This sermon examines recent archeological finds that validate the historical accuracy and authenticity of the Old Testament, including the birth of the nation of Israel. It draws on research found in a recently published book entitled, Origins of the Hebrews: New Evidence of Israelites in Egypt from Joseph to the Exodus, by Douglas Petrovich. In November 1946, Bedouin boys searching for a lost goat discovered the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls in one of the Qumran caves. These scrolls the contained The Great Isaiah Scroll, a full copy the book of Isaiah at least 1000 years older than any previously known copy. Containing just a few minor variants, this discovery confirmed the miraculous safe guarded accuracy of God's sacred words of the Old Testament, the importance of the prophecies contained, and is a great reminder of the great plan and purpose of God. Combined with more subsequent and more recent significant archeological discoveries, these finds lay out an especially important lesson and focus for us today in the Church of God as we approach the Passover.

Howard Baker