Tag Archives: John

Revelation 10

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Revelation 10: “The Little Book”

John describes an angel that comes down from heaven; “…clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.” (Revelation 10:1) John explains that the angel brought with him a book, or more specifically a ‘little book’. The angel opens the book and immediately “…seven thunders utter their voices…” (Revelation 10:3), John explains that just as he was about to write down what he heard, the angel commanded him to not write any of those things which he had heard! But John explains that; “…in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” (Revelation 10:7)

The Angel then tells John to take the book and to ‘eat it up’, but that when he eats it, it will be sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his belly. So John eats the book and sure enough; sweet in the mouth and bitter in the belly. It is possible that John ‘eating’ the book was him accepting his mission to warn the inhabitants of the earth of these great destructions and while accepting the mission was sweet to him to be chosen for this great calling, but become bitter to him because of what he would see and the pain he knew would come to those who chose not to follow God.

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Revelation 8

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Revelation 8: Destruction in the Last Days

                John describes what he sees when the angel opens the seven seals of the book; “…there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.” (Revelation 8:1-2) and another angel came and stood by the altar, having a gold censer [container of burning incense] and the angel offered prayers on the alter, which made their way up to God. Then angel then took the censer and cast it onto the ground burning, and there were; “…voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and a earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.” (Revelation 8:5)

The Seven Angels Sound their Trumpets

                The First Angel sounded; “…and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass burnt up.” (Revelation :7)

The Second Angel sounded; “…as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea; and a third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures where were in the sea… died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.” (Revelation 8:8-9)

The Third Angel sounded; “…and there fell a great start from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called wormwood… and many men died in the waters, because they were made bitter.” (Revelation 8:10-11)

The Fourth Angel sounded; “…and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them were darkened…” (Revelation 8:12)

“…I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound.” (Revelation 8:13)

The worst hasn’t even arrived from all the trumpets, yet everything is already in chaos, and the angels lament seeing mankind ruin themselves.

Revelation 4

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Revelation 4: The Celestial Earth

                John is called up to heaven, where in the Spirit he sees ‘one’ who sits on a throne like a jasper and roundabout there is a rainbow. Surrounding the thrown are 24 crowned elders, who have their own thrones. Seven lamps burn around the thrones, which represent the seven Spirits of God, the throne itself is like a sea of glass. Near the throne were also four creatures that were full of eyes; one was like a lion, one like a calf, one like and eagle and one like man. All of these creatures proclaimed; “…Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty…” (Revelation 4:8)

 

                In the Doctrine and Covenants we get a better insight into what John wrote;

  • What is the sea of glass spoken of? “It is the earth, in its sanctified immortal, and eternal state.” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:1)
  • What are the four beasts? “They are figurative expressions, used by the Revelator, John, in describing heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man, and of beasts, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air; that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of what which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created.” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:2)
  • Who are the 24 elders? They “…were elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead; who belonged to the seven churches, and were then in the paradise of God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:5)

Galatians 2

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Galatians 2: Contending the True Gospel

Paul goes to Jerusalem (after he had been absent for 14 years) and preaches the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church in Jerusalem had accepted Titus even though he was a uncircumcised Greek. Paul preaches that God favors no one. The leaders in Jerusalem (James, Cephas and John) accept the ministry of Paul and his preaching to the gentiles.

Paul publicly expresses his disapproval of Peter, because he had separated himself from the gentile Christians in that area. Paul has to remind Peter that the Gentiles are justified before God, not in their keeping of the law, but by the works they put forth in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 6

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Acts 6: The Apostles Chose 7 Others

                The number of disciples of the Lord (followers of Christ) multiplied and as the Church grew, some complained that the distributions [the money and goods] were not being handled properly. So Peter and John ask the disciples to give them some names of good men, honest men who they could call and appoint over that duty, so that they might go on teaching about Jesus Christ and Administering in His Church.

                Peter and John call; Stephen, Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas to have the delegation of duties regarding the distribution of the wealth of the Church. These men were set before the Apostles “…and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:6) Here we see that the Power and Authority was given to these men in the same manner that Peter and John had received their Authority from Jesus Christ, meaning that the Authority must come in this manner.

                From this point on… the Church grew and multiplied in Jerusalem. Stephen did man miracles and even preached the Gospel. However, a group called the ‘Libertines’ [Freed-Men] sought to destroy Stephen, because they believe he spoke blasphemies against Moses and against God, because they did not believe in Jesus Christ. The group “…set up false witnesses. Which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:” (Acts 6:13) The council that was over seeing this “trial” could only see Stephen as an angel. Essentially the council could not see the evil that he supposedly had in him. 

Acts 5

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Acts 5: Peter and John Teach of Christ

                Peter and John preach to the people and encourage them to sell their possessions and give them to the church, one man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sell their possessions, but keep some of the proceeds for themselves. Peter asks Sapphira why she was holding back money that belonged to God, and why she was trying to lie about it, for she “…hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” (Acts 5:4) After Peter was done rebuking them, they both fell to the ground dead. Peter and John continue to work mighty miracles and wondrous signs from God, and the people were amazed at their authority. The high priest has Peter and John put into prison again, but an angel frees him.

They are free for a short time, before they are again arrested once more, but Peter boldly stands as witness to the crucified and risen Christ. A Pharisee called Gamaliel advises the council to do nothing, he boldy declares; “…Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5:38-39) Essentially Gamaliel knows that if they really are frauds and do not possess the authority from God, their organization will eventually fail, because men are not perfect. But he warns that if it is of God, and their power and authority is real… the counsel has no power and would be wise to not fight against the Almighty God.

What Gamaliel said is very true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon and everything that Jesus had setup through His servant Joseph Smith is true, and no matter how hard people fight against it and say that it isn’t true… God did establish the church and it will stand throughout all time, until Jesus comes for a second time and reigns King on the earth!

Acts 4

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Acts 4: Peter and John are Arrested

                As Peter and John were teaching the people from the previous chapter, the Sadducees came upon them and laid their hands on them, arresting them. The next day they were put before a tribunal court with Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander and many other leaders to question Peter and John, they asked; “…By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” (Acts 4:7)

Peter, being filled with the Holy Ghost, responded; “…Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole, Be it known to you all, and to all people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.” (Acts 3:8-10) Peter made it very clear that the power or authority, by which they used to heal the man, was from Jesus Christ.

Peter continues; “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

                Peter lays it down as clear as can be; Peter did not heal the man with his own power. No, he healed the man through the power that Jesus Christ had given him. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and only through Him can someone be saved! The counsel marveled at the boldness presented by Peter and John, because they could see that both of them were very humble men that were “…unlearned and ignorant…” (Acts 4:13), yet they marveled that they could indeed speak with such boldness and authority. They wondered what they should do, even asking themselves; “…What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them…” (Acts 4:16)

                The counsel was concerned because some of the people who had seen the miracle believed on Jesus Christ, so instead the counsel threatens Peter and John to no longer talk; “…let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.” (Acts 4:17) But Peter quickly responds in a way that only an Apostle of the Lord would respond; “…Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20) After hearing these words and threatening them further the counsel had no choice to let them go, for they had no case and they feared a backlash from the believers.

After being released, Peter and John offer a prayer to God and ask Him to “…Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” (Acts 4:29) After finishing their prayer the ground shook beneath them and the people there were touched by the Holy Ghost and were assembled as one heart and soul. The people departed of their worldly goods and set them at the feet of the Apostles to help those in need.

Acts 3

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Acts 3: The Restoration of All Things

                Peter and John go up into the Temple together to pray, and on their way in they find a man at the gate of the Temple, which was called Beautiful, and the man was asking for money as he was lame (unable to walk) and Peter and John looked at him and said; “…Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Immediately the man received strength in his feet and ankle bones and walked! The man leaped for joy as he accompanied Peter and John into the temple, many people saw this and wondered in amazement! When Peter saw that everyone was so amazed by this miracle he said; “…Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look so earnestly on us as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our Fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea. The faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3: 12-16)

                Peter asked the people of Israel a very simple question; why did they marvel at the sight of this miracle? After all many had seen Jesus perform these very miracles, yet they wondered how it was possible. Peter chastises them for having killed the Son of God, because in their ignorance they did exactly as their rulers and ancestors before them… they rejected the prophets sent by God and now they had rejected the Son of God, whom was sent by God the Father.

Peter offers the Israelites a way to redeem themselves; “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution [in other words, RESTORATION] of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 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.” (Acts 3:19-23)

                Peter speaks about the Last Days and references that there will be a RESTORATION of ALL THINGS. What are “ALL THINGS”? When Jesus Christ was on the Earth He established His church, but we all know the Head of the Church [Jesus Christ] was killed and His Apostles were shortly thereafter also persecuted and killed [Peter himself being crucified], and with time the Authority that Jesus Christ had bestowed upon them (see Matthew 10:1; “…he gave them power…”) Jesus even told His Apostles that before the Restoration would happen, Elias would have to come; “…Jesus answered them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.” (Matthew 17:11) and we know that Elias will come as a precursor to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself said; “…I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:5-6)

                Just so there is no confusion; Elias is the Greek form of the name Elijah in Hebrew, therefore they are the same person being referred to by the Lord. Before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ a “RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS” needs to happen, and the very start of that Restoration would bring Elijah to restore the kings on man to seal families for eternity. This power was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith who was working as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ Restored His church on the Earth today… The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This
Restoration has already occurred.

Summary of John

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Summary of John

 

John is the last of the four Gospel books in the New Testament, it contains a narrative history, parables and prophetic messages. John tells stories about Jesus Christ, the Twelve Apostles, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Lazarus and the sisters of Mary and Martha as well as Jewish religious leaders and Pontius Pilate.

One of the main reasons the book exists, is to provide everyone with the knowledge of their Savior, Jesus Christ. We know that God gave His Only Begotten Son for us, so that we could have the ability to return to live with our Father in Heaven.

•    Chapter 1: Explains of the Messiah’s coming ministry. John gives clear evidence that Jesus is more than just a man, He is the Son of God “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Jesus is Jehovah, Jehovah is the word and is the God of the Old Testament.

•    Chapters 2-12:  Explain the ministry of Jesus. He meets with a religious leader named Nicodemus and teaches him that no one can enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless they have are personally “…born again…” (John 3:3). Obviously this referring to Baptism and the Covenants you make with God to change your life and become like one of His disciples. Several times throughout the book, Jesus claims that He Himself is the God of the Old Testament (The Son of God the Eternal Father), “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30), which of course refers to their unity as one in Purpose.  Jesus also repeats and applies to Himself, the Jehovaic statement, “I AM” as found in Exodus 3:14, for example, when Jesus declares, “…I am the resurrection, and the life…” (John 11:25), “…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6), “I am the door…” (John 10:9), and “…I am the bread of life…” (6:35).

•     Chapters 13-17: Describes the details of the Last Supper with Jesus and His disciples. Jesus taught many important topics to His Apostles during this time. Some of these were topics about the Kingdom, and about how the Holy Ghost  would be sent to them. He also prays for Himself, His Apostle, and for all the future believers.

• Chapters 18-21: Portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is put on trial and then convicted illegally. He is beaten, humiliated, and then crucified. Jesus resurrected and arose from the tomb and appeared to Mary Magdalene and to His disciples. Upon closing the writing of the Gospel of John, John himself testifies of the great work of Jesus and how the Bible does not contain all of His word:

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books, that should be written, Amen.” (John 10:25)

John 3

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John 3: Jesus Christ

                Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and a Pharisee came to Jesus by night to tell Him that He came from God. Jesus tells Nicodemus that “…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Nicodemus, being puzzled, asks Jesus; “…How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4) Jesus responds; “…Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

                Even after Jesus had explained what being born again meant, Nicodemus was still puzzled at how this could be possible. Jesus tells him that if He were to tell him of earthly things, he would not believe, so Jesus asks him; “…how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12) Jesus goes on to explain that God has a plan and anyone who follows that plan can obtain Eternal Life; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John3:16-17)

After declaring these things, Jesus left with His Apostles to the land of Judaea, where they were baptizing. John was also baptizing in Enon, near Salim; “…because there was much water there…” (John 3:23) During the baptizing, a question arose between the Apostles and the Jews regarding purification during baptism. John tells them; “…A man can receive nothing, except it be given from heaven.” (John 3:27)

So, two things are taught about baptism; one you must have a lot of water, meaning you have to be baptized by immersion. Second, you must have the Authority from God to do the baptism. You cannot receive anything from man, except it be given from heaven first.