Names GOD is called, reveal HIS Nature.

The bible teaches very clearly that there is ONE GOD (Godhood), consisting of three equal but separate persons. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The three all share the same attributes and are ONE in everything - thought, purpose, plan, nature, power.

We are going to look at God’s nature as revealed in His name(s).

Introduction to Names.

There was a time when a surname (to put a name upon),
meant something – Proverbs 22:1; Barnabas, Acts 4:36; 10:5.
Psalms 9:10 – “They that know thy name will put their trust in Thee.”
1 Kings 8:27 – The heavens cannot contain God – much less one name describe God.

1). EL – a common name used for deity A generic term which express authority, strength, majesty. (ie: Israel = “Prince of God”; Immanuel = “God with us”)

2). ELOHIM – (EL, mighty one + to swear; to make a covenant with).
Strength (Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God (ELOHIM)”; power, keeps promises, creates, governs.
Plural in form, always takes singular verb (unless it refers to heathen
“gods” – 1 Samuel 4:8).
Note: Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Genesis 1 and 2, clear that ONE GOD has all power. Found 2570 times – 30 in Genesis 1; over 200 times in Genesis.

3). EL-ELYON – denotes Israel’s God = Most High God.
Genesis 14:17-20; distinguishes from pagan gods.

4). EL-ROI – denotes God who sees; Genesis 16:13 – Hagar used.
Exodus 3:7 – an example; Lesson: Jeremiah 13:22 – God sees all sin.
Habakkuk 1:13 – of purer eyes than to behold evil. Jeremiah 7:15.

5). EL-SHADDAI – “Almighty” in English bible. To supply, nourish. Esp to the Patriarchs – Genesis 17:1, 8, 15, 22. Genesis 49: 24-25 – no matter what the need, God could meet them. Lesson: Matthew 11:28-30.

6). ADONAI – “Master” or “Lord”. Plural of ADON. Psalms 110:1 – God and refers to Christ, Acts 2:34 f. So, Jehovah speaks to Christ.
Lesson: Today, Christ – Acts 9:5, 20:24; 1 Timothy1:12; Romans 6:16.

7). ROCK – firm nature, steadfast. A safe retreat – Psalms 94:22. Lesson:
the church built on Christ – Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11.

8). FATHER – denotes begetter, sustainer, nourisher, protector.
Genesis 45:8; Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 9:6; 63:16; 64:8. Lesson: Jesus reveals the Father – John 14:7, 9,f.

9). JEHOVAH – “the Existing One” (from YAHWEH). 6,823 times – more than any other. First in Genesis 2:4, combined JEHOVAH and ELOHIM. “To BE” – changeless. Exodus 3:14 – “I AM that I AM”. Self existent, sufficient, Immutable – Malachi 3:6. Lesson: Jesus = I AM. John 8:58; Revelation 1: 4,8,17; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13.
Since Jesus is the “I AM”, we have assurance of our covenant.

Now we will look at compound names of God.

1). JEHOVAH – JIREH = “JEHOVAH will Provide”. Genesis 22:14.
New Testament, John 1:29.

2). JEHOVAH – TSIDKENU = “JEHOVAH our Righteousness”, Jeremiah 33:16. New Testament – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4.

3). JEHOVAH – SHALOM = “JEHOVAH is our Peace”, Judges 6:24.
New Testament – Ephesians 2:14; John 14:27.

4). JEHOVAH – ROHI = “JEHOVAH is my Shepard”, lead, pasture, Psalms 23. New Testament - 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; John 10:14-15; Hebrews 13:20.

5). JEHOVAH – SHAMMAH = “JEHOVAH is there”, Ezekiel 48:35;
New Testament – Matthew 1:23; 28:20;

6). JEHOVAH – NISSI = “JEHOVAH is my Banner”, Exodus 17:9-16.
New Testament - theme of Revelation 17:14; 2 Timothy 4:7; 2:3-4;
Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 John 5:4 – Jesus our banner. We cannot fail when we march under His flag.

7). JEHOVAH – ROPHE = “JEHOVAH heals”, Exodus 15:26; Jeremiah
8:21-22. New Testament – Matthew 9:12; Luke 4:18; 1 Peter 2:24.

8). JEHOVAH – KANNA = “JEHOVAH is Jealous” (jealous = intolerant of rivalry). Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 5:9. New Testament – John 2:17; Titus 2:14; 2 Corinthians 9:2.

9). JEHOVAH – SABAOTH = “JEHOVAH of Hosts” – Psalms 24:10;
Genesis 2:1. New Testament – Romans 9:29; James 5:4; Matthew 28:18.

10). JEHOVAH – M.KADDESH = “JEHOVAH who Sanctifies” – Exodus 13:2; 31:13. New Testament – 1 Peter 1:15; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 1:3-4.

Concl: ALL divine attributes seen in Jesus. John 14:9; Is it any wonder that we should respect His name……Exodus 20:7.

A Bible 'Quiz' based on Socrates Method!

The Socratic (from Socrates) method of teaching is by questions.

Questions:

1). Which church did Jesus promise to build? Matthew 16:18. __________

2). When did Jesus say the kingdom would come? Mark 9:1. __________

3). Was the apostle John, who wrote the book of Revelation, in the kingdom? Revelation 1:9. _____________

4). Was the apostle Paul in the kingdom? Colossians 1:13. ___________

5). Can Jesus be king if he has no kingdom? Revelation 17:14. _________
Note: Those who say the kingdom has not yet come are guilty of teaching Jesus is not a king if He has no kingdom.

6). What did Jesus say one must do to be saved? Mark 16:16. ________
Note: also see previous post – ‘How Does One Become a Christian’?

7). What did the apostle Peter preach on Pentecost that one must do to be saved? Acts 2:47. ____________

8). What did the Lord add the saved to? Acts 2:47. ___________

9). What does Ephesians 5:23 say Jesus is the Savior of? ___________

10). What is the body? Colossians 1:24. ______________

11). Did Jesus have to die for us to be saved? Matthew 26:28. __________

12). If yes…since Jesus purchased His church with His blood (Acts 20:28), can one be saved out of what Jesus purchased with His blood? _________

13). Is faith apart from works dead? James 2:26. ___________

14). Can a man be justified (made right with God) by faith alone? James 2:24.
Note: This being so, why do so many teach that man is saved by faith alone?

15). When did the early church take the Lord’s supper? Acts 20:7. _______

16). What kind of music did the church you read about in the Bible use in worship? Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19. ________________

17). What were local churches called in the Bible? Romans 16:16. _____

It is hoped this short quiz has given you a better understanding of God’s word and His plan for mankind! Do you worship as the Christians of the first century, in Christs’ church, as recorded in the Bible? Or, are you in a ‘church’ started by man which uses creed books, doctrine of men, and teaches contrary to God's word? Bible reading and study make it very easy to tell the difference.

A Fail-proof Solution for Global Warming or Cooling!

[In the bible] Genesis 8:22, God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, in talking to Noah after the flood stated…
”As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, And night and day, Shall not cease.”
New King James

Relying on God to 'manage' His creation costs us nothing monetarily. It does take our faith that we believe He can do what He has promised. However, God is in charge whether we believe Him or not. Lets better spend our time and resources first building our faith in God and then working in areas where we might possibly have an effect. The weather is NOT one of them!!

How Does One Become a Christian?

‘Christian’ – according to Webster’s Dictionary, ‘a follower of Christ.’ The Bible (God's word) says a Christian is 'one IN Christ'. The book of Acts records 10 examples of people becoming Christians. (see at end).
Study of these conversions shows that although each was at a different 'level' in their learning and action, ALL did exactly the same thing.

“What shall we do” – Acts 2:37.

1). Hear the word of God – Overcome disinterest. Read bible/preacher. “Faith cometh by hearing" – Romans 10:17; Acts 2:37-38 – they heard (believed) they were pricked in their hearts (repentance), ask “what shall we do?” were commanded to be baptized in order to have sins forgiven.

2). Faith/believe – Overcome doubt. Have faith in God’s word. Hebrews 11:6 - “without faith it is impossible to please [God]"; Acts 8: 35-39; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24. Romans 10:10.

3). Repent – Overcome self. A change of mind that leads to a change in action. Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Mark 6:12.

4). Confess –not confessing sins, but confessing that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37; Matthew 16:16.

5). Baptized (immersion) for remission of sins; (‘for’ - looking forward> in order to > have sins forgiven). Romans 6:3 – “baptized into” death of Christ, Christ’s blood shed, baptism brings contact with that blood. Christ blood remits sin(s) – Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:4; Acts 8:38.

Baptism also brings a change in relationship; was outside Christ, baptism puts one inside/into Christ. “All spiritual blessings in Christ”–Ephesians 1:3. Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:36.

Christ adds to His church, those obeying His word - Acts 2:47.

They were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26.

God’s word works exactly the same way today!

Ten examples of conversions in Acts:
1). The 3,000 – Acts 2:22-41.

2). Samaritans - Acts 8:12.
3). Simon – Acts 8:13.

4).The Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40.

5). Saul/Paul – Acts 9; 22; 26.

6). Cornelius - Acts 10:3-11.

7). Lydia - Acts 16:14-15.

8). Jailor - Acts 16:25-34.

9). Corinthians - Acts 18:8.

10). Ephesians - Acts 19:1-7.

All scripture King James version.

EVOLUTION? NO WAY!

Three monkeys sat in a coconut tree, discussing things as they’re said to be. Said one to the others, ‘Now listen you two, there’s a certain rumor that isn’t true. That man descended from our noble race, the very idea is a big disgrace!

For no monkey ever deserted his wife, starved his babies, ruined their lives. And you’ve never known a mother monk to leave her babies with others to bunk. Or pass them from one to another till they scarcely know who is their mother.

And another thing you never see – a monk build a fence around a coconut tree! And then let the coconuts go to waste, forbidding all other monkeys a taste. Why, if I put a fence around the tree, starvation would force you to steal from me.

Here’s another thing a monk won’t do, go out at night and get on a stew, or use a gun or a knife or club.

Yes, man descended, the honorary cuss, but let me tell you brother monks, he certainly didn’t descended from us!

Author Unknown

WHAT IS TRUTH? part 2

In our last post we explained from Gods word (ie: the bible) exactly what TRUTH is…and a few scriptures that tell us what TRUTH is NOT.
Now, lets look at how people treat the truth and what truth does.

Truth will be ‘evil spoken of” or blasphemed. 2 Peter 2:2.

Many become enemies when they are told truth. Galatians 4:16.

Some have no love of truth and therefore believe lies. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

Some err (wander from) the truth after having it. James 5:19.

Some turn away from truth. Titus 1:14.

Some are ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of truth. 2Timothy 3:7.

Some turn their ears away from truth and turn to fables of men. 2Timothy 4:4.

Some believe and know the truth. 1Timothy 4:3-9. Some obey the truth. 1Peter 1:22.

Others repent unto – (greek: eis) the knowledge of truth. This means they repent (a change of mind that leads to a change of action) in order to receive the truth. How many people know the truth intellectually but will not receive it into their lives? Scripture tells us these people are self condemned. They will have to repent in order – eis) to practice what they understand. Until that time, they go along with error.

For those who accept God’s truth, what does truth do?

Truth makes men free. John 8:32 (frees man from sin if obeyed)

It can make enemies of those who do not want truth. Galatians 4:16

Truth abides in the Christian. 1John 1:6-8;

Truth does not abide in those who do not keep God’s commandments. 1John 2:4.

Truth begets. James 1:18. So that men can be born again. 1Peter 1:22-23.

Truth should be presented as truth! This can only be done by rightly dividing the Word of Truth (ie: the gospel). 2Timothy 2:15.

Truth should be presented in a spirit of love. Ephesians 4:15.

Truth should be presented so that it can be understood. Ephesians 3:3-5.

Truth is to be ‘contended for’. Jude 3. The word translated “contend” means to fight, be a combatant, uphold, make defense

We must be ready always to defend God’s truth. The apostle Paul wrote that he was appointed for the “defense of the gospel”. Philippians 1:16-17.

We are to be ready to give any man answer for the hope in us. 1Peter 3:15.

Some mouths must be stopped by the Word (truth). Titus 1:9

We must teach the Way more perfectly (complete). Acts 18:26

Truth, like faith, comes only by hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17.
We need to read God’s Word constantly, study it diligently, and teach it fervently.

Man’s whole duty on earth is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

WHAT IS TRUTH? part 1

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus “what is truth?” John 18:38.

Since time began men have asked this question many times and have come up with varying answers.
What is truth? The bible tells us quite clearly what truth is and is not.

Truth is the Word of God. John 17:17, “sanctify [set apart] them in truth, thy word is truth” prayed Jesus.

Truth is what the Holy Spirit guided the 12 apostles “into all” of in John 16:13.

Truth is what the apostles and other inspired [God breathed] writers taught and wrote. Galatians 1:6-9.

Truth is the thing men must teach or be damned. Galatians 1:6-9

Truth is the law of God for “thy law is truth.” Psalms 119; 142; 151

Truth is NOT a lie, “no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21

A lie or un-truth then cannot be determined by:
Who said it? Whether or not it pleases the ear? How it sounds? Whether we want to believe it? Whether spoken or taught by parents, elders, others? Whether we believed it before or not?

BUT, a lie can be determined by comparing it to the truth which is in God’s word, the bible.

God’s word not only tells us what truth is, it also tells us how long truth will last.
Forever! “And the truth of Jehovah endureth for ever”. Psalms 117:2

Mans flesh and glory will fade away “but the word (truth) of the Lord endureth forever”. 1 Peter 1:24-25.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6.

We must believe that there is One who stood upon the earth and declared Himself to be Truth. All things must be measured by Him to determine if they are true.

“Grace [unmerited favor] and truth [Gods word] came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

Do we respect God’s truth?
“Buy the truth and sell it not.” Proverbs 23:23. This tells us that truth is above any price. Worth whatever you have to pay! Priceless! Yet some sell out for less than a mess of pottage. Some sell their morals for the “pleasures of sin for a season”. Hebrews 11:25.

Others sell out their convictions based on the bible for very little. James 5:19. Some follow men’s foolishness rather than God’s word.

“Thou hast redeemed (bought back) me, O Lord God of truth.” Psalms 31:5

We have no doubt that God is truth as he further tells us it is “impossible for God to lie.” Hebrews 6:18.

“Thy word (truth) is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.

Let us all study the only truth there is….God’s word.

Next article will show how people treat God’s truth.

Are We Under the Old Testament Today?

Virtually all Protestant churches teach that all are to observe the Old Testament (OT) today. They cite the ten commandments, teach to keep the Sabbath day (one day in seven for rest as they look at it), teach tithing (10%) giving, and cite the OT for authorization for mechanical music in worship. Some have incense, burn candles, and their preachers wear ‘priestly’ robes giving OT for all of these.

Not knowing the difference between the OT and the New Testament (NT) is undoubtedly the biggest reason for so much religious confusion among the denominations who claim Christ.
Until one learns the difference between the OT and the NT, there is no way for the bible to be understood. Until one learns what law he is under, and there is no way for that law to be understood and followed.

If - as many say they believe - we are under the OT today, why not offer animal sacrifices? (Leviticus 16). Have yearly atonement, go to Jerusalem three times each year to worship
(Leviticus 23). Have a Passover lamb yearly eaten by each family (Exodus 12), stone disobedient children (Deuteronomy21), as well as kill all who work on the ‘Sabbath’ – Saturday? (Numbers 15)

Those who believe a person is under the OT today need to ask and answer some questions.
1) To whom was the OT given? 2) What was the purpose of the OT?

Lets look at the first question – to whom was OT law given?
The OT was never given to anyone other than the Israelites – some of whom were later called Jews (from Judah). Deuteronomy 5:1-3 makes it plain that the OT was given to Israel.

In the NT, in Romans 3:28 and following, the apostle Paul argues that man is justified by faith (the system of faith or the NT) and NOT by the works of the law (OT) or else God would be the God of the Jews only! (showing that they –Jews only - were under the OT law).

The second question - what was the purpose of the OT law?
The purpose of the OT law was to guard the morals of the Israelites and get them ready for Christ. The OT could not save man from his sins. Paul states “Wherefore the law (OT) was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24.
The LAW refers to the OT law of Moses and FAITH refers to the system of faith under Jesus – the New Testament.

We see here that the purpose of the OT was to bring those under it (Israel or the Jews) unto Christ and the new system - the New Testament.
The OT pointed out what sin was so those under it should have much better people than not under it. Romans 3:1-3.
Romans 3:20 states, ….”for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Paul says again in Romans 7:7, “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, thou shalt not covet.”
Since the OT ten commandment law is the only place in the OT where the command not to covet is found, there can be no mistake about which law Paul had in mind. It was the Old Testament.

The New Testament states many times that people today are not under the OT. “But after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:25.
Faith refers to the NT system and the schoolmaster refers to the OT.
In Galatians 5:1-4, Paul argues that if a man keeps one point of the OT law (circumcision), then he is a debtor to keep it all, but that Christ set men free from the yoke of bondage - the OT.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Colossians 2:14.
The OT ordinances were nailed to the cross when Jesus was crucified.
Some argue that the ORDINANCES were not the COMMANDMENTS but
Ephesians 2:15 states that the law of commandments was contained in ordinances so such was abolished!

Romans 7:1-6 states that a woman who lives with two men is an adulteress, BUT, if her husband dies, she is FREE to remarry. And in the same way they (Jews) were made DEAD TO THE LAW – OT, (because the law died) in order to be joined to Christ and the new law - the New Testament. The man who lives by two laws is a ‘spiritual adulteress’, in the figure of Romans 7. They were dead to the OT law so they could be joined to Christ and the NT.

2Corinthians 3:7-11 plainly teaches that the OT is called the “ministration of death” and it was “written on stones”. Verse 9 calls the OT the “ministration of condemnation” and the NT the “ministration of righteousness.” Then verse 11 states, “for if that which was done away with was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”
Something was done away with and something remains!!
The OT, including the part written on stones (10 commandments),
Was done away with and the NT remains.

NOTE: Some ask, if this be so, then can we do all the things which the 10 commandments condemned like murder, stealing, etc.?
The answer is NO but because the NT plainly condemns such things.
Illustration: at one time Texas was part of Mexico. In 1836 Texas declared herself to be free of Mexico. Suppose you tried to explain this to someone but he said that since the law of Mexico condemned murder in 1835, if you cannot NOW murder in Texas, you must still be under the law of Mexico. Would that conclusion be justified? NO! And to say that man can murder, steal, etc., just because we are no longer under the OT commandments is not justified either because the law of Christ – NT – forbids such sins. Revelation 21:8; Ephesians 4:28.

Hebrews 9:15-17 makes it plain when the NT went into effect. This passage teaches that Christ is the mediator of the NT, and a will or testament does not go into effect until after the death of the testator or the one who made it. After Christ died His will – the NT – went into effect.

It would be impossible for two wills to be in effect at the same time.
Ask any judge or lawyer. If the second states the same as the first, it is unneeded. If it adds to the first, it is different. If it states less than the first, it is different. There cannot be two testaments in effect at the same time. To know what a testament is shows which is in effect, the NEW not the old.

The big problem in the early church was in the fact that the Jews were constantly trying to get the Christians to live by the Old Testament. That is why there is so much in the NT about it. They try to “compel” the Christians to be circumcised according to the OT. Galatians 5:12.
Some even taught that if they were not circumcised after the custom of Moses (OT law), they could not be saved.
It is amazing how even some of the early Jewish Christians in the bible believed this for a while (until they were taught). Today it is even more amazing that so many who claim to be Christians believe in keeping at least parts of the OT. Many denominations would have us believe that unless we tithe and keep certain parts of the OT we cannot be right with God.

Since ALL men are under the New Testament today – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 – we need to learn it and live by it.

There are 27 books in the New Testament. The first 4 – called the gospels - tell of the life of Christ for the purpose of getting us to believe. John 20:30-31.

The next book, the book of Acts, tells us about the history and the establishment of Christs’ church and it’s spreading all over the world. All records of people becoming Christians are found in Acts. In Acts 2 the apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon showing that Christ had been crucified and was raised from the dead. Peter stated that Jesus was in fact THE CHRIST and LORD – Acts 2:36. The people were convicted (BELIEVED) of this and asked what to do?
Peter told them to REPENT (change of mind, change of action) and be BAPTIZED (emersion in water) in the name of (by the authority of) Jesus Christ for (in order for) remission of their sins. Acts 2:38.
On that day some 3,000 persons DID and were added to the church by the Lord. Acts 2:41,47.

Since God is NO respecter of persons – Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34 –
if one today does the same, he will have his sins forgiven and the Lord will add him to that same church.

The next section of the NT has 21 books and these are letters written by the apostles – inspired of God, 2Timothy 3:16 – to Christians, groups of Christians (churches), and in some cases, individual Christians.
These books give instructions on how Christians are to live, worship, work, organize local churches, etc. The last book in the bible – Revelation – encourages Christians, letting them know that there is a war going on between God and Satan and if we want to be on the WINNING SIDE, be on GOD’S side. If we are NOT faithful, all is in vain. 2 Peter 2:20-22. Revelation 22:14-15.

These lessons are presented in a spirit of Christian love and a hope that all men will come to a knowledge of Gods truth. John 17:17. It is also hoped this post will encourage you to study your bible. Read/study the scriptures given in this post. Determine which of Gods laws you have been living under.

If it’s the OLD LAW (OT), the bible clearly shows it is no longer in effect, it cannot save man from his sins.

If you have interest in a home/correspondence course on the bible, by mail, in the privacy of your home. Contact this site.

It is hoped all will study Gods law (NT) and make the necessary changes in your life while there is yet time. Revelation 22:12.