The Essenes were a Jewish sect that lived at Qumran, a settlement by the Dead Sea. We were aware of them through historians like Josephus and Philo. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered , we found out more about them. There is still controversy about them because they were mysterious.

We look at some scriptures about Living Water. Water was needed in Isreal, a hot and dry region, and it represented God's presence and restoration. Jesus offers belief in Him as the fountain of Living Water. You will thirst no more.

We look at some scriptures about the church and ideas about the church. Then we look at Jesus and the discples going to Caesarea Phillipi. I used Matthew 16:13-18. There are parallel passages in Luke 9:18-21 and Mark 8:27-29.

We talk about some of the promises of God. There are many in the Bible. These promises assure us, as believers, of His faithfulness and unfailing love.

When we have faith and are saved, our conversion should show itself in both fruit and works. Bearing fruit is your actions and the way you carry yourself. Works are deeds like looking after someone that is less fortunate than you.

We look at Psalm 110. It is a royal psalm. It is built around two statements from God. The first part is a prophetic oracle and the second part is a divine oath.

We look at some scriptures about being humble. We need to separate ourselves from the self-centered people who are proud and boastful. We need to think more of others and look at Jesus' examples to guide us.

We look at the story of King Ahaziah and his meeting with the prophet Elijah when fire fell from heaven and consumed many soldiers. We must remember that God is not only a God of love but also a God of judgement. 

This was the first city that Israel conquered in Canaan, the promised land. Joshua was obedient and followed the Lord's instruction. The walls came down and the evil city was destroyed.

Luke records how an angel of the Lord rescued Peter from prison. King Herod Agrippa I was trying to slow the early church down. Later, in a prideful speech by King Herod, an angel of the Lord struck down the king. Luke contrasts this by saying the word of God grew and multiplied.