ARCHAEOLOGY/ HISTORY
THE SEA OF GALILEE
The Sea of Galilee is also known by many other names, including:  Lake of Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34, Mark 6:53, Luke 5:1), Sea of Chinnereth (Numbers 34:11, Deuteronomy 3:17, Joshua 12:3, 13:27), and the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1, 21:1). The Sea of Galilee is fed by the Jordan River, rainfall, and springs on the northern side. In the first century, at least 16 harbors were located on the lake.  All the lake's settlements had their own harbor, even if it was very small.  The largest one belonged to Gadara had a 200 meter breakwater. Three types of fish were primarily sought by fishermen in antiquity in these waters.  Sardines were the "two small fish" that the boy brought to the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-13).  Sardines and bread were the staple product of the locals.  Barbels are so known because of the barbs at the corners of their mouths.  The third type is called musht but is more popularly known today as "St. Peter's Fish. Read more....
http://www.bibleplaces.com/seagalilee.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee

Jesus accomplished much of his ministry while actually ON the sea of Galilee:
1 -- On several occasions he taught throngs of people while stationing himself on a boat in its waters (Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 3:9, Luke 5:1-3).
2 -- On one occasion he showed his God-given power by calming a furious storm that caught him and his men at sea (Matthew 8:23-27).
3 -- Another time, he taught a lesson in faith by walking across the Sea's water to his men's boat (Mark 6:45-52).
4 -- Twice he caused the men to miraculously catch an impossible number of fish to illustrate the work cut out for them (Luke 5:4-11, John 21:1-14).
As well as accomplishing his work ashore of Galilee:
1 -- It was prophesied that he'd be from the region of Galilee (Matthew 2:22-23)
2 -- He called some of his apostles from the Sea of Galilee (Mark 1:19-21)
3 -- And he performed much of his ministry in and around Galilee (Matthew 4:12-17, 23)

BIBLE TOPIC
THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
To understand the Melchizedek priesthood, first we need to know who Melchizedek was:
Genesis 14:17-18 introduces Melchizedek as the king of Salem (which later became JeruSalem) and priest of the Most High God, Yahweh. Genesis Chapter 14 tells of how Abram (who's name was changed later to Abraham, Genesis 17:3-5) had to go rescue certain family members from kidnappers. After successfully doing so, King Melchizedek came to Abram with bread and wine and proceeded to bless Abram. In return, Abram gave the king a tenth of his belongings. It is interesting to note that this priest of Yahweh is not someone of the Israelite genealogy, for the Abrahamic covenant hadn't even been made yet (that comes along later, in Genesis 15:18), nor had the Israelites themselves existed yet (they come into existence starting at Genesis 32:27-28).

Evidently, King/ Priest Melchizedek was a foreshadowing of Christ, for Hebrews 5:4-10 states:
And one does not take the honor to himself but enters upon it at God's call in the same way as Aaron did. In this same way the Christ did not glorify himself into the office of high priest, but he who spoke to him in the words "You are my son, I have this day brought you to birth", as he says in another passage too "You are a priest forever in such station as Melchizedek was". Who, having in his days of flesh offered with strong outcries and tears both petitions and supplications to him who could save him from death, and having been listened to for his godliness, learned obedience by suffering, Son though he was, and, perfected, became for all who obey him, the author of an eternal salvation, being addressed by God as a high priest "in such station as Melchizedek was". (The Bible in Living English)
We know this passage is speaking of Christ as connected with the Melchizedek Priesthood because all the references match Christ, as pointed out here:
1 -- "You are a priest forever in such station as Melchizedek was".... (Psalms 110:4)
2 -- "In his days of flesh offered strong outcries and tears both petitions and supplication to him who could save him from death"... (Matthew 26:36-43)
3 -- "learned obedience through suffering"... (Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:31-35)
4 -- "Son though he was, and, perfected".... (1 Peter 2:22)
5 -- "became for all who obey him the author of eternal salvation"... (Matthew 19:29, John 3:14-15,36)
6 -- "as a high priest in such station as Melchizedek was"....(Hebrews 4:14-15)

The book of Hebrews further explains Christ's co-relation to Melchizedek at Hebrews 6:19 - 7:17 as shown point by point here:
This [hope] we have as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm, and it enters in within the curtain,  where a forerunner has entered in our behalf, Jesus, who has become a high priest according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek forever. (Psalm 110:4) For this Mel·chiz´e·dek, king of Sa´lem, (Matthew 21:1-5, John 12:12) priest of the Most High God, (Hebrews 3:1, 8:1) who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him  and to whom Abraham apportioned a tenth from all things, is first of all, by translation, “King of Righteousness,” (Acts 17:31) and is then also king of Sa´lem, that is, “King of Peace.”  (Colossians 1:20, Revelation 19:11-20:3)  In being fatherless, motherless, without genealogy, having neither a beginning of days nor an end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. (John 1:1, 8:58, 17:5)

Now, notice the remainder of this passage:
BEHOLD, then, how great this man was to whom Abraham, the family head, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils. (For Melchizedek  to receive tithes from Abraham was a big deal, for Abraham was a very prominent figure covenanted to Yahweh)  True, the men from the sons of Le´vi who receive their priestly office have a commandment to collect tithes from the people according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, even if these have issued from the loins of Abraham; but the man who did not trace his genealogy from them took tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now without any dispute, the less is blessed by the greater (Remember, Melchizedek blessed Abram). And in the one case it is men who are dying that receive tithes, but in the other case it is someone of whom it is witnessed that he lives.  And, if I may use the expression, through Abraham even Le´vi who receives tithes has paid tithes,  for he was still in the loins of his forefather when Mel·chiz´e·dek met him. (Although the Levites weren't required to pay tithes in the Jewish system, even they paid tithes by proxy through Abraham's actions) If, then, perfection were really through the Levitical priesthood, (for with it as a feature the people were given the Law,) what further need would there be for another priest to arise according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek and not said to be according to the manner of Aaron? (The Aaronic priesthood of the nation of Israel was through the Levites Numbers 26:59, Exodus 28:40-41, whereas Melchizedek has no Israelite ties at all, thus a difference in priesthoods)  For since the priesthood is being changed, (because the covenant was being replaced 2 Corinthians 3:14) there comes to be of necessity a change also of the law.  For the man respecting whom these things are said has been a member of another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.  For it is quite plain that our Lord has sprung up out of Judah, a tribe about which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. (Christ's earthly life descended from Judah, not Levi Matthew 1:1-16, thus Christ was not of the Old Covenant priestly class of Levites, therefore making him priest is changing the priesthood) And it is still more abundantly clear that with a similarity to Mel·chiz´e·dek there arises another priest,  who has become such, not according to the law of a commandment depending upon the flesh, but according to the power of an indestructible life,  for in witness it is said: “You are a priest forever according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek.” (New World Translation)

Now, does this mean that Christ is the only member of the Melchizedek priesthood? No, for the bible clearly states Yahweh will choose others to join Christ as priests in the heavenly kingdom.
Revelation 5:10
 and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”
 Revelation 1:5-6
To him that loves us and that loosed us from our sins by means of his own blood—  and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen
Revelation 20:6
 Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years
( These three quotes from The New World Translation)

This all fits together neatly, for Christ is the priest from the tribe of Judah, and it is Judah who will be ruling over Israel.(For more information regarding spiritual Judah and spiritual Israel click this link: http://www.commontruth.com/NewCovenant.html ) Looking at this information, it is quite plain that the Aaronic priesthood was replaced with the Melchizedek priesthood when Yahweh replaced the Old Covenant with the New Covenant. It is also quite plain that Christ is the high priest of this priesthood and others will join him in the priestly duties for at least one thousand years. Therefore, those who are chosen to be a part of the Melchizedek priesthood will be those chosen to enter heaven.  

Bible Version Critique
THE NEW TESTAMENT -- RECOVERY VERSION
This version is published through Living Stream Ministry. You can order a free copy of the Recovery Version at;
 http://www.biblesforamerica.org/recoveryversion/
To read it online, you can find it here:
http://online.recoveryversion.org/index1.asp

VIRTUES: Each of the books in this bible starts off with an outline of what the book contains before getting into the actual scriptural text. Under the title of each book  it gives the background information of the author including who, when, and where.Each chapter begins with a couple sentences highlighting the main points in the chapter. Virtually every verse has footnotes as well as cross-references on the margin   In the back there are a couple of charts and bible maps. The language is modern and easy to understand, none of the "thee"s and "thou"s to clutter it up.
FLAWS: This version has no Old Testament, leans heavily towards false trinitarian belief, (http://www.commontruth.com/Trinity.html ), and footnotes can be too page consuming at times. Often the footnotes are presenting the opinion of the  publisher instead of giving real information.

Though we don't recommend this version for teaching others, it has potential for being an interesting reference for your own personal research purposes.

GUEST COLUMNIST
THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE OF THE MARRIAGE FEAST
-- By: Seamus

                        “The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king
                        that made a marriage feast for his son. ….”—Matthew. 22:2-14.

The message that Jesus declared when on earth was primarily about the kingdom.  This was a hot topic among the Jews in Jesus day, however very few were interested in the kingdom that Jesus and his disciples were proclaiming. They were more interested in an immediate physical and political government to free them from their Roman overlords.

While teaching in the temple Jesus told the chief priests and Pharisees: “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.” (Matthew 21:43-46) Jesus then went on to illustrate the meaning of these prophetic words by means of a parable, saying:

            “The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent forth his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come.”—Matthew. 22:2, 3

The chief figures in this parable, the “man, a king,” and his son, picture Almighty God, and his foremost son Jesus Christ.

To be invited to the marriage feast of his son was a special privilege granted by the king, to his subjects. When the king sent out his messengers, it was not to invite them, for the invitation had already taken place. Instead this was a notification that the wedding feast was ready, and they should come at once.

Who do “those invited to the marriage feast” in Jesus’ illustration picture? When Jesus spoke these words only one nation on the earth could claim Jehovah as their king, the Jews.  Yahweh had brought them into a covenant with him at Mount Sinai. They willingly entered this covenant, and thus Jehovah became the heavenly King over this people, and they became a nation subject to Him (Deuteronomy 33:5, Exodus 15:18). The initial invitation to the feast was listed among  the benefits to the nation of Israel for entering and keeping the Law Covenant with Yahweh (Exodus 19:1-6).

Like many of Jesus teachings we see an initial fulfillment in his day but an obvious reference to a greater fulfillment that concerns all of us in the near future.

The Slaves of our God

In the past you may have been taught that those who were invited would be taken to and live in heaven; however that doesn't appear to be the case. Also, a key group mentioned in the parable usually goes overlooked, namely, the king’s slaves who did the inviting. Who are they?

At Revelation 7:3 we read these words: ‘Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until after we've sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.’ Thereafter, the slaves of God are numbered at 144,000.  This particular chapter of Revelation speaks of two groups, those who are selected from among twelve symbolic tribes of Israel and are thought to be taken to heaven, and a large group of unnumbered people who are thought to be resurrected to and live on the earth.

Although we have long ignored as insignificant the slaves of the marriage feast parable, who do the inviting, they are in actuality extremely important; for these are the slaves of God that are selected to rule in heaven with Jesus.

During Jesus three and a half year ministry he sent out his “slaves” or disciples to announce his arrival, but just as the illustration states, they find a people that is too preoccupied with day to day life to come the celebration.

In the time of the end, Jesus describes his faithful ones as ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ of Matthew 24:45, and the ‘good and faithful slaves’ of Matthew 25:21, 23.  These slaves have an extremely difficult responsibility, and by fulfilling their commission they often put their very lives in danger; for notice what Jesus said the response of those invited would be: “But unconcerned they went off, one to his own field, another to his commercial business; but the rest, laying hold of his slaves, treated them insolently and killed them.”—Matthew 22:5, 6

Is the modern day preaching work of groups like Jehovah ’s Witnesses fulfilling Jesus’ words about an invitation? Perhaps, however it is possible that the invitation is a specific message and that the three and a half year period of Jesus ministry may correspond to the three and half years discussed in the Revelation.  If that is the case then any activity being performed today would be instead a precursor, much like that performed by John the Baptist. If that is the case, that may explain current inconsistencies in understanding and other problems with the “invitation” as it is today.

Those Who Accept the Invitation

After sending his armies to destroy the murderous invitees, Jehovah opens the invitation to all.  Who are the ones that accept?

These later invitees are described as “both wicked and good,” (Matthew 22:10) thus it could hardly be those selected for heavenly life. They are also spoken of as clothing themselves with a special garment (Matthew 22:11). Going again to Revelation the seventh chapter, after discussing the 144,000 chosen slaves of God, Revelation Chapter 7 continues with a description of a second group, saying, “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-17).

The marriage garment signifies one’s being declared righteous by God through one’s faith in Christ as the ransom sacrifice. (Romans 5:1, 9) Remember that millions of individuals of the physical nation of Israel were invited and could, if they so desired, have attended that grand celebration. Yes this group of invitees was to be much larger than just 144,000! However, when the vast majority of the Jews rejected the invitation, Jehovah was forced to look elsewhere and thus invited “a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” (Revelation 7:9).  As such they replace the physical nation of Israel and are taken into the New Covenant mediated by God’s Son,  becoming a members of the spiritual “seed” of Abraham and of a new nation, spiritual Israel (Luke 22:19, 20)

The Man without a Marriage Garment

The custom for some special occasions was for the host to provide a special garment, so there was no excuse for the garmentless man. Thus when confronted by the King, he was rightly rendered speechless. Jesus in his illustration does not say that the man put it on to get in and then took it off later. Rather, the man declined the garment when it was offered to him. Notice the king did not ask him, ‘Why did you take off the marriage garment?’ instead he asked, “How did you get in here not having on a marriage garment?” This guest refused to wear it when offered. He did not meet the requirements for being there at the table, and did not belong there. Who is represented by this man?

Since he never had on a marriage garment he cannot picture those that fell away from serving Jehovah. Instead he pictures those professing to be godly Christians, but never making the changes required. Paul speaks of these ones in the last days as those who “have a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power,” then equates them with false teachers (or apostates).

The vast majority of Christendom is ignorant, apathetic, or even apostate to the teachings of Christ and the Bible, and thus they have been equated with the man without a proper garment, however this is not a correct connection.  A single man rejected out of all the guests could hardly picture all of rebellious Christendom, no Christendom is instead pictured by the ancient Israelites, a large “nation” claiming to worship God, but unwilling to act when the proper time comes. Thus Jehovah will decree her destruction, just like he did on the ancient city of Jerusalem.

Many Invited, Few Chosen

In order show his listeners the point of the illustration, Jesus concludes: “For there are many invited, but few chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) Jesus was not saying those words with reference to the ejected man without the required marriage garment. This man was not the main feature of the illustration.  Jesus was instead bringing the illustration back around to his audience of Jews.  The “many” invited were the Jewish nation, members of the Law covenant, with the hope of being a “kingdom of priests” to God. The “few” chosen were the natural Jews who actually acted on the notification from Jehovah. These “few” left the condemnatory Law Covenant and accepted the “marriage garment” from Jehovah.

The Marriage of the Lamb

Revelation the 19th Chapter gives us an order of events: first, Jehovah executes judgment on Babylon the Great (vs. 2); second, the marriage of the Lamb (vs. 7-9); and third, Armageddon (vs. 11 on).  So since Christendom, the most powerful and populous part of Babylon the Great, is still in existence, the marriage of the Lamb has not yet taken place, but is yet for the future.

When that day arrives will you attend? At Revelation 19:9 we read, “Happy are those invited to the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage.” Then the angel says that these very words came directly from God. We do not know exactly every detail of what being invited to this wedding banquet will mean for those who are invited, because the scriptures simply do not give us that information; however, we should all want to attend.  The Marriage of the Lamb is the start of a Kingdom that will never be brought to ruin, and that will wipe out every tear (Daniel 2:44, Revelation 21:3, 4).  Therefore let each of us make sure that we are properly clothed before God, so that we may share in the great joy of Jesus, his bride of 144,000, the great crowd of attendees, and our loving god Jehovah.

Seamus is also a contributor to the 2001 Version - An American English Bible. See this bible at:
http://www.2001translation.com/index.html

NEWS BYTES
AgapePress
A spokesman for a law firm dedicated to the defense of civil liberties and human rights says his organization is pleased that a judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed on behalf of an Air Force sergeant who was punished for speaking out about tainted anthrax vaccine. Read more....
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/9/282005g.asp

The Christian Post
While printed publications have long been censored in China, the authorities have also tried to keep up with technological developments, according a Norway-based news agency. Forum 18, which monitors religious freedom in Communist and former Soviet states, recently released an article following a two-month survey conducted on China's censorship of religious materials on the world wide web. Read more...
http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/927/section/china.government.blocking.religious.websites.says.agency/1.htm

CrossWalk News
One of America's A-list gay couples has broken up.
No, it's not Rosie and Kelli. It's Roy and Silo. Roy and Silo are male penguins. Chinstrap penguins to be exact.
About six years ago, Roy and Silo set up housekeeping together in New York's Central Park Zoo. They courted and attempted to mate and by all accounts were fairly inseparable. They even adopted a child together. Roy and Silo hatched little Tango a couple of years ago and raised her as their own. Read more...
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/ewthrockmorton/?adate=9/20/2005#1352383

PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE
THE CAESARS OF SCRIPTURE
Augustus Caesar  ruled when Christ was born, as confirmed at Luke 2:1. It was his decree that caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Our calendar month of "August" was named for this Caesar. His birth name was Gaius Octavius, a.k.a. "Octavian", and around 27 B.C.  the Roman Senate named him "Augustus". During his lengthy rule Rome prospered and enjoyed civic peace. He managed to expand the Roman Empire as far west as Spain and as far east as the Alps. Augustus was devoted to the Roman gods, promoted morality and monogamy, and was a patron of the arts. Augustus died in 14 A.D., meaning Christ was a teenager at the time. Augustus was deified soon after his death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus
Tiberius Caesar is mentioned only once in the bible, at Luke 3:1, where it speaks of John the Baptist commencing his baptizing work during the 15th year of Tiberius. According to historical records, Tiberius Caesar was the stepson of Augustus Caesar and his birth name was Tiberius Claudius Nero. He ascended the throne upon his stepfather Augustus's death in 14 A.D. and ruled until his own death in 37 A.D. Therefore, all biblical references to "Caesar" during Christ's ministry referred to Tiberius.  Tiberius was a vicious ruler and had a terrible temper. He was succeeded by his grandson: Gaius, a.k.a. Caligula.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberius
Caligula was born as Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus and began ruling in 37 A.D. He acquired the nickname  "Caligula" when as a young boy his father would dress him up in military clothing and the bemused soldiers would call him "Caligulae", which meant "Little Boots". During the beginning of his rulership he was very generous and forgiving. This was short lived though, as he sank into insanity, turning his rulership into that of terror. Because of his increasingly erratic behaviour he was finally assassinated by the Praetorian Guard in 41 A.D. after only four years of reign. During this reign Herod Agrippa (referred to in the book of Acts in places such as Acts 25:13 - 26:2, and Acts 26:19-32,  in the bible) began rule in Judea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligula
Claudius was the uncle of Caligula and the successor to the throne. His birth name was Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar Drusus. He began his rule in 41 A.D. and seemed an unlikely candidate for the throne because he stammered and had a heavy limp. However, the Praetorian Legionares chose to appoint him as the next emperor. Claudius is referred to in scripture in places such as Acts 11:28, Acts 18:2, and Acts 23:26. Claudius married four times. His fourth wife, Agrippina (sister of Caligula), was the mother of Nero -- the successor upon his death in 54 A.D.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudius
Nero was born as Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus a.k.a Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus,  a.k.a Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. This Nero was the Caesar referred to at Acts 25:21 (see your bible's footnotes). This is also the same Nero who supposedly fiddled while Rome burned. Nero gained the throne at the age of seventeen in the year 54 A.D.,  and the first few years of his rule went well. Over time, though, conspiracies and scandals started creeping in, damaging his reputation. Then, during the year 64 A.D. the Great Fire of Rome occurred. Two thirds of Rome was destroyed by the blaze and Nero accused Christians of starting the fire. After this disaster he was still plagued with scandals to the extent that the citizens hated him and he kept acquiring political enemies. Things for him went from bad to worse so much so that he finally took his own life in the year 68 A.D.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero
Year Of The Four Emperors  followed Nero's death and was a brief period of civil war. The first of these four was Galba, who'd been the governor of Hispania (Spain). He was soon betrayed and murdered, and Otho took his place. Otho ended up committing suicide at the age of 37, and so Vitellius took the empire. Vitellius was given to indulgence and wasn't highly respected. He ended up murdered after barely nine months of rule. He was replaced by Vespasian, who focused on healing the empire from its civil war.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_of_the_four_emperors

VOCABULARY ENRICHMENT
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense has been one of the world's most treasured commodities since the beginning of written history. At its peak its value rivaled that of gold, the rarest silks, and the most precious of gems. Ironically, it is but a milky-white resin produced by a scrubby, unlikely looking tree, genus Boswellia.  There are twenty-five known species of Boswellia, each creating a water-soluble gum-resin with its own distinctive fragrance and medicinal properties.

Frankincense trees require an arid climate where moisture is provided by morning mist. The few ideal environments in the world for this small prized tree are found in Southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen), India, and Northern Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Kenya). Further, frankincense trees require a limestone-rich soil and are mostly found growing on rocky hillsides and cliffs, or in the dried riverbeds below. Harvesting can be a very dangerous task.  Read more...
http://www.scents-of-earth.com/scents-of-earth/frankincense1.html

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
E-SWORD
http://www.e-sword.net/
E-Sword is a free, downloadable program that is user friendly and contains a multitude of features: bibles, commentaries, dictionaries,  put together your own parallel bible, study note editor with spell checking, thesaurus, bible links, full printing capabilities, cross referencing, Strong's definitions, search capabilities, graphics viewers for studying maps, and much much more! This is for the serious bible student who isn't content with just reading a passage and putting it away.