Information Related to ""Good Story!""
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"Good Story!" By Maarten de Jong My boss asked me to teach history classes, and didn't mind if I taught them from a biblical perspective, even in secular Holland. But what would he think when he walked in while I was tracing the identity of the lost tribes of Israel?
r. de Jong, how would you consider your general knowledge?" This question came right out of the blue from my boss, Max Brokamp. Although only a couple of years older, and a good friend of mine, it is his custom to use the polite form (Mr.) at work, at least when others are around. "Well, I dare to say better than average, but I'm not yet satisfied. There are lots of subjects I aspire to delve into further... but on the whole I think I can't really complain. But why this question?" Mr. Brokamp started telling me about the extra course he was thinking about providing for some students who wanted to switch from under-bachelor to a bachelor's study, but who didn't have all of the proper background education. Soon he gave me the responsibility for the contents of this "brush-up" course. In determining what the course should consist of, I had a lot of freedom. This was much to my liking -- I could earn some money and, at the same time, brush up on some of the things I've wanted to know more about. I aligned the outline of the course with the chronology of world history, dealing with subjects like philosophy, politics and religion. It was a challenge, yes, but one I was only too eager to dive into.
Creation and evolution
Then I started explaining how the earth came about by divine creation, and what has been discovered that validates the historical book called the Bible -- how archaeology and other ancient writings help prove its authenticity. Ancient promises fulfilled today With the aid of the narratives recorded in Genesis, I started explaining the current situation in our world. Then in walked Mr. Brokamp (sometimes he would enter the room because of sheer interest). Right at that moment, I was aiming to prove the authenticity of the promises given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and how they have come about in our modern world. I explained how the tribes of Israel got lost, supporting my points with the aid of history books (for example, "In 722 B.C., the capital of Israel, Samaria, was taken captive by the Assyrians and the ten tribes were spread out"). I asked the students the following questions: Why did the British Commonwealth get to be so mighty, and why has America become such a powerful nation? These are things most people don't think of. They don't realize they happened for a reason that is stated in Genesis.
But how would Mr. Brokamp regard this all? When I walked by him in the corridor during the break, he gave me a quick smile and complimented me: "Good story." As I walked on, his words lingered in my head. "Good story." Yes, it is a good story! But it's more than that -- it's a true story and a very important part of history. It is His story -- God's story. Maarten de Jong is a part-time teacher at a private college. Recommended reading For more about how the United States and Britain became so powerful in today's world, and what it has to do with Genesis, read . Some other well-researched and beautifully illustrated brochures you may find of interest are and Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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Keywords: creation evolution God's promises promises to Abraham
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