Showing results by author "Joseph Lumpkin" in All Categories

This volume offers a panoramic view of various sects of Gnosticism and ancient texts presenting major parts of the faith. This book contains: The Apocyphon of John, The Gospel of Truth, Treaties on the Resurrection, The Gospel of Peter, and The Apocalypse of Peter. Gnosticism is a diverse and complex religious and philosophical movement that emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era, primarily in the Mediterranean world.

The story of Mary empowers us. To many, she is the captive, possessed, enslaved, caught in the midst of crime and tragedy, but at once redeemed, set free, and loved by God himself. She is hope and triumph. She represents the power of truth and love to change the life of the lowest and most powerless of us. She is you and me in search of God.

The Book of Gad the Seer, also called The Word of Gad the Seer, is said to have been written by the Prophet mentioned in 1 Chronicles 29:29. The passage reads: "Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in The Book of Gad the Seer."

In his captivating exploration, Joseph Lumpkin invites listeners to explore nine of the best-known Apocalyptic books. These books uncover the hidden depths of ancient Christian and Jewish visions and prophecies of the apocalypse. Through these texts we see what the earliest Christians believed heaven and hell would be and what rewards and punishments were waiting beyond death's door. These books of apocalypse, otherwise known as revelation of the end times allow us to view what was expected in the end times and what waits for us in the end of days.

In Samuel Johnson's famous quote, "When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully," we find a sobering observation about the power of impending death to focus one's thoughts. Thus is was for the mind and spirit of this soon-to-be martyr.

Did Christianity begin as a mystery cult led by a man named Jesus? Did the initiation ritual contain mysterious ceremonies that only Jesus could perform? Who was the young man in the Gospel of Mark wearing nothing more than a sheet? Why was he there? Was he about to undergo the rites and rituals of initiation into the Jesus cult, or was he simply there to be baptized into the faith? Are there other “Gospels of Mark” out there? What do they say about Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection?

In this work, we have attempted to gather the most interesting and influential Apocalypses in the hope these books may reveal to the listener something hitherto unknown.

The "Gabriel Vision," also known as the "Revelation of Gabriel" or "Hazon Gabriel," refers to a fascinating archaeological artifact discovered in 2007. A Bedouin shepherd near the Dead Sea in Jordan discovered the stone tablet. The shepherd reportedly stumbled upon a cave containing several artifacts, including the stone tablet.

The First Apocalypse of James was written in the Coptic language around the second half of the third century CE. It is regarded as part of the New Testament apocrypha. The text was first discovered in the last part of the month of December in 1945. It was found among 52 other Gnostic Christian texts contained in 13 codices or scrolls.

The similarities the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) shares with the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS), as well as many similarities with the Septuagint (LXX), challenge the longstanding view that the Samaritan Pentateuch is a later, borrowed, and altered form of the Masoretic Text (MT). The historical devaluation of the Samaritan Pentateuch requires reevaluation, based upon the contextual cohesiveness of the Samaritan Pentateuch, agreement with the most ancient texts of the DSS and LXX, and the uninterrupted and non-dispersed oral transmission of the Ancient Israelite Samaritans.

In early Christianity, a diverse body of texts emerged alongside the canonical scriptures, many of which aimed to fill in gaps left by the New Testament narratives. Among these apocryphal works, the Gospel of Nicodemus, which includes the Acts of Pilate and the account of the Harrowing of Hell, stands out for its rich portrayal of the events surrounding Christ's trial, crucifixion, and descent into Hell. These texts, though non-canonical, offer a unique glimpse into early Christian beliefs and the theological debates that shaped the development of the faith.

The search for wisdom has been the pole-star of humanity for six thousand years. Religions have come and gone, philosophies have failed, but those surviving wells of wisdom go deep and yield sweet refreshment for the soul.

In their collaborative work, Joseph and Breandan Lumpkin seamlessly blend their unique insights with timeless wisdom from Stoics Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. These stoic lessons beckon listeners to return for solace and enlightenment during life's trials. With clarity and precision, this book presents the essence of Stoic philosophy in six modern lessons, guiding listeners to scrutinize their perceptions and choose their responses to adversity with greater mindfulness.

Joseph Lumpkin's compelling short study on the Book of Leviticus delves into the essential role shared laws and beliefs play in maintaining societal cohesion. Just as a nation thrives on a unified language, culture, and legal system, so too does a religion rely on a common set of beliefs. These elements are intertwined, with religion shaping culture, culture influencing religion, and language reflecting both. Leviticus serves as a foundational blueprint, ensuring religious, legal, moral, and cultural unity for a fledgling nation—a theocracy led by Moses.

Dive into the profound exploration of the Pentateuch with Joseph Lumpkin's insightful study, "The Five Books of Moses." This work seamlessly blends scholarly analysis with literary critique, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the foundational texts of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Genesis, Lumpkin illuminates the themes of creation, covenant, and human nature, connecting ancient insights with contemporary interpretations to underscore the text's enduring relevance.

In this short study, Lumpkin masterfully navigates the complex narrative where rebellion serves a dual role: initially, it liberates the Israelites from slavery, but later, it incites divine wrath. This duality mirrors the fine line between defiance and perseverance, the quest for personal freedom, and acts of treachery. The core lesson lies in the application of our will and intention.

Joseph Lumpkin's concise study of Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Torah, offers a profound exploration of its role as a pivotal bridge between the wilderness narratives and the subsequent history of Israel in the Promised Land, detailed in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. The name "Deuteronomy," derived from the Greek "Deuteronomion," meaning "second law," aptly captures its purpose as a reiteration and expansion of earlier laws.

Freedom is the theme that resonates most profoundly within the human spirit surpassing even love, comfort, and sometimes life itself. The quest for freedom for ourselves, our communities, and our nations has been the clarion call for the world's greatest leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Moses.

Embark on a journey through the Book of Genesis, the foundation of the Bible, with Joseph Lumpkin's in-depth study. This deep exploration offers a complete history of the timeless stories of creation, humanity, and their divine purpose.

This is lavish production with audio effects to enhance your experience. From the caves of Qumran came a scroll given the name, "The Book of Giants." It is thought to have been based on The Book of Enoch, a pseudepigraphical Jewish work from the 3rd century BCE, which was based on Genesis 6:1-4. The Book of Giants, like The Book of Enoch, concerns itself with the Nephilim, which, in the Enoch version, are the offspring of human women and fallen angels, who are called the Watchers