The Book of Revelation- (as I understand it)
By Jeff O'Donnell
As I sit here at my computer surrounded by many different Bibles and other religious books I am aware of how little I really know on certain subjects, though I have read the Bible many times. Along with many different types of study helps. I have read Rev. 1:3, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep these things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. And I also take heed to the words written in Rev. 22:18 and 19, where this is written. (18) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part of the book of life and out of the Holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
So, I don't want any of these last two things happening to me, that is for sure. One of the things that I do believe is that my Lord will not hold it against me for trying to help someone understand these scriptures. While not trying to change them or their meaning, by taking things out of them or adding things to them in a way to change their meaning. In one, three inch thick commentary that I have, called Adam Clarke's Commentary, the author writes in one of his opening remarks concerning the book of Revelation, "I do not understand it" So, I don't believe that I can do any better, but with the Holy Spirit's help and guidance I will try to shed some light on some things that I have had some questions on and I have been asked about by others.
Using the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, TCRB, which is a King James Version of the Holy Bible. And notes from Adam Clarke's Commentary, ACC. I will try to answer some different questions. (Last week I tried to shed some light on the meaning behind Rev. 2:17.) This week let's start with Rev. 1:1, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto us His servants: things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified by His angel unto His servant John. (So, let's start with this first verse and lay a solid foundation right from the start and understand what is a Revelation and who this is referring to.) The meaning of the word Revelation in the Webster Dictionary is defined as, the act of revealing or disclosing something. Let's start in the Old Testament.
In the book of David 2:22 it says, He (God) revealeth the deep and secret things; He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth in Him. Amos 3:7, Surely the Lord God will do nothing; but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants' for the servant knoweth not what the lord doeth; but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you (Also read Romans 16:26.) 1 Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written, (the) Eye has not seen, nor (the) ear has heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hat revealed them unto us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all the things, yea, the deep things of God. Ephesians 1:9, Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to the good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself,. (10) That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth. Ephesians 3:5, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets b y the Spirit. Colossians 1:26, Even the mystery which hath been hid from the ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to His saints.
In Adam Clarke's Commentary, ACC, he puts it like this; (The Revelation of Jesus Christ), the word Revelation is where we get our word Apocalypse signifies literally a "revelation" or discovery or what was concealed or hidden." It is here that this revelation, or discovery of hidden things, waws given by God to Jesus Christ, and that Christ gave it to His angel, and that angel showed it to John, and that John sent it to the churches. (Things that must shortly come to pass.) On the mode of interpretation devised by Wetstein, this i plain, for if the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem, and the prophecies in it related to that destruction, and the civil wars among the Romans, which lasted but three or four years, then it might be said the Revelation is of things which must shortly come to pass. But if we consider the book as referring to the state of the church in all ages, the words here and in verse 3 must be understood of the commencement of the events predicted; as if he had said: In a short time the train of these visions will be put in motion.
So, you might wonder why I am writing to you all this. Because there are so many of you out there who have never read the Bible or the book of Revelation and those of you have read it there are a number ofyou who I feel do not understand all that you have read. Even as I read all of the different explanations to the parts of this I realize tht I don't know as much as I should either. Now, again, I will tell you to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open up your mind to understand what the Lord is trying to tell you. Also if you are like me and you feel like we are living in the last days of time, before gthe Lord comes back, then we need to know all we can to prepare for His soon coming. Let's Pray.
Old Coots Giving Advice
By Dan Cooley
Once again, we are proud to present a few tidbits of useful knowledge, guaranteed to amuse and amaze our loyal readers! But before we get started, I have a question on cooking pasta: just how long is MACARONI supposed to stay in the toaster? Speaking of macaroni, I REALLY love me some pasta! Do you know what the guy from Boston said when he asked his minister serve him some spaghetti at the church covered dish supper? ("PASTA PASTA PASTA!") Didja know that Arnold Schwarzenegger's one year old sone just got a job serving spaghetti at Starbucks? (They call him the "PASTA BARISTA BABY!") My wife didn't believe me when I told her that I had made a bicycle out of spaghetti! (You should have seen the look on her face when I rode PASTA!) Of course, everybody remembers that hit song about pasta from "Ghost Busters!" ("I Ain't ALFREDO No Ghost!") Recently, I learned that some folks are attempting to contact people who have PASTAWAY with an Ouija board made out of spaghetti! My favorite pasta is bowtie pasta! It is also known as "Farfalle!" (Which is Italian for "butterfly!") Speaking of bowties, lottsa celebrities are famous for wearing bowties, including FDR, Bill Nye ("The Science Guy"), Humphrey Bogart, Barney Fife, Winston Churchill, Jerry Lewis, Orville Redenbacher, Fred Astaire, Albert Schweitzer, Boo-Boo Bear (Yogi's friend!); Magilla Gorilla, and Huckleberry Hound! Sometimes here at The Mulberry Press, we run across some great ideas to make everyone's life easier! The tip of the day is: if you wear a paisley bowtie, it makes it harder for people ot see any soup stains! this week, my doctor told me that I should exercise more, and suggested that I could try dancing "The Funky Chicken!" (I regret to report that I am now banned from every Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in the county!) Last but not least, here's some NEAT-O late breaking news! My neighbor had to go to court last week regarding his boat dock! (He told me that it wasn't easy finding a jury of his PIERS!) Thanks for reading OLD COOTS GIVING ADVICE! May God Bless!
Spirit Led and Bible Fed
By Joel Evers,
Pastor, Southside Baptist Church
"Shattered Perceptions"
There once was an insignificant piece of gravel in the middle of a busy highway in the province of Ontario, Canada. It was no wonder it didn’t think very highly of itself. People would zoom by it with their cars just like it was a piece of junk that nobody wanted, the force of the wind they created making it roll around the road. Compared to the smooth, black-asphalted highway that people highly regarded as their main travel way, it was completely ignored. If only he could be like…a windshield, yes, a windshield.
As soon as it said this, a vehicle ran over it, and it found itself propelled by the back tire of that car. “I am flying! I am flying!” he exclaimed excitedly. Then it slammed into the windshield of the next car. To its amazement, the windshield that had seemed so strong shattered! Suddenly the piece of gravel didn’t feel so insignificant. It could shatter the mighty!
The words that we speak can be just like that piece of gravel. We think their impact is insignificant. However, the words of criticism, negativity and discouragement that can be propelled from our mouth can make even the mighty crumble. What we say reveals who we really are. It reveals our true personality. It tells others our innermost memories and contemplations. Jesus knew the impact of words and clearly warned us: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37
What do YOUR words tell about you? Listen to yourself today and learn! Are your words always constructive, uplifting, and encouraging? Amen!
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The White Stone
By Jeff O'Donnell
In the book of Revelation, chapter 2, verse 17, it says, "He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; (In this first part, we are to understand that the Lord Jesus is talking to those people who can hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches, Not everyone can hear the Lord speaking to them through the Holy Spirit, unless they have been saved and know what His voice sounds like. Remember the scriptures, John 10:4 and 5, which says, My sheep knows my voice and will follow me, not a stranger. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna (like the manna or food that fell from Heaven that fed the children of Israel while they wondered through the desert after leaving Egypt); and (I) will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving (except) he that receiveth it.
to give you a better understanding of this scripture, I will use the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible first, TCRB, then followed by some notes from Adam Clarke's Commentary, ACC, along with my own comments, JO.
Scriptures to keep in mind on hearing the word. Proverbs 8:34, blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the post of my doors. Proverbs 15:31, The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Ecclesiastes 5:1, Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil. Luke 8:15, But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. James 1:19, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. TCRB. All through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we read over and over again where Jesus tells the people, He who has an ear let him hear; even in the book of Revelation we read it over and over again. So my friends I say unto you, Pray and listen to that small still voice inside of you. Unless that voice is the one telling you to do something evil or breaks one of God's Ten Commandments. JCO.
To him that overcometh, (you have to overcome the evil of this earth and make it into Heaven before you can receive the following, JO), will I (Jesus) will give to eat of the hidden manna, (the manna here is the same manna that came down from Heaven from God and fed the Israelites in the desert when they left Egypt.) It is a constant tradition of the Jews that the Ark of the Covenant, the Tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments written by God on them, Aaron's rod, the holy anointing oil, and the pot of manna were hidden by King Josiah when Jerusalem was taken over by the Chaldeans; and that these things should all be returned in the days of the Messiah. The manna was hidden, but Jesus Christ promises to give it to him that overcomes. Jesus is the Ark, the Oil, the Rod, the Testimony and the Manna, ACC.
And I (Jesus) will give him a white stone, and in the stone is a new name written, which no man knoweth saving (except) he that receiveth it, TCRB. So, you see here that you will receive a new name written on a white stone. When and If you make it into Heaven or you overcome, it is not an automatic gift given, you have to make it to Heaven first, you must be saved. i JO. Now for the significance of the white stone and what that is all about. (Now comments from ACC) It s supposed that by being given the white stone it is meant that you are pardoned or acquitted, and this was the evidence of it. This was a custom observed by judges of ancient times. If they were given a white stone they were acquitted of their crime. If they were given a black stone then they were not and they received their just punishment. (In this commentary there are a number of other examples, pretty much with the same meaning.)
So you see here, that if and when you get to Heaven, you will receive a white stone signifying that you were forgiven of your sins or saved, and you will receive a new name, because you were adopted into the family of God as one of His children, Praise God. Now you can really sing that old Hymn, "There's a New Name Written Down in Heaven and it'd Mine, Oh, Yes It's Mine." JO.
(Further scriptures to back this up.) Isaiah 56:5, Even unto them I will give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 62:2, And the Gentiles shall see the righteousness, and all the kings thy glory and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Acts 11:26, and when he found him he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with with the church, and they taught many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Revelation 3:12. Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple f my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of Heaven from my God: which I will write upon him my new name. TCRB.
I hope that you read all of this and have learned something that you did not know before this. May God Bless Yu and keep you and that you will receive a white stone and a new name. Let's Pray.
Old Coots Giving Advice
By Dan Cooley
It is always an honor to be able to report on some of the interesting wildlife that we have hereouts! It dawned on me that the first and second place winners of the recent Mulberry Press "Family Favorite" recipe contest both included POSSUMS as the guest of honor! It was a close call for the judges, but they finally decided that "POSSUM Stroganoff" was just to good a treat to beat for the number one spot! (The traditional "Polk County Seven Course Dinner" of a POSSUM and a six-pack was number two!) Didja know that a pound of POSSUM meat had 241% of your R.D.A. for protein? Country music fans may recall that George Jones was nicknamed "POSSUM!" A favorite menu item of President Taft was baked POSSUM! I was amazed to learn recently that a POSSUM has fifty teeth (More than any other North American mammal!) A many of our loyal readers may recall, baby POSSUMS are called "Joeys", momma POSSUMS are called "Jills", and daddy POSSUMS are called "Jacks!" A group of POSSUMS is called a "Passel!" (by the way, POSSUMS are related to kangaroos and koalas!) OOPS! I nearly forgot to mention that POSSUMS are a BIG help in controlling snakes, rodents, and insects! By the way POGO the POSSUM was one of everybody's favorite carton critters back in the day! (Youbetcha, he was one AWESOME POSSUM!) Of course, we all know that the world POSSUM capital is Wausau, Florida! Last but not least, Editor Bill Histed's favorite menu item is HIMALAYAN POSSUM! (So-called because HIMALAYAN in the road when the chef found him!) Thanks for reading OLD COOTS GIVING ADVICE! May God Bless
Barb's Column
By Barbara Capps
"Years Gone By"
This month of August will be eight years since Mr. Capps passed away. I thought of the many holidays and birthdays...the only day he did not miss was Christmas.
Back when he was first working, there were not stores like now. And when he got off from work, many years ago, everything was closed. later, you could get flowers and a cake at Seven-Eleven. Later he would get flowers and a card and leave these on the kitchen counter for me to find at breakfast because he was gone by 5 in the morning.
Before this, one morning I found a paper towel from his work. On this towel was the verse, "Roses are red and violets are blue and I love you. Your loving husband."
I have that paper towel in a box that has things of great value to me from him and the children.
I miss my husband. This August, he would have been 78 years old.
Spirit Led and Bible Fed
By Joel Evers,
Pastor, Southside Baptist Church
"God's Glory"
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork."
I read a story recently that hit home.... A man had a mountain cabin that he had inherited from his Dad, who inherited from his Dad, etc. There was one "Cabin Rule" that had been posted for several generations. At sunset, everyone stopped whatever they were doing, and walked out on to the porch to watch. Hmmm...
We just had out family beach vacation a few weeks ago. our unit opened up onto the beach. About an hour before sunset every evening, people would start to gather on the sand. Beach chairs were placed strategically. They were all waiting for the sunset. Sort of a "Beach Rule"!
Every evening, at sunset, wherever we happen to be, beachside or mountaintop, it happens. The heavens declare God's glory! Even now that we are back home, the sunset paints a beautiful picture in the sky. It got me thinking...
The night sky with its innumerable stars declares God's glory. The sun in its daily brilliance declares God's glory. The clouds are His handywork. The birds flying by are His handywork. If we will just look up, we will see it!
And, one day, maybe while we are looking up, enjoying the heavenly view, seeing the glory of the Lord, we will experience the ultimate glory of God. The ultimate display of His handywork.
The songwriter Julia Ward Howe wrote it like this..."Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!" Wow! What if we were looking up at the skies, enjoying the glory of the Lord in His creations and handywork and say Jesus returning for us!!! Talk about glory!!!
Amen!!!
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Mulberry, FL 33860
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Can you Hear and Can you See?
By Jeff O'Donnell
When I was a boy growing up, I remember hearing these words often, "Are you listening to me, or Do you hear me?" I am sure that most, if not all of you have heard some adult say that to you at some point in your life. Or, what about, "Do you see what I am saying to you?" Or, "Do you see what I am trying to show you, or do yo see what I mean?" I am pretty sure that everyone of us has heard these words, or we have said them ourselves to someone. Anyone who has taught a class of any sort, or who lectured on a subject for any length of time has probably used at least one of these questions trying to make sure the ones being taught understands what is being taught, or is following along with the instructor. The questions are not always asked in a way to try and find out if you are following along, but sometimes are just asked to get their attention. And it may, or may not surprise you that the same question is asked by god and by the Lord Jesus. Let me give you a few scriptures for proof.
In Matthew 11:15, Jesus says, "He who has ears let him hear." This is repeated in the following scriptures; Matthew 13:9, and verse 43. And in Mark 4:23, Jesus said, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." And Jesus said the same thing in Luke 14:35. And Revelation 2:7.
All throughout the Bible, and more so throughout the New Testament, it is written for us to Open our Spiritual eyes and ears, to be able to see and hear what the Lord and the Holy Spirit wants to show and tell us.
I know that in my own life the Holy Ghost has told me things and has guided me in ways that have helped me and others when I had no idea what to do or say. I was just following the lead of the Holy Spirit. Here are a few more scriptures that I want to share with you . (I feel like I am being led through this message as well.) In Nehemiah 9:20, Nehemiah was talking to God and said, Thou gavest also they good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not they manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Luke 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.
John 14:26 says, But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring them to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 1 Corinthians 2:13, Which things we also speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual. 1 John 2:27 says, But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing that teacheth you of all things, and is truth and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, yea shalll abide in Him.
I can't imagine going through life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, especially since I have had His love, care and guidance all these years. Remember my friends, the Lord is no respecter of persons, what He does for one, He will do for another. So, by now some of you may not be sure of the point in which I am trying to get across to you. The thing that I want you to understand is this, If the Lord can fill a nobody like me, and use me in this world, then He can also use you, if you will let Him and be obedient and faithful to Him. Listen to that small, still, voice inside of you, step out in faith believing and see what He will do in your life too.
I believe we are in the last days of our existence on this earth, before the Lord's return. Please read the first three chapters of the book of Revelation. Ask the Lord for His guidance and help to understand what He is trying to get across to us. the different churches that the Lord is talking to in these scriptures is a representation of the different churches of today. And we will be judged just as they were. God Bless you all and I pray that you'll open your hearts and minds, and let the Holy Ghost come into your life and guide you. Let's Pray.
Old Coots Giving Advice
By Dan Cooley
Well, the bad news is that I took the wrong medications today! (The good news is that I will not have fleas or heartworms for three months!); Yes, friends, it has been a bit warm hereabouts lately! However, it is FLORIDA and it is SUMMER! (If it was NOT hot, things would be just a little out of whack!) It is now time for me to get out my earmuffs! (Not because me ears are cold, but because I am tired of hearing everyone say, "It's not the heat, it's the HUMIDITY!") The National Weather Service has just published their new recipe on how to bake lasagna in your mailbox! Where do cows go for their Summer vacation? (MOO-YORK CITY!) What causes dry skin after being in a swimming pool? (That would be a TOWEL!) Where do bees go on their Summer vacation? (Stingapore!) When do you go at red and stop at green? (When you are eating watermelon!) Where do eggs go on their Summer vacation? (NEW YOLK CITY!) What kind of shoes do frogs wear when they go to the beach in the Summer? (OPEN TOAD SANDALS!) You know it is a little on the warm side when you can use your mailbox as a toaster oven! What's brown, hairy and wears sunglasses? (A coconut on his Summer vacation!) Where do hamsters go on their Summer vacation? (HAMSTERDAM!) And in late breaking news, it seems that an ice cream truck has just had an accident not far from the office of The The Mulberry Press! (It crashed on a ROCKY ROAD!) Thanks for reading OLD COOTS GIVING ADVICE! May God Bless!