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The Maccabees: Warriors of Faith and Freedom in Ancient Judea

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 In the glow of Hanukkah candles each year, we remember a story of defiance, miracle, and resilience. But who were the central figures in this tale—the Maccabees ? Often celebrated as heroes who reclaimed Jewish identity against overwhelming odds, the Maccabees were a family of Jewish rebels whose actions reshaped history. This blog post dives into their origins, the revolt they led, and their enduring legacy, drawing from historical accounts to paint a vivid picture of these ancient freedom fighters.   Origins: A Priestly Family in Turbulent Times The Maccabees, also known as the Hasmoneans , emerged from a priestly Jewish family in the 2nd century BCE. The name "Maccabee" likely derives from the Hebrew word for "hammer," symbolizing the forceful strikes they dealt to their enemies. At the heart of the family was Mattathias, a priest from the village of Modiin , and his five sons: John, Simon, Judas (also called Judah Maccabee ), Eleazar, and Jonathan. They lived ...
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The Inspiring Story Behind the Hymn "Trust and Obey"

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  Have you ever hummed the tune of " Trust and Obey " during a church service or in a quiet moment of reflection? This beloved Christian hymn, with its simple yet profound message, has touched countless lives since its creation in the late 19th century. But who created it, and how did it come to be? Let's dive into the fascinating history of this timeless song.  The Creators: John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner The lyrics of "Trust and Obey" were penned by John H. Sammis (1846–1919), a Presbyterian minister whose life journey reflected a profound commitment to faith and service. Born on July 6, 1846, in Brooklyn, New York , to Oliver Ketcham and Sarah T. Sammis, he grew up in a bustling urban environment. As a young man, Sammis pursued a career in business, relocating to Logansport, Indiana , around 1869 at the age of 22 or 23. There, he established himself as a successful businessman, but his life took a transformative turn when he converted to Christianity i...
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Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA
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The Road Map to Maturity: Growing from Spiritual Infancy to Christlike Wisdom

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Hello, fellow believers! In a reality that's spinning faster than ever with cultural shifts, political upheavals, and moral confusion, it's easy to feel lost. But praise God, He hasn't left us without direction. Today, I'm excited to share a message inspired by the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 2:14–3:1 . I've called it " The Road Map to Maturity ," because these verses provide a clear, biblical guide for every Christian to navigate from worldly thinking to the profound wisdom of Christ. As conservative Christians , we're called to stand firm on Scripture amid the storms of secularism—whether it's defending the sanctity of life , upholding traditional family values , or resisting the tide of relativism . Let's dive in and see how Paul's ancient words speak directly to our modern lives.   Understanding the Natural Man: Blind to Spiritual Truths Paul starts by describing the " natural person " in verse 14: "The natu...
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Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA
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Beyond "Nice": What it Truly Means to Be a "Son of Encouragement"

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  We often mistake "encouragement" for a simple "like" on social media or a polite nod in the church foyer. But if we look at the life of a man named Joseph—better known by his nickname, Barnabas —we see that biblical encouragement is something much more radical. It is a sacrificial, risk-taking, life-altering ministry. In Acts 4:36-37 , we are introduced to the man who would become the "gold standard" for what it means to build up the Body of Christ. " Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus , whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘ son of encouragement ’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." How can we move beyond being merely "polite" and start being a "Barnabas" to those around us? Here are three ways to cultivate the heart of an encourager. 1. Encouragement Starts with Your Hands, Not Just Your Lips It is telling that the very first thing the Bible records about the "Son of En...
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Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA
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The Best Dressed Man in Town: A Lesson from Zechariah

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In our fast-paced society, where fashion trends come and go, it's easy to get caught up in appearances. We admire the sharply dressed executive or the celebrity with the latest designer outfit. But what if I told you that the truly best-dressed person isn't defined by earthly threads? Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, let's explore a profound vision from the prophet Zechariah that reveals God's wardrobe for His people. This isn't about style—it's about salvation, righteousness, and transformation.   The Scene in Zechariah: Filthy Garments and Divine Intervention Turn with me to Zechariah 3:1-5 , a powerful passage set in the post-exilic period of Israel. The prophet sees Joshua , the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord. But Joshua isn't ready for this holy encounter. He's clothed in filthy garments—symbolizing the sin and uncleanness that plagued him and the nation. Standing at his right hand is Satan , the accuser, ready to c...
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Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA
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