An outbreak is defined as “a sudden or violent increase in activity or currency” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). When multiple cases of a particular disease suddenly begin to rise at an abnormal rate in a specific area, within the same time frame, experts begin to suspect the possibility of an epidemic…
In 1347, corpses of Mongol warriors from the Golden Horde were flung over the walls of the port city of Kaffa into the Black Sea. Although this action may have had an appearance of a ceremony meant to honor their fallen soldiers, in actuality it is believed to be the…
“Gold, God, and Glory!” This is the moniker used by modern Historians to describe the spark that ignited the Old World’s desire to explore, expand, and conquer the New World. Commencing in the late fifteenth century, lucrative merchants persuaded their western European monarchies that a direct trade route to Asia…
Undeniably, all diseases are cruel experiences no one desires. The discomfort, inconvenience, and, most of all, the pain they impose are some of the reasons we all try to avoid them. Although it is true that living a healthy lifestyle (such as exercising daily and eating healthy) minimizes the risk…
“If you love me, you will accept me as I am.” But, is this statement completely true? Ironically, those who have heralded these words before are at once offended by this author’s question, and yet it is the ambiguity of the phrase that begs the question. Without question these words…
Last week we considered the conflict between truth and error. They are opposites and as a follower of God, we must seek the truth: Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Also: Matt. 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either…
In this and next week’s lessons, we will look at the conflict of truth versus error and what the Christian’s response should be to error. The Jews in the first century tried to blur the distinction between the two by accusing Christ of being from the Devil and using the…
The doctrines of Epicurus (founder of the Epicurean philosophers) and Zeno (founder of the Stoic philosophers) came into existence several centuries before the apostle Paul arrived to Athens. History reveals that Epicurus lived in Athens from 341-270 BC and Zeno from 340-265 BC. Both men, along with their disciples, fiercely…
The ocean has always been a fascinating statement of God’s infinite power. Due to its enormity, it is a constant reminder of how tiny we truly are in comparison to it. Its raging waves crashing upon the rocks of the cliffs speak of our inability to tame it, teaching us…
Crown and diadems have long been used to distinguish an honorable man in public. Kings, queens, and champions were easily recognized by these ornaments that lay upon their brows. History also reveals that in the infant stages of the Olympic Games, a laurel wreath was placed upon the head of…