nations. This wisdom comes from awe and reverence . It is a guide for walking on the path of life with the Creator. Remember you are not reading theology or mythology – it is an ancient Hebrew wisdom text. Acquiring wisdom begins with reading these words out loud. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/b002d904bfd8/hearing-to-acquire-the-wisdom-of-the-beginnings-of-the-torah

  My past few emails have established the context in which the First Story in Genesis must be viewed. The First Story in Genesis is at the beginning of an ancient Hebrew scroll called “ The Torah .” At the other end of that scroll (which is over 45 yards long) is the last story in the Book of Deuteronomy . Knowing that we are reading a wisdom text is the essential requirement for knowing how to read it . Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/40caac79c3b7/doing-the-right-things-or-believing-the-right-theologies

  In 458 BCE, Artaxerxes I, King of the Persian Empire sent Ezra a priest and scribe of Yahweh on mission – deliver a new scroll, called the Torah, to the Temple of Yahweh in Jerusalem . Temples where places people could go to hear the ancient wisdom scrolls of the gods read.   One of the least understood priestly groups in Temples and Palaces in the ancient Middle East were the scribes. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/81c8b7c54d11/using-a-simple-linguistic-model-to-discover-wisdom-in-the-bible

  There is a very big difference between “ believing in God ” and “ being Elohim’s Lights on earth .” I was taught that Jesus wanted me to believe in God. But the First Story in Genesis teaches something else -- “ Humankind being the son of Elohim and His representative on the earth. ” Humans are to exercise dominion over all life on earth, like shepherds exercise dominion over the animals of their flocks . To learn how “being Elohim’s Lights” is connected to the teachings of the original Jewish Jesus, click on the link below. https://mailchi.mp/45bee4c91b2c/the-original-jesus-taught-being-elohims-light-on-earth

  From a Persian’s point of view, to be an Israelite meant one worshipped the Israelite god and followed Israelite religious customs. This meant that it was in the best interest of the Persian state for the formal worship of the god in the kingdom in Judah to continue undisturbed and in accordance with the proper rules of the Torah. However, I seriously doubt the Persian king new anything about how different the Temple in Jerusalem was from other temples. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/29bc20997d77/the-first-truth-claim-of-the-wisdom-of-genesis

  I handed different versions of the Bible to two people, Bob and Susan. I asked Bob to read Genesis 1:1. This is what he read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Then I asked Susan to read the same verse. This is what she read: “When God began to create heaven and earth - . . .” Bob was reading, “The Reader’s Digest Bible” and Susan was reading the “Tanakh.” Did “God” refer to the same “Being” in both Bibles? Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/a27fc42070dc/whose-words-are-you-reading-in-your-bible

  My two previous emails were about Creating Peace and Creating Transparency . Transparency is an important factor in being a Peace Maker . Having successful discussions is very important too. We explored 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “ 16  All Scripture  is given by inspiration of God . . . .” and discovered that “ Scripture ” did not mean “Christian Bible.” Another good discussion to have is about Genesis 1:1. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/943318dc746a/be-a-peace-maker-by-discussing-the-bible

We are living in an AI driven echo chamber that constantly streams opposing positions through corporate and social media. The result is increasing hopelessness and helplessness in the minds of people immersed in those information streams. Clearly the sources of these conflicting streams of information are political parties, human rights groups, and religious groups. A common polarization generator is opposing positions in which words found in Christian and Jewish Scriptures are presented as proof they are both right. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/b173460fb24d/making-the-invisible-visible-to-create-peace  

  I was reading an ancient Persian story today about what happened after Persians captured the Babylonians in 539 BCE. Prior to being conquered by the Babylonians, they had conquered many kingdoms and brought their treasures and kings back to “ The Gate of the Gods .” What does that mean to you? Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/d0e767d89a9e/what-happens-when-someone-takes-your-god-captive

  My previous email, Discovering the First Truth Claim in the Bible , focused on Genesis 1:1-2. It introduced the first Truth Claim in the Bible : There is only one Elohim . In order to understand the impact that the Torah had on human lives in the ancient world, we must view what living with the gods was like for people in the nations that were neighbors of Israel -- Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/c7946d7cea7a/life-with-many-gods-or-life-with-elohim

  Now let’s turn our attention to “ the first truth claim in the Bible .” It is linked to a Hebrew word to Genesis 1:1 – “ In the beginning Elohim created the skies and the earth.” Unless you know the difference between translation and transliteration, you will never be able to see it. This email with show you the differences. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/761796291174/discovering-the-first-truth-claim-in-the-bible

  Did you know that the first story in Genesis is about “ The Creation of the Creator’s Temple and Kingdom ?” How did we discover this? We have many new subscribers to this educational email list, so I want to quickly answer the question. We explore the Bible. Exploring and studying are two important but different activities. Members of Bible study groups usually belong to the same religious group, and they hold many of the same beliefs and meanings of stories in the Bible. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/01ffe4899495/discover-mysteries-and-hidden-truths-by-exploring-the-bible

  In a previous email, Did a Black Swan Event Put the Spotlight on Genesis 1:1? , I wrote about Charlie Kirk’s teachings on Genesis 1:1 and Day Seven – the Day of Rest (Shabbat). He said, “ I believe in a God that created the heavens and the earth . . . And if you believe God is in charge, and if you believe Genesis 1:1.” Charlie said that he had been studying with Rabbi Dennis Prager. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/bfa00e363387/a-great-way-to-lower-the-violence-in-the-places-we-live

  Based on recent information, I am updating the meaning of the Hebrew word “Teshuvah” (translated “Repent/Repentance”). The updated meaning is more in line with the “cultural meaning discovered by Exploring the Bible with BHC’s guidelines and models.” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/ceb3e5e35a46/updated-meaning-of-teshuvah-repentance-removing-evil-from-the-land

Have you noticed all the “ war talk ” that both political parties are using to “hook people ?” According to them, “ we are at war with our fellow Americans! ” “Liberals and Conservatives are at war! Republicans and Democrats are at war!” “Believers and unbelievers are at war!” Recognize the “ weaponized brain hacking bait ” linked to the word “ war! ” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/53501f894998/say-no-to-war-strengthen-our-families-and-our-democracy  

  America may have reached an unexpected tipping point today when Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Kirk had 5.2 million followers on X and hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a podcast and radio program that reached more than 500,000 listeners each month. His Instagram account had 6,857,641 followers. All of those people are connected to at least 100 more people. How will those people react? Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/ccbc45145933/shedding-human-blood-is-not-the-creators-will

  Instead of conflicts taking place between groups within the Roman Catholic Church, in Protestantism they were now taking place between members of small independent churches. Many times, members of one side of the conflict left and formed a new church. Suddenly new interpretations of Scriptures were popping up every where! Continue to read at - https://mailchi.mp/ce312a777c78/what-is-the-right-thing-to-do

  Some “experts” are predicting America will reach a tipping point in just a few weeks, while others are leaning towards the elections of 2028 . If either prediction happens, America will be like it is now, and then after intense and deadly civil wars that will happen in a shorter period of time, America will be something else. There are some important things we can do now! Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/0540758291e2/are-we-about-to-cross-a-deadly-tipping-point-in-american-history

  1644 Massachusetts -- Passed the “Against Blasphemy of the Name of God” statute that extended to law against blasphemy to Indians and pagans, as well. It defined “blasphemy of God’s name” as “the obstinate denial of Him, cursing Him, or reproaching His `holy religion’ of Christianity.” It defined “heresy” as “obstinately held errors of opinion that tended to subvert Christianity and destroy people’s souls.” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/2b1a8a7e427f/the-challenges-of-clashing-religious-and-political-standards

  In my previous email, Is Forgiven of All Sins Like the Enron Loophole? , I asked readers to think about that question. For me, the first thought that came to me were the “ Get Out of Jail Free Cards ” of a game I loved to play, Monopoly . They were basically “ Break the Law Without Paying Penalties ” cards. I didn’t become a saint after being saved. I sinned but without any fear that those sins would keep me from going to Heaven and spending eternity there! Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/5afcaf65b588/how-can-we-identify-a-sin-or-enron-loophole

  My family went to a church that had a “ once saved always saved doctrine .” This meant that when I was “saved” – “ my past, present, and future sins were all forgiven .” Because of my background in banking and business, “ once saved always saved ” always reminds me of the “ Enron Loophole .” Next time you buy groceries, pay your mortgage, pay your electricity bill, etc. – remember the Enron Loophole. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/8c2269ba302b/is-forgiven-of-all-sins-like-the-enron-loophole

  A defining behavior of the members of the original Jesus Movement was something they prayed everyday: “ Forgive us the debt of our sins as we forgive the debt of those who sin against us .” The words of Jesus are linked to Leviticus 19:17-18: “ Do not hate your brother in your heart; you shall reprimand (educate) your neighbor.” We are not born to be loners. Loss of self-control is part of being human. Continue reading at: https://mailchi.mp/1a150630c22f/the-original-jesus-movement-the-forgivers

  In the first story in Genesis, when Elohim spoke, a new hierarchy of natural differentiations separated the old order of the other cultures. Elohim is distinct from nature, humans, and the world. Elohim is never a human, and a human is never Elohim. Elohim is unnamed and beyond the capacity of humans to describe. Humans are created to do Elohim’s will in the world, and they can communicate with Elohim through prayer. Humans are creatures with the freedom to do or not to do Elohim’s will. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/ef634db70ffb/do-tzedaqah-and-keep-theologies-out-of-government

  Jesus taught his followers this prayer so they could cross the chasm between them and Elohim. But simply by praying “ His will be done on earth ,” demands were placed on those praying to fulfill those obligations . Jesus used each line of this prayer to teach his followers how to fulfill those demands . He did it by “ hinting at specific portions of Hebrew Scripture .” Even this simple line – Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread – is part of a wisdom lesson. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/b833d766a49b/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread

  The shared biblical-based wisdom principle and Lives 1 st Value -- “all humans are created as equals” -- of the United States of America and the State of Israel is under the most serious attacks in both of their histories (1776 & 1948). The moment Ike, Jeffrey, and I realized that the original Jesus was neither the Jesus described by modern Christian institutions, nor the Jesus described by institutions of Rabbinic Judaism – all of our ingroup vs. outgroup barriers collapsed. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/800fa1f3f5b4/a-way-two-christians-and-a-jew-found-to-stand-shoulder-to-shoulder

  The Creator of the Skies and the Earth is our Father and the Father of all Humankind. See Our Father’s Will in the Skies and on the Earth. Continue reading by clicking here - https://mailchi.mp/d697d6e21f02/may-your-will-be-done-in-the-skies-and-on-the-earth

  The traditional translation of this line of the Disciple’s Prayer is, “ May Your Kingdom Come .” That creates two possible images in the minds of most readers: This kingdom is somewhere else, and it is going to come here. Or, this kingdom does not exist now, but it will exist in the future. It is one of the most important lines in the Lord’s Prayer. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/0caa3ea59c7f/may-you-continue-establishing-your-kingdom

  The traditional translation of this line of the Disciple’s Prayer is, “ May Your Kingdom Come .” That creates two possible images in the minds of most readers: This kingdom is somewhere else, and it is going to come here. Or, this kingdom does not exist now, but it will exist in the future. It is one of the most important lines in the Lord’s Prayer. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/0caa3ea59c7f/may-you-continue-establishing-your-kingdom

  Most Christians have never read the correct translation of the verse below bcause they have been taught – and believe -- this doctrine: “ God set and established the laws, but since the laws cannot save a man, He had to destroy them to bring salvation to humanity .” Here is a reconstruction of the Hebrew words of Jesus - “ Do not even begin to think that I came to destroy the Torah .” English translations have the word “ law ” instead of “ Torah .” Continue reading at – https://mailchi.mp/3b0d0bda1423/jesus-did-not-do-away-with-you-shall-not-lie-to-one-another

  This is the second Exploration of the Lord’s Prayer . We will focus on the second line of the prayer. “Our Father, the Creator, Who is above the heavens, May Your Name be sanctified . . . .” A popular Christian doctrine makes it impossible for many Christians to understand the words they pray. The second line is found in Leviticus 19:1-18. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/407585bd7428/may-your-name-be-sanctified

  Christians may be divided by any number of theological conflicts at other times, but if you go to any of their funeral services you will probably hear “ The Lord’s Prayer .” Death is real and people seem to change when someone they know is the one being remembered. I believe that helping people better understand the ancient words Jesus taught his disciples has the power to bring people with biblical heritages together. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/1b6d07e8ed0e/who-is-our-father-in-the-lords-prayer

  The next election is coming soon in one year, and the next Presidential Election in three years. That’s how fast everything could change again. This time our heads and hearts need to be sync and this is how we can do it! Ancient wisdom teachers of the Hebrew Scriptures taught, “There is a wisdom in living life.” Unless we have mastered it, we are vulnerable to serious disasters. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/8d6faedb6116/the-wisdom-of-counting-your-blessings

  Different teachings of Jesus focus on a variety people who loved “ riches and wealth ” instead of the God of Israel – the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth . At the top of the list, were the “ money lenders .” Interestingly, even though almost every Christian I know is familiar with this teaching, it isn’t part of the usual discussions about the “Will of God.” Having been educated in banking before I became an ordained minister, I was able to see things that other ministers wouldn’t understand . Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/848f505b7ed8/make-money-a-matter-for-your-heart-and-head-asap

  The parable of Jesus about the Great Day Judgment in Matthew reflect the “ Jewish culture and an emerging rabbinic style of writing ” more than the others. But Matthew’s inclusion of the Parable of the Great Day of Judgment has another meaning most people never see! Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/f02dfd516e0b/a-traitorous-betrayal-of-an-entire-land

  When I talk to Christians about the beginning of their religion the story usually begins with something like this – “ Jesus was born, and he founded Christianity – a new Gentile religion.” When I talk to Jews about the beginning of Christianity, they often say the same thing – “Jesus was born, and he founded Christianity – a new Gentile religion.” It is clear that neither group has a story that begins with “ Jesus was a Jew born . . . .” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/50b98edd7c14/building-a-bridge-across-a-time-gap-that-separates-christians-and-jews

  Autonomous technologies, runaway markets, and weaponized media seem to have overturned civil society, paralyzing our ability to think constructively, connect meaningfully, or act purposefully . It feels as if civilization itself were on the brink, and that we lack the collective willpower and coordination necessary to address issues of vital importance to the very survival of our species. It doesn’t have to be this way. Everyone is asking how we got here, as if this were a random slide toward collective incoherence and disempowerment. It is s not. Continue reading at – https://mailchi.mp/a79c85d96b52/building-shared-values-based-relationships-and-identities

  Millions of women are alive today who have given birth, and they can validate this information. Birth is the beginning of the first human relationship – the relationship of a mother and her child . Other creatures also have a similar, too. But science has discovered cross-generational transfers take place. As fetal cells cross the placenta into maternal tissues, a small number of maternal cells migrate into fetal tissues, where they can persist into adulthood . Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/7ab793cd9d0d/family-the-source-of-our-first-relationship

  We do not live in ancient kingdoms or cultures. The vocabulary of the Hebrew Scriptures and teachings of Jesus are unknown to almost all Americans in 2025. Based on research in BHC’s databases, I created a model to provide an overview and a way to apply the ancient wisdom principles and values to our lives. In my opinion, it has never been needed by more people than we need it today . Continue reading at -  https://mailchi.mp/100b0f4c10bb/living-in-the-kingdom-of-elohim-in-2025

  When Jesus said the Kingdom of Elohim is here, he meant the Kingdom of Elohim had been here since the first Day Seven of the creation. Where is it located? What does the Kingdom of Elohim look like? This Kingdom isn’t a place on earth that has boundary lines, like cities, states, and nations. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/ecee542ac931/changing-your-world-by-changing-the-way-you-think

  Did you know that Jesus founded a school? How do I know that? His followers were called “ talmidim ” which means “ learners ” or “ students .” This wasn’t unusual because every parent was commanded to be a teacher! Everyday Jesus and his family prayed one of the most important and famous portions of the Torah. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/6c567bc86e1b/make-students-in-all-nations-of-the-earth-and-teach-them

  Our views come from the stories we were told about our conception, about our history, about who we are supposed to become, about our parents and families, about our world. We draw upon elements of all these tales to create a “ master identity narrative ” -- our version of the story we tell to explain ourselves . By the time we are young adults, we think our stories are “ the truth. ” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/fc5556be62de/building-strong-safety-nets-to-protect-our-lives-and-our-nation

  Today I will share some very important insights I found while digging through BHC’s Databases. They are related to relationships, how to make them better, and the benefits of maintaining values-based relationships. This information is supported by BHC’s Tov Wisdom and Lives 1 st Values research. (1) People make choices about how to act , even if they do not choose the context in which they make them. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/78790e5ac413/fundamental-truths-about-human-beings-and-trust

  Adam and Eve were doomed to fail from the beginning. Why? They had no parents to teach them who they are and what they are supposed to do. They did not have the Creator’s Tov Standard to guide them. The primary purpose of this story, and the next three stories, is the importance of parents . Continue Reading at - https://mailchi.mp/9b1ab66284db/the-lost-meanings-of-stories-in-the-bible

  Adam and Eve were both cunning, crafty, and shrewd, and they had not shamed themselves. T he serpent was more cunning, crafty, and shrewd than any wild animal of the field which Yahweh Elohim had made. Make sure to note that Adam, Eve, and the serpent were all made by Yahweh Elohim. The serpent is a wild animal, not an angel or Satan. And the serpent said to the woman. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/be0886eb436c/what-really-happened-in-the-garden-of-eden

  “And a certain man was rich, and he was dressed in purple and fine linen, feasting every day, splendidly. And a certain poor man, named Lazarus, was lying by his gate, being covered with sores. And he desired to be satisfied from the things falling   from the rich man’s table . . . and the rich man died and went to Hades.” Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/82b842b8bb58/was-the-rich-mans-sin-being-rich

  Tov is translated “ good .” The Creator measured His acts by the Tov Standard . In other stories, He also measured acts by people that affected the lives of other people by the Tov Standard . Once you learn to recognize acts that are Tov , even though the word Tov isn’t mentioned, you will be able to recognize them in many Bible passages. Continue reading at - https://mailchi.mp/d618f38f77b7/jesus-taught-the-tov-standard