 |
Table of ContentsLinda's Letter: Apology, Correction, and Praise ReportWho 'We' Are **The Names of God Bible Study** |
The Beggar's Rags God Relates to Man Eagle in the Cleft of the Rock Where Are You in These Photos? The Significance of the Names of God | Math Test Puppy Love Cup Half-Full? About Ministry About Leadership When Troubles Come Upcoming Events Youth Awareness Month Prayer and Leadership Conference | No Tail Light Deep Thoughts More Shredded Similes Real Welfare Applications More Bible According to Kids |
Greetings, dear friends! Because of the volume of e-mail I receive, it is impossible for me to respond to every person who writes. If you have an opinion or question, please understand that I will not offer personal advice or debate theological issues. You are welcome to send your opinions, corrections and questions, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to respond. If you're looking for some good Bible study sources, I suggest Bible.org - Trustworthy Bible Study Resources, Blue Letter Bible Study Resources, Precept Ministries International, and Shepherd Serve all of which offer hundreds of pages of well-organized teaching articles and Bible studies. |
To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. Back to top |
 Send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel stationed overseas to show your support and appreciation for their service to our country. [Program sponsored by Xerox] Back to top |
 El — Eloah — Elohim "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for His Name alone is excellent; His glory [is] above the earth and heaven." Psalm 148:13 (KJV) Editor's Note: As there is considerable variance among Bible scholars as to former customs, usage, and translations of the various names of God in the Bible, the neutrality and factual accuracy of this article may be disputed. These articles are a summation of those ideas and conclusions on which most scholars agree. While preparing to launch into a study of the root name "El" as it's used in compound names such as El-Elyon, El-Shaddai, El-Gibhor, etc., I soon recognized the importance of continuing to explore and understand the name "Elohim", which I introduced in last month's study. Apart from the name "Yahweh", it may be argued that the name "Elohim" says more about the God of Israel than any other name. Certainly, all that the name embodies deserves more deliberation than I gave it last month. The name "Elohim" contains the concept of creative and governing power, of omnipotence and sovereignty. When God is presented in relation to His creation and to the peoples of the earth — especially in the Pentateuch — the name "Elohim" is used most often. In the name "Yahweh", on the other hand, are represented the high moral attributes of God which are revealed only to humankind and the angels. The Root Word "El" or "Eloha" In order to gain a greater understanding of the meaning of the name "Elohim", it's important to first examine its origin and usage. Unfortunately, the precise development of the word "Elohim" is unknown. There are many theories, but most Bible scholars believe it is derived from the shorter word "El" (meaning mighty, strong, or prominent) or the Hebrew form "Eloha". The use of "Eloha" is rare, occurring only in poetry and late prose, mainly in Job. The word "El", however, is itself translated "God", "God Almighty", and "Mighty God" approximately 250 times and frequently in circumstances which especially indicate the great power of God. For instance...
"Elohim" is more than just a proper name for God. It's also an appellative or designation of all that the name embodies. For example, in the frequent expression, "LORD your God" (or "Yahweh your God"), LORD (Yahweh) functions as the proper name, while God functions as the designation of deity. Throughout the first two chapters of the Bible, Elohim is used most often as a proper name. After Exodus 3 the name begins to occur with increasing frequency as a designation, that is, "the God [Elohim] of," or "your God [Elohim]". The word denotes God as the supreme deity of a person or people. More about the Plurality of "Elohim" In last month's study, we looked at the fact that Elohim is a plural word, possibly denoting more than one entity or being. However, in that study I barely scratched the surface of all that can be said concerning the plurality of "Elohim".  As mentioned last month, when referring to the God of the Bible, the plural name "Elohim" is always accompanied by singular verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. For instance...
Other scholars call it a plural of intensity. They argue that the Hebrews often expressed a word in the plural to give it a stronger meaning (such as in Isaiah 6:3 with "Holy" being expressed three times). But as one theologian points out, the use of the plural "only implies (even in the plural of majesty) that the word in the singular is not full enough to set forth all that is intended." Thus, whether plural of majesty... plural of intensity... or implying a Triune God... the plural word "Elohim" teaches us that no finite word can adequately define the infinite personality of God. There is blessing and comfort in this name that signifies supreme power, sovereignty, and glory on the one hand; and on the other hand signifies a covenant relationship which He is ever faithful to keep. Thus He says to us, "I will be to you Elohim," that we may say, "My Elohim; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:2)  Click here for a print-friendly copy of this Bible studySources for this study include: Blue Letter Bible Study Resources Judaism 101 Lambert Dolphin's Library Wikipedia — the Free Encyclopedia Previous Month's "Names of God" Bible Study, "Adonai / Elohim" Back to top |
 Creatively fresh and unique, the songs of The Secret Place are simple, intimate expressions of spontaneous prophetic worship |
of the Names of God in Scripture by Dr. Robert Lightner Visiting Professor of Theology, Tyndale Theological Seminary In our twentieth century Western culture, personal names are little more than labels to distinguish one person from another. Sometimes nicknames are chosen which tell something about a person, but even this is a poor reflection of the significance of names in the Bible. Unfortunately, to many the names God or Lord convey little more than designations of a supreme being. It says little to them about God's character, His ways, and what God means to each of us as human beings. But in Scripture, the names of God are like miniature portraits and promises. In Scripture, a person's name identified them and stood for something specific. This is especially true of God. Naming carried special significance. It was a sign of authority and power. This is evident in the fact that God revealed His names to His people rather than allowing them to choose their names for Him. This is also seen in the fact that God often changed the names of His people: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel. Note also how this concept of authority and power is seen when Nebuchadnezzar changed the names of Daniel and his three friends. The Name of God in General There are a number of instances where no name of God is employed, but where simply the term "name" in reference to God is used as the point of focus:
When we turn to the New Testament we find the same. The name Jesus is used in a similar way to the name of God in the Old Testament:
"The God of the Bible, An Introduction to the Doctrine of God" Copyright © 1973, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan Click here for a print-friendly copy of this article |
Save time! Save money! Support this ministry! |
A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party. The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. "Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes," he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare? He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate. "Please, sire, I would like to speak to the king." "Wait here," the guard replied. In a few minutes, he was back. "His Majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in. "You wish to see me?" asked the king. "Yes, Your Majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?" The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face. "You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young Prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes." The Prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the King's banquet tomorrow night," said the Prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever." The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you!" he cried. But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the Prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again? Quickly he gathered them up. The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies. Time proved that the Prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still, the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags. One day as he lay dying, the King visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the King's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the Prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly. And the King wept with him.... We have been invited into a royal family — the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" provided by God's Son, Jesus the Christ. We cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Jesus, we must let go of the sin in our life and our old ways of living. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Back to top |
 Come to sing and dance with the Psalms like King David did, as you worship and praise with our anointed messianic CDs |
John 15:14-17 There is no higher compliment than this: God wants to have a personal relationship with you. Some people see the Lord as some distant deity who is busy with global problems. Others view Him as a vaporous being who created mankind and then cut us loose. The truth is... He deeply desires a relationship with you. If the Lord's purpose in creating mankind had been simply to get something done, He would have fashioned us like robots without initiative or free will. Instead, we are uniquely designed to receive our Father’s love and to choose whether or not we'll love Him in return. God cares for His Creation and wants to intimately know every single one of us. While Jesus Christ poured His life into 12 men, modern believers tend to focus on His miracles and preaching. Many overlook the fact that He spent every day with the disciples. Jesus’ priority was to teach and prepare them. He wanted the 12 to continue reaching the world with the Gospel after He returned to the Father. We are the spiritual descendants of the Lord’s disciples, and God pours Himself into us. He left His Spirit with us to serve as our closest companion and comforter. God's intention is for every person to enter into a loving relationship with Him. If any man or woman chooses not to develop that connection, he or she has missed the purpose of life. Make yourself available to the Lord. He will reveal His love for you and show you His will. "In Touch" Daily Devotional, copyright © 2006 Back to top |
 The above scale model portrays the planets in our solar (sun) system. Notice that the sun is considerably larger than the Earth. In fact, at 862,400 miles in diameter, the sun is 109 times larger than Earth.  Now, consider this: This is a composite photo of the Milky Way galaxy which is home to our solar system. The Milky Way is ± 100,000 light-years (about 586 billion billion miles) wide and is comprised of billions of solar systems, many of which are much larger than ours. Can you see yourself in either of these pictures? God can! And... ...you are always on His mind (Psalm 115:12)! Don't tell God how big your problems are... Tell your problems how big your God — your Elohim — is! [Look for more God-and-astronomy facts in future newsletters.] Back to top |
Because we do not understand, The problem is our narrow view That fails to see God's loving hand. K. De Haan Back to top |
Editor's Note The following statements about the Bible were written by children and have not been retouched or corrected (i.e., bad spelling has been left in).
|
 ..... ..... ..... It sometimes depends on your perspective... Back to top |
From: Ted Haggard, President, National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, DC In March 2006, the National Association of Evangelicals passed a resolution calling for specific action to double the size of church youth groups. This resolution, titled "Engaging and Empowering a Young Generation", was based on a strategy developed by youth pastors from various denominations who gathered at the Great Commission Roundtable. As one of the core tenants of this resolution, September 2006 has been designated National Youth Awareness Month (NYAM). To learn more about the BattleCry Campaign and the BattleCry Leadership Summits, go to www.BattleCry.com. Please encourage your Pastors and teachers to attend one of the summits where they will hear about the current state of teens in America and what we can do to keep our youths from falling away from the faith. For the sake of our youth, our churches, and our nation, let's utilize the BattleCry resources and have every church within our sphere of influence participate in National Youth Awareness Month this month. Ted Haggard Back to top |
 |
for Those Who Take Life Way Too Seriously Save the whales. Collect the whole set. A day without sunshine is like... night. On the other hand, you have different fingers. Remember, half the people you know are below average. He who laughs last thinks slowest. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand. |
 Back to top |
through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law." Galatians 2:16 Back to top |
Editor's Note For those unfamiliar, Welfare payments are made in the U.S. to individuals and families with incomes below a certain level. The following quotations are taken from actual letters received by the Welfare Departments in applications for financial support.
|
If we want to lead, we must first learn to follow. Dr. Charles Stanley Back to top |
For your entertainment, still more actual similes and metaphors found by high school English teachers from across the U.S. in their students' essays. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something. The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up. Back to top |
 FREE Gospels of John and other tools to share with people you encounter — in the workplace, at the coffee shop, in school, on the bus, or on the street. Back to top |
No Tail Light "How long have you been driving without a tail light?" asked the policeman after pulling over a motorist. The driver jumped out, ran to the rear of his car, and gave a long, painful groan. He seemed so upset that the policeman was moved to ease up on him a bit. "Come on, now," he said, "you don't have to take it so hard. It isn't that serious." "It isn't?" cried the motorist. "Then you know what happened to my boat and trailer?" |
Ministry isn't something we do, but something God does through us. Back to top |
by Lois Burgher ministering in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, USA One of my favorite worship songs in the past 7 years has been from Isaiah 40. For the past month I have explored the characteristics of the eagle that symbolizes our Father God renewing and restoring His people. The scripture paints a wonderful picture of our God who not only rescues us on His wings but also brings hope, strength, and power as we wait on Him. "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and (selected) young men shall freely stumble and fall exhausted. But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power, they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles, (mount up to the sun) they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." (Isaiah 40:30-32 AMP Bible) The NJKV says, "They shall soar on wings like eagles."  In studying the life and characteristics of eagles, we have learned that when an eagle reaches the approximate age of 50 years, his beak begins to freeze shut, and he can no longer eat. Some of the eagles give up and die, but others find a cave or a cleft in the rock where water is present. The old eagle goes into a cave and beats his beak on a rock until it is broken off. The eagle drinks water for about 40 days until it grows a new beak. The eagle then pulls its old feathers out and an oil sack grows over the heart and is filled with oil. The eagle then breaks the oil sack with the new beak and spreads oil over his body. Beautiful new feathers grow in, and the eagle is renewed. The eagle’s body is also strengthened through this process, and the regenerated eagle is able to fly higher and see better than before. I believe this is a prophetic picture of God’s people and what can happen when the old ones get tired, become discouraged, and are ready to give up. Sadly, there are the ones who do give up. But this is also a note of encouragement for those who persevere and a picture of what happens when we do "wait" on Him. These are the ones who find Him in the shelter and in the cleft of the rock and allow Him to help them get rid of the old 'beak' or stuff that has been weighing them down. It is a decision to let the old go, to live in forgiveness and to give Him our disappointments, our tiredness, and brokenness. The breaking of the old beak is a symbolic picture of our 'brokenness' before Him. In Psalm 51:17 it says, "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, Oh God you will not despise." And then to drink of His spirit, of his refreshing cool water, to allow Him to change us through the sacrifice, through the submission of our own will to do His, because we know our Father is the one who is always faithful, gives us rest and will restore us. The oil sack over our hearts is the symbol of the Holy Spirit covering our emotions; and as we allow the Holy Spirit to saturate our emotions, the oil of His spirit covers our entire being and brings restoration, regenerating power, hope, and strength as the scripture tells us. He brings us those new wings to mount up even closer to Him, and our vision and hope is renewed even better than we had before. Yes, God! So whether you are a youth that is faint and weary, or an older believer in need of His regenerating power and new wings to fly-He promises to renew and restore us as we “wait” hope in Him. Find that place in the cleft of the rock, because in His presence is life, strength, power, and hope; and each time we wait, we are regenerated to be more like Him. Taste and see that He is good. Back to top |
The test I gave my math class covered everything we'd studied all year: fractions, percentages and portions of whole units. But maybe I could have explained things a little better. To the question, "What portion of a foot is six inches?" one student answered, "The toes?" Back to top |
with Francis Frangipane, Tommy Tenney, and Eddie and Alice Smith Toms River, New Jersey — September 28-30 For more information and to register, go to www.PrayerConference.com Also, check out their free 52-week Online School of Prayer at www.TeachMeToPray.com Back to top |
Be blessed in Jesus' name, and remember: The Christian life is not what we do for God, but what God does for us!
has a vision for a great Christ awakening and revival around the world, and a passion
to help bring this about, directly or indirectly, irrespective of national boundaries,
languages, denominations, or ethnic, racial or social/economic castes or classes.
We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered Free Ministry and Missions Society.
In accordance with IRS Code § 508(c)(1)(A), all donations are tax-deductible.
Scripture taken from:
King James Version (KJV), Copyright © 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
New King James Version (NKJV), Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
World English Bible (WEB), 2001 MT-based public domain update of 1901 American Standard Version (ASV)
Copyright © 2006. My Redeemer Lives Christian Ministry™. All rights reserved.