A place to grow your relationship with God

Archive for the ‘Scriptural Articles’ Category

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.

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

Evidence of the Ice Age in the Bible: Key Verses

Is there evidence of a possible ice age in the bible? Yes! Look at these verses. Job lived in a desert yet he is talking about ice.

  • Job 37:10
    • By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
  • Job 6:16
    • Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
  • Job 38:29
    • Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?

Even in the book of Psalm it makes reference to ice.

  • Psalm 147:17
    • He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

During the flood the waters covered the highest part of the earth.

  • Genesis 7:10-12 And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
    •  In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
    • And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
  • Genesis 7:17-20
    • And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth.
    • And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
    • And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
    • Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
      • A cubit is about 18 inches.
      • 15 cubits would be equal to about 270 inches or 22.5 feet.

All that water had to go somewhere. It makes sense that God would have simply cooled the earth and caused ice to form in many places such as the north and the south poles.

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, history

Tagged with:

The Oneness of God in Scripture


Here is what the Old Testament Laws say about God. Under that is scripture from the New Testament. Compare the scriptures for yourself.

To know there is a God

  • Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
  • 1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
  • James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Not to entertain thoughts of other gods besides Him

  • Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
  • John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
  • 1 Timothy 1:17 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

To know that He is one

  • Deut. 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
  • Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

To love Him

  • Deut. 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
  • Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
  • Matthew 22:37-38  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.
  • Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

To fear 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.
  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

To sanctify His Name

  • Lev. 22:32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you,
  • Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
  • 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:

Not to profane His Name

  • Lev. 22:32 Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you,
  • 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Not to destroy objects associated with His Name

  • Deut. 12:3-4  And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the Lord your God.
  • Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I (Jesus) am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

To listen to the prophet (Jesus) speaking in His Name

  • Deut. 18:15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
  • Matthew 17:5  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
  • Acts 3:22-23 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Not to test the prophet (Jesus) unduly

  • Deut. 6:16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
  • Matthew 4:5-7 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:5-12
    • But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
    • Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
    • Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
    • Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
    • Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
    • Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
    • Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
    • Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
      • This section of scripture is pointing us back to various times when Israel disobeyed in the wilderness.

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Old Testament and the New Testament Compared, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

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.

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, history

Tagged with:

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

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, People of the Bible, Scriptural Articles

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

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, history, Lent Season, People of the Bible, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

The Prophecy of the Anointed One in Psalm 2

Psalm 2

  • Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
  • The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
  • Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
  • He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
  • Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
  • Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
  • I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
  • Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
  • Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
  • Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
  • Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
  • Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Notes:

  • The word translated here as “heathen” comes from the Hebrew word goyim and is often referred to as “nations,” especially the non-Jewish nations of the Gentiles that surrounded Israel. Later the word Gentile became synonymous with the word goyim for most Hebrews.
  • The word “image” is the Hebrew word hagah. It is the same word that in Psalm 1 that is translated as meditate. The nations around Israel were meditating on how to destroy God’s anointed.
  • The word “anointed” is the Hebrew word מָשִׁיחַ māšîaḥ.
    • מָשִׁיחַ māšîaḥ
      • anointed (one), usually refers to pouring or smearing sacred oil on a person in a ceremony of dedication, possibly symbolizing divine empowering to accomplish the task or office; the Anointed One, the Messiah, God’s ultimate chosen one, identified in the NT as Jesus:
  • Vs 2: Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
    • David captured the stronghold of Zion (see 2 Samuel 5:7)
    • David later constructed a tent on Mount Zion (see 1 Chron. 15:1). He then brought the Ark of the Covenant their and housed it in the tent (see 1 Chron. 16:1). By this God had set His King upon the “Holy Hill of Zion”.
  • 2:7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
    • This verse is quoted from twice:
      • Hebrews 1:5
        • For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
      • Hebrews 5:5
        • So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
    • Notice a few things
      • The word Son is used to identify the Messiah as Christ was called the “Son of God” (see Matt. 8:29; 14:33; 27:54; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35).
      • The term begotten is also used, from a Hebrew word meaning “to give birth to a child,”
        • It is used in the New Testament when Jesus is called the “only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).
        • The phrase “only begotten” refers to an “only born.”
  • 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
    • When Messiah (Jesus) becomes King and sets His throne in Jerusalem, He will be King over all the earth and all nations will be under His dominion; thus, He will inherit the heathen (Gentile) nations.
  • 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
    • The promise of the Messiah ruling with a rod of iron is found in both Testaments.
      • Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
        • The “rod” is the words of the Messiah’s mouth that slay the wicked.
      • This same imagery is used in Revelation 19:15.
        • And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
      • In the above verse it is with His mouth that Christ will smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron.
    • Here, David says that the Messiah will break them in pieces like a clay vessel that is smashed with a rod. This refers to breaking:
      • the power
      • the influence
      • the will of the nations, causing them to submit to the Messiah.
  • 2:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
    • Wisdom and instruction should be the basis for all decisions made among leaders.
    • It should also be the basis for decisions made by all Christians.
  • 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
    • The “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”
      • Ps. 111:10
        • The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
    • The Hebrew word translated as rejoice here is giyl and means, “to spin around with emotion” or “to spin in a circle.”
      • In Hebrew thought, to “rejoice” does not simply mean to be happy in the Lord. Rejoicing is accompanied by a response such as shouting, spinning, or even dancing.
  • 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
    • The “Son” here is the King Messiah (v. 6), the begotten son (v. 7), and the one who rules with a rod of iron (v. 9).
    • “Kiss”: It was customary in ancient times to kiss a close friend on the cheek, or to kiss the ring or hand of the king or leader as a sign of great honor.
      • Those who will not honor Christ in the Millennium will experience forms of judgments on their nations (see Zech. 14:17-18).

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Psalms, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

A Psalm to Thank the Lord

 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

Give unto the Lord, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigneth.

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the Lord, because he cometh to judge the earth.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Christian Living, Prayers, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

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

Category:

bible, Bible Study, General Bible Study, People of the Bible, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

The Righteous vs. The Ungodly: Insights from Psalm 1

Psalms 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The key word in the psalm is “blessed,” used here as a declaration about a certain kind of man. Essentially, the psalm teaches that the blessed, happy man is the righteous man. He avoids evil influences, deeds, and attitudes, and delights in God’s Word; as a result, God causes him to prosper. In contrast, the ungodly are like chaff, worthless and destined for judgment. The Lord’s evaluation is clear in verse 6: He knows the way of the righteous (and it will be blessed), but He also knows the way of the ungodly, and it will perish. This psalm serves as a fitting introduction to the Psalter, presenting the three main figures who appear throughout: the righteous, the ungodly, and God.

A Prayer to go with the Psalm:

Lord our God, source of blessing and justice, your Son, Jesus, lived the only true life. Through him, we can know, love, and rejoice in you. Keep us nourished by your grace and grounded in your Spirit, so our ears hear your voice, and our feet walk in your ways, giving all glory to you alone. Amen.

Category:

bible, Bible articles by Bell, Bible Study, Christian Living, Prayers, Psalms, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with: