Feeding the Flock
Expositional Bible teaching and multiplying lives through discipleship.
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Episodes
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
"The Seal and the Tribes of Israel"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
B. The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
1. THE SEAL JUDGMENTS (6:1-8:6)
THE 144,000 JEWS (7:1-8)
THE MULTITUDE OF GENTILES (7:9-17)
2. THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (8:7-11:19)
THE LITTLE BOOK (10:1-11)
THE TWO WITNESSES (11:1-14)
THE SEVEN CHARACTERS (12:1-13:18)
THE PREVIEW OF THE END (14:1-20)
PRELUDE TO THE BOWLS (15:1-8)
3. THE BOWL JUDGMENTS (16:1-21)
RELIGIOUS BABYLON (17:1-18)
COMMERCIAL BABYLON (18:1-24)
***
THE 144,000 JEWS (7:1-8)
The Angels and the Winds (7:1)
The Seal of the Living God (7:2-3)
The Sons of Israel (7:4)
The Twelve Tribes (7:5-8)
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
"The Martyrs and the Persecutors"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
B. The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
1. THE SEAL JUDGMENTS (6:1-8:6)
THE 144,000 JEWS (7:1-8)
THE MULTITUDE OF GENTILES (7:9-17)
2. THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (8:7-11:19)
THE LITTLE BOOK (10:1-11)
THE TWO WITNESSES (11:1-14)
THE SEVEN CHARACTERS (12:1-13:18)
THE PREVIEW OF THE END (14:1-20)
PRELUDE TO THE BOWLS (15:1-8)
3. THE BOWL JUDGMENTS (16:1-21)
RELIGIOUS BABYLON (17:1-18)
COMMERCIAL BABYLON (18:1-24)
***
1. THE SEAL JUDGMENTS (6:1-8:6)
First Seal (6:1-2)
Second Seal (6:3-4)
Third Seal (6:5-6)
Fourth Seal (6:7-8)
Fifth Seal (6:9-11)
Sixth Seal (6:12-17)
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
"The Lamb and the Four Horsemen"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
B. The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
1. THE SEAL JUDGMENTS (6:1-8:6)
THE 144,000 JEWS (7:1-8)
THE MULTITUDE OF GENTILES (7:9-17)
2. THE TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (8:7-11:19)
THE LITTLE BOOK (10:1-11)
THE TWO WITNESSES (11:1-14)
THE SEVEN CHARACTERS (12:1-13:18)
THE PREVIEW OF THE END (14:1-20)
PRELUDE TO THE BOWLS (15:1-8)
3. THE BOWL JUDGMENTS (16:1-21)
RELIGIOUS BABYLON (17:1-18)
COMMERCIAL BABYLON (18:1-24)
***
1. THE SEAL JUDGMENTS (6:1-8:6)
First Seal (6:1-2)
Second Seal (6:3-4)
Third Seal (6:5-6)
Fourth Seal (6:7-8)
Fifth Seal (6:9-11)
Sixth Seal (6:12-17)
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
"The Song and the Worship"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
A. The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
THE THRONE (4:1-11)
THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
***
2. THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
Seven Seals (5:1-5)
One Lamb Standing (5:6-7)
Multitudes Worship (5:8-14)
***
Appendix: Biblical Music
SIGNIFICANCE IN SCRIPTURE
302 REFERENCES
“Song(s)” - 75; “Sang” - 16; “Sing(s)(ing)(ers)” - 175
“Music(al)(ians)” - 19
“Psalm(s)(ist)” - 10
“Hymn(s)” – 7
ONE WHOLE BOOK OF THE BIBLE
150 Psalms with Total of 2,461 Verses
INDIVIDUAL SONGS
Song of Solomon, (A book of its’ own.)
“Song of Solomon”
Note: An Opera or Musical Drama
Exodus 15:1-21
“Song of Moses and Miriam”
Deuteronomy 31:19,22,30; 32:1-44
“Song of Moses and Joshua”
Revelation 15:3-4
“Song of Moses and of The Lamb”
Isaiah 26:1-6
“Song of Isaiah”
SINGERS/MUSICIANS SPECIAL STATUS IN THE LAW OF MOSES
Military Service (Joshua 6:4, 15, 20; Judges 7:18-22)
Service in the Temple
(1Chronicles 6:1-47; 9:33; 15:16, 19, 27; 2Chronicles 5:12-13; 7:6)
Rebuilding and Rededicating the Walls of Jerusalem
(Nehemiah 7:1,44,67,73; 12:27-47)
From the Priestly Tribe of Levi
(Ezra 7:7,24)
SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN
Singled-out “Musician”: David
(1Samuel 16:18)
Singled-out “Psalmist”: David
(2Samuel 23:1)
Singled-out “Singer”: Heman
(1Chronicles 6:33)
Famous Duet: Paul and Silas
(Acts 16:25)
Note: From the “Breaking into Europe” Tour
TYPES, STYLES AND OCCASIONS OF SONGS
“Night” (Job 35:10; Isaiah 30:28
“Awake” (Judges 5:12)
“Troubled” (Proverbs 25:20)
“Deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)
“Wedding” (Psalm 78:63)
“A Vineyard” (Isaiah 27:2)
“Cheerful” (James 5:13)
“The Lord’s Song” (Psalm 137:4)
“Song of Zion” (Psalm 137:3)
“Song of Judah” (Isaiah 26:1)
“The Trees” (Psalm 96:12)
“The Mountains” (Psalm 9:8)
“Birds” (Zephaniah 2:14)
“The Morning Stars” (Job 38:7)
“The Lord is my strength and MY SONG” (Exodus 15:2)
THE MESSIAH HIMSELF SINGS
Psalm 22:22; Isaiah 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17[NIV]; Hebrews 2:12.
INSTRUMENTS USED
Lyres, Harps, Stringed Instruments, Cymbals, Timbrels (Tambourines), Pipe, “Instruments”
113 “Trumpet(s)(ers)”
16 “Horns” (for music not animals)
Psalm 150, (About half of this list is rhythm or percussion.)
“CONTEMPORARY MUSIC”
9 Times “A New Song”
(Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1: 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9; 14:3)
TYPES OF “WRONG” MUSIC
“… of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
“… of the harlot” (Isaiah 23:15)
“… of the ruthless” (Isaiah 25:5)
Mocking and Mockers (Lament. 3:14,63)
Idolatry (Daniel 3:1-18)
Sensual (Ezekiel 33:32)
“NOISE” (Amos 5:32; 6:5; 8:3,10)
MUSIC PERFORMED “SKILLFUL(LY)”
7 Times
(1Chronicles 15:22; 2 Chronicles 34:12; 1Samuel 16:16,18; Psalm 33:3; 47:7; Isaiah 23:16)
1 Time “Softly” (Ecclesiastes 12:4)
8 Times “Loud(er)” (Exodus 19:16,19 twice; 1Chronicles 15:16,28; 16:5, 2Chronicles 30:21; Psalm 150:5)
MUSIC ASSOCIATED WITH “DANCING”
13 Times
(Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 21:21-23; 1Samuel 18:6; 21:11; 29:5; 2Samuel 6:14,16; Psalm 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jeremiah 31:4; Luke 15:25)
But “Improper” Dancing
Idolatry (Exodus 32:19)
Enemy’s Victory (1Samuel 30:16)
Sensual/Erotic (Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:22)
NO MUSIC ASSOCIATED WITH
“LIFTING” or “RAISING HANDS”
In Prayer (1Timothy 2:8)
In Blessing God (Psalm 63:4; 119:48; 134:2)
In Blessing People (Lev 9:22; Luke 24:50)
In “Amen”s (Nehemiah 8:6)
In Oath (Deut 32:40; Daniel 12:7; Rev 10:5)
“CLAPPING HANDS”
Shout of Joy (Psalm 47:1)
“The Rivers” (Psalm 98:8) and “The Trees” (Isaiah 55:2)
EPHESIANS 5:18-19 AND COLOSSIANS 3:16
“BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.”
AND “LET THE WORD OF CHRIST RICHLY DWELL WITHIN YOU.”
“psalms …”
Primarily denotes striking or plucking stringed instruments
NT references to:
The Book of Psalms (Luke 20:42; 24:44; Acts 1:20)
A particular “Psalm” (Acts 13:33)
Psalms in general (Here in both; 1Cor 14:26)
“hymns …”
‘umnos, ‘umnew; primarily praise to God (here in both)
This word used referring to:
“The Hallel” (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26; [Part of Psalms 113-118])
Praises in the NT (Acts 16:25; Heb 2:12)
“spiritual songs …”
wde; or “ode” (here in both)
A general expression for songs (Rev 5:9; 14:3; 15:3)
“singing …”
To sing, as in praise to God (here in both)
Used in connection with above “spiritual songs” (Rev 5:9; 14:3; 15:3)
“making melody with your heart …”
Similar to above ysalmos; To play or strike a stringed instrument (here only in Eph 5:19)
Note: “with your heart” [NASB] is here used and not “in …”, implies the idea of composing (Rom 15:9; 1Cor 14:15; James 5:13)
“speaking to one another …” (Eph) and “teaching and admonishing one another …” (Col)
Music lyrics and singing directed to one another
For the purpose of instruction, encouragement and exhortation
As part of conversation
“to the Lord” (Eph) and “to God” (Col)
For adoration, praise, thanksgiving, rejoicing
Songs addressed directly to Him
Note: Remember this is all evidence of filling work of the Spirit (Eph) and the rich indwelling of the Word of Christ (Col)!
Note: Hymns of Worship and Remembrance. Gospel Perpetuating Fund Publishers; Topeka, Kansas; 1960. (“The Little Black Book”):
To Ourselves (Church and Fellow Christians): 37%
To Others (Personal Testimony to Anyone): 15%
To God/Jesus/Holy Spirit (Addressed Directly): 48%
Praise! Our Songs and Hymns. Singspiration Music, Zondervan, Grand Rapids MI, 1980.
To Ourselves (Church and Fellow Christians): 29%
To Others (Personal Testimony to Anyone): 46%
To God/Jesus/Holy Spirit (Addressed Directly): 25%
DERIVED PRINCIPLES OF MUSIC EVALUATION:
LYRICS: Truth, Revelation, Gospel
PURPOSES: Worship, Evangelism, Edification
AUDIENCE: Cultural Adaptation
VEHICLE: Expressions, Emotions
BALANCE: The Body of Christ
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Friday Jan 19, 2024
"The Scroll and the Lamb"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
A. The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
THE THRONE (4:1-11)
THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
***
2. THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
Seven Seals (5:1-5)
One Lamb Standing (5:6-7)
Multitudes Worship (5:8-14)
***
TRIBUTARIES: Isaiah 11:1; “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branchfrom his roots will bear fruit.”; Isaiah 11:10; “Then in that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.”; Jeremiah 23:5; “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land.’”; Notice: The Messiah is described as both “a branch” from Jesse and “the root” of Jesse With: Romans 15:12 (Quoting: Isaiah11:10); “Again Isaiah says, ‘There shall come the root of Jesse, And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.’”
Friday Jan 12, 2024
Friday Jan 12, 2024
"The Creatures and the Elders"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
A. The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
THE THRONE (4:1-11)
THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
***
1. THE THRONE (4:1-11)
Invitation (4:1)
Description (4:2-8)
Worship (4:9-11)
***
APPENDIX: The Crowns of Reward
“The IMPERISHABLE Wreath” (1Cor 9:25) for Self-Control
“The Crown of EXULTATION” (1Thess 2:19) for Leading Others to the Lord and Nurturing Them
“The Crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS” (2Tim 4:8) for Loving His Appearing
“The Unfading Crown of GLORY” (1Pet 5:3-4) For Fruitful Ministry of the Word
“The Crown of LIFE” (James 1:12; Rev 2:10) for Perseverance and Faithfulness
See: The example of the Twenty-Four Elders before the throne (Revelation 4:4, 9-11)
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
"Heaven and the Throne"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
The Tribulation (6:1-18:24)
The Second Coming (19:1-21)
The Kingdom (20:1-15)
The Eternal State (21:1-22:5)
***
A. The Heavenly Scene (4:1-5:14)
THE THRONE (4:1-11)
THE SCROLL (5:1-14)
***
1. THE THRONE (4:1-11)
Invitation (4:1)
Description (4:2-8)
Worship (4:9-11)
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
"Laodicea and the Door"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
***
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
Commission[i]
Character
Commendation - None
Confrontation
Correction
Challenge - First
Call - Reverse order
[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.
***
Appendix: “Repentance”in The Letters to The Seven Churches
“Left your first love” (2:4-5) @ Ephesus
“Hold the teaching of Balaam/Nicolaitans” (2:14-16) @ Pergamum
“Tolerate the woman Jezebel” (2:20-22) @ Thyatira
“Have a name that you are alive” (3:1-3) @ Sardis
“Are neither cold nor hot” (3:15-19) @ Laodicea
NOTE: None called for @ Smyrna or Philadelphia
***
Appendix: The Seven Promises to the Overcomers
The Tree of Life (2:7 w/ 22:2)
No Second Death (2:11 w/ 20:6)
A New Name (2:17 w/ 22:4)
The Morning Star (2:28 w/ 22:16)
A White Garment (3:5 w/ 19:8)
A Pillar in the Temple (3:12 w/ 21:9-21)
Share in the Throne (3:21 w/ 20:4)
***
Note: The para-church movements began by individuals who responded to God in the middle of the 20th Century;
Dwight L. Moody (Moody Bible Institute)
Lewis Sperry Chafer (Dallas Theological Seminary)
Billy Graham (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ)
Dawson Trotman (The Navigators)
James Dobson (Focus on the Family)
Francis Schaeffer (L’abri Fellowship)
David Noebel (Summit Ministries)
Larry Burkett (Crown Financial Ministries)
Many other examples
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
"Philadelphia and the Name"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
***
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
Commission[i]
Character
Commendation
Confrontation - None
Correction Encouragement
Challenge - First
Call - Reverse order
[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.
***
APPENDIX: “In His Name”[i]
1Corinthians 1:10-15
INTRODUCTION
Note: Full Name, “Lord Jesus Christ”
The significance of the “Name” of the Lord or activities associated with His “Name” is not to be found in its mere letters or syllables in a particular language. “His Name” does not have authority or influence because of some superstition attached to its pronunciation. It has its meaning and significance because it represents Him, His identity, His person and His work. In short, you could say it is His “reputation.” Try quoting any of the verses referenced below by substituting the word “reputation” as a synonym for “name.” For instance, the familiar 23rd Psalm becomes clearer: “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His reputation’s sake.”
THE OLD TESTAMENT
There are approximately 350 references to the “name of the Lord” in the Old Testament in regard to one aspect or another.
HISTORICAL
In Genesis it is used six times in the context of “calling on the Name …”:
Men in general(4:26): During the time of human history connected with the birth of Seth’s son Enosh, it is said they “. . . began to call upon the name of the LORD.”
Abram at Bethel(12:8): As Abram set out in obedience to the promise and the call of God, “…he built an altar to the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.”
Abram again at Bethel(13:4): And after spending some time in Egypt because of a famine, he returned to that same altar and “called upon the name of the LORD” a second time.
Hagar(16:13): Upon being reassured personally by the Angel of the LORD concerning her son, Sarai’s maid “called on the name of the LORD.”
Abraham at Beersheba(21:33): After securing clear exclusive rights to the well of water in Paran, Abraham “planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.”
Isaac at Beersheba(26:25): Isaac, many years later, having had disputes over several wells in the same area, finally dug one he named Rehoboth. At that time the LORD appeared to him to re-confirm His promise, and “So he built an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD.”
In Exodus:
“I Am …My name forever”(3:14-15)
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.”(20:7)
In other references God associates His Name:
With a Place(Deuteronomy 12:11; 26:2)
With the Nation of Israel(Deuteronomy 28:10)
With the Temple(1Kings 8:29 with 9:3)
With the city of Jerusalem(2Chronicles 6:6 with 12:13)
With the tribe of Judah(Psalm 78:67-69)
SIGNIFICANCE
It is “Everlasting”(Psalm 135:13)
It is the standard for the authority of His “Word”(Psalm 138:2)
“His name alone is exalted.”(Psalm 148:13)
It is “a strong tower”(Proverbs 18:10)
“I am the Lord, that is my name; and I will not give My Glory to another.”(Isaiah 42:8)
THE NEW TESTAMENT
HISTORICAL
John the Baptist associated the name “Jehovah” with the person of Jesus Christ.(Matthew 3:3 with Isaiah 40:3)
Jesus used the name of “I Am” for His own identity.(John 8:58 with Exodus 3:13,14)
His present full name is “the Lord Jesus Christ”(1Corinthians 1:10)
His future title is “King of kings and Lord of lords”(Revelation 19:16)
PROMISES RELATED TO HIS NAME
Believing:LIFE (John 20:31)
Asking:ANSWERED PRAYER (John 14:13,14)
Teaching & Baptizing:PERMANENT PRESENCE (Matthew 28:18-20)
Ministering:BEING UN-FORGOTTEN (Hebrews 6:10)
Being Reproached:BLESSED (1Peter 4:14)
Gathering:PERSONAL PRESENCE (Matthew 18:20)
Gathering:POWER (1Corinthians 5:4)
Notice: There are two promises associated with gathering “in His Name.” One concerns Christ’s own presence in the gathering, regardless of how small it may be. And the other gives Paul the authority to call for the discipline of a member when they are assembled.
CONDUCT
Living Morally(2Timothy 2:19): Even though it is humanly impossible to know for certain about another’s salvation, yet being identified as one who “names the name of the Lord” is enough to challenge a lifestyle change that refrains from immorality.
Giving Thanks(Ephesians 5:20): Our thanksgiving to God the Father is under the auspices of “…in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Suffering(Acts 5:41): Peter and the other apostles were actually rejoicing because “they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
Glorified in us(2Thessalonians 1:12): Paul’s prayer for the dear believers at this church included “…that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you.”
EXCELLENCE
“His name ALONE” (Acts 4:12)
- Not sharing competition from other names (Isaiah 42:8 and 1Corinthians 1:10-15): Why risk a division of “glory” by adding a second name of identification, such as ‘this’ or ‘that type’ of Christian?
- Other possible names taken by believers:
Other People: prominent church leaders or founders. There is little question that renowned men and women of courage and faith should be recognized, but why make their names an association to distinguish one group of believers from another.
A Doctrine: whether in error or correct is not at issue here. But the fact that even a right doctrine is selected as a point of identity of a particular group, as if no other holds that same truth, gives way to spiritual pride, division and confusion.
An Order or Method: that is a certain way of doing things. It may be unique and real, but it should not be elevated to the status of forming our identity or label to separate us from other gatherings of believers.
A Government or Organizational Structure: as above, may accurately describe the way a group of churches have chosen to associate themselves. It may designate a hierarchy of “bishops” or a committee of “overseers” or a loose confederation, but it should not be the distinguishing mark of a group of churches.
Right Names but with Wrong Attitude: Even those who identified themselves as “of Christ” in the context of exclusive pride were included in Paul’s rebuke! So even the name “Christian” should not be taken as if all the rest were not. Consider: “Churches of Christ” is used only ONE time in the NT (Rom 16:16); “Church(es) of God” is used ELEVEN times (Acts 20:28; 1Cor 1:2; 10:32; 11:16, 22; 15:9; 2Cor 1:1; Gal 1:13; 1Thess 2:14; 2Thess 1:4; 1Tim 3:5); “The church of the living God” is used ONCE (1Tim 3:15)
Only the Idea Of “His Name Alone”: Some non-denominational churches use this; taking no other label as if the absence of such makes them superior.
- ‘David’s Denomination’ (Psalm 119:63): There is a simplicity and a freedom that comes from sincerely and humbly identifying yourself as “a companion of all those who fear Thee.”
“Do ALL in His name” (Colossians 3:17): Everything we do and are should be in identification with His name (His reputation) and that certainly includes our association with His church.
“Which is ABOVE every name” (Philippians 2:9-11): There is no other name equal to His. He has the title of Lord, and that definitely includes His Lordship over His own Body.
Note: The name “Christian” was started by outsiders (Acts 11:26; 26:28) and Peter used it in the context of persecution (1Peter 4:16); Label of “the Way” was used six times (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22); One time is reference made to “the sect of the Nazarenes” by the prosecution lawyer Tertullus before Felix (Acts 24:5)
[i] Excerpt from the book From the Fold to the Flock by Glendall Toney, July 2012; Xulon Press.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
"Sardis and the False Reputation"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
***
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
Commission[i]
Character
Commendation
Confrontation
Correction
Challenge - First
Call - Reverse order
[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
"Thyatira and the Woman Jezebel"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
***
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
Commission[i]
Character
Commendation
Confrontation
Correction
Challenge - First
Call - Reverse Order
[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.
***
Tributary: Jeremiah 3:6–10 (NASB95, emphasis mine)
“Then the Lord said to me in the days of Josiah the king, ‘Have you seen what faithless Israel did? She went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and she was a harlot there. 7 I thought, “After she has done all these things she will return to Me”; but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 8 And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also. 9 Because of the lightness of her harlotry, she polluted the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. 10 Yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception,’ declares the Lord.”
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
"Pergamum and My Name"
The Outline:
Prologue (1:1-8)
I. “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN” – The Son of Man and The Lampstands (1:9-20)
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
III. “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE” – The Judgments and The Characters (4:1-22:5)
Epilogue (22:6-21)
***
II. “THE THINGS WHICH ARE” – The Letters to The Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
A. Ephesus (2:1-7)
B. Smyrna (2:8-11)
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
D. Thyatira (2:18-29)
E. Sardis (3:1-6)
F. Philadelphia (3:7-13)
G. Laodicea (3:14-22)
***
C. Pergamum (2:12-17)
Commission[i]
Character
Commendation
Confrontation
Correction
Call
Challenge
[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.
***
Tributary: Malachi 3:16–17; (NASB95) “Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. 17 ‘They will be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.’”
