This page contains the index to the ASK year 2016 Commentaries. Stories are listed in most recent first order. Click on a title to read the commentary.

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Phariseeism within Judaism - September 1, 2016

Before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, Judaism had a wide diversity of sects and doctrines. Three sects were the best known and had the most influence: the Sadducees, the Essenes, and the Pharisees. The Sadducees and Essenes ceased to exist. Read the “September 2016 Newsletter,” then enjoy this month’s article, “The Strange Ending to Sotah,” which presents Dr. Martin’s understanding of the Sotah portion of the Mishnah. The Mishnah is the written version of the “oral law” of the Pharisees.
 

The god who Wasn’t There - August 15, 2016

The lack of capitalization for the words “god who” in the title and “trinity” in the subtitle are intentional. I recently attended the “Forgotten Gospel Conference” in Denver, Colorado. People across America (and some from overseas) who believe in universal salvation attended. About 200 people took part. I give a brief review of the conference.
 

Review of Solomon’s Rise and Decline - August 1, 2016

This month’s article, “Israel and Judah: 19. Solomon’s Glory and Death,” presents the biblical narratives surveying the glory of Solomon’s kingdom, his sins and his death. The “August 1, 2016 Newsletter” should be read first. According to human understanding, Solomon’s reign was glorious. Perhaps he got a bit odd and sinful at the end of his life and reign (1 Kings 11:4), made enemies, imposed oppressive taxes, but this was no different from most kings. Great glory was his, glory given by YHWH Himself
 

You Shall Inherit All Nations - July 18, 2016

This Commentary will discuss a point made in the last verse of Psalm 82. The psalm was one of 12 by Asaph, a “seer” who wrote in the time of King David of Israel (2 Chronicles 29:30, 35:15). A seer is a prophet who sees the future in a vision. In Psalm 82 Asaph “saw” a meeting of what scholars call the “Divine Council.” Read all eight verses of Psalm 82 so you will understand the context of what I propose.
 

Prosperity Before the End Times - July 1, 2016

I believe great prosperity — even unbelievable prosperity — will occur for most of the world in the years to come. Prosperity will come before the End Times begin, before the Tribulation against Israel begins, and before Christ returns. Let’s see why this may happen.
 

Preparing a Place - June 15, 2016

In this political season, with candidates projecting false “personas” and making personal attacks on each other, here are some thoughts by author Fritz Winnail on the many ways our “personas” are seen by ourselves, by others, and by God and Christ in our lives. Enjoy. DWS
 

Solomon’s Temple Dedication - June 1, 2016

“Israel and Judah: 18. Temple Interior and Dedication” is this month’s article and presents descriptions of the artifacts inside various areas of God’s Temple built by King Solomon. The article is introduced in the “June 2016 Newsletter,” so please read that first. The newsletter explains why this information is important to us as believers in Christ because in fact they directly relate to activities that occurred after Christ’s resurrection. These acts are described and explained in the Book of Hebrews.
 

Bible Prophecy, Time, and Chronology - May 15, 2016

We continue to be gratified by positive responses to the “ELM Timeline Project” produced for ASK by Henry Dye and Tim Parrott. It is a different and useful way of presenting biblical information for many people to view and learn from its visual information. People around the world have responded with comments, suggestions, and corrections, that will be discussed, argued, rejected, and some will be incorporated into the timeline.
 

Bible Genealogies 2 - May 1, 2016

Genealogy also plays a role in the article for May 2016, “Saudi Arabia, a Failing Kingdom.” Many citizens of Saudi Arabia still trace their lineage to Ishmael, firstborn son of Abraham, and a smaller number trace their lineage to Esau, twin brother of Jacob. As the title of the article implies, there are great problems with the country of Saudi Arabia. (Read first the “May 1, 2016 Newsletter” for additional information about the article.)
 

Bible Genealogies - April 16, 2016

I have published several articles that include lists of people and their genealogies. So why should we care about genealogies and lists? They are tedious to read and have no apparent connection with our concerns today. Yet such lists and genealogies in ancient times (knowing the parentage of a child) were important, particularly in times of transition, such as the kingly line of Judah, promised by God to be descended from King David (2 Samuel 7:12).
 

King Tut and King David - April 1, 2016

First, about this month’s article “Israel and Judah: 17. Solomon’s Early Reign.” Details of King Solomon’s sole reign after King David’s death are discussed in the article. All his advantages at the beginning of his rule are given, as are details of gathering material for God’s Temple, beyond what David was allowed or able to do. The construction of the Temple is described. Read first the “April 2016 Newsletter.”
 

Middle East on Fire - March 17, 2016

Sovereign Nations Are Failing. The Middle East always seems to be “on fire.” At this moment the problems of the region, and the problems of the great powers outside the region, have increased to a great intensity and danger. Several nations in that region have become “failed states.” A failed state is a country where the rule of law has collapsed and the government has little control over its population or borders.
 

A New Temple Fountain Quote - March 1, 2016

Besides the numerous biblical passages that tell of running water flowing from the Temple, five historical sources tell us there was a fountain within the sanctuary of the Temple in different periods. I recently noted a sixth ancient historical source that also talks about a fountain within the Temple. The quote discusses the construction of the Temple by Solomon. It occurs in 1 Kings 2:35 in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
 

Enoch and Revelation - February 16, 2016

I was recently challenged about the scriptural validity of the books of First Enoch (an apocryphal book, hereafter cited as 1 Enoch) and Revelation. George, as I shall call him, questions whether the Book of Revelation should be considered Scripture. On the other hand, he believes the Book of 1 Enoch should be considered Scripture and placed where Revelation is (and should be canonically), the last book of the New Testament.
 

Washington D.C. Event - February 1, 2016

First, let me introduce this month’s article. It is titled “Sudden Mass Murder” and it tells about a horrific devastating massacre of Romans in 88 BC. The Washington D.C. Event: A few days ago, January 28–29, six speakers came together for an invitation-only meeting in Washington D.C. The topic was the location of the Temples in Jeru¬salem.
 

Eurasian Chaos - January 16, 2016

I want to present what I believe is a very useful understanding of how the world system works, and the cause of many of the world’s problems. Geopolitical scholar Dr. George Friedman has written an interesting January 11, 2016 article titled “The Eurasian Storm” for the publication Mauldin Economics. Friedman begins by discussing China’s stock market downturn, the “spending” of China’s foreign reserve to maintain growth in its economy (and failing to do so as its economy declines), and a possible “crack” in the Chinese Communist planned economy and even its political structure.
 

CANCELLED - Buchanan Book Event - January 1, 2016

I AM SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL Spring 2016. I will notify you when a new date and time are scheduled for this Washington D.C. event.
 

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