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Understanding Biblical Prophecy: Key Points and Insights

The Bible is full of prophecy. There are prophecies about the coming Messiah that have mostly been fulfilled by Jesus. The rest of the prophecies about him will be fulfilled at his second coming. There are many prophecies about the end of the world. Here is a list of various Bible Studies concerning prophecy.

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Timeline of Key Events in Early Christianity

This timeline goes from the Disciples gathering to meet in the upper room through the writing of the Book of Revelations. A few other historical events will be added as additional information. There are some secular resources that links to other websites.

All Dates are Approximate.

  • 30 AD Matthias Chosen by Lot
    • Acts 1:12
  • 30 AD The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost
  • 30 AD Peter Heals and Preaches Acts 3
  • 30 AD Peter and John Arrested and Released
    • Acts 4
  • 30 AD Believers Share All
    • Acts 4:32
  • 30 AD Deaths of Ananias and Sapphira
    • Acts 5
  • 30 AD Apostles Preach and Heal
    • Acts 5:11
  • 31 AD Stephen’s Speech, Stoning and Death Acts 6, 7
  • 31 AD Saul Persecutes the Church
    • Acts 8
  • 31 AD Philip in Samaria
    • Acts 8:3
  • 31 AD Simon the Sorcerer
    • Acts 8:9
  • 31 AD Philip and the Ethiopian
    • Acts 8:26
  • 32 AD Birth of the Emperor Otho in the city of Ferentium.
  • 34 AD Saul’s Conversion
    • Acts 9
  • 37 AD Death of Tiberius on the island of Capri. Caligula ascends to the throne.
  • 37 AD Birth of the historian Flavius Josephus, in Jerusalem. Birth of the Emperor Nero, in the town of Antium.
  • 37 AD Peter Preaches to the Gentiles
    • Acts 10, 11
  • 39 AD Caligula marches with the legions to Germania in a ‘mock’ campaign.
  • 39 AD Caligula bridges the Bay of Naples with boats from Baiae to Puteoli
  • 40 AD Caligula marches to the English Channel with the intention of invading Britain. Instead, the legions collect seashells, and he returns to Rome to celebrate a fabricated triumph.
  • 40 AD Birth of the Emperor Titus. Birth of the Roman general Gn. Julius Agricola, in the province of Gallia Narbonesis.
  • 40 AD Emperor Caligula orders that a statue of himself is to be erected in the temple at Jerusalem. Herod delays implementation long enough to prevent wide-spread revolt in Judaea.
  • 41 AD Caligula is assassinated by the Praetorian Guard. Claudius, supposedly found hiding in the curtains of the palace is hailed the new Caesar.
  • 41 AD The Roman writer Seneca is banished to the island of Corsica after he is accused of committing adultery with Claudius’s niece Livilla.
  • 41 AD Livia, the wife of Augustus, is finally deified by the senate.
  • 42 AD Barnabas Sent to Antioch
    • Acts 11:22
  • 42 AD Peter Led from Prison by the Angel
    • Acts 12
  • 43 AD Claudius begins the first large-scale Roman invasion of Britain, at first under the command of general A. Plautius.
  • 43 AD Lycia is annexed into the empire.
  • 44 AD Herod Agrippa Dies
    • Acts 12:20
  • 44 AD Judaea is annexed as a Roman province after the death of Herod Agrippa.
  • 45 AD James Writes his Letter
    • James 1 – 5
  • 46 AD The client kingdom of Thrace is annexed into the empire as a province.
  • 47 AD The Roman general Gn. Domitius Corbulo defeats the Frisii.
  • 47 AD Claudius celebrates the Secular Games, as Rome celebrates the 800th anniversary of the founding of the city.
  • 48 AD Paul’s First Missionary Journey
    • Acts 13
  • 48 AD Paul preaches in Pisidian Antioch
    • Acts 13:14
  • 48 AD Paul and Barnabas in Iconium
    • Acts 14
  • 48 AD Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe
    • Acts 14:8
  • 48 AD Paul and Barnabas Return to Syrian Antioch
    • Acts 14:21
  • 48 AD Return to Syrian Antioch
    • Acts 14:24
  • 48 AD The Council at Jerusalem
    • Acts 15
  • 49 AD Claudius passes an edict expelling all Jews from Rome.
    • Acts 18:1-3 mentions this edict.
  • 49 AD Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
    • Acts 15:36
  • 49 AD Paul in Philippi
    • Acts 16
  • 49 AD Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens
    • Acts 17
  • 50 AD Claudius adopts Nero as heir.
  • 51 AD Birth of the Emperor Domitian in Rome.
  • 51 AD Paul in Corinth
    • Acts 18
  • 51 AD Paul Writes to the Thessalonians
    • 1 Thess. 1 – 5
  • 52 AD Paul Writes again to the Thessalonians
    • 2 Thess. 1 – 3
  • 54 AD Death and deification of Claudius. Nero ascends to the throne.
  • 54 AD Paul in Ephesus
    • Acts 19
  • 54 AD Paul Writes to the Corinthians
    • 1 Corinthians 1 – 16
  • 54 AD Paul Writes to the Galatians
    • Galatians 1 – 6
  • 56 AD Birth of the great Roman historian Tacitus, probably in Rome.
  • 56 – 57 AD Nero expels actors from Rome and dictates reforms of circuses and festivals.
  • 57 AD Paul in Macedonia and Greece
    • Acts 20
  • 57 AD Paul Writes to the Romans
    • Romans 1 – 16
  • 57 AD Paul Writes again to the Corinthians
    • 2 Corinthians 1 – 13
  • 58 AD The Roman general Gn. Domitius Corbulo conquers Armenia, after the capture of the capital Artaxata.
  • 59 AD Paul Returns to Jerusalem
    • Acts 21 – 23
  • 60 AD Paul imprisoned in Caesarea
    • Acts 24
  • 61 AD In Britain, Boudicca, the queen of the Iceni tribe, leads a revolt against Roman occupation.
  • 62 AD Birth of the Roman historian Pliny the Younger in Italy.
  • 62 AD Suetonius Paullus defeats the Iceni revolt of Boudicca, who commits suicide.
  • 62 AD Lucius Caesennius Paetus in Armenia surrenders to invading Parthians after a defeat at Rhandeia. Gn. Domitius Corbulo returns and invades Parthia.
  • 62 AD Nero divorces his wife Octavia and marries his mistress Poppaea Sabina.
  • 62 AD The first signs of volcanic activity are recorded in Mt. Vesuvius, when an earthquake damages some nearby Campanian towns. (Much of which damage would never be repaired prior to its eruption some 18 years later.)
  • 62 AD Paul Before Festus
    • Acts 25
  • 62 AD Paul Before Agrippa
    • Acts 26
  • 62 AD Paul Sails for Rome
    • Acts 27
  • 62 AD The Shipwreck
    • Acts 27:13
  • 62 AD Paul Ashore at Malta
    • Acts 28
  • 62 AD Paul Preaches at Rome
    • Acts 28:11
  • 62 AD Paul Writes to the Ephesians
    • Ephesians 1 – 6
  • 62 AD Paul Writes to the Philippians
    • Philippians 1 – 4
  • 62 AD Paul Writes to the Colossians
    • Colossians 1 – 4
  • 62 AD Paul Writes to Philemon
    • Philemon 1
  • 63 AD Paul Writes to Timothy
  • 64 AD The Great Fire of Rome, speculated to have been started by Nero to make room for his palace. Christians Persecuted as scapegoats. Nero begins construction of the domus aurea (the Golden House).
  • 64 AD Peter Writes his First Letter
    • 1 Peter 1 – 5
  • 65 AD A plot against the Emperor Nero, known as the ‘Pisonian Conspiracy’, led by G. Calpurnius Piso. Nineteen men are executed or forced to commit suicide.
  • 65 AD Death of Nero’s wife, Poppaea, whom he kicked to death after an argument.
  • 66 AD Paul Writes to Titus
    • Titus 1 – 3
  • 67 AD The future Emperor Vespasian is sent to Judaea to put down a Jewish revolt.
  • 67 AD Nero enters the Olympic games and is named the winner of every he event he enters.
  • 67 AD Paul Writes Again to Timothy
    • 2 Timothy 1 – 4
  • 67 AD Peter Writes his Second Letter
    • 2 Peter 1 – 3
  • 67 AD Letter to the Hebrews
    • Hebrews 1 – 13
  • 67 AD Death of Paul the Apostle.
  • 68 AD Widespread revolt forces Nero to commit suicide, sparking civil war.
  • 68 – 69 AD Year of the four emperors.
  • 68 AD Jude Writes his Letter
    • Jude 1
  • 69 AD Death of the Emperor Galba. Executed by members of the Praetorian Guard.
  • 69 AD
  • The German legions proclaim Vitellius as emperor. He defeats rival Otho at Bedriacum and is victorious. Otho commits suicide.
  • 69 AD A fire breaks out on the Capitoline Hill, destroying much of Rome’s archives.
  • 69 AD Battle of Cremona, in which Emperor Vitellius is defeated (killed) by one of the armies of Vespasian.
  • 69 AD Birth of the Roman historian Suetonius, in Rome.
  • 69 AD Vespasian proclaimed emperor, and while consolidation would take another 6 months his reign marked the end of the civil wars.
  • 70 AD Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, captures Jerusalem after a four-month siege.
  • 71 – 74 AD Petilius Cerealis conquers the Brigantes in modern Yorkshire.
  • 73 AD The final Jewish stronghold, Masada, is captured after a long seige.
  • 73 AD The nomadic Sarmatians, the Alans, invade Parthia and Armenia.
  • 74 – 78 AD The governor of Britain, Julius Frontinus, defeats the Silures in modern South Wales.
  • 75 AD The construction of the Temple of Peace is completed. The temple of Jupiter Capitolinus is rebuilt.
  • 76 AD Parthian invasion of Syria is repulsed.
  • 76 AD Birth of the Emperor Hadrian, in Rome.
  • 77 – 84 AD Final conquest of Britain by Gn. Julius Agricola.
  • 77 AD The Roman writer Pliny the Elder completes his work Naturalis Historia (Natural History).
  • 79 AD Death of Vespasian. Ascension of his son, Titus.
  • 79 AD Mt. Vesuvius erupts burying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pliny the Elder suffocates by getting too close in order to record the event.
  • 80 AD The Flavian Ampitheatre (Colosseum), begun by Vespasian, is completed by the Emperor Titus.
  • 80 AD Destruction of the Capitoline temple. The dedication of the Baths of Titus.
  • 81 AD Arch of Titus is constructed in Rome.
  • 81 AD Death of Titus, possibly at the hands of his brother Domitian. Domitian succeeds Titus as Emperor.
  • 81 AD The Roman general Gn. Julius Agricola campaigns in Caledonia.
  • 82 AD The Capitoline temple is restored and dedicated.
  • 83 AD Domitian campaigns in Germania.
  • 84 AD The Roman general Gn. Julius Agricola defeats the Caledonians under Calgacus at the battle of Mons Graupius.
  • 85 AD Invasion of Moesia by the Dacians under Decebalus.
  • 86 AD Emperor Antoninus Pius is born in the town of Lanuvium.
  • 87 AD Gn. Julius Agricola is recalled to Rome by Emperor Domitian, who seemed to be jealous of Agricola’s victories.
  • 88 AD Tettius Julianus defeats the Dacians at Tapae.
  • 89 AD A short-lived peace treaty is signed between Rome and Dacia by Emperor Domitian and King Decebalus.
  • 89 AD Domitian campaigns aganst the Chatti.
  • 90 AD The head of the Vestal Virgins, Cornelia, is buried alive as punishment for promiscuity. Her lovers are beaten to death.
  • 90 AD John Writes his First Letter
    • 1 John 1 – 5
  • 92 AD John Writes his Second Letter
    • 2 John 1
  • 93 AD Death of the Roman general Gn. Julius Agricola.
  • 93 – 96 AD ‘Reign of Terror’ of Domitian.
  • 94 AD John Writes his Third Letter
    • 3 John 1
  • 95 AD John’s Revelation on Patmos
    • Revelation 1 – 22
  • 96 AD Assassination of the Emperor Domitian.
  • 96 AD With the ascension of Nerva, the era of the “Five Good Emperors” begins.
  • 97 AD The future emperor Trajan is made governor in Germania and adopted as ‘Caesar’ or heir by Nerva.
  • 97 AD The alimenta (a form of social welfare for poor children and aid for farmers) is instituted.
  • 97 AD A Chinese embassy en route to Rome is perhaps turned back in Mesopotamia by the Parthians.
  • 98 AD Death of the Emperor Nerva who is succeeded by Trajan.
  • 98 AD Tacitus finishes two of his books, the Agricola and the Germania.
  • 98 AD Trajan defeats the Bructeri in Germania and returns to Rome as a hero.

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Understanding Cain’s Legacy: Descendants and Impact

Read Genesis Chapter 4.
After Adam’s son Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve bore Seth (and other sons and daughters not
mentioned in the Bible). Cain, Seth, and Adam and Eve’s other children bore more children.
And so on…. Each period of time between the birth of parents and their offspring is called a
generation.

Here are the Generations of Cain.

Birth of Enoch- Cain’s son

  • And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

Enoch’s Sons and grandchildren

  • And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.

Lamech’s wives and Children

  • And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
  • And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
  • And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
MotherChildMajor Accomplishments:
AdahJabalhe was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle
Jubalhe was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ
Zellah
Tubalcain		an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron
Naamahthe sister of Tubalcain

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Chronological Events in the Life of Jesus and John the Baptist

This timeline goes from the Birth of John the Baptist to the Ascension of Jesus. It includes other historic events that were happening during this same time frame. There are some secular resources that links to other websites.

All Dates are Approximate.

  • 6 BC Birth of John the Baptist
    • Luke 1
    • John 1:6
  • 6 BC Augustus Taxes the Roman Empire
    • Luke 2
  • 5 BC Birth of Jesus
  • 5 BC Visit of the Magi
  • 5 BC Escape to Egypt
    • Matthew 2:13
  • 4 BC Slaughter of Infants
    • Matthew 2:16
  • 4 BC Return to Nazareth
    • Matthew 2:23
  • 4 AD Adoption of Tiberius as heir to Augustus after the deaths of Gaius and Lucius Caesar.
  • 5 AD Tiberius campaigns in Germania.
  • 6 AD Revolts in Pannonia and Illyricum.
  • 8 AD The future emperor Claudius is appointed an augur, his only official post under Augustus.
  • 8 AD The Boy Jesus at the Temple
    • Luke 2:41
  • 9 AD Birth of the Emperor Vespasian in the town of Reate.
  • 9 AD The Battle of Teutoburg Forest between P. Quintilius ending in a complete route (including the destruction of 3 legions) for Rome.
  • 9 AD The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) is completed by Augustus in Rome.
  • 14 AD Death of the Emperor Augustus, in the city of Nola in Italy. Ascension of Tiberius
  • 14 AD Mutiny of the Rhine legions upon the news of the death of Augustus which is quelled by Germanicus Caesar.
  • 14 – 16 AD Germanicus Caesar campaigns against the Germanic tribes.
  • 14 AD L. Aelius Sejanus is appointed as Praetorian Prefect.
  • 14 AD Death of the Roman historian Livy, in the city of Patavium, Italy.
  • 14 AD The aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, is completed near modern Nimes in Gaul.
  • 15 AD Emperor Tiberius transfers the elections from the popular assemblies to the Senate.
  • 15 AD Birth of the Emperor Vitellius.
  • 17 AD Death of the Roman writer Ovid, who died in Tomis, Moesia while exile, apparantly because of offenses to Augustus’ moral code.
  • 19 AD Death of Germanicus, possibly but not necessarily by the direct order of Tiberius.
  • 22 AD Construction of the Castra Praetoria (Praetorian barracks) by Sejanus is completed and the Praetorians are forever changed into a political force.
  • 23 AD Birth of the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, in the town of Novum Comum, in Italy.
  • 26 AD Pontius Pilate is appointed as the prefect of Judaea.
  • 26 AD Tiberius retires to his estate on Capri, effectively giving Sejanus unlimited imperial authority.
  • 26 AD John the Baptist Prepares the Way
    • Matthew 3
    • Mark 1:4
    • Luke 3
    • John 1:15
  • 26 AD The Baptism of Jesus
    • Matthew 3:13
    • Mark 1:9,
    • Luke 3:21
  • 27 AD Temptation of Jesus
    • Matthew 4,
    • Mark 1:12,
    • Luke 4
  • 27 AD Jesus Calls his First Disciples
    • Matthew 4:18,
    • Mark 1:16,
    • Luke 5
  • 27 AD Wedding at Cana
    • John 2
  • 27 AD Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
    • John 3
  • 27 AD Jesus Testifies to the Samaritan Woman
    • John 4
  • 27 AD Sermon on the Mount
    • Matthew 5 – 7
  • 28 AD Instructions on Prayer
    • Luke 11
  • 28 AD Jesus Ministers in Galilee
    • Matthew 8
    • Mark 2,
    • Luke 4:14
  • 28 AD The Pool of Bethesda
    • John 5
  • 28 AD Jesus Lord of the Sabbath
    • Matthew 12,
    • Mark 3,
    • Luke 6
  • 28 AD Jesus Answers John’s Disciples
    • Matthew 11,
    • Luke 7
  • 28 AD Jesus Speaks Many Parables
    • Matthew 13,
    • Mark 4,
    • Luke 8
  • 28 AD Jesus Heals a Demoniac
    • Matthew 8:28,
    • Mark 5,
    • Luke 8:26
  • 28 AD Jesus Heals a Paralytic
    • Matthew 9
  • 28 AD John the Baptist is executed by Herod Antipas, son of King Herod in Judaea.
    • Matthew 14,
    • Mark 6:14
  • 29 AD Livia, the wife of Augustus, dies in Rome at the age of 86.
  • 29 AD Jesus Sends out His Twelve Apostles
    • Matthew 10,
    • Mark 6
  • 29 AD Jesus Feeds the 5,000
    • Matthew 14:15,
    • Mark 6:30,
    • Luke 9,
    • John 6
  • 29 AD Teachings on Clean and Unclean
    • Matthew 15,
    • Mark 7
  • 29 AD Peter’s Confession of Christ
    • Matthew 16,
    • Mark 8,
    • Luke 9:18
  • 29 AD The Transfiguration
    • Matthew 17,
    • Mark 9,
    • Luke 9:28
  • 29 AD Greatest and Least in the Kingdom
    • Matthew 18
  • 29 AD Jesus Sends out the Seventy-two
    • Luke 10
  • 29 AD Jesus Teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles
    • John 7
  • 29 AD The Woman Caught in Adultery
    • John 8
  • 29 AD Jesus Affirms He is the Son of God
    • John 9
  • 29 AD The Shepherd and His Flock
    • John 10
  • 30 AD Birth of the Emperor Nerva in the city of Narnia.
  • 30 AD Jesus Speaks More Parables
    • Luke 12 – 16
  • 30 AD Jesus Cleanses the Ten Lepers
    • Luke 17
  • 30 AD Jesus Raises Lazarus
    • John 11
  • 30 AD Estimated date of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
    • 30 AD Final Journey to Jerusalem
      • Matthew 19, 20,
      • Mark 10,
      • Luke 18
    • 30 AD The Triumphal Entry
      • Matthew 21,
      • Mark 11,
      • Luke 19,
      • John 12
    • 30 AD Closing Ministry in Jerusalem
      • Matthew 22 – 25,
      • Mark 12, 13,
      • Luke 20, 21
    • 30 AD Thursday Before Passover
      • Matthew 26,
      • Mark 14,
      • Luke 22,
      • John 13
    • 30 AD Jesus Comforts His Disciples
      • John 14
    • 30 AD Jesus the True Vine
      • John 15
    • 30 AD Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
      • John 16
    • 30 AD Jesus’ Intercessory prayers
      • John 17
    • 30 AD Jesus’ Betrayal, Trial, Crucifixion
      • Matthew 27,
      • Mark 15,
      • Luke 23,
      • John 18, 19
    • 30 AD Jesus’ Resurrection
      • Matthew 28,
      • Mark 16,
      • Luke 24,
      • John 20, 21
    • 30 AD The Ascension
      • Acts 1

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The Faithful Life of Mary: Lessons in Humility and Praise

Who was Mary? Mary was a young virgin. The daughter of the son of Heli (Luke 3:23). She must have been a righteous woman. Just look at the Greeting given to her by the angel Gabriel.

“…Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” Luke 1:28

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”

After being informed that she was to have a child, she humbly asked a question

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

After the answer was given, she was quick to believe.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Later when Mary arrived at Elisabeth’s house:

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. (Luke 1:41-45).

Mary responds by Praising God.

“My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

From all of this, it is clear that Mary was a devout woman of faith. She was quick to praise God and quick to be obedient to His Word.

We should all follow her example by being:

  • quick of Praise God
  • quick to be obedient
  • humble
  • a servant (handmaid) of the Lord

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Wake Up Sardis: A Call to Spiritual Awareness

Message to Sardis: Revelations 3:1-6

“To the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Sardis write:

“These are the words of Him who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars:

  • ‘I know your deeds; you have a name (reputation) that you are alive, but [in reality] you are dead. 
  • Wake up, and strengthen and reaffirm what remains [of your faithful commitment to Me], which is about to die;
    • for I have not found [any of] your deeds completed in the sight of My God or meeting His requirements. 
  • So, remember and take to heart the lessons you have received and heard. Keep and obey them, and repent [change your sinful way of thinking, and demonstrate your repentance with new behavior that proves a conscious decision to turn away from sin]. 
  • So then, if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 
  • But you [still] have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes [that is, contaminated their character and personal integrity with sin]; and they will walk with Me [dressed] in white,
    • because they are worthy (righteous). 
  • He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] will accordingly be dressed in white clothing; and I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, and I will confess and openly acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels [saying that he is one of Mine]. 
  • He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Some History about Sardis

  • It is in modern Sart, Turkey.
  • In Roman times, was a wealthy city known for the manufacture and dyeing of woolen fabric and carpets.
  • Originally, it was the capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and was the first city to mint coinage (600 b.c.).
  • A stream that flowed through its marketplace carried gold dust from a nearby mountain.
  • King Croesus of Lydia (560-546 b.c.) financed the building of the great Temple of Artemis in Ephesus (550 b.c.).
  • The city was conquered twice, under Cyrus the Great and under Antiochus, due to lack of adequate watchfulness.
  • The chief idol deity was the goddess Artemis.
    • Artemis was worshipped as the mother goddess.
  • Sardis was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 AD. It was later rebuilt.

This city was known for its lack of watchfulness. It was conquered not once, but twice for the same reason. In the letter sent to the church, Jesus is telling them to wake up and pay attention. They think that they are good, but destruction is just around the corner, spiritually speaking. Most are already dead spiritually, some are just before dying spiritually, and a few are righteous. However, according to their reputation they are alive and doing well. This is similar what Jesus was trying to say to the pharisees.

  • Matthew 23:27
    • “Woe to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which look beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.

Don’t be self-righteous. Instead, remember and take to heart the lessons you have received and heard. Keep and obey them, and repent [change your sinful way of thinking, and demonstrate your repentance with new behavior that proves a conscious decision to turn away from sin]. 

Remember that spiritual deadness is the same as if you are not saved. To be saved means to be alive spiritually. Take a good hard look at yourself. Remember that if you judge yourself, God doesn’t have to.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 amp
    • But if we evaluated and judged ourselves honestly [recognizing our shortcomings and correcting our behavior], we would not be judged. 
    • But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined [by undergoing His correction] so that we will not be condemned [to eternal punishment] along with the world.
Understanding the Seven Churches of Revelation

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From Creation to the Fall of Man

In the Beginning- the creation 4004 BC

 Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Adam & Eve and the Fall 4004 BC

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Unlocking the Wisdom of Psalms for Bible Study

The book of Psalms is a great resource for learning the Bible. We are commanded to read and use it for teaching.

Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The Hebrew name for the book of Psalms is Tehillim, meaning “songs of praise,” with individual psalms called Mizmorim, such as Mizmor Aleph (Psalm 1), Mizmor Bet (Psalm 2), and so forth. The Psalms have long served as the Bible’s prayer book. Traditionally, Tehillim is divided into five books, mirroring the five books of the Torah. Just as Moses gave Israel the Torah, David gave the Psalms—“Moses gave the path, but David gave directions.” In the Hebrew Bible, the Psalms are part of the wisdom literature within the Ketuvim (“Writings”). Each of the first four books concludes with a doxology (a usually liturgical expression of praise to God). Psalm 150 serves as a doxology for the fifth book and an appropriate conclusion to the entire Psalter.

Here is some Bible Studies from the book of Psalms.

  • The Significance of Psalms: Themes and Lessons: This outlines the major themes from the book of Psalms.
  • Unveiling the Armor of God in the Old Testament: The Armor of God, detailed in Ephesians 6:11-18, is also referenced in the Old Testament, emphasizing truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation as spiritual protections against evil.
  • The Lord’s Prayer from Psalms: The Lord’s Prayer concepts resonate throughout Psalms, emphasizing God’s glory, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, and salvation. Key verses reflect these themes, illustrating the spiritual connection between the texts.
  • Essential Elements for Meaningful Worship: Worship requires preparation and order, emphasizing sincerity and truth. Key elements include gathering, praise, confession, and prayer, with guidance from Psalms to facilitate a meaningful experience.

The 5 Books of Psalms

  • The Genesis Book concerning man: Psalms 1-41
    • All 41 of these psalms are ascribed to King David.
    • Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, and 37 have acrostic elements.
    • The Righteous vs. The Ungodly: Insights from Psalm 1 (coming soon)
    • The Prophecy of the Anointed One in Psalm 2 (coming soon)
  • The Exodus Book Concerning Israel as a Nation: Psalms 42-72
    • Of the 31 psalms in this section,
      • David wrote 18
      • Solomon wrote 1 (Psalm 72)
      • The rest were written by Korach (or anonymously):
  • The Leviticus Book Concerning the Sanctuary: Psalms 73-89
    • Of the 17 psalms in this section
      • Asaph appears to have written most of them
      • David wrote Psalm 86
      • Heman the Ezraite wrote Psalm 88
      • Ethan the Ezraite wrote the 89th:
  • The Numbers Book concerning Israel and the Nation: Psalms 90-106
    • Of the 17 psalms in this section
      • Psalm 90 is ascribed to Moses
      • Psalms 101 and 103 are ascribed to David:
  • The Deutronomy Book concerning God and His Word: Psalms 107-150
    • Of the 44 psalms in this section
      • 15 are ascribed to David
      • one (Psalm 127) to Solomon
      • the rest are anonymous.
    • The Hallel: (Hebrew: הַלֵּל, ‘Praise’) is a Jewish prayer, a verbatim recitation from Psalms 113–118 which is recited by observant Jews on Jewish holidays as an act of praise and thanksgiving.
      • It is recited during the three festivals of Pesach (Passover), Shavu’ot (Pentecost), and Sukkot (Tabernacles).
      • The Hallel is also recited at Rosh Chodesh (the new moon) and during the eight days of Hanukkah.
      • Psalm 136 is generally called “the great Hallel.”
  • Psalms 120-134 are referred to as “Songs of Degrees” or the Psalms of Ascent.
    • Exploring the Four Meanings of the Psalms of Ascent: The Psalms of Ascent (120-134), also called Pilgrim Psalms, reflect different themes such as distress, security, and unity, sung during journeys to Jerusalem, highlighting both physical and spiritual ascent.
  • Acrostic Psalms:
    • Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, with each set of 8 pesukim (verses) beginning with one of the 22 Hebrew letters.
      • Other psalms that have alphabetical arrangements are Psalm 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, and 145.

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The Lord’s Prayer from Psalms

All parts of The Lord’s Prayer can be found in the book of Psalms. Most are not written according to exactly how it is written in Matthew, but the ideas are there.

Matthew 6:9-13

  • After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Give us this day our daily bread.
  • And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
  • And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Now from the Book of Psalms

  • Hallowed be your Name.
    • Psalms 115:1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
    • Psalms 145:1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
  • Your Kingdom come
    • Psalms 47
      • O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
      • For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
      • He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
      • He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
      • God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
      • Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
      • For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
      • God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
      • The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
    • Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
      • Psalms 103:19-22
        •  The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
        • Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
        • Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
        • Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.
    • Give us this day our Daily Bread
      • Psalms 34:10
        • The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
      • Psalms 10413:15
        • He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
        • He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
        • And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.
      • Psalms 146
        • Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
        • Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
        • Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
      • Psalm 37:25-26
        • I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
        • He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
    • forgive us our Sins as we forgive others
      • Psalms 51:7-14
        • Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
        • Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
        • Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
        • Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
        • Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
        • Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
        • Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
        • Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
    • Save us from our time of trial (deliver us from evil)
      • Psalms 62:5-8
        • My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
        • He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
        • In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
        • Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
    • The Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
      • Psalms 145:11
        • They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
      • Psalms 103:19
        • The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
      • Psalms 145:13
        • Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

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Essential Elements for Meaningful Worship

When you want to worship you need to have certain elements or parts to the worship service. There should order to worship. Remember that God said that everything should be done in decency and in order. Worship can occur anywhere. Jesus made this clear when he answered the woman at the well.

John 4:21-24

  • Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
  • Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
  • But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
  • God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The following is just a guide taken from various scriptures in the book of Psalms. Remember that Psalms was written for use in the temple of God. Also, the New Testament says:

  • Ephesians 5:19
    • Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16
    • Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The Worship Elements

  1. Preparation for Worship: prepare your heart and mind for worship
    • Psalms 15
      • Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
      • He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
      • He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
      • In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
      • He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
    • Psalms 24:3-5
      • Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
      • He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
      • He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
    • This two Psalms are talking about the presence of God. Those who are not right with God, must repent before they can come fully into the presence of God.
  2. Gathering – Coming together
    • Psalms 43:3-4
      • O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
      • Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
    • Psalms 100:4
      • Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
  3. Call to Worship
    • Psalms 150:1-6
      • Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
      • Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
      • Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
      • Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
      • Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
      • Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
  4. Praise & Adoration
    • Psalms 146:1-2
      • Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
      • While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
    • Ps 149:1
      • Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
  5. Call to Confession
    • Psalms 32:5-6
      • I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
      • For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
    • Psalms 79:8-9
      • O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
      • Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
    • Psalms 27:7-9
      •  Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
      • When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
      • Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
    • Psalms 51:9-12
      • Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
      • Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
      • Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
      • Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
    • Assurance of forgiveness
      • Psalms 86:4-7
        • Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
        • For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
        • Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
        • In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
      • Psalms 103:1-4
        • Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
        • Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
        • Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
        • Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
  6. Testimony
    • Psalms 30:11-12
      • Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
      • To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.
    • Psalms 107:1-2
      • O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
      • Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
  7. Prayer for illumination / Guidance
    • Psalms 25:4-5
      • Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
      • Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
    • Psalms 43:3-4
      • O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
      • Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
    • Psalms 95:6-7
      •  O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
      • For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
    • Psalms 119:105
      • Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
        • Everything must be looked at in light of Word of God.
  8. Offering
    • Psalms 50:14
      • Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
    • Psalms 51:16:17
      • For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
      • The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
  9. Lord’s Supper
    • Table prepared
      • Psalms 23:5
        • Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
    • Cup
      • Psalms 116:13
        • I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
  10. Thanksgiving after the Lord’s Supper
    • PS 103:1-5
      •  Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
      • Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
      • Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
      • Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
      • Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
  11. Baptism (there may not be a Baptism every time)
    • Psalms 51:2
      • Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
    • Psalms 51:7
      • Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

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