Category Archives: Persian Empire

Do the Magi Belong in Manger Scenes?

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Corey Sharpe

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. – Matthew 2:3 It seems every Christmas there is a myth buster who will tell us that 3 figures in our manger scenes do not belong there. … Continue reading →

Posted in christianity, Christmas, Persian Empire | Tagged christianity, Epiphany, Magi, manger, manger scene, shepherds, wise men | 2 Comments

Do I Really Need Coffee?

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Corey Sharpe

Our desires and habits are not set in stone. Like many, I think a morning coffee is enjoyable, but I won’t go so far to say that I need it to function in the morning. Thirty days without it and … Continue reading →

Posted in christianity, Ezra, fasting, Old Testament, Persian Empire, Uncategorized | Tagged coffee, Ezra, fasting, food addiction, humility, overconsumption, spiritual disciplines | Leave a comment

Should Christians Protest?

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Corey Sharpe

It’s hard to find a biblical model of public protesting. Unlike modern Western democracies, public protesting against Babylonian, Persian or Roman policies was pointless and likely resulted in swift punishment…such as a trip to the lion’s den. As I preach … Continue reading →

Posted in christianity, Old Testament, Persian Empire | Tagged Christians, Daniel, lions den, prayer, protesting, public demonstrations, public prayer, spiritual disciplines | 2 Comments

Searching Far and Wide for Virgins

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Corey Sharpe

As I prepare a sermon on Esther, I am reminded of the Persian Empire’s ill-treatment of women and Jews. Queen Vashti is deposed because she refuses to be king Xerxes’ entertainment. Esther, a Jewish woman, is forced to become a member … Continue reading →

Posted in christianity, Esther, interventionism, Old Testament, Persian Empire, Xerxes | Tagged exile, Interventionism, Old Testament, Persian Empire, Queen Esther, Xerxes | Leave a comment