ARCHAEOLOGY/ HISTORY
CILICIA:
This was a region between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in the area of Asia Minor (now known as the region of southern Turkey). It was known as a source of iron and silver ores. Cilicia began as Assyrian land, and later came into the hands of the Persians through King Cyrus The Great. Later the Greeks started settling the area, and then Alexander the Great conquered this area and absorbed it into the Roman Empire. This region was in such demand because it contained timber forests, a coastal plain with rich soil, and a useful highway system. To read more regarding it's rich history, click the following links:
http://www.answers.com/topic/cilicia
http://www.livius.org/cg-cm/cilicia/cilicia.html

Cilicia is mentioned in a few places within the New Testament scriptures.

1 -- Cilicians were amongst the men disputing with Stephen as he showed them great signs and much wisdom given to him from God (Acts 6:9)
2 -- The congregation in Cilicia was among a few who benefited from the Apostle Paul's spiritual advice and encouragement during a time of apostasy (Acts 15:22-41)
3 -- The Apostle Paul explained that he was a citizen of Cilicia during a time of being arrested for preaching the kingdom. (Acts 21:39)
4 -- The Christian missionaries traveled around and through the region of Cilicia (Galatians 1:21)

The Apostle Paul was from the Cilician city of Tarsus (Acts 9:11/ 13:9), about ten miles from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea on the banks of the Cydnus River. Another famous historical figure, Cleopatra, passed through the city of Tarsus about 38 B.C. on her way to visit Marc Antony. Tarsus boasted a university which rivaled that of the one in Athens. Famous historical figures either learned or taught at this university; Stoics such as Antipater, Archedemus and Nestor among them. Read more.... http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Def.show/RTD/ISBE/ID/8616

BIBLE TOPIC
HAIR
Yes, we realize this is an unusual bible topic to choose, which is one of the reasons we chose it. We were actually quite surprised at how much the bible has to say regarding hair, making it an interesting research project:

1 --Nazirite Vows: When Nazirites took on their vows towards Yahweh they were to let their hair grow out for the entire duration of the vow (Numbers 6:5). When their vows ended, they were to shave their heads (Numbers 6:13, 18). Since both men and women were allowed to take the Nazirite vows (Numbers 6:2), and at the end the Nazirite was to shave the head, and there's no exception for male or female, it appears that both genders were required to shave the head.
2 -- Men and Women: In the Christian congregation, a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered shames herself, whereas a man who prays or prophesies with a head covering shames his own head. This is because the woman is for man's glory, is from out of man, and was created for man's sake, and not the other way around (1 Corinthians 11:4-15). This is logical, since a head covering is a sign of submission to headship (1 Corinthians 11:10), and females are supposed to be in submission to males (1 Corinthians 11:3). This is why a man with long hair/head covering would be a shame, unless of course they were Nazirites, in which case the man's long hair would show submission to God's headship regarding the Nazirite vows.
3-- The role of hair in certain rituals: According to the Mosaic Law, if a woman was accused of adultery part of the ritual to reveal her status of marital faithfulness included loosening her hair (Numbers 5:18). This was probably required due to the woman's submissive role towards the husband as symbolized by her hair. As for a certain cleansing ritual regarding leprosy, the person was to shave, not only their head and beard, but their eyebrows as well (Leviticus 14:8-9).
4-- Some men's hair grew thick and luxuriant: One famous Nazirite, Samson, was given special strength with his long hair (Judges 16:17). This strength disappeared once his hair was cut (Judges 16:19-20). As a result, he was captured and held prisoner (Judges 16:21). During his incarceration his hair grew out luxuriant, thick and long again (Judges 16:22), upon which he regained his super strength through prayer to Yahweh (Judges 16:28). As a result, he killed his captors and all those who were with them, killing himself as well (Judges 16:29-30). Another man, King David's son, Absalom, was also known for his thick, fast growing hair. Absalom's hair would grow so thickly that he would have to shave his head each year due to its weight on his head - weighing 200 shekels! (this is equal to about 2.5 kg or 5 pounds) (2 Samuel 14:25-26). Absalom's hair grew so strong and thick that it caused him to get his head caught in a tree while riding his mule, causing him to be left hanging from the tree in the air. As a result, his enemies found him in this position and killed him (2 Samuel 18:9-17).
5-- Hair customs while mourning: In some cases, the people would pull out some of their hair and beard when grieving a situation (Ezra 9:3) or simply cut it off (Job 1:20, Jeremiah 7:29, Micah 1:16).
6-- Feminine Beauty: Long hair on a woman is considered a sign of femininity (Song of Solomon 1:10, Isaiah 3:24, 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3)
7-- Hair in prophetic symbolism: There are cases in prophecy in which hair holds significant meaning. Though we may not completely understand the meaning at this time, hair has a definite place in prophetic symbolism. For example, the prophet Ezekiel was instructed to shave his head and divide the hair into thirds with special instructions (Ezekiel 5:1-2). In another vision, a hand took Ezekiel by the hair on his head and transported him someplace else (Ezekiel 8:3). In John's vision in Revelation, there were locusts which had feminine hair (Revelation 9:8).
8-- Prophets wore official garments of animal hair: This was apparently a well known fact as indicated at Zechariah 13:4/ 1 Kings 19:19. This is supported in other scriptures such as Hebrews 11:32,37. John the Baptist wore a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt (Matthew 3:4). Interestingly enough, the prophet Elijah also wore a hair garment with a leather belt (2 Kings 1:8). This is important to note because according to Christ, John was the "Elijah to come" spoken of in prophecy (Malachi 4:5/ Matthew 11:14).
9-- Hair as a towel: On two separate occasions a woman washed Christ's feet and dried him with her hair. The woman was named Mary, sister of Lazarus. She did this the first time while Jesus dined in the house of a Pharisee (Luke 7:36-48/John 11:1-2), and the second time when he was dining with friends (John 12:1-3).
10-- Natural Baldness in scripture: Baldness was carefully looked at for signs of disease under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 13:40-46). Apparently the prophet Elisha was a naturally bald man (2 Kings 2:23). In the Law, God forbade his people to shave themselves bald for a dead person (Deuteronomy 14:1).
11 -- Grey hair a sign of respect: According to scripture, grey haired people were to be respected (Leviticus 19:32, Proverbs 16:31, 20:29)
12 -- Yahweh's Law: Some of the Law Covenant included the grooming of hair. His chosen people, the Israelites, were forbidden to shave their beards or cut the side locks of their hair (Leviticus 19:27) and were forbidden to artificially make themselves bald (Leviticus 21:5). Apparently, this had something to do with keeping the Israelites separate from the surrounding pagan nations whose customs were to shave themselves excessively (Jeremiah 9:26).

Of course, these aren't ALL the references regarding hair in the bible. These are just a few. However, it is interesting to read how much importance is put into this physical feature that God endowed us with.

BIBLE VERSION CRITIQUE
2001 Translation - An American English Bible
http://www.2001translation.com/index.html

Although this version is currently a work in progress, most of the text is already translated online and can be enjoyed by readers. The publishers of this version are endeavoring to make this the most accurate American English bible possible.

VIRTUES: This translation is not sponsored by a particular religion, Americanizes bible names to show the incorporation of God's name into the bible characters (i.e. "Jeremiah"= JeremJah, 1 Chronicles 12:10), makes frequent use of God's name as spoken in American English, has information notations at the end of each bible book, and is available for download to your home pc or hand held computer. The language is modernized without compromising the meaning of the passages,and individual words throughout the text are linked to give additional information.
FLAWS: Because of it's adherence to American English nuance, the alternative names may confuse some people. As of this date (November 2005) portions of the Old Testament aren't translated yet, and there is no hard copy available.

This bible translation is very easy-to-understand for young and old alike. Since you can download it (and print it off for your own personal use), when completed it will be a valuable source for both those who like to just sit down and read through the bible, and for those who like to learn the additional information this version gives.

ENCOURAGING WORD
1 Kings 19:18
"Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. "(King James Version)

In this chapter, the prophet Elijah was becoming quite discouraged due to Israel's idolatry and apostasy. He was on the run from wicked queen Jezebel, surviving on food and power supplied by Yahweh. After many days, Elijah found a cave to shelter in. It was here that Yahweh began to speak to him. Elijah explained to God that he was so upset regarding Israel's actions, and that he was the only one left that remained faithful to Him in the Israelite nation. It is here that God revealed his plan of punishment for the unfaithful, and also revealing to Elijah that he wasn't really alone -- that there were seven thousand others who have also remained faithful to Yahweh. Thus Elijah was spiritually encouraged, didn't feel so alone in his worship, and did all that Yahweh instructed in order to carry out His work.

This passage holds a lot of encouragement for those of us who may feel we're all alone in our spiritual journey. We may be shut out by family and friends due to our progression in understanding the scriptures. We may not know where to go for fellowship with like-minded individuals, making us feel isolated in our worship. This passage reminds us that even when we feel like the last man/woman standing, there are others out there in the same position we are. If we have faith and trust in Yahweh, He will be sure to help us find these hidden treasures of bretheren.

GUEST COLUMNIST
IN THE FACE OF DEATH
-- Contributed by Charles P.

Throughout the Bible many of Jehovah's people have faced death because of their faith. Three examples come to mind, Sha´drach, Me´shach and A·bed´ne·go. There example of faith is outstanding! Why? Their answer to King Neb·u·chad·nez´zar shows the depth of their faith

Daniel 3:17-18 If it is to be, our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king, he will rescue [us]. But if not, let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.”

This statement by them shows that they knew Jehovah would rescue them even if they had to die. They obviously had a strong faith in the resurrection of the dead! They knew they had to stay faithful even to death and Jehovah would reward them with life. Christ said this was important at

Luke 17:33"Whoever seeks to keep his soul safe for himself will lose it, but whoever loses it will preserve it alive."
John 12:25 "He that is fond of his soul destroys it, but he that hates his soul in this world will safeguard it for everlasting life."

This is a VERY important lesson for us who will experience this same circumstance during the time of the end. Just like King Neb·u·chad·nez´zar's image of gold was set up and demanded worship, so will the image of the beast be set up and it will demand worship.

Revelation 13:11-18 And I saw another wild beast ascending out of the earth, and it had two horns like a lamb, but it began speaking as a dragon. And it exercises all the authority of the first wild beast in its sight. And it makes the earth and those who dwell in it worship the first wild beast, whose death-stroke got healed. And it performs great signs, so that it should even make fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind. And it misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that were granted it to perform in the sight of the wild beast, while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived. And there was granted it to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who would not in any way worship the image of the wild beast. 1And it puts under compulsion all persons, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, that they should give these a mark in their right hand or upon their forehead, and that nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. Here is where wisdom comes in: Let the one that has intelligence calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is a man’s number; and its number is six hundred and sixty-six.

When this image is set up ALL PERSONS will be require to worship it or face death. Neb·u·chad·nez´zar's image and the faith of the three hebrews is a prophetic drama for all of us to learn from. We must have the faith that Jehovah can save us even if it means we have to die. Many of our brothers and sisters experienced these kind of threats before during the Nazi regime. Many died under serve test of faith. Their faith in Jehovah was strong and they will be back in the resurrection. These words proved true for them........ (Psalm 27:1) Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear? Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be in dread? (Isaiah 12:2) Look! God is my salvation. I shall trust and be in no dread; for Jah Jehovah is my strength and [my] might, and he came to be the salvation of me.” (2 Corinthians 1:10) From such a great thing as death he did rescue us and will rescue us; and our hope is in him that he will also rescue us further. The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.

NEWS BYTES
Maranatha Christian Journal
Asian Indian Christians taken into custody to protect them from Hindu extremists were beaten in their jail cells by the police who were supposed to be protecting them. Read more...
http://www.mcjonline.com/news/05a/20051003b.shtml

Jehovah's Witness News Site
ATHENS—The year 2005 completes a century that Jehovah's Witnesses have ministered to the people in Greece with a program of Bible education. On the occasion of this anniversary, during the months of October and November, the Witnesses will be distributing to all Greek citizens and residents a special brochure entitled 100-Year Modern History of Christian Jehovah's Witnesses in Greece. Read more...
http://www.jw-media.org/newsroom/index.htm?content=/region/europe/greece/english/releases/educational/grc_e051004.htm

Christian Science Monitor
In an interview to be broadcast today in Italy, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, one of George Bush's closest allies, said he tried repeatedly to persuade the president not to go to war. The Guardian reports that, in a "behind the scenes effort" he even asked Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi to help him. Read more...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1031/dailyUpdate.html

AgapePress
A conservative United Methodist activist is praising a decision by the denomination's highest court to defrock a Philadelphia-area lesbian minister. Read more...
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/312005e.asp

PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
THE PHILISTINES
Philistia was an ancient region of SW Palestine, comprising a coastal strip along the Mediterranean and a portion of S Canaan. It was the land of the land of the Philistines. The chief cities of Philistia were Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath; strategically located on the great commercial route from Egypt to Syria, they formed a confederacy.The Philistines figure prominently in the Old Testament, above all as Israel's worst enemy. Their presence in southern Canaan in the days of the last judges and the first kings was a serious threat to the southernmost Israelite tribes in particular. For a map and some non-biblical history concerning this region, click on the following website:
http://www.crystalinks.com/philistia.html

The Philistine people lived in Philistia in an area currently known as "Gaza Strip". Philistia was situated in a region of the Promised Land that the Israelites were commanded by God to displace (Exodus 23:30-32). According to scriptural genealogy, the Philistines descended from Noah's son, Ham, in this manner: Noah fathered Ham, Ham became father to Mizraim, then Mizraim fathered Casluhim from whom the Philistines came forth (Genesis 10:1-14, 1 Chronicles 1:4-12).
The Patriarch, Abraham, came to reside in the land of the Philistines (Genesis 21:34). King Abimelech was the ruler of the Philistines (Genesis 26:1) during the times of Abraham and Isaac, and thus the three men knew each other well (Genesis Chapter 20, Genesis 21:22-34, Genesis 26:1-14). Because Abimelech saw how much Isaac was blessed by Yahweh he concluded a covenant of peace with him (Genesis 26:26-31). However, much later, God nullified any covenants made with the Philistines (Exodus 23:30-32).
During the times of the Judges, Samson had a girlfriend, Delilah, who was a Philistine woman from the valley of Sorek, near the city of Ashkelon (Judges 16:4). It was she who tricked Samson into capture through Philistine axis lords (Judges 16:18-21). Some time later, while the Philistines were having a celebration for their false god Dagon, Samson was able to kill them all with God's power upon him (Judges 16: 22-30). This wasn't the first Philistine woman that Samson was involved with, for before Delilah he took a Philistine woman as wife (Judges 14:1-4). However, the marriage ended badly, with her being given to another man. Samson took revenge upon all the Philistines for it, resulting in the death of the wife and her father (Judges 14:5 -15:6).
Goliath was a giant Philistine from the city of Gath (1 Samuel 17:4). He and the Philistine army taunted the Israelites daily, making a mockery of God's chosen people, terrorizing them (1 Samuel 17:8-11). A shepherd boy named David (who later became Israel's king) took the challenge, and with the help of God slew the giant Philistine with one single blow (1 Samuel 17:12-51).
On another occasion, the Israelites fought the Philistines and lost, with the Philistines stealing The Ark Of The Covenant from the Israelites (1 Samuel 4:1-11). First the Philistines took The Ark to the city of Ashdod and placed it in the temple of Dagon, right next to the image of Dagon. The next morning, the statue of Dagon was found face down before The Ark of the Covenant. Puzzled, they placed the statue upright. The next morning, again they found Dagon face down in front of The Ark -- only this time with his head and hands cut off (1 Samuel 5:1-5). Then God plagued the city residents with severe "piles" (hemorrhoids) so much so they transported The Ark out to another Philistine city: Gath (1 Samuel 5:6-8). However, the residents of Gath then started suffering death and piles and so sent The Ark to the city of Ekron. However, when the residents of Ekron saw it they panicked and held a meeting as to what should be done (1 Samuel 5:9-11). Then it was decided to mount The Ark on a cart pulled by two cows. Yahweh led the cows back to the Israelites, who carried on with great rejoicing to see The Ark returning to them (1 Samuel 5:11-6:14).

The Israelites had other battles with the Philistines as well, some of which are mentioned at : 1 Samuel 7:7-14, 2 Samuel 21:15-17, Judges 3:31, and 2 Kings 18:1-8. In the end, the Philistines were subdued, and Israel's King Solomon reigned over a large area -- which also included the land the Philistines had inhabited (2 Chronicles 9:26).

VOCABULARY ENRICHMENT
WORMWOOD:
Four kinds of wormwood are found in Palestine-- Artemisia nilotica , A. Judaica , A. fructicosa and A. cinerea . The word occurs frequently in the Bible, and generally in a metaphorical sense. In Jeremiah 9:15, 23:15 and Lamentations 3:15,19 wormwood is symbolical of bitter calamity and sorrow; unrighteous judges are said to "turn judgment to wormwood."(Amos 5:7) The Orientals typified sorrows, cruelties and calamities of any kind by plants of a poisonous or bitter nature.
Source: Source: Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Wormwoods are members of the great family of Compositae and belong to the genus Artemisia, a group consisting of 180 species... The whole family is remarkable for the extreme bitterness of all parts of the plant: 'as bitter as Wormwood' is a very Ancient proverb...The plants are of no use as forage: and the few wild animals that feed on them are said to have, when eaten, a bitter taste....The genus is named Artemisia from Artemis, the Greek name for Diana. In an early translation of the Herbarium of Apuleius we find: 'Of these worts that we name Artemisia, it is said that Diana did find them and delivered their powers and leechdom to Chiron the Centaur, who first from these Worts set forth a leechdom, and he named these worts from the name of Diana, Artemis, that is Artemisias.' http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wormwo37.html

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
Olive Tree free downloadable bibles for your PDA.
http://www.olivetree.com/store/catalog/Free-Downloads-p-1-c-265.html
This site has dozens of free bibles you can download to your PDA. There are several different English language bible versions, bibles in several other languages, and a few other bible related texts. The languages available are: Albanian, Arabic, Dutch, English, Esperanto, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Latin Vulgate, Romanian, Spanish and Swedish. Platforms supported are: Palm OS, Pocket PC, SmartPhone, Symbian OS, and Blackberry.