Bible

Papyrus 18, often referred to as P18, is a Greek manuscript of the New Testament.

1. Content: P18 contains a fragment of the Book of Revelation. Specifically, it includes parts of Revelation 1:4-7.

2. Date: The manuscript is paleographically dated to the 3rd century. This makes it one of the early witnesses to the text of the New Testament.

3. Physical Description: The papyrus is written in Greek and is part of a codex (a book format as opposed to a scroll). The text is inscribed on a single leaf of papyrus.

4. Text Type: The Greek text of P18 reflects the Alexandrian text-type, which is one of the four major text-types used in textual criticism of the New Testament. The Alexandrian text-type is often deemed the most reliable by scholars, given its early origin and consistency.

5. Current Location: P18 is housed at the British Library in London, under the catalog number Papyrus 19a.

6. Significance: As one of the earliest manuscripts containing a portion of the Book of Revelation, P18 is crucial for scholars studying the textual history and transmission of the New Testament.

Check out this website below. You might become a fanatic for manuscript studies. The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (csntm)

Culture

Quiz: What is Culture Not? (link)

A) Correct Answer: Culture is not a static or unchanging entity; it does not remain the same over time.

B) Culture is not simply a collection of art and music.

C) Incorrect Answer: Culture is not limited to language and communication.

D) Culture is not only practiced by people living in a specific geographic area.

For more insights on what culture is not, you can visit https://www.thebiblecompass.com/culture-is-not.html. Quiz: What is Culture NOT?

Floyd & Christine

Christine’s latest novel is in its final stages. Four ARC (Advanced Reader Circle) friends have finished their edits and returned their manuscripts to her. She’s still looking for a title. Potential publish date: later spring. She has finalized the title!

I’m finalizing a book: “Unanswered Questions” on the world religions’ failure to answer the most critical questions humans ask. The blogs I’m posting should lead up to a book on Cross-Cultural Communications.

Our website is growing! We’ve begun a section on “The Art of Gift Giving,” focusing on cross-cultural communications. We also added the sermons from Red Bench. Grab a coffee or tea and settle in through the Book of Hebrews. Erich just finished a sermon on the high point of Hebrews. His sermons are on video, but you can turn them on and listen if you need to give the dog a haircut.

Our Books

When I returned home from Vietnam, my stepdad, Bill, bought me a lifetime membership with the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). I never connected with them because of college, getting married, more schooling, Europe, etc., etc. Now I’m retired, and I’ve joined the local VFW Post, 3596. This post owns its building/bar. They meet two Wednesdays a month. After every meeting, they hang out in the bar, drinking a free beer and popcorn. Last week, I made friends with a husband and wife - she’s very active in the VFW Auxilary, the ladies’ organization. They both said they would love to come over for a meal sometime. Progress. At some point, I'll mention my book on my time in Vietnam. Pray.

Death Came Calling, But I Wasn't Home Death Came Calling, But I Wasn't Home (Audible)

Montana Culture

Exploring the backroads of Western Montana offers a serene escape into pristine nature and breathtaking landscapes. This vast region is rich with mountains, rivers, and valleys, making it a great destination for travelers seeking adventure and solitude.

Backroad Highlights:

1. Skalkaho Highway (MT-38): This seasonal mountain pass road connects Hamilton and Philipsburg, offering stunning views of the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains. Along the way, take a detour to see the beautiful Skalkaho Falls.

2. Gravelly Range Road: Accessible during the summer months, this road leads you through the high-altitude landscapes of the Gravelly Range. Expect incredible vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife like elk and antelope.

3. Pintler Scenic Byway (MT-1): Travel through the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness area and enjoy picturesque views of Georgetown Lake and the Pintler Mountains. Stop in Anaconda for a bit of history and local charm.

4. Blackfoot River Corridor: Follow the Blackfoot River along the scenic byway, which features fishing, rafting, and camping opportunities. Made famous by the film "A River Runs Through It," this area offers quintessential Montana beauty.

5. Flathead Lake Loop: Circle around the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. The loop offers stunning views of the lake, cherry orchards, and the Mission Mountains.

Things to See and Do:

- Hiking and Fishing: Explore nearby wilderness areas and state parks for a chance to hike scenic trails and fish in clear mountain streams. - Ghost Towns: Visit Garnet Ghost Town for a glimpse into Montana's gold rush history. It's one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state.

- Hot Springs: Relax at one of the natural hot springs in Western Montana, such as Quinn's Hot Springs or Symes Hot Springs in the town of Hot Springs.

- Wildlife Viewing: Look out for bears, moose, deer, and a variety of bird species in the region's abundant natural habitats.

Resources and Maps:

- Montana DOT Maps: [Montana Department of Transportation Map Page](https://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/maps/) - Recreation Sites: [Visit Montana: Scenic Routes & Byways](https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/scenic-highway) - National Forest Service Maps: [US Forest Service - Northern Region Maps](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r1/maps-pubs)

Western Montana's backroads promise an adventure through tranquil forests, alongside rushing rivers, and amid towering mountains. Plan your journey to enjoy everything this remarkable landscape has to offer.

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