The word “NAME” appears 928 times in the Bible of which 173 are in the New Testament. The phrase “THE NAME OF THE LORD” is found 109 times of which 21 are in the New Testament. The word “shem” in Hebrew is never used in the plural in reference to God; this is also true of the Greek word “onoma” – even when the three Persons of the Godhead are mentioned in the same verse (such as Matthew 28:19).

A classic passage on the wonderful NAME of the Lord is found in Philippians 2:5-11:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME: that at the Name of Jesus (Yeshua) every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach) is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”

WHY IS HIS NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES?

1. BECAUSE GOD HAS EXALTED HIS NAME!

That’s what Philippians 1:9-11 (quoted above) says. Also, Ephesians 1:21 states: “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”

2. BECAUSE GOD HAS PROCLAIMED HIS OWN NAME!

Exodus 34:5-8 says: “And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will be no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the chidlren’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.”

Amos 5:8; 9:6 – “The LORD is His Name”
Psalm 111:9 – “holy and reverend is His Name”
Luke 1:49 – “holy is His Name”
Isaiah 9:6 – “His Name is wonderful (incomprehensible)”
Isaiah & Jeremiah (9 times) – “the LORD of hosts is His Name”
Isaiah 54:5 – “the LORD of hosts is His Name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called”
Jeremiah 23:6 – “and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, the LORD our righteousness”
Jeremiah 32:17-19 – “the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is His Name”

3. BECAUSE SALVATION IS FOUND ONLY IN HIS NAME!

John 1:12-13 says: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His NAME: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Acts 4:12 adds: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

4. BECAUSE THE ENTIRE WORLD WILL ONE DAY BOW THEIR KNEES TO HIM!

The passage listed above in Philippians 2 states this fact quite clearly. It is a quotation from Isaiah 45:22-23:

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself, the word is gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

In the midst of all the trouble in this world (especially in Israel and the Middle East at the present time) – at a time when things seem so out of control – NEVER forget – His NAME is ABOVE EVERY NAME, and at His NAME every knee will bow!

Charges and accusations of “heresy” are abounding in our present culture. Believers seem confused and are finding it hard to identify who is a “heretic” and who is not. One thing is for sure – a heretic is not simply someone who disagrees with you!

The Greek word “hairetikos” appears only once in Titus 3:10, and the word “hairesis” is used only 9 times (Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5, 14; 26:5; 28:22; I Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20 and II Peter 2:1. The root Greek word “haireomai” originally meant “to choose.” The idea is that of choosing an opinion which is substituted for the truth and would lead to division and the formation of what is called a “sect” – a separate group. In the Biblical and doctrinal sense, it speaks of that which substitutes for the truth of God’s Word, the Bible.

SO, WHO ARE THE HERETICS?

1. Heretics are those who deny the Lord and turn the grace of God into licentiousness (no standards of morality) – II Peter 2:1-3, 18-22 and Jude 4.

2. Heretics are those who preach a gospel of human performance and works – Galatians 1:6-9; 2:4, 14-16, 21; 6:12-15.

3. Heretics are those who teach strange doctrines based on mere speculation and controversial questions – I Timothy 1:3-7; 4:7; 6:3-5; II Timothy 2:14-18, 23; Titus 1:10, 11, 13-16; 3:9-11.

4. Heretics are those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching of the Word of God – Romans 16:17.

5. Heretics are those who follow the doctrines of demons – I Timothy 4:1-5; Colossians 2:18-23.

6. Heretics are those who have a form of godliness, but deny its power – II Timothy 3:1-9.

7. Heretics are those who deny the Second Coming of Jesus Christ – II Peter 3:3-4.

8. Heretics are those who deny the true identity of our Lord Yeshua – I John 2:22-23, 26; 4:1-6; II John 7-11; Jude 17-25.

9. Heretics are those who continue in sin without repentance – I Corinthians 5:1, 9-13; I Timothy 5:19-20.

In summary, heresy involves those who “claim” to be believers. It also deals with the essential doctrines of salvation. Heresy causes divisions that have a tendency to hurt the unity of the body of Christ and cause people to separate from other believers over non-essential beliefs and practices. For further study, read Romans 14:1-12, 19; I Corinthians 1:10-17; Ephesians 4:1-6 and compare Acts 11:17-18 and 15:7-11.

May God give us all wisdom in these days of deception and apostasy!

With all the rockets being fired at Israel and the thousands of Israelis living in bomb shelters, and the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah (supported by Syria and Iran), and the hourly discussions by military and political leaders about this present conflict, the question is – what sort of comfort and encouragement can we bring?

In reading over the last 27 chapters of Isaiah’s prophecy, one is struck immediately with how much the LORD GOD of ISRAEL loves His people no matter what their response to Him! Consider just one of these passages to His people in Isaiah 40:

ISAIAH
40:1 – “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people”
40:2 – “Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem”
40:9 – “O Jerusalem…be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah: Behold your God!”
40:10 – “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him”
40:11 – “He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

AND HOW ABOUT THIS – CONCERNING LEBANON – 40:16-17
“And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity.”

In Isaiah 40:27, Israel feels forsaken and that God does not notice what is going on – THINK AGAIN! “Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?”
Do we think that God does not know and does not care?

Rejoice in the beauty and wisdom of these words from Isaiah 40:28-31:
“Hast thou not known? hast hou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might, He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: BUT THEY THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; THEY SHALL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS AS EAGLES; THEY SHALL RUN, AND NOT BE WEARY; AND THEY SHALL WALK, AND NOT FAINT.”

He Who is the STRENGTH of Israel watches over them day and night, and cares about their God-given covenant land. The world calls them “occupiers” and “usurpers” and the Islamic world insists that the land belongs to them! But the GOD of the Bible has spoken clearly – the land belongs to Him (Leviticus 25:23) and He has given that land to the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the Nation of Israel will continue to exist forever (Genesis 17:7-8; Psalm 105:8-11; Jeremiah 31:35-37)!

MAY ALL THE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD (ESPECIALLY THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL WHOM GOD HAS CHOSEN – Deuteronomy 7:6-9) CRY OUT TO THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN BRING GENUINE PEACE TO THIS WORLD – OUR TRUST MUST BE IN THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL AND HIS COMING MESSIAH, THE PRINCE OF PEACE!

GRACE – a most beautiful word, a Biblical doctrine of immense importance! Titus 2:11-15 speaks these wonderful words about God’s grace:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach); Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”

THE APPEARANCE OF GOD’S GRACE – Titus 2:11
“the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men”
Ephesians 2:8-10 teaches us:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

It is NOT faith in this passage that is the “gift of God” – the word “that” is a masculine singular demonstrative pronoun and cannot modify “faith” which in Greek is a feminine noun. The word “that” is referring to the first phrase or clause which reads “having been saved by grace” – it is salvation by grace that is “not of yourselves” but rather is a “gift of God.” If we learn anything about the wonderful salvation that God has given us through the death and resurrection of our blessed Lord Yeshua, it is that God’s grace (which gives us what we do not deserve!) has made it possible!

THE ADMONITIONS OF GOD’S GRACE – Titus 2:12
“teaching us that” – the Greek word is “paideuo” and is used 13 times in the Greek New Testament. In Hebrews 12:6, 7, & 10 it is translated “chasten.” It refers to discipline and training. The grace of God does not lead us into a sinful lifestyle where the concept of freedom is to do whatever we want to do. Grace disciplines us, teaching us to avoid (“denying”) two things: “ungodliness” and “worldly lusts” – these two words represent the SECULARISM and the SENSUALITY of our culture. Secularism leaves God out of the picture, and evil sensuality violates God’s standards of holiness and righteousness.

Grace also teaches us to apply three qualities while we try to survive in this sinful, secular society of today. First, it involves the word “soberly” – the Greek word “sophronos” is only used in this verse; it is related to words that refer to sound mindedness, sound judgment, and self-discipline. Secondly, it involves the word “righteously” – the Greek “dikaios” – it simply and clearly means doing what is right. Thirdly, it involves being “godly” – the Greek word “eusebos” refers to honoring God and being concerned about worship.

THE ANTICIPATION OF GOD’S GRACE – Titus 2:13
“Looking for that blessed hope” – This hope of the believer will one day burst into a wonderful display of the majesty of our Lord – “the glorious appearing” – literally in the Greek text it is “and appearing of the glory” – Granville Sharp’s rule makes “hope” and “appearing” equal! Colossians 3:1-4 says that when Christ Who is our life will appear, then we will appear with Him “in glory.”

The “glory” of our Lord is described again by Granville Sharp’s rule (two nouns connecting by “and” with the definite article “the” in front of the first noun only, but not the second noun) when we read “the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” – Our Lord Yeshua is both “the great God” and “our Savior.”

THE AIM OF GOD’S GRACE – Titus 2:14
We are told that our Lord “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity.” The wonderful provision of His grace is SUFFICIENT for (Greek preposition – “huper” – “in the behalf of”) all men – cf. I Timothy 2:5-6; 4:10; I John 2:2; and it is SACRIFICIAL (“gave Himself”) and it is SAVING (“redeem us from all iniquity – Greek word is “lawlessness”)

The aim (purpose) of His grace is to “purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” This aim is centered in the will of God Himself, for the text says “purify (cleanse) unto Himself.” It is also characterized by good works which is again the argument of Ephesians 2:10.

THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S GRACE – Titus 2:15
This authority involves the WORDS that we speak – “these things speak” and the WAY we speak them – “exhort and rebuke” and comes with a WARNING – “Let no man despise thee.” It is easy to be threatened or intimidated by others instead of being loyal to what God says in His Word!

II Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds us that God’s grace is SUFFICIENT!
To Him be all the glory and praise!

Subject: AMERICA: IS THERE ANY HOPE? Scripture: II Chronicles 7:11-22

On this July 4th, our thoughts turn to the freedom that we enjoy in this great country. Patriotic celebrations are being conducted in many places with the American flag being proudly displayed in homes, businesses, and churches. But, in spite of all the celebrations, there is an uneasy feeling among most Americans that something is definitely wrong with our country.

In the Bible we learn that the Nation of Israel was also warned about what could happen if they did not fulfill their God-given role and responsibilities in this world. The instruction came to Solomon after the dedication ceremonies for the newly-completed Temple. Please take a moment to read the passage in II Chronicles 7.

WHAT IS WRONG?

1A. WE HAVE FORSAKEN THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD! – II Chron. 7:19
(Lack of OBEDIENCE)

2A. WE HAVE FOLLOWED OTHER BELIEFS INSTEAD OF THE LORD AND HIS WORD! – II Chron. 7:22; Heb. 11:6
(Lack of FAITH)

3A. WE HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST THE LORD HIMSELF! II Chron. 36:12-13; Prov. 28:9; 29:1; Heb. 3:7-13
(Lack of SUBMISSION)

4A. WE HAVE FOUND TEMPORARY SATISFACTION IN IMMORAL PRACTICES! – “wicked ways” II Chron. 36:14 – “all the abominations of the heathen” – cf. Lev. 18:24-30; Deut. 18:9-14
(Lack of HOLINESS)

5A. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THE SANCTITY OF LIFE! II Kings 21:1-16 – “innocent blood”
(Lack of VALUES)

6A. WE HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND TO GOD’S WARNINGS! II Chron. 36:15-16
(Lack of REPENTANCE)

IS THERE ANY HOPE?

1A. SUBMIT TO GOD! – “humble themselves” – cf. James 4:7-10 – The problem is PRIDE in one’s ability to function without God and His help.

2A. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER! – “pray” – The problem is PRIORITIES – other things seem more important or needful at the moment – cf. Colossians 4:2-6

3A. SEEK THE LORD AND HIS WILL! – “seek My face” – The problem is PLANNING our lives without God in mind – trying to operate without Him and His wisdom – cf. James 1:3-8

4A. SEPARATE FROM SINFUL PRACTICES! – “turn from their wicked ways” – The problem is PLEASURES of sin that we refuse to give up – that have been tolerated and accepted for so long! – cf. I Thess. 4:3; 5:22

Yes, there is hope for America! We need to repent and to seek the Lord with all of our hearts! Would it not be wonderful to see a moral and spiritual awakening in our country? God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think” – Philippians 3:20.