If you look in your Bible at the Gospel of Mark, chapter 16, verses 9-20, you will likely see an asterisk or a note that says some of the best manuscripts do not contain these verses. In other words, there is some doubt that the verses belong in the Bible. I don’t know why the verses are not in some of the manuscripts (I have my suspicions), but if you have ever wondered about it, you will find this link interesting:
The Creation story in Chinese Characters
Here is a Youtube link to a presentation on how Chinese Characters tell the creation story, and more. You know, you can always find naysayers to just about anything related to faith. I was impressed, however, when I saw a presentation like this given to people who spoke and read the Chinese characters in their native tongue. They were impressed, and so am I.
Is This the Site of the Future Temple in Jerusalem?
Everybody knows that Jerusalem is the site of a great ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and between Muslims and Jews. If you've been keeping up with these events, you may know that the spot pictured here is considered a sacred piece of real estate by both sides. The Jews see it as the historic site of the two great Temples. If they are to rebuild their Temple, they believe they must put it on the same spot. Muslims see it as the third most holy place in Islam, the place where Muhammed ascended into heaven. While Israel controls Jerusalem, the Temple Mount is still under Muslim control. If you are even vaguely aware of Biblical prophecy, you know that there is a prophesied third Temple to be rebuilt, and that it is a sign of the imminent return of Christ (and also of many terrifying events for those who must face them). It is not a stretch to call this 37 acre plot of land the center of the world. It is a focal point of the three great religions of the world.
Now is a good time to point out that tradition has a way of obstructing the truth. A great deal of reasonable evidence points to another location, maybe a thousand feet south, as the true site of the Jewish Temple. The location of the historic City of David was discovered about 150 years ago, on a crescent shaped ridge. I am not going to go into all the arguments for and against. There is a lot of debate on the topic, and you can look up the work of the late Dr. Earnest Martin and a book by Bob Cornuke if you are interested in this viewpoint. What I would love to talk about is this: "Just what is the rock that the Dome of the Rock is covering?" If The Temple Mount is actually the site of the Roman Fortress Antonia, as Cornuke and Martin claim, and I believe it is, then there is strong evidence to support another claim, that the rock is actually what John 19:13 called "The Stone Pavement" (Greek) or "Gabbatha" (Hebrew). It was Pilate's place of judgment outside the Praetorium. It was reputed to be a rock outcropping surrounded by stone "pavers," as we would call them today. The Hebrew word, "Gabbatha," meant "High Place," and that is exactly what it is. This is more than idle speculation. There is plenty of evidence to support it. Many things that are true are obscured by layers of tradition, and everything that you believe that is worth believing will be vehemently opposed by someone else. So, in the end, you have to examine all the facts and decide for yourself. Isn't that what the internet is all about! So, I am not going to get bogged down in the details. I am just going to encourage you to check it out if you are interested.
I think it is worthwhile to investigate because, if the Dome of the Rock is covering Gabbatha, then two of the three "great religions" are unwittingly worshiping the place where their true Lord was sentenced to carry their sins to the cross. May He also be their Savior someday soon!
This page gives me an opportunity to talk about fun stuff, and maybe speculate a little. I hope you will also check out my blog.
About "Cool Stuff"
"Cool Stuff" is just for details that I find interesting. Check back for future content coming soon!