As I was thinking recently in light of the current events and ominous trends in our country – the loud voices, pushy people, corrupt politicians, judges, government institutions, businesses, banks, teachers, preachers, even fake churches, et al., trying to take control of and run our lives, rather, destroy them and our world, an old 60's hit song popped into mind. I'm guessing many of you get what I'm talking about—how something of the moment can trigger a memory of a favorite song of your past that applies to your current thoughts.

The song, "You're Pushing Too Hard", was written by Sky Saxon one day when taking his then girlfriend grocery shopping. Remaining in the car while she went inside, he began thinking how she had been pushing him too hard recently and was becoming too controlling, destroying his individuality and limiting his freedom. As he waited, he penned his thoughts that is said to include those toward his girlfriend's growing behavior and the overall unsettling state of the country. It is thought to have been a warning to her, and the undesirable "movers of society" of that time.

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The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder. It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day. It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines, and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.

A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time a complete online digital version for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary, please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.

Now for the Conclusion to the background study of the 5 major Jewish groups in Jesus' time for preparation of the textual study of the Gospel of John in the book: Adam2.

Having looked now at some possible origins, developments, beliefs, and comparisons of five major Jewish groups in Jesus' day, the obvious question that remains to be asked is: what of their end? Since these groups all had their roots in Judaism (which flourished within a free Jewish state, whether under independent rule or favorable foreign occupation), it stands to reason that if those conditions were altered, then changes were inevitable. Hopefully, it has become clear to the reader that the Jewish state did not end because Rome was hostile to their religion. On the contrary, Rome's stated policy on the religion of other conquered nations was: religio-lictus, which is Latin for a lawful religion recognized as legitimate within that nation. However, due to the seditious nature of a certain element that led to the fall of Jerusalem and the Jewish state in A.D.70, life for the Jews would never be the same.

For the scribes whose role in Judaism was more function than political, as long as there remained a need for the preservation and reproduction of God's revelation and the chronicles of Israel's history, they would always have their place in Jewish society, no matter the state of it (even to modern times). From Genesis to Malachi, God had inspired holy men made wise through the knowledge of His revelation to record His continuing record. However, failing to recognize and embrace Jesus as their expected messiah, the first century self-righteous scribes had abdicated their position as the truly wise of Israel, as once seen in their predecessors. God would no longer use these "whited sepulchers" as vessels for His continuing revelation. He would choose a tax collector, Galilean fishermen, a Gentile physician, a turncoat Pharisee, etc., men unlearned in the hierarchy of Jewish tradition and wisdom (with the exception of one), to confound the wise of the day and complete the record of His revelation.

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Since the Pharisees were mainly identified with the synagogue that had taken root in Jewish society, theirs would be the remaining party to survive the demise of the Jewish state. Following the end of all other rivals, their name would no longer be necessary and eventually all became known simply as, the Jews.

For the Sadducees, whose whole purpose and function revolved around Temple life, with the destruction of the Temple and the dispersion of the Jews, their reason for being no longer existed. Hence, as a party, they ceased to exist.

As might be expected, one may be led to believe that with the severity in which Rome overcame the sedition of the Zealots, they in turn were finished. And indeed they were for a time, but another resurgence would occur under the proclaimed messiah, Bar Cochba, in A.D. 132, only to be thoroughly put down within three years by eight of Rome's best legions.The area's name was then changed from Judea to Palestinia (after the Philistines). The region would remain in the hands of foreigners until A.D. 1948 when David Ben Gurion would become Israel's first new national leader.

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Most of us have either heard or heard of John Lennon's song: Imagine (there's no heaven... lyrics). On the surface it sounds wonderful: a utopia where everyone is one--no divisions, conflict, struggle or want—here, now. There's just one problem with that: Sin. Read the lyrics again. What do you see missing? Two things: the Redemption of man and most importantly, the Absence of God.

One does not have to look far nor into the too distant past to see evidence of that in its most frightening horrific form. Lennon's own life ended tragically. Sin is inescapable no matter how much we may imagine. Evil exists in the world and lies within the heart of the best of us whether we act on its impulse or not. And what of that I wonder was Lennon's suggestion for us? How do you suppose He proposed to expiate sin and evil from the heart of man, something that can not be seen nor touched by the most learned scientist, skilled surgeon or world philosopher?

Following Mr. Lennon's suggestion of imagining "no heaven, no hell, no religion", let me propose this: Imagine There Is No Christ! Sit for a moment and reflect. Close your eyes and look with the mind's eye. Imagine there is a world without Christ, without His church, His Christians, without God, without the evidences in creation of His nature of order and purpose. In our arrogance and self-nurturing ego many assume, as did Lennon, we possess of our own making all the desirable attributes of righteousness and good intentions toward others, that it has no source outside ourselves, originating out of our own sense of goodness, special being and self-healing. There isn't anything inherently wrong with any of us other than flawed thinking and a lack of acceptance, understanding and imagination. If we would all just come together and agree to see the world and each other in the same single way there would be world harmony. Miraculously, we would all live and sing in tune as "one." The problem with that is obvious on its surface. Who determines the "same single way" all are to agree and live harmoniously? How do so many independent thinkers and individual lives, corrupted by sin and evil, come to that point—generation after generation? And what if, let's say for argument purposes, just one doesn't comply?...

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For centuries we have chosen this time of year to observe and celebrate the birth of Jesus to our world. He was called: Immanuel—God with us. Based upon the teaching of Scripture, I am of the opinion that Jesus did not observe one single birthday of his earthly existence. There is no where in the New Testament indicating so, unlike many of the other Jewish festivals and feasts He did observe. But we are eternally grateful that He was born in our nature and gave us the record of His purpose in coming. And what a life that was and a record it is! Believe He is God or not, none of His critics through the centuries have denied His existence or exemplary life. But just suppose He did not come. Suppose there has been no Christ. Suppose there is no Christian in the world. Suppose we live without that innate sense of a sovereign and saving God, as Lennon suggests...

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The following is taken from the Book of New Testament Summaries.

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