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Genesis 1:1 Explained: Alef, Tav and Creation

THE FIRST SEVEN PHRASES IN GENESIS (1:1)

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 beginningרֵאשִׁית Bereshit
createdבָּרָא barah
Godאֱלֹהִים Elohim
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.תשָׁמַיִם hashamayim
and theוְאֵ֥ת vehet
earthהָאָֽרֶץ haeretz

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.

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Understanding the Message to Philadelphia in Revelation

To the Church in Philadelphia:

Revelations 3:713

  • 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.
        • πειρασμός peirasmós, 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.

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Character Laws in the Old Testament Explained

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.

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Biblical Insights on Weather and Seasons

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.

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Idolatry in the Bible: Old vs New Testament

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.
  • Not to worship idols in the four ways we worship God
    • Ex. 20:5 (Amp)
      • 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.
        • פֶּסֶל peçel, 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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Weekly Recap of Articles for Christians Jan 18th to Jan 24th

Bible

Education

Cooking/ House Keeping

Estudio Bíblico en Español

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Understanding Biblical Prophecy: Key Points and Insights

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

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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.

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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.

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Witness of the Stars:  PEGASUS (The Winged Horse)

 PEGASUS (The Winged Horse)

The Blessings Quickly Coming.

Not only shall they be received, but they shall be brought near. They will not have to be fetched, but they will be caused to come to those for whom they are procured, and will yet be brought by Him who has procured them.

Plate 19: PEGASUS (the Winged Horse)

In the Denderah Zodiac there are two characters immediately below the horse, Pe and ka. Peka or Pega, is in Hebrew the chief, and Sus is horse. So that the very word (Pegasus) has come down to us and has been preserved through all the languages.

The names of the stars in this constellation declare to us its meaning. There are 89 altogether; one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, three of the 3rd, nine of the 4th, etc. And, as astronomers testify, “they render Pegasus peculiarly remarkable.”

The brightest, α (on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing), comes down to us with the ancient Hebrew name of Markab, which means returning from afar. The star β (in the near shoulder) is called Scheat, i.e., who goeth and returneth. The star γ (at the tip of the wing) bears an Arabic name—Al Genib, who carries. The star ε (in the nostril) is called Enif (Arabic), the water. The star η (in the near leg) is called Matar (Arabic), who causes to overflow.

These names show us that we have to do with no mere horse. A winged horse is unknown to nature. It must therefore be used as a figure; and it can be a figure only of a person, even of Him who is “the Branch,” as the star Enif shows, who said, “If I go away, I will come again,” as the star Scheat testifies.

He who procured these blessings for the redeemed by His Atonement, is quickly coming to bring them; and is soon returning to pour them forth upon a groaning creation. This is the lesson of Pegasus.

“Come, blessed Lord, bid every shore

And answering island sing

The praises of Thy royal Name,

And own Thee as their King.

Lord, Lord! Thy fair creation groans—

The earth, the air, the sea—

In unison with all our hearts,

And calls aloud for Thee.

Thine was the Cross with all its fruits

Of grace and peace divine:

Be Thine the Crown of glory now,

The palm of victory Thine.”

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