The Old Testament is seen as a book of rules that are outdated and or not relevant to Christians today. However, the Bible tells us that all scripture is important.
2 Timothy 3:16 (amp) All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage];
This means that even the Old Testament is useful.
Here are some Bible Studies comparing what the Old Testament says to the New Testament.
Laws and regulations
The Oneness of God in Scripture: The content compares Old Testament laws regarding God with corresponding New Testament scriptures. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one true God, loving Him, fearing Him, and keeping His name sacred. It also addresses listening to Jesus as a prophet and warns against testing Him. The scriptures provide moral guidelines for believers.
Character Laws in the Old Testament Explained: The content outlines biblical laws governing behavior and character found in the Old and New Testaments. Key themes include emulating God’s ways, loving others, avoiding hatred, refraining from revenge, and supporting the weak. It encourages believers to demonstrate kindness, forgiveness, and unity, reflecting Christ’s teachings in their conduct.
Biblical Wisdom: Old Testament Laws for Study: The content discusses the importance of studying the Bible, comparing insights from the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes the Torah’s role in instruction and hope, as seen in Deuteronomy and Romans. Believers are encouraged to respect teachers of the law and share their faith with humility and readiness.
Paganism and Idolatry: Biblical Insights: (coming soon)
The Significance of Clean and Unclean Foods in the Bible: The food laws establish distinctions between clean and unclean animals, emphasizing holiness for God’s people through specific dietary restrictions, as outlined in biblical texts like Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Understanding Zechariah 9:9 and Its Fulfillment in Jesus: Zechariah’s prophecy of a humble king entering Jerusalem is fulfilled by Jesus, recognized as the Messiah from David’s lineage, sparking hope and eventual betrayal.
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
This was fulfilled when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a young donkey.
Matthew 21:1-9
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
On that day, the people cried out, “Hosanna to the son of David” (21:9). By calling Christ the “son of David,” the people were speaking truth that He was their savior and the fulfillment of the Davidic prophecy; however, they turned against Him when He did not prove to their satisfaction that He was their King. Note that Zachariah said the King would have salvation. “Hosanna” means “save us.”
The Davidic prophecy encompasses biblical predictions regarding King David and his lineage, particularly the expectation of a Messiah who would come from David’s line, fulfilling God’s covenant promises.
The Davidic Covenant
The Davidic Covenant is a key part of the prophecy about David, found in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. In it, God promises David that his throne will last forever, saying He’ll raise up a descendant from David’s own family to build a house in His name. This covenant is unconditional, depending entirely on God’s faithfulness rather than on David’s or Israel’s actions.
Messianic Expectations
The prophecies about the Davidic line play a key role in both Jewish and Christian end-times beliefs. In Jewish tradition, there’s an expectation of a future Davidic king who will restore Israel and bring back God’s kingdom on earth. This figure, often called the Messiah (Hebrew: Mashiach), is believed to gather the twelve tribes of Israel and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
Several key passages highlight the significance of the Davidic prophecy:
2 Samuel 7:12-16:
And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Establishes the Davidic Covenant and God’s promise of an everlasting throne.
Psalm 2:6:
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Speaks of God’s anointed king, interpreted as a reference to the Messiah.
Jeremiah 33:17:
For thus saith the Lord; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;
Declares that David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, reinforcing the enduring nature of the Davidic line.
Later, Christ was arrested and crucified (see Matt. 26:47-68; 15), but He rose the third day, conquering death and hell (see 1 Cor. 15:4; Rev. 1:18).
What does the Bible say about studying it in the Old Testament? How does that compare to what the New Testament Says? Read on to find out.
Laws of Torah Study
To learn Torah
Deut. 6:7
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Romans 15:4 ESV
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
James 1:25 ESV
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
1 Peter 2:2 ESV
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation
Matthew 5:17-19 ESV
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
To honor those who teach and know Torah
Lev. 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.
Hebrews 13:17 ESV
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Notes:
Paul teaches us in Romans 15:4 (ESV) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. This means that the Old Testament including the Torah (1st five books of the Old Testament) in our instructions. Those things, when we learn it, gives us hope. Notice how it is written in the KJV: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. This clarifies that the Old Testament was written for our learning. We are supposed to learn and be instructed by the Old Testament so that we can have hope. That hope has many purposes. However, we have a commandment as to 1 thing we are to do with that hope.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
The word hope is the same in both 1 Peter 3:15 and Romans 15:4.
Hope
Strong’s G1680 – elpis
ἐλπίςelpís, el-pece’; from a primary ἔλπω élpō (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence:—faith, hope.
We are to learn so that we can have hope and then be ready to give a reason of having the hope with meekness and fear.
The concept of the five-fold ministry originates from Ephesians 4:11-13, where the Apostle Paul describes these roles as gifts given by Christ to the church. The purpose of these ministries is to equip believers for service, promote unity in faith, and help the church reach maturity in Christ.
Ephesians
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Roles and Functions
Apostles: Often seen as foundational leaders, apostles are responsible for pioneering new works and establishing churches. They provide vision and direction, ensuring that the church remains aligned with God’s mission.
Prophets: Prophets are called to discern and declare God’s Word, guiding the church towards faithfulness and holiness. They serve as spiritual voices, often calling the community to repentance and deeper commitment to God.
Evangelists: Tasked with spreading the gospel, evangelists gather people into the church and encourage outreach efforts. They play a crucial role in expanding the church’s reach and bringing new believers into the faith.
Pastors: Pastors provide care and guidance to the congregation, nurturing spiritual growth and fostering community. They are often seen as shepherds who protect and lead their flock.
Teachers: Teachers are responsible for instructing and grounding believers in biblical truth. They help the church understand scripture and apply it to their lives, ensuring that the congregation is well-equipped for ministry.
The Lord’s Army
Now let’s put this another way. We are called to be soldiers in the Lord’s Army. That is why Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God. Click here for more information on the Armor of God.
We are not called to be seat warmers in a building on Sunday Mornings. We are called to fight against the forces of darkness. Every part of the fivefold ministry is for the equipping of the saints to the work of God. Now I am going to loosely use the military rankings of the United States Army to put things into a military perspective so that you can better understand you job in the Lord’s Army.
Private: Everyone starts off as a private. This is the lowest level. It is at this point that you still have learning to do. You have just accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Now it is time to start learning how to live as Christ would want you to live.
In the real army there are several levels of the rank of private. These levels are like you learning and growing in faith.
Some will rank up all the way into the five-fold ministry. Others will be the general soldiers.
Both are needed. General soldiers are the general workers. The others are the future leaders of the church community.
All are important to the body of Christ.
Drill Sergent: This would be the teachers. Now just because I am relating teachers to the rank of Drill Sergent does not mean I think teachers should act like a Drill Sergent is portrayed on television. Teachers are to be
patient
loving
kind
caring
knowledgeable
Remember that the teachers are in charge of training the next generation of soldiers and some of them will be all of the other rankings. This ranking and job should be taken seriously.
Colonel: This would be the pastor of the local church. They are also the shepherd of the congregation. They are the organizers of the local body. Their job is to ensure that everyone is where they are supposed to be.
They shepherd the privates into the various classes.
They look after the various groups within the congregation and see what needs to be done.
They have some helpers that we call deacons.
They organize them into sections and send them out to see to the needs of the church.
feeding the widows
feeding the orphans
making sure the teachers have what they need to teach
The Deacons would be like the Lieutenant Colonels. They are not the head of the church, but they sure help run the church and keep things running smoothly.
Commissioned officer: This would be the Evangelists and Apostles
The rank of a recruiting officer in the Army is typically classified as a commissioned officer. Commissioned officers are leaders who command Army units and make strategic decisions. The ranks of commissioned officers range from Lieutenant (O-1) to General (O-10), with each rank indicating a higher level of responsibility and command authority.
Their job is to go out and recruit others (find the new privates). They do this in various ways. The Evangelists usually does this closer to home. The Apostles are usually who we now call missionaries.
The Military Intelligence Officer: This would be the prophet. Their job is similar to that of the lookout guard. In the Bible, there would-be people positioned in the watch towers. Their job was to alert the people of approaching danger. In the military today that is similar to the job of the intelligence officer. They are responsible for gathering the information needed to guard the church body from false prophets, false teachings, and anything else that would hinder the work of God.
The rank of a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army typically starts at the rank of Captain (O-6). They are responsible for supervising the Military Intelligence process for unit commanders and leading intelligence operations. The rank progression for Military Intelligence Officers includes: Lieutenant (O-4) Captain (O-6) Major (O-5) Lieutenant Colonel (O-6) Colonel (O-7) Brigadier General (O-8) Major General (O-9) Lieutenant General (O-9) General (O-10) These ranks reflect the leadership capabilities and responsibilities of the officer in the intelligence field.
Everyone has a job in the army. Everyone has a job in the body of Christ. The Church needs to take their jobs just as seriously as the military takes it job.
In the English Bible, Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This ten-word statement consists of seven Hebrew words in the Hebrew text. Below is a chart with the verse with the Hebrew words and the English.
In the beginning
רֵאשִׁיתBereshit
created
בָּרָאbarah
God
אֱלֹהִיםElohim
This word is not translated. It is the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
א (Aleph)
This word is not translated. It is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
ת (Tav)
the heavens (in KJV it is translated heaven). The Hebrew word indicate the plural sense in other places.
תשָׁמַיִםhashamayim
and the
וְאֵ֥ת vehet
earth
הָאָֽרֶץhaeretz
At the very center of this Hebrew phrase are the two letters Alef and Tav, left untranslated. These letters often pronounced “et,” appear throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and serve in grammar as a marker indicating that the word following is the definite direct object.
Some believe this seven-word Hebrew phrase depicts the ancient temple’s golden candlestick, the menorah.
The temple menorah had seven branches, with the central shaft known as the “servant branch.” In Revelation 1:8, Jesus is described as standing among seven golden candlesticks (a menorah) and declaring, “I am Alpha and Omega,” the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Hebrew, He would have said, “I am the Alef and the Tav,” the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Reading Genesis 1:1 this way— “In the beginning God created the Alef-Tav”—suggests that God declared the end from the beginning, and that Christ was with God from the very start. Viewed as a menorah, the center represents the Alef-Tav, the same position as the “servant branch.” From Christ flows the anointing oil, as He promised to send the Holy Spirit to all believers. Remember that Jesus came not to be served but to serve.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
So, likening him to the “Servant Branch” describes what Jesus came to do according to Mark 10:45.
The Stations of the Cross, also called the Way of the Cross, Way of Suffering, or Via Dolorosa, is a series of fourteen images depicting scenes from the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, each accompanied by prayers. It is inspired by the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a traditional route symbolizing the path Jesus walked from the Lion’s Gate to Mount Calvary. Its purpose is to guide Christians on a spiritual journey through reflection on the Passion of Christ. This devotion is widely practiced and found in many Western Christian traditions, including the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist churches.
Typically, a set of fourteen images is arranged in numerical order along a path, where the faithful, alone or in procession, move from one station to the next, stopping at each one to pray and reflect on its meaning. These devotions are especially common during Lent, particularly on Good Friday, and express a spirit of reparation for the suffering and humiliations that Jesus endured during his Passion. As a physical act of devotion involving standing and kneeling, the Stations of the Cross are closely related to the Christian themes of repentance and self-denial.
The style, form, and location of the Stations of the Cross can vary considerably. Traditional versions typically consist of small plaques with reliefs or paintings arranged around the central part of a church. Modern, minimalist versions may be simple crosses with a number in the center. Sometimes, the Stations of the Cross are prayed without images, such as when the Pope leads the devotion around the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday.
This devotion is not obligatory, but it is a good way to remember the supreme sacrifice Jesus made, offering his life to save us from our sins. This devotion helps foster gratitude for what Jesus did and encourages believers to carry their own crosses in life, enduring inevitable suffering.
Whether or not you participate in the Stations of the Cross, the Bible commands us to remember the Lord’s death until his return.
1 Corintios 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Here are the Stations of the Cross according to tradition. Biblical references are included whenever possible.
1. Jesus is condemned to death.
Luke 23:24-25
Then Pilate sentenced that their request should be granted; and he released to them the man who had been thrown into prison for sedition and murder, the one they had asked for; and he handed Jesus over to their will.
2. Jesus takes up his cross.
John 19:17
And he, carrying his cross, went out to the place called the Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha;
3. Jesus falls for the first time (by inference from Stations 2 and 5).
4. Jesus meets his grieving mother (by inference from John 19:25-27).
John 19:25-27
Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that hour on, the disciple took her into his home.
5. Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross.
Matthew 27:32
As they were going out, they found a man from Cyrene named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus (an episode not recorded in the Scriptures).
The Bible does not recount the story of Veronica wiping Jesus’ face on the way to Calvary. Instead, her story appears in a work called the “Acts of Pilate,” which identifies her as the woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years, approached Jesus from behind, touched the hem of his garment, and was healed (Matthew 9:20-22). This non-canonical text also claims that Jesus left the image of his face imprinted on the cloth she used. The story goes on to say that Veronica later traveled to Rome and healed Emperor Tiberius by showing him a painting of Christ that she had made after her own healing.
7. Jesus falls for the second time (this event is not recorded in the Scriptures).
8. Jesus meets the holy women of Jerusalem.
Luke 23:27-31
And a great multitude of the people followed him, and of women who were weeping and lamenting for him.
But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore children, and the breasts that never nursed.’
Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’
For if they do these things in the green wood, what will happen in the dry?”
9. Jesus falls for the third time (this event is not recorded in the Scriptures).
10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
John 19:23
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Mark 15:24
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
12. Jesus dies on the cross.
Mark 15:37
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
13. Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross.
Luke 23:52-53
He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
And taking it down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid.
14. Jesus’ body is placed in the tomb.
Matthew 27:59-60
And Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen shroud,
and placed it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out of the rock; and after rolling a large stone to the entrance of the tomb, he went away.
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
History:
Philadelphia was located about 30 miles southeast of Bardia, about 30 miles southeast of Sardis and about 70 miles east of Smyrna, and lay at the upper end of a broad valley that passed through Sardis and near Smyrna. The city of Philadelphia was located at the foot of a mountain plateau in the area today known as West Central Turkey. It was built on an important travel route linking the city with Laodicea to the south.
Like Sardis Philadelphia was almost destroyed by the massive earthquakes in southwest Asia Minor in AD 17. The tremors continued for years. It was later rebuilt with the assistance of Emperor Tiberius.
When the Moslems overran Asia Minor in the fourteenth century A.D., Philadelphia resisted far longer than other cities and became an island for Christianity. The city exists today as the Turkish town of Alasehir and contains the ruins of many ancient churches.
Wine making, wool production, and agriculture were primary industries in the city.
Notes:
Its name means “Brotherly Love” and represents the faithful church in all ages.
The reference to the key of David is taken from Isaiah 22:22, where it relates messianic authority.
Isaiah 22:22
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
The reference to “The open door”, which no man can shut, refers to an opportunity for testimony and service.
The city sat on a mountain pass which served as a doorway to the Anatolian hill country
Those who are of the synagogue of Satan are probably unbelieving Jews or Judaizers.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
This is saying that God will keep those who keeps His word from the temptation that everyone else must face.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The word “temptation” is from the same Greek word.
πειρασμόςpeirasmós, pi-ras-mos’; from G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:—temptation, × try.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Jesus is coming back. So, hold tightly to the Word of God and you will receive a crown.
This is probably referring to the crown of life.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
In Philadelphia, powerful earthquakes toppled buildings; temples withstood tremors because their pillars were massive and immovable.
Two bronze pillars—Jachin (“He establishes”) and Boaz (“In Him is strength”)—stood at Solomon’s temple entrance (1 Kings 7:15-22).
Believers familiar with those names would immediately hear stability and strength.
Pillars carried inscriptions honoring kings or donors; Jesus promises His own name instead.
What Being a Pillar Signifies for Believers Today
Permanent Residence in God’s Presence
John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Stability and Strength
God establishes and upholds us
Psalm 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Galatians 2:9 calls James, Cephas, and John “pillars,” believers God uses to support others.
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Honor and Visibility
Pillars stand at the front; Christ publicly honors faithful believers
John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Bearing God’s Name
Names signify ownership and character
Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Three inscriptions promised:
– the name of God (belonging to Him),
– the name of the New Jerusalem (citizenship),
– Christ’s “new name” (shared identity with the victorious King).
Participation in the Living Temple
Ephesians 2:19-22—believers built together into a dwelling of God.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
1 Peter 2:5—“living stones” offering spiritual sacrifices.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:22—God and the Lamb are the eternal temple; pillars share their glory forever.
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
In the Old Testament it gives laws about your behavior (Character). Have you ever wondered how those laws compare to what the New Testament says?
Laws of Character:
To emulate His (God’s) ways
Deut. 28:9
The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways.
Ephesians 5:1 ESV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
Philippians 3:17 ESV
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
3 John 1:11 ESV
Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
1 John 2:6 ESV
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 Peter 2:21 ESV
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Hebrews 13:7 ESV
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 6:12 ESV
So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
1 Timothy 4:12 ESV
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 ESV
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
Philippians 4:9 ESV
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 2:5 ESV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Romans 15:5 ESV
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
To cleave to those who know Him
Deut. 10:20
Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
Acts 11:22-24
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
To love Others
Lev. 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
To love converts
Deut. 10:19
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Acts 10:34-35 ESV
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Colossians 3:11 ESV
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Romans 15:7 ESV
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Acts 15:8-9 ESV
And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.
Galatians 3:28 ESV
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:19 ESV
So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
Not to hate fellow others
Lev. 19:17
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
1 John 3:15 ESV
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 John 4:20-21 ESV
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Matthew 5:22-24 ESV
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 18:15 ESV
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Colossians 3:13 ESV
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
James 4:11-12 ESV
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Romans 12:9-10 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
1 Peter 2:1 ESV
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Galatians 5:14-15 ESV
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
Mark 11:25 ESV
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Luke 6:27-28 ESV
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
To reprove
Lev. 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Matthew 18:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Luke 17:3 ESV
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Galatians 6:1 ESV
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
James 5:19-20 ESV
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Not to embarrass others
Lev. 19:17
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Colossians 3:12-13 ESV
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
James 1:19-20 ESV
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Matthew 7:12 ESV
“So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Not to oppress the weak
Ex. 23:6
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
James 1:27 ESV
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Luke 12:33 ESV
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
1 John 3:17 ESV
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
1 John 3:17-18 ESV
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Not to speak derogatorily of others
Lev. 19:16
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.
Matthew 12:36-37 ESV
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
1 Peter 3:10 ESV
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
James 1:26 ESV
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Not to take revenge
Lev. 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
Hebrews 10:30 ESV
For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
Romans 13:4 ESV
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Romans 12:19-21 ESV
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Not to bear a grudge
Lev. 19:18
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
Ephesians 4:26 ESV
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Mark 11:25 ESV
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 ESV
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Weather has been around since God created weather.
Genesis 1:14-15
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.
Notice that God created the lights in the expanse of the heavens for a few reasons:
separation of day and night
signs
seasons
to be used as a calendar (for days and years)
to give light upon the earth
In the book of Genesis after Noah, Noah’s family, and the animals leave the ark, God reiterates the order and idea of a natural cycle of seasons.
Genesis 8:22
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
God used the weather to demonstrate His power, for reward to those who obey, and for punishment to those who disobey. Below are sone scriptures illustrating the various demonstrations.
Psalms 148:7-8 ESV
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
Jeremiah 10:12-13 ESV
It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Leviticus 26:4 ESV
Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
Nahum 1:3 ESV
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Job 37:9 ESV
From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds.
Luke 21:11 ESV
There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Jonah 1:4 ESV
But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.
James 5:17-18 ESV
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
Isaiah 29:6 ESV
You will be visited by the Lord of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire.
Amos 4:7 ESV
“I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither;
Deuteronomy 28:24 ESV
The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed.
1 Samuel 12:18 ESV
So, Samuel called upon the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel.
Haggai 1:11 ESV
And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”
1 Kings 8:35-36 ESV
“When heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, when you afflict them, then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.
Luke 21:25 ESV
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,
Mark 4:39-41 ESV
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Luke 8:23-25 ESV
And as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?
Matthew 8:26 ESV
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Psalm 107:29 ESV
He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Job 36:27-28 ESV
For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain, which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.
It does not matter how good scientist think they are. They can try to control the weather. That will not happen. Instead, it will do what God commands and allows.
What does the Bible say about Idolatry and paganism in the Old Testament? How does that compare to what the New Testament Says? Read on to find out. This is part 1 of a multiple part series.
Laws of Idolatry and Paganism
Not to inquire into idolatry
Lev. 19:4 (Amp)
Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods (images cast in metal); I am the Lord your God.
1 Corinthians 10:14 ESV
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 John 5:21 ESV
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Acts 15:20 ESV
But should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.
Not to follow the whims of your heart or what your eyes see
Num. 15:39 (Amp)
It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, so that you do not follow after [the desires of] your own heart and eyes, [desires] after which you used to follow and play the prostitute,
1 John 2:15-17 ESV
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
James 1:14-15 ESV
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Not to blaspheme
Leviticus 24:16 ESV
Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
Luke 12:10 ESV
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Mark 3:29 ESV
But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
Matthew 12:31-32 ESV
Therefore, I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Not to worship idols in the manner they are worshiped
Ex. 20:4-5 (Amp)
“You shall not make for yourself any idol, or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth [as an object to worship]. You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely mine], visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers on the children [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Deuteronomy 12:3-4 (ESV)
You shall tear down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and burn their Asherim with fire. You shall chop down the carved images of their gods and destroy their name out of that place. You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way.
Acts 17:29 ESV
Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous (impassioned) God demanding what is rightfully and uniquely mine], visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers on the children [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Not to make an idol for yourself
Ex. 20:4 (Amp)
“You shall not make for yourself any idol, or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth [as an object to worship].
Not to make an idol for others
Lev. 19:4 (Amp)
Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods (images cast in metal); I am the Lord your God.
1 John 5:21 ESV
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Not to make human forms even for decorative purposes
Deuteronomy 4:16-18 ESV
Beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth.
פֶּסֶלpeçel, peh’-sel; from H6458; an idol:—carved (graven) image.
Acts 17:29 ESV
Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
Notes: If something was made to be an idol, then it is an idol regardless of whether you think of it that way or not. Keeping things around that can lead you into sin is never a good idea. The Israelites were surrounded by people who worshiped created things. Therefore, having a created thing around, even for a decoration could cause temptation to overtake them and lead them into sin.
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