Date: December 21, 2012
Searching the Scriptures
“Search the Scriptures…they are thy which testify of me.” John 5:39
Author: Bob Moses
Introduction to: The Birth of Jesus
Segments One and Two
I have been writing on the Birth of our Lord for many years and I find it amazing how new material is constantly being revealed to me regarding this subject. During this past year (2012) I was fortunate to receive a book from a sister in Christ entitled: The Search; A Historian’s Search for Historical Jesus, by Dr. Ron Charles; copyright 2007. Dr. Charles carries a B.S in Civil Engineering, a B.A in Theology, an M.A. in Theology, a Ph.D. in Ancient History, a Ph.D. in International Relations and a Th.D. in Historical Theology. He spent 33 years, traveled to over 50 countries, and was involved with numerous archaeological investigations in five different countries, in his pursuit for authenticating information regarding the life of Jesus. Obviously, a scholar in his own right.
In his lengthy book of over 600 pages he devotes several chapters and over 50 pages revealing historical facts concerning the birth of Jesus. What he has uncovered and the documentation supporting it are astounding. Any student of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding His Birth will find this work well worth the reading.
Dr. Charles has graciously given me permission to quote excerpts from his book and I feel compelled to include much of his writing regarding the Birth of Jesus into my “Searching the Scriptures” Studies.
While contemplating how best to incorporate his revelations into mine it occurred to me that they are indeed two separate works. Dr. Charles comes from academia and has a much more scientific foundation; while mine is more faith based, relying solely upon “what saith the Scriptures”. His would be considered a Documentary, while mine would fall into the category of a Commentary. My conclusions are manifested by over 40 years of studying the Bible, and his are a result of a lifetime of on-site research of manuscripts. Yet we both end with much the same answers. It is indeed amazing how our Lord works in our individual lives to bring us all into His knowledge, wisdom and understanding, and ultimately, to His throne of Grace; to all those who seek Him.
With this thought in mind, I decided to offer these two revelations by segments. I will offer my segment first and entitle it “The Segment of Faith and Personal Study”. The second segment I will entitle “The Segment of Historical Findings” which will encompass the writings of Dr. Ron Charles. It was at this juncture that it occurred to me that we were missing one other element. That is the element of Old Testament Prophesy regarding the Birth of the King of Kings. This would bring about yet a third segment which we will call “The Segment of Prophesy” regarding the Birth of Jesus.
The Lord willing, I would like to complete the third Segment (The Segment of Prophesy) within the next year so that we can get it out by Christmas of 2013. It is my hope that Dr. Charles will have the time to collaborate with me on this (Segment of the Prophesy). We have not had a chance to discuss this matter and I sincerely hope I can solicit his input on this final and most important subject.
Meanwhile you will find attached Segments one and two of “The Birth of Jesus”. It is my prayer that you find it enlightening and instructive.
Your response will be very much appreciated.
Merry Christmas
Bob
| 
