The Foundation Series – DOCTRINE - Lesson 3

There are three things that define the true Church:
1. Apostolic Doctrine
2. Pentecostal Experience
3. Christian Lifestyle


“The Names and Titles of God”

(Acts 4:12/ KJV) says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Even though man cannot fully comprehend God, God has employed several methods to reveal Himself to mankind. One of these methods is the use of different names or titles to identify Himself.

“The Significance of a Name”

The use of names in Bible times, especially in Old Testament times, carried much more significance than it does in our day. People often used names to reveal something about the characteristics, history, or nature of individuals, and God did too. For example, God changed the name of Abram (meaning high father) to Abraham (father of a multitude), and the name of Jacob (heel catcher, supplanter) to Israel (he will rule as God). Even in the New Testament, Jesus changed the name of Simon (hearing) to Peter (a rock).

God used names as a means of progressive revelation!

For example, in (Exodus 6:3/ KJV) God said, “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.” However (Verses 4-8) says, “And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.

6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: 7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.”

We know that Abraham used the name Jehovah in (Genesis 22:14); however, God did NOT make known to him the full significance of this name in its redemptive aspect. So, in (Exodus 6:3) God promised to reveal Himself to His people in a new way. When you read (verses 4-8) you see that he revealed Himself as their Deliverer and Redeemer (Salvation) He began to associate His name with a new understanding of His character and presence.

In addition to using names to manifest His character, God used His name to manifest His presence. At the dedication of the Temple in (1 Kings 8), Solomon acknowledged that God was omnipresent and that no temple could contain Him (verse 27). Since God fills the universe (omnipresent), Solomon asked how the Temple, a man-made structure, could contain God. Then he answered his own question by reminding God of His promise: “My name shall be there” (verse 29). Although God’s omnipresence could not be confined to the Temple, the fullness of His character as represented by His NAME could dwell there.

Solomon went on to pray in (verse 43) “that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.”

God also used the concept of his name to represent the revelation of His nature and power. He told Pharoah in (Exodus 9:16), “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” The name of God represents His authority as well as His power.

So God’s NAME represents the following:
1. God’s presence
2. the revelation of His character
3. His power
4. His authority


Names and Titles of God in the Old Testament

Throughout the Old Testament God was known by many names or titles, each expressing a different aspect of God.

Some of the names used include:

1. Elohim (e-lo-heem) – a name often used for God in the Old Testament, expressing His greatness, glory, and divine majesty
2. Jehovah (je-ho’-vah) – used 6,823 times in the Old Testament, embracing the concept of a Deity which is self-existent (eternal) and self-sustaining; it is the redemptive name of God in the Old Testament and the unique name by which the one true God distinguished Himself from all other gods
3. El-Shaddai (el shad-di’) – emphasizing God’s almightiness
4. Adonai (a-do-ni’) – signifying God’s ownership of all of his creation



Compound Names of Jehovah:

1. Jehovah-jireh – (Genesis 22:14) – The Lord will see; will provide
2. Jehovah-rapha – (Exodus 15:26) – The Lord that heals
3. Jehovah-nissi – (Exodus 17:15) – The Lord our banner; victory
4. Jehovah-m’kaddesh – (Exodus 31:13) – The Lord that sanctifies
5. Jehovah-shalom – (Judges 6:24) – The Lord our peace
6. Jehovah-saboath – (1 Samuel 1:3) – The Lord of hosts; almighty
7. Jehovah-elyon – (Psalm 7:17) – The Lord most high
8. Jehovah-raah – (Psalm 23:1) – The Lord my shepherd
9. Jehovah-hoseenu – (Psalm 95:6) – The Lord our maker
10. Jehovah-tsidkenu – (Jeremiah 23:6) – The Lord our righteousness
11. Jehovah-shammah – (Ezekiel 48:35) – The Lord is present


The Progressive Revelation of the Name

We find that in the Old Testament God progressively revealed more about Himself as various needs arose in the lives of man, and He used names to express this self-revelation. When Abraham needed a lamb to sacrifice, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-jireh, the Lord that provides. When Israel needed deliverance, God revealed that His name Jehovah had a previously unknown significance with respect to deliverance and salvation (Exodus 6:3-8). When Israel needed protection from disease and sickness, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-rapha, the Lord that heals. When Israel needed victory over enemies, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-nissi, the Lord our banner (victory). So the names and titles described all reveal important aspects about the nature of God. However, none of them is a complete revelation of God’s nature.


The Name Jesus

But when the fullness of time had come, God revealed Himself in all His power and glory through the name Jesus! Jesus means Jehovah-Savior, Jehovah our Salvation, or Jehovah is Salvation.

(Matthew 1:21/ KJV) says, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Jesus is the culmination of all the Old Testament names of God. It is the highest, most exalted name ever revealed to mankind. The name of Jesus is the name of God He promised to reveal in (Isaiah 52:6) when He said, “Therefore my people shall know my name.” It is the one name of (Zechariah 14:9) that includes all the other names of God within its meaning.

The New Testament church is identified by the name of Jesus! The early church was persecuted for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:28; 9:21; 15:26), and they considered it a privilege to be counted worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). Peter stated that the lame man at the gate Beautiful was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (Acts 4:10). He then explained two verses later the supremacy and necessity of this name in receiving salvation when he said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The Apostle Paul wrote in (Philippians 2:9-11/ KJV), “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…”

Because of the exalted position of this name, we are exhorted to rely upon the name of Jesus in all we do or say. (Colossians 3:17/ KJV) says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” We teach and preach in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:17-18; 5:28). We cast our devils, speak in tongues, receive supernatural power and protection, and pray for the sick—all in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14). Signs and wonders are done by the name of Jesus (Acts 4:30). We pray and make requests know to God in the name of Jesus (John 14:13-14; 16:23). We gather together in the name of Jesus (Matthew 18:20). We baptize in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38).

The name of Jesus represents God’s presence, power, and work. When we speak the name of Jesus in faith, Jesus Himself is actually present and begins to work! When we call His name in faith, Jesus manifests His presence, performs the work, and meets the need!

Through the name JESUS, therefore, God reveals Himself fully. Just as God in the Old Testament progressively revealed more about His nature and His name by responding to the needs of His people, so Jesus in the New Testament fully revealed the nature and name of God through miracles, healings, casting out devils, and forgiveness of sins.

Why is the name of Jesus the full revelation of God? Simply because Jesus is Jehovah and in Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).

Names and Titles applied by scripture to Jesus Christ include:
The Christ
The Messiah
Saviour
Redeemer
Wonderful Counselor
Fatihful Witness
The Word of God
The Truth
The Light of the World
The Way
The Good Shepherd
Mediator
Deliverer
The Great High Priest
The Author and Perfector of our Faith
The Captain of our Salvation
Our Advocate
The Son of God
The Son of Man
God
The Holy One of God
Only Begotten Son
Mighty God
The Image of God
Everlasting Father
Lord
Lord of All
Lord of Glory
Lord of Lords
King of Israel
King of Kings
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth
Prince of Life
Prince of Peace
The Branch
Root and Offspring of David
The Bright and Morning Star
Immanuel
The Second Adam
The Lamb of God
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
The Alpha and Omega
The first and the Last
The Beginning and the End
The Amen

But after all of the names and titles of both the Old and New Testaments, ONE NAME says it all—JESUS!

The Foundation Series – DOCTRINE - Lesson 2

There are three things that define the true Church:
1. Apostolic Doctrine
2. Pentecostal Experience
3. Christian Lifestyle


Let's look at what the Bible says about “The Nature of God”: (Deuteronomy 6:4/ KJV) says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”

NOT ONLY is God ONE, but (John 4:24/ KJV) says, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” So our understanding of the nature of God begins with “God is a Spirit.”

Jesus proclaimed this truth in (John 4:24). The Bible reveals it consistently beginning in (Genesis 1:2/ KJV) where it says, “….And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters ”

Webster’s Dictionary defines “spirit” as a supernatural, incorporeal, rational being usually invisible to human beings but having the power to become visible at will. The Hebrew word translated as spirit is ruwach, and it can mean wind, breath, life, anger, unsubstantiality, region of the sky, or spirit of a rational being. The Greek word translated as spirit, pnuema, can mean a current of air, breath, blast, breeze, spirit, soul, vital principle, disposition, angel, demon, or God. All three definitions emphasize that a spirit does NOT have flesh and bones. Jesus even said in (Luke 24:39/ KJV), “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

So, when the Bible says that God is a Spirit, it means that He cannot be seen or touched physically by human beings. As a Spirit, he does NOT have a physical body!


“God is Invisible”: Since God is a Spirit, He is invisible unless He chooses to manifest Himself in some form visible to man. God told Moses in (Exodus 33:20/ KJV) that “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”

(John 1:18/ KJV) says, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

(1 John 4:12/ KJV) says, “No man hath seen God at any time.”

Several times the Bible describes God as invisible: (Colossians 1:15/ KJV) says, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”

(1 Timothy 1:17/ KJV) says, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.”

(Hebrews 11:27/ KJV) says, “By faith he (Moses) forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

Although man can see God when He appears in various forms, no man can directly see the invisible Spirit of God!


“God is Omnipresent (Everywhere Present)”: Because God is a Spirit He can be everywhere at the same time. Some examples of God’s Omnipresence are:

Solomon recognized God’s omnipresence when he prayed at the dedication Temple in (1 Kings 8:27/KJV) saying, “behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee.”

(Isaiah 66:1/ KJV) says, “Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”

Paul preached in (Acts 17:27-28/ KJV) “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Perhaps the most vivid description of God’s omnipresence is found in (Psalms 139:7-13/ KJV) where it says, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.”


“Does God have a Body?” Since God is an invisible Spirit and is omnipresent, He does NOT have a body as we know it. He did assume various forms and temporary manifestations throughout the Old Testament so that man could see Him. However, the Bible does NOT record any permanent bodily manifestations of God until the birth of Jesus Christ. After the birth of Christ, God had a human body.

Outside of temporary manifestations of God and outside of the New Testament revelation of God in Christ, there were two ways God showed Himself to man: anthropomorphisms and theophanies.

Scriptural references to the eyes, hands, arms, feet, heart, and other bodily parts of God are examples of figurative language or anthropomorphisms (interpretations of the nonhuman in terms of human so that man can understand). In other words, the Bible describes infinite God in finite, human terms in order that we may better comprehend Him.

For example, the heart of God denotes His intellect and His emotions, not a blood-pumping organ (Genesis 6:6; 8:21). When God said heaven was His throne and earth was His footstool, He described His omnipresence, not a literal pair of feet propped up on the globe (Isaiah 66:1) When God said His right hand spanned the heavens, He described His great power and not a large hand stretching through the atmosphere (Isaiah 48:13). In (Proverbs 15:3) where it says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place,” it does not mean that God has physical eyes in every location but indicates His omnipresence and omniscience. When Jesus cast devils out by the finger of God in (Luke 11:20), He did not pull down a giant finger from heaven, but He exercised the power of God. The blast of God’s nostrils in (Exodus 15:8) was not a literal giant set of nostrils blowing, but the strong east wind sent by God to part the Red Sea.

Another way that God revealed Himself in the Old Testament and dealt with man on man’s level was through the use of theophanies. A theophany is a visible manifestation of God, and is temporary in nature. To make Himself visible, He manifested Himself in a physical form. Even though no one can see the Spirit of God, he can see a representation of God.

For example, God appeared to Abraham in a vision, as a smoking furnace and burning lamp, and as a man. God appeared to Jacob in a dream and as a man, actually wrestling with the man and proclaiming he had “seen God face to face.” (Genesis) God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, a cloud of glory and in fire on Mount Sinai, spoke to him face to face in the Tabernacle, and revealed His back to him. (Exodus) God manifested Himself in the sight of Israel through thunder, lightnings, a cloud, a voice of a trumpet, smoke, fire, and earthquakes. Job saw God in a whirlwind (Job 38:1).

In short, we believe God as a Spirit does not have a body unless He chooses to manifest Himself in a bodily form, which He did in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no possibility of separating God and Jesus, and there is NO God visible outside of Jesus!


“God is Omniscient (All Knowing)”: (Psalms 139:1-6/ KJV) says, “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”

In other words, God knows everything, including our movements, thoughts, paths, ways, and words. Like omnipresence, omniscience is an attribute that belongs solely to God. He is “the only wise God” (1 Timothy 1:17/ KJV). The Bible does not identify any other being (including Satan) who can read all the thoughts of man, foresee the future with certainty, or know everything there is to know.


“God is Omnipotent (All Powerful)”: God calls Himself the Almighty many times throughout the Bible. He has all the power there is, and no being can exercise any power unless God allows it. (Romans 13:1/ KJV) says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

The only limitations God has are those He willingly places on Himself or those resulting from His moral nature.


God is Eternal: God is eternal, immortal, and everlasting. He is the first and the last. He had no beginning and will have no ending.


God is Immutable (Unchanging): (Malachi 3:6/ KJV) says, “I am the LORD, I change not.” God’s character and attributes never change.


In the Old Testament, God chose to reveal aspects of His nature to man through various theophanies and anthropomorphisms. The New Testament records no theophanies of God in human form outside of Jesus Christ. Of course, Jesus Christ was more than a theophany; He was not just God appearing in the form of man but He was God clothed with a real human body and nature. In the New Testament era, the progressive revelation of God through theophanies culminated and found perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. God is fully expressed in Jesus Christ.

(John 1:1, 14-18/ KJV) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”

(Colossians 1:9-19/ KJV) says, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;”

(Colossians 2:8-10/ KJV) says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”

Jesus declares and reveals the Father. Jesus is the express image of the invisible God.

There's an old song that we used to sing in the church titled, "IT’S ALL IN HIM." The words went like this:

Verse 1.
The mighty God is Jesus, the Prince of Peace is He
The everlasting father, the king eternally
Wonderful in wisdom by Whom all things were made
The fullness of the Godhead in Jesus is displayed

Chorus
It’s all in Him it’s all in Him
The fullness of the Godhead is all in Him
It’s all in Him, It’s all in Him
The might God is Jesus, and it’s all in Him

Verse 2.
He’s Emmanuel God with us, Jehovah, Lord of Hosts
The omnipresent Spirit who fills the universe
The Advocate, the High Priest, the Lamb for sinners slain
The Author of redemption, Oh, glory to his Name


It's all IN HIM!