TL;DR
[Too Long; Didn't Read]
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"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" Eccl 3:1
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" Eccl 3:1
"making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" Eph 5:16
When I initially started the Sheepfold, I had planned to keep all my Bible study articles short and easy to read. Well, I failed. Apparently, when I dig into a Bible topic, I'm like a honey badger. (So says my wife!) Many of my articles run to ten pages or more. As an alternative, I've decided to prepare short summaries of the articles, so busy individuals like you can grasp each article's key points in under a minute. However, if you see something interesting and want to dig deeper into the Bible verses and the logic, the full article is still available. I hope these summaries are useful.
The article examines the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human free will in the process of salvation, drawing on the biblical framework of being called, chosen, and faithful, as found in Rev 17:14.
1. Called — God invites groups or individuals according to His grace and purposes. Jesus illustrated this through the Parable of the Wedding Feast. People can ignore, reject, or accept this call, showing that free will is involved.
2. Chosen (Elect) — From among the called, God sovereignly selects those who meet His conditions of repentance and faith. The Parable of the Wedding Feast continues with the guest lacking proper garments, symbolizing false or superficial responses to the invitation. Being “chosen” emphasizes that salvation is God’s decision, not earned by works but granted through His mercy.
3. Faithful — Even the chosen must remain steadfast. The Holy Spirit guarantees salvation, but believers are still free to reject their faith. Thus, faithfulness requires personal responsibility—holding fast to Christ forever.
The article concludes that salvation is a dynamic interplay between God’s sovereignty and our free will.
The article argues that discussions on the Rapture's timing are often overly complex; therefore, it focuses on just a few key biblical points for clarification. It states that there are only two resurrections. The "first resurrection," which occurs with the Rapture, occurs post-tribulation, as it includes the rapture of saints who endured persecution without taking the mark of the beast. But the rapture must also happen before the Lamb’s wrath and God's wrath are fully unleashed. Therefore, the rapture is expected shortly before the end of Daniel’s 70th week, possibly only 45 days before the end, based on the Book of Daniel.
The article examines the biblical friendship between Jonathan (King Saul's son) and David, describing it as exceptionally close yet unusual given their significant age gap—Jonathan was at least 24 years older than David, according to various scriptural references. This suggests that Jonathan was in his forties when he met David after David slew Goliath. It also highlights that their bond, where "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David," was something other than a relationship between teenage peers. Instead, their dynamic resembled that of a father-son relationship or a mentorship, given the significant generational difference.
The article explores the biblical account in Daniel of King Nebuchadnezzar’s period of madness, diagnosed as zoanthropy (a condition where a person believes themselves to be an animal). While secular history does not directly mention his illness, there is a six-year gap (594–589 BC) in the Babylonian Chronicles during which no activities by Nebuchadnezzar are recorded. The article reconciles these six years with the “seven periods of time” mentioned by Daniel.
The analysis connects this timing to other biblical events:
Zedekiah’s visit to Babylon, mentioned by Jeremiah, where he may have learned of the king’s condition, sparking his plans for rebellion.
Hananiah’s false prophecy, recorded by Jeremiah, that God had broken the yoke of the king of Babylon, could have been influenced by news of Nebuchadnezzar’s illness.
Nebuchadnezzar’s 3-4 year delay in punishing Zedekiah for his rebellion would be consistent with Nebuchadnezzar’s debilitation.
Understanding the timing of Nebuchadnezzar’s mental illness provides historical context for the above Biblical events, and also highlights God’s providence.
The article addresses the foundational Christian belief that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. I relate my early struggles with this doctrine and present scriptural evidence supporting Christ’s divinity.
1. Old Testament texts referring to God are applied to Jesus in the New Testament.
2. Jesus knowingly and repeatedly accepted worship, whereas angels and apostles refused it.
3. Jesus exercised powers that were unique to God.
4. Jesus shares God’s exclusive titles.
5. Jesus claimed divinity.
6. Jesus shares God’s divine attributes.
7. Jesus is explicitly called God in Scripture.
The article concludes that recognizing Jesus as fully divine is central to Christian faith and deepens the believer’s relationship with him.
The article explores what it means for people to be created “in the image of God.” It emphasizes that this image reflects God’s personality and emotions. Recognizing that we were made in God’s image provides us with insight into who God is. For example, just as Adam experienced loneliness, God can experience loneliness, which is why he values and seeks a relationship with his people.
The article also explores the significance of God’s name “Jealous.” It highlights how the meaning of this word has been corrupted over the years, distorting our understanding of who God is. Looking at the original definition is enlightening and reveals God’s powerful love for us.
The article emphasizes that the purpose of Bible study is to know God more deeply—to understand His character, what pleases him, and how he wants us to live. Reading and studying your Bible is a lifelong process, like peeling layers of an onion, revealing new insights with each reading.
Key Points:
Begin with the New Testament, specifically the Gospel of John.
Focus on understanding what you read, not just on speed or quantity.
Use reliable commentaries. The article suggests two tests for reliability.
Pay attention to context—Who is speaking? Who is being addressed? What is the setting?
Use cross-references and recognize that the Old and New Testaments can illuminate one another.
Accept the plain meaning of Scripture before seeking symbolic interpretations.
Keep notes and questions for future study.
The article offers guidance on understanding Jesus’ parables.
The article also provides several advanced Bible study techniques.
How many years passed between Joseph's arrival in Egypt and the Exodus? The short answer is 237 years. The article details the underlying math based entirely on Scriptural references.
Jeremiah began prophesying about 60 years after Isaiah and Hosea. Ezekiel prophesied after Jeremiah, but there was an approximate six-year overlap between their ministries. However, Jeremiah was in Jerusalem, while Ezekiel was in captivity in Babylon.
This article covers the period from about 1000 BC to 400 BC. It highlights interesting information about the Kings of Israel and Judah, and also covers the time of Esther. It focuses on the many connections between the Bible and secular history.
Jacob and Esau were about 97 years old when they reconciled. The Bible doesn't say this directly, but it is possible to determine their age mathematically using only information from the Bible.
This article includes several historical observations regarding Biblical characters who lived from about 2300 BC to 900 BC, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and David.
This article gleans several interesting observations from a Biblical perspective for the period from about 4000 BC to 2300 BC. It also examines whether other people existed outside the Garden of Eden at the time of Adam and Eve.
The article addresses the universal question of “Why do people suffer?” Using the Book of Job as a guide, it identifies ten causes of suffering.
1. Judgment for sin
2. Children affected by parents’ sins
3. Foolish actions
4. Chastening by the Lord for correction
5. Trials to reveal faults and perfect our faith
6. Natural consequences of sin
7. Negative actions by other people
8. Circumstances beyond our control
9. To glorify God and fulfill his purposes
10. Direct attacks by Satan
The story highlights the failure of Job’s three friends, who wrongly insisted that his suffering must be a punishment for sin or the result of foolish actions. A fourth friend, Elihu, broadened their perspective, noting additional reasons for suffering. Finally, God himself speaks, correcting Job and his three friends, leading Job to repent and be restored.
The article concludes that while knowing biblical causes of suffering can provide perspective, the most critical response to those in pain is compassion, not platitudes. Comfort and empathy should come first; understanding may come later.
The article examines who will inhabit Christ’s Millennial Kingdom. Scripture depicts nations and peoples flocking to Jerusalem for worship, raising the question of who these survivors will be.
The apostles and saints will be there in their glorified bodies, including:
Christians resurrected at the Rapture
Old Testament saints
Living Christians transformed at the Rapture
In addition, those Jews who survive the Tribulation will be there in their natural bodies. But who are all of the Gentiles in natural bodies coming to Jerusalem to pay homage to God? The article proposes that they are the righteous sheep separated from the goats by Jesus, as described in Matthew chapter 25. They are the people who showed kindness to Israel during the Tribulation, and are therefore blessed in accordance with God’s covenant with Abraham. They are granted entry and eternal life, having been justified like Rahab for their acts of faith.
Based solely on scriptural references and some math, this article calculates that Jacob was ninety-one years old when Joseph was born.
When is the Rapture? or the Trouble with Tribbles {Trigger Warning - This is for advanced study only.}
When is the Rapture? or the Trouble with Tribbles {Trigger Warning - This is for advanced study only.}
This article examines the timing of the Rapture in relation to the Tribulation. It observes that a 3½-year period of intense persecution of believers will occur in the latter half of Daniel’s 70th week. It advocates for a "Post-Trib, Pre-Wrath" view: Jesus returns immediately after the 3½ years of persecution to rapture his elect, including martyrs who refused the Beast's mark. This precedes the wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of God, a 45-day time of "Great Tribulation" brought about by the judgments from the Seven Trumpets and Seven Bowls. The piece closes with Paul’s encouragement that believers should find hope and strength in the promise that when Christ returns, the faithful will be gathered to him forever.
The article dates the Book of Amos to two years before a major earthquake that occurred during the overlapping reigns of Judah's King Uzziah (790–739 BC) and Israel's King Jeroboam II (793–753 BC). The earthquake is estimated to have occurred around 760 BC, suggesting that Amos prophesied circa 762 BC, which aligns with the reigns of King Uzziah and King Jeroboam II.
This article reflects on 1 Corinthians 12, where the Apostle Paul describes a variety of gifts, ministries, and activities that empower believers for the common good of the church. It highlights the mathematical beauty of God’s order, noting that each category contains nine elements (3×3), forming a pattern of divine perfection.
Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Nine Services/Ministries of the Son:
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers, service (deacons), exhorters (preachers/counselors), generous givers, those showing mercy.
Nine Activities of the Father:
Resurrection, protection, provision, answering prayer, foreknowledge, calling, adoption, discipline, honor.
Together, these total 27 (3×3×3), which represents “divine perfection cubed.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each operate uniquely yet harmoniously, equipping and sustaining the church for its mission.
Is man born with body, soul and spirit, or does the spirit come later after regeneration? - Answer posted on Quora
Is man born with body, soul and spirit, or does the spirit come later after regeneration? - Answer posted on Quora
The article explains that humans are born with a body, soul, and spirit, but because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, the spirit is effectively “dead.” When Adam sinned, his spirit died, severing his connection to God. All of his descendants inherit both physical and spiritual death, but being "born again" revives the spirit and restores the relationship with God.
Why did God create the tree in front of humans if He wants them not to eat the forbidden fruit? - Answer posted on Quora
Why did God create the tree in front of humans if He wants them not to eat the forbidden fruit? - Answer posted on Quora
This brief article examines why God placed the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, which allowed Adam and Eve a choice. It argues that God could have prevented sin without violating their free will by removing either the tree or the serpent, but chose not to in order to perfect Adam and Eve. Despite their initial innocence, both had serious character flaws. When confronted by God about their disobedience, Adam blamed Eve and God. In contrast, Eve blamed the serpent and claimed she was deceived as an excuse, revealing that neither Adam nor Eve was willing to accept responsibility for their actions.
The article outlines the seven key biblical financial principles, showing how God’s wisdom applies to money, stewardship, and contentment. It emphasizes that economic success is not mechanical—God may use financial struggles to shape our character—and that balance, wisdom, and obedience to God must guide financial decisions.
The Seven Principles:
1. Acknowledge God – Put God first, recognizing that wealth and blessings come from him. Proper priorities (God, family, work, rest, others) bring order to finances and our lives.
2. Contentment – Avoid love of money; be satisfied in all circumstances. Both wealth and poverty without contentment can lead to spiritual dangers.
3. Diligence – Work hard, budget wisely, save consistently, rest regularly, and pray faithfully.
4. Stewardship – Manage God’s resources responsibly through budgeting, saving, avoiding waste, and prioritizing family needs.
5. Investing – Save regularly, diversify, avoid reckless speculation, and seek wise counsel.
6. Giving and Tithing – Tithing is mandatory and protects against financial loss. Giving generously to the poor brings God’s blessing.
7. Debt – Avoid unnecessary debt, especially for depreciating assets. Acceptable debt includes mortgages and business investments, provided they are managed wisely. Never co-sign loans; instead, make a gift of what you can afford.
Applying these principles will improve financial health and honor God. And, above all, believers must remain humble and not forget God when prosperity comes their way.
Based solely on information provided by Scripture and some math, Reuben was about 63 years old when his father, Jacob, died.
The article explores the biblical account of the Magi visiting Jesus and identifies the “Star of Bethlehem” as a series of celestial events involving the planet Jupiter. Drawing on historical records, prophecies from Daniel, and astronomical data from approximately 3 to 2 BC, the study highlights key conjunctions of Jupiter with Venus and the star Regulus, which the Magi interpreted as signs of a new king in Israel. The timing suggests the Magi likely traveled from Babylon and arrived in Jerusalem in December of 2 BC. At this point, Jesus was a young child living in a house, not an infant in a manger. Ultimately, the study concludes that December 25th, while not Jesus’ birthdate, marks the day the Magi presented their gifts, which is why it became the origin of the Christian tradition of gift-giving to celebrate the birth of Christ.
This article explores God’s desire to establish a personal relationship with his people. From the Garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve, to the examples of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, we see that God values walking and talking with his people as a friend. Israel, however, often resisted this closeness, preferring intermediaries (priests, kings, and prophets) over a direct relationship with God.
The story continued into the New Testament, where God became flesh and dwelt among his people in a way that allowed him to fully experience a close, personal relationship with them. Jesus called His disciples friends, enjoyed their fellowship, and taught that eternal life is about knowing God personally. Even his most significant act of love—laying down his life—was done for his friends.
The story that began in Genesis with God walking with Adam and Eve will reach fulfillment at the end of the Book of Revelation, when God will personally and permanently dwell with his people.
This article examines what the Bible teaches about judging others and contrasts Jesus’ and Paul’s instructions with the behavior of many Christians and churches today. It begins with a Barna Group study showing that most Christians exhibit Pharisee-like attitudes rather than Christ-like compassion, contributing to the widespread perception that the church is judgmental.
Jesus emphasized self-examination over criticizing others, compassion over condemnation, and refraining from judging those outside the church. Paul reinforced this by urging church leaders to correct sin within the church but not to judge outsiders. He stressed restoration with gentleness, unity without judgment among believers, and public accountability for leaders who persist in sin. James further clarified that God alone is the ultimate judge.
The article concludes that Christians should prioritize humility, compassion, and reconciliation over judgment. Instead of pointing out others’ faults, believers should focus on living blamelessly, being a light to the world, and sharing the message of reconciliation through Christ. Hypocrisy and judgment drive people away, while love and a good example draw them toward God.
The article explains the timeline and sequence of events in Daniel’s 70th Week, often referred to as the “Tribulation.” The article focuses on aligning the prophecies in Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospels, showing how they interconnect to form a seven-year framework.
Key Points:
1. Daniel’s Prophecy provides the high-level structure identifying the beginning, middle, and end of the 70th Week.
2. The first 3½ years are the period of the rising power of the Antichrist, with wars, famine, and destruction as the Antichrist consolidates power. This period is described as the “Wrath of Man,” a time of human conflict and suffering.
3. The second 3½ years are the period of persecution and tribulation. The Antichrist breaks his covenant of peace, and the persecution of saints begins. Satan is cast down to earth and joins the Antichrist in oppressing believers. This is also when the two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days. This period is described as the “Wrath of Satan.”
4. Final Judgments and Victory occur near the end of the seven years. Celestial signs signal the return of Christ, and the rapture of believers occurs as Jesus appears in the heavens. Then the “Wrath of the Lamb” begins with the opening of the seventh seal and the release of the trumpet judgments. This is immediately followed by the “Wrath of God” through the bowl judgments.
5. Armageddon completes the cycle of judgments at the end of the seven years. Jesus returns to earth with his heavenly armies, defeats the world’s armies, and casts the Beast and False Prophet into the lake of fire. Satan is bound for 1,000 years, and the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah begins.
The article reflects on the life of the prophet Elijah, highlighting his great power and boldness—calling down fire from heaven and defeating the prophets of Baal. Yet, after these triumphs, Elijah succumbed to fear, exhaustion, and despair when threatened by Jezebel.
God sought to help Elijah by showing him an alternative to his usual dramatic displays of power, that there was also power to be drawn from a quiet intimacy with God—symbolized by the “low whisper” from God. However, Elijah resisted, clinging to his fiery, violent approach. Because Elijah refused to change, God appointed Elisha as his successor, signaling it was “time to get a new Elijah.” Elijah’s later actions confirmed his unwillingness to embrace change, as he continued to call down fire on people. God eventually took him to heaven, leaving Elisha to continue the prophetic mission in a new direction.
The article concludes with a lesson: Either we let God change us, or he will find someone else to do the job.
The seven levels of forgiveness - Part 1
This teaching (Part 1 and Part 2) provides guidance to Christians when confronted with the decision to forgive someone. It presents forgiveness as a seven-level progression, moving from situations that require unconditional forgiveness to situations where forgiveness is conditional on actions by the offending person. As explained in the article, the Biblical guidance for each stage is primarily designed to help and protect the victim.
Levels 1–4 (Unconditional): These involve forgiveness for the benefit of the one offended, without requiring anything in return from the offender.
1. Love – Loving both neighbors and enemies, following God’s example.
2. Wrath & Malice – Releasing desires for revenge, leaving justice to God.
3. Anger – Acknowledging but controlling anger, not letting it lead to sin.
4. Bitterness – Uprooting lingering resentment that poisons life and relationships.
Levels 5–7 (Conditional): These depend on the offender’s repentance and change, ensuring that any forgiveness does not enable ongoing abuse.
5. Fellowship – Requires repentance; one need not continue a close relationship without a change by the offending person.
6. Restoration – Requires repentance, confession, and, when possible, restitution as a sign of accountability.
7. Trust – Requires repentance, confession, restitution, and proven faithfulness over time.
Forgiveness can be both unconditional and conditional, depending on the situation. The first four levels heal the heart of the offended, while the last three guard against future abuse by requiring the offender to take accountability and make changes.
This article examines evidence suggesting that the Great Flood of Noah’s time was a real, historical event, albeit limited to a regional catastrophe rather than a global one. While Genesis 7–8 describes a massive flood, biblical language referring to the “whole earth” often refers to just the known world. Scientific, archaeological, historical, and even Biblical evidence indicate that the entire planet was not submerged.
While two main regions are proposed as possible locations for this regional flood, the primary focus is on the region between the Black and Caspian Seas, particularly near the Ararat Mountains. Geological evidence indicates that a catastrophic flooding event occurred in this area when the Mediterranean Sea breached the Bosporus, rapidly filling the Black Sea. The article suggests that this event, combined with heavy rainfall and even a possible asteroid impact, could account for the devastation described in the Genesis account.
This article examines the “Seven Thunders” of Revelation chapter 10. Despite the fact that what the Seven Thunders said was sealed, it explores the possible content by taking into account that what they said occurred within the Seven Trumpet Judgments as part of the Wrath of the Lamb and by considering what is missing from these judgments.
The article proposes that what is missing is judgment on corrupt and abusive people within the church itself, who ignored Christ’s warnings. The Seven Thunders may represent God’s announcements of these judgments, which the angel sealed because they would have been too discouraging for early believers to hear in advance. Ultimately, the Seven Thunders may signal a time when Christ “settles all family business,” holding even church leaders accountable for abuse, exploitation, and failure to protect the flock.
Jesus' final week intro
This article addresses the supposed contradictions in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final week, particularly regarding the Last Supper and the timing of Passover. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) present the Last Supper as a Passover meal. In contrast, John’s Gospel places the Last Supper before Passover, with Jesus’ crucifixion occurring on the day before Passover.
The article explores how recently discovered information about the Essenes, an ancient Jewish sect and writers of the Dead Sea Scrolls, helps resolve these “discrepancies.” The Dead Sea Scrolls suggest that the Essenes adhered to a 364-day calendar, which consistently placed the start of Passover on a Tuesday evening. This means Jesus was able to celebrate Passover with his disciples in the Essene Quarter of Jerusalem on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Gospel of John, using the Judean calendar, placed the start of Passover on Thursday evening of that week.
The final timeline:
Tuesday evening: The Last Supper, Essene Passover, and Jesus' arrest.
Wednesday: Peter’s denial, Sanhedrin trial (first stage).
Thursday: Final judgment at the Sanhedrin trial (second stage), Jesus sent to Pilate, crucifixion, and burial. Passover in the evening.
Friday: Special Sabbath (first day of Unleavened Bread).
Saturday: Weekly Sabbath.
Sunday: Resurrection.
Why did Judas betray Jesus? (It's not what you think.)
The article suggests that Judas’s betrayal of Jesus cannot be explained solely by his greed. While Judas had a love of money and was known to steal from the disciples’ funds, the thirty pieces of silver he received were not a fortune, and it was less than what he could have taken from the common moneybag. Instead, Judas’s disillusionment grew because Jesus was not seeking earthly wealth or power, but was instead teaching self-denial, generosity to the poor, and even foretelling his own death.
The triggering incident for Judas occurred when Mary anointed Jesus with expensive ointment at a dinner in Bethany. Judas rebuked her for wasting what could have been sold, but Jesus publicly defended Mary and rebuked Judas. This humiliation, combined with a perceived personal financial “loss” and wounded pride, pushed Judas over the edge. Satan exploited Judas’s anger, greed, and desire for revenge, leading him to strike a deal with the chief priests.
Judas rationalized his betrayal as compensation for what he felt he had lost, as revenge for being shamed, and possibly even as a means to push Jesus to reveal his kingly power. Ultimately, Judas’s fall illustrates how greed, pride, and anger create opportunities for Satan’s manipulation.
The article examines historical and biblical evidence to determine the year of Jesus’ death. It begins with Luke’s account of John the Baptist’s ministry, dating its start to 27 AD based on several historical references in Luke chapter 3. From there, it traces Jesus’ baptism, ministry, and the three Passover feasts mentioned in the Gospel of John. This points to the timeframe in which Jesus died during the Passover week in 30 AD. Herod Agrippa’s death in 44 AD further confirms the timeline, as it, combined with references in Acts and Galatians, gives a time for Paul’s conversion as 30 AD, eliminating later dates for Jesus’ death. Additional evidence comes from the Gospel of John, where the Jews claim the temple had been under construction for 46 years at the time of Jesus’ first Passover. This places the first Passover of his ministry in 28 AD, with the third Passover then occurring in 30 AD.
The article examines historical and biblical evidence to estimate the actual date of Jesus’ birth, noting first that he was not born on December 25 of the year 0 AD, since there was no “year zero” and December 25th is related to the arrival of the Magi (wise men), not Jesus’ birth.
Key historical timeline points of interest allow us to narrow the possible dates for Jesus’ birth, including:
Herod’s death: Recent research suggests Herod died in 1 BC, and the Gospel of Matthew indicates that Jesus was born during Herod’s reign
Roman census: Luke’s account refers to an oath of obedience ordered by Caesar Augustus in 3 BC, not the later census under Quirinius in 6 AD. This further narrows the possible timeline, suggesting that Jesus’ birth occurred in 3 BC.
An angel appears to the shepherds in the fields: Seasonal agricultural patterns indicate flocks would be in the fields between June and October.
John the Baptist’s birth: Since John was six months older than Jesus, and the Gospel of Luke links John’s conception to the schedule of his father’s priestly service, Jesus’ birth would have occurred in September.
This timing also coincides with the Feast of Tabernacles in late September 3 BC, which would explain why “there was no place for them in the inn.” The article concludes that Jesus was most likely born September 24–25, 3 BC, during the Feast of Tabernacles. This date also aligns with Jesus starting his ministry when he was “about thirty.”
** Timeline Charts **
These Old Testament timelines represent a year-by-year chronology of Biblical events from Adam to Esther. Dates and time frames are based on the English Standard Version of the Bible, which uses the Masoretic Old Testament text. Whenever possible, I have matched the dates of these Biblical events with those recorded in secular history, such as Egyptian dynasties, conquering kings, and dates of significant battles. The reassuring feature of these Old Testament timelines is that every date-related event recorded in the Bible fits into this chronology, and there are no conflicts with anything in Scripture.
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