April 2006
This month is special to all Christians because we are celebrating our redemption by Christ's death and atonement. Just as God saved the Israelites from his judgment on Egypt when they put the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, we are saved from judgment because of the blood of Christ, the true Lamb of Passover.
Here is some of En-Gedi's news this month:
- Feedback from En-Gedi's Surveys
- Brand new audio CD by Dr. Ed Dobson - What Does it Mean to Be a Follower of Jesus?
- En-Gedi Passover Seder, Wed, April 12, and Online Passover Resources
- Winter Listening to the Language of the Bible Classes Finish
Feedback from En-Gedi's Surveys
Thanks to all of you who responded to our email survey about whether you would like to have a shorter En-Gedi newsletter with links to the website, or the full newsletter in the email. The results were that 56% wanted the full newsletter and 44% wanted a shorter version with links. Our take-home message was that we'd continue to include the full newsletter in the email, but try to shorten it, and include more links to additional information on the website or elsewhere. (If you don't currently receive En-Gedi's free monthly email newsletter and study article, you can sign up at this link.)
Even more thanks to all of you who took En-Gedi's Online Survey! If you still would like to take part, use this link. We are giving a $5 rebate on your next order from En-Gedi's Bookstore before May 1 to all who completed it. (You don't need to enter a code and won't see any difference in your order, but within a day or two you will receive an email notifying you of a $5 refund on your credit card.)
We learned many new things about our audience and received a lot of encouraging feedback, like the note below.
I have explored many Messianic websites and find that your website is one of the most balanced. I am a Christian believer with Hebrew roots (my mother, her grandparents were from Minsk, and were orthodox Jews), and I have a deep hunger for Biblical truth. Thank you for your ministry.
If you'd like to read some of the other responses, see this link.
New Audio CD - What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?
Dr. Ed Dobson, retired pastor of Calvary Church, Grand Rapids
Last Thursday En-Gedi had a record-breaking attendance (about 60) at our Spring Pastor's Breakfast! Our audience came anticipating an excellent message from Dr. Ed Dobson, a widely known speaker, author, and recently-retired pastor of Calvary Church (non-denominational) in Grand Rapids.
Dobson has an avid interest in language, culture and Hebraic thought, and shared that in his talk on Mark 1:17-20, where Jesus says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 
He discussed the nuances of the word "follow" and looked at the background of Jesus' words about "fishers of men" in the Scriptures. You can listen to a 2-minute .mp3 excerpt at this link.
If you would like to get this message on audio CD, it is available for $7.50 from En-Gedi's Bookstore Audio/Video page. Also, there are 3 new digitally re-mastered audio CD seminars on Jesus' Jewish teachings and context from workshops En-Gedi has hosted over the years. (This would be a good time to use your $5 coupon!)
En-Gedi Passover Dinner and Resources
Don't forget Passover - Wednesday, April 12th
Jewish families around the world will sit down to celebrate Passover on the 15th of Nissan which begins at sundown on April 12th this year. We hope that our readers are aware of the deep beauty of the Passover traditions and how they point toward Christ's atonement. Over the years, En-Gedi has written many articles about various aspects of Passover, the Last Supper and Jesus' last week. We've also found many links to resources on the web. To help in your study, we have gathered these onto a new page on our website and welcome you to learn more there!
En-Gedi Passover Resource Page
Join us to Celebrate Your Redemption!
En-Gedi Passover Seder Dinner, April 12th, 6:30 PM
We invite all of you who are in our area, as the members of En-Gedi’s family, to sit down with us to celebrate Passover together at the same time Jewish families are celebrating around the world. Bruce and Lois will lead us through the traditional Seder meal and share a Powerpoint presentation about its biblical roots and how it is celebrated today. We will also discuss how Jesus used it to proclaim himself as the true Lamb of Passover two thousand years ago.
Some of you have attended Passover seders in the past. Even if you have celebrated it many times, we think this evening will be extra-special with a full meal together with En-Gedi's friends. We'll examine the rich traditions and imagery of Passover and celebrate how they point to Christ, with an attitude of joyful remembrance. Whether you've never experienced Passover before, or if you've observed it for years, we hope you'll join us.
Like other Fellowship Dinners, we will be meeting at 6:30 PM at the Howard Miller Community Center, 14 S Church St in Zeeland, MI. A map is available at this link. However, unlike usual, En-Gedi will be serving a full dinner – this is not a potluck. We’ll ask $5 / person at the dinner to cover expenses - there will be an opportunity to make donations beyond that. A couple more details: We will be sitting around tables, not on the floor as in some historical seders. Also, we won't eat immediately - more likely 7:45 or later. The evening should end by 9 PM.
If you would like to come, please RSVP with all names to egrc@egrc.net or (616) 355-2200. Seating is limited so email or call soon.
Winter Listening to the Language of the Bible Classes Finish
Recently En-Gedi has been teaching groups at area churches about how to unlock the deeper meanings of their Bible by leading classes on our book Listening to the Language of the Bible and its Companion Bible Study. (If you haven't read or seen the book, you can learn more about it at this link.)
A large-group women's Bible study at Christ Memorial Church recently completed a whirlwind tour of all 61 lessons on the Hebraic background of the Bible's words in eight weeks, with the author, Lois Tverberg, giving a 45-minute talk each week. The women are to be commended - many groups are studying it one or two lessons a week instead of 6 to 9 lessons a week!
Please Note Class Cancellation: Last month's newsletter announced that En-Gedi would be teaching another series on Listening to the Language of the Bible at Christ Memorial Church on Thursday nights between March 30 and May 4. That class has been postponed for a future date. Please keep checking the En-Gedi Events Calendar and reading your newsletter for upcoming presentations.
During April, En-Gedi will be speaking in some area churches on various topics and all are welcome to attend any of our presentations. See the En-Gedi Events Calendar for details. You all are invited to meet En-Gedi's staff at Baker Book House in Holland, MI at the Cedar Village Mall, 716 Chicago Dr., on Saturday April 15 from 3-5 PM for their Local Author's Day!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers for our work. As you celebrate Jesus' atoning death and miraculous resurrection, may you be especially grateful this year for God's redemption of us all.
Blessings from En-Gedi -
Bruce Okkema & Lois Tverberg
Directors, En-Gedi Resource Center
©2006 En-Gedi Resource Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization solely dependent on your tax-deductible contributions. We very much appreciate your support. www.egrc.net
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