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.
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.
There is not a girl or boy here this morning who does not feel within the desire to do good. The drawing power of good—in other words, the drawing power of God. He it is who says to you, “Come.”
I want to illustrate this by a few things which I have here. The first is this magnet. And here are some small nails. These tiny nails represent girls and boys of about eleven or twelve years of age. I apply the magnet to these nails and I lift up—can you see me—twenty-five or thirty nails. You see it is a great deal easier to respond to the drawing power of good, to answer the great “Come,” in girlhood and boyhood.
Now here are some nails that are a little larger. I can lift up only five or six of these larger nails. They represent young people of eighteen or nineteen. As one gets older he does not hear as readily, at least he does not answer, Christ’s blessed “Come.”
Next we have some nails still larger. The magnet will lift up only one or two of these. They stand for men and women in mature life. Oh, if one has not responded to Christ’s call in childhood or youth, it becomes increasingly difficult as the years pass. How seldom, how very seldom, does an aged one answer the divine call and give his heart to the Lord!
Here is a very large nail, and it is rusty. Indeed it is literally coated with rust. This represents the life that is deep in sin. For long years this life has been persisting in his evil ways. As the magnet must be very strong to penetrate the rust and grip the nail, so Christ’s call must be strong and loving to reach the sinful soul. Christ can save “from the uttermost,” but how much better it is to say in early youth, “I hear thy voice, my Lord. Gladly I come.”
MEMORY VERSE, Matthew 11: 28
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
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.
Unlocking Biblical Prophecies Through History: This content explores historical patterns and prophetic events related to Israel by analyzing biblical texts in reverse order, emphasizing learning from history.
The Two Periods of Jacob’s Trouble Explained: Jeremiah’s “time of Jacob’s trouble” refers to a seven-year Tribulation, paralleling Jacob’s two seven-year periods of hardship. This prophetic theme culminates with Christ’s return after Israel’s trials.
The Significance of Mount Sinai in Biblical Prophecy: Israel stays at Mount Sinai for a year, where Moses receives the Ten Commandments. This event parallels New Testament themes of the Rapture and Christ’s second coming.
Melchizedek and Christ: Unraveling the Theological Mystery: Melchizedek, identified as a king-priest without genealogical records, is compared to Christ in Hebrews. He symbolizes the unique priesthood aligned with Jesus, linking their roles in faith and authority.
Gideon’s Battle: This article compares the battle of Gideon to the final battle of Armageddon.
Parallels Between Genesis and Revelation: The first two chapters of Genesis and the last two chapters of Revelation reflect parallels, such as creation, the Tree of Life, rivers, absence of sin and pain, portraying a restored perfection in God’s future.
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.
Their Blessings Ensured, or the Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed.
The Atonement being made, the blessings have been procured, and now they can be bestowed and poured forth upon the Redeemed. This is the truth, whether we think of Abel’s lamb, of patriarchal sacrifices, the offerings under the Law, or of that great Sacrifice of which they all testified. They all with one voice tell us that atonement made is the only foundation of blessing.
This was pictured and foreshown in the heavens from the beginning, by a man pouring forth water from an urn which seems to have an inexhaustible supply, and which flows forth downwards into the mouth of a fish, which receives it and drinks it all up.
In the ancient Zodiac of Denderah it is the same idea, though the man holds two urns, and the fish below seems to have come out of the urn. The [pg 085]man is called Hupei Tirion, which means the place of him coming down or poured forth.
In some eastern Zodiacs the Urn alone appears.
Plate 18: AQUARIUS (the Water Bearer) & PISCIS AUSTRALIS (the Southern Fish)
This agrees with its other names—Hebrew, Deli, the water-urn, or bucket (as in Num. xxiv. 7); the Arabic Delu is the same.
There are 108 stars in this Sign, four of which are of the 3rd magnitude. Their names, as far as they have come down to us, are significant.
The star α (in the right shoulder) is called Sa’ad al Melik, which means the record of the pouring forth.
The star β (in the other shoulder) is called Saad al Sund, who goeth and returneth, or the pourer out.
The bright star δ (in the lower part of the right leg) is well-known to-day by its Hebrew name Scheat, which means who goeth and returneth.
The bright star in the urn has an Egyptian name—Mon or Meon, which means simply an urn.
Aquarius is the modern Latin name by which the sign is known. It has the same meaning, the pourer forth of water.
Can we doubt what is the interpretation of this sign? The Greeks, not knowing Him of whom it testified, were, like the woman of Samaria, destitute of that living water which He alone can give. They therefore invented some story about Deucalion, the son of Prometheus; and another, saying he is Ganymede, Jove’s cup-bearer! But, as an astronomer says, “We must account otherwise for the origin of this name; for it is not possible to reconcile the [pg 086]symbols of the eleventh49 sign with Grecian mythology.” No! we must go further back than that, and not cramp our vision, and distort the Scriptures, by confining our thoughts to “the Church.” The Church is nowhere seen in these Signs, as she is nowhere revealed in the Old Testament. This we shall enlarge on when we come to the sign Pisces. Meanwhile we must read the witness of the stars as if there had been no Church!
Christ is first. Yea, He is all in all. The Scriptures testify of Him; and the very stars in this Sign tell of His going away and His coming again. These prophetic signs have to do with Him, with the Atonement He wrought, with the conflict He endured, with the blessings He secured, with the victory He shall win, and the triumph He shall have. For it is written:
“He shall pour the water out of His buckets,
And His seed shall be in many waters,
And His king shall be higher than Agag,
And His kingdom shall be exalted.”
(Num. xxiv. 7.)
It tells of that glorious day when
“A King shall reign in righteousness;
And princes shall rule in judgment;
And a MAN shall be as an hiding place
from the wind,
And a covert from the tempest;
As RIVERS of WATER in a dry place.”
(Isa. xxxii. 1, 2)
It speaks of that glorious time when Israel shall be restored, and their “eyes shall see the King in His beauty”; when the peace of Zion shall be no more disturbed, “but there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams” (Isa. xxxiii. 17, 20, 21). Then
“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them;
And the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose,
For in the wilderness shall waters break out,
And streams in the desert.”
(Isa. xxxv. 1, 6.)
“I will open rivers in high places,
And fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.”
(Isa. xli. 18.)
“Fear not, O Jacob, My servant;
And thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen,
For I will POUR WATER upon him that is thirsty,
And floods upon the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed,
And My blessing upon thy offspring.
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer the Lord of hosts.”
(Isa. xliv. 2, 3, 6.)
This is the meaning of the Sign. The MAN Christ Jesus, who was humbled in death will yet be seen to be the pourer forth of every blessing. Physically pouring forth literal waters, removing the curse, and turning this world into a paradise:
“Making her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord.”
(Isa. li. 3.)
And morally pouring forth His Spirit in such abundance as to fill the whole earth with peace, and blessing, and glory, “as the waters cover the sea.”
Upon Israel restored He will pour out His blessing. They will be sprinkled with clean water, and possess a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. xxxvi. 24-28; Joel ii. 28-32).
Such are some of the Scriptures which tell of this glorious Water-pourer. We need not rob Christ of His glory, or Israel of her blessing, in order to see in all this Pentecost or the Church. These are quite independent of the great line of prophetic truth. They are parenthetical, and distinct, and true, quite apart from the glorious prophecies of Israel’s scattering and gathering. The physical marvels referred to in the texts above can never be satisfied or exhausted by any spiritual fulfilment. We may make an application of them as far as is consistent with the teaching of the epistles; but the interpretation of them belongs to the Person of Christ, and the nation of Israel. That interpretation is pictured for us in the Sign, and in its three constellations.
1. PISCIS AUSTRALIS (The Southern Fish).
The Blessings Bestowed.
This first constellation is one of high antiquity, and its brilliant star of the first magnitude was a subject of great study by the Egyptians and Ethiopians. It is named in Arabic Fom al Haut, the mouth of the fish. There are 22 other stars.
The constellation is inseparable from Aquarius, in connection with which we have shown it in Plate XVIII (above). In the Denderah Zodiac it is called Aar, a stream.
It sets forth the simple truth that the blessings procured by the MAN—the coming Seed of the woman, will be surely bestowed and received by those for whom they are intended. There will be no failure in their communication, or in their reception. What has been purchased shall be secured and possessed.
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.
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.
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