THE NAME OF JESUS
Conybeare wrote of Eusebius: “I have, after a moderate search in the works of Eusebius, found eighteen citations of Matthew 28:19, and always in the following form:
“Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you”.
And Eusebius is not content merely to cite the verse in this form, but he more than once comments on it in such a way as to show how much he set store by the words ‘in my name’. Thus, in his Demonstratio Evangelica he writes thus (col 240 p 136)
“ For He did not enjoin them “to make disciples of all the nations” simply without qualification, but with the essential addition “in his name”. For so great was the virtue attaching to his appellation that the Apostle says, ‘God bestowed on him the name above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven and on earth and under the earth. It was right therefore that he should emphasise (sic) the virtue of the power residing in his name but hidden from the many, and therefore say to his Apostles, Go ye and make disciples of all the nations ‘in my name’”’”
Further, Conybeare writes: “Of the patristic witnesses to the text of the New Testament as it stood in the Greek MSS. From about 300-340 A.D., none is so important as Eusebius of /caesarea, for he lived in the greatest Christian Library of that age, that namely which Origen and Pamphilus had collected. It is no exaggeration to say that from shis single collection of manuscripts at Caesaria derives the larger part of the surviving ante-Nicean literature. In his Library, Eusebius must have habitually handled codices of the great uncals that we have now in our libraries-- Hibbert Journal, Oct. 1902
The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics states:
The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius quotes Mat 28:19 twenty one times, either omitting everything between ‘nations’ and ‘teaching’, or in the form ‘make disciples of all nations in my name’, the latter being the more frequent.”
Note: The foregoing was copied from a booklet in my possession, written in 1915 in London England by A. H. Broughton. Eusebius lived from about 270 AD to 340 AD, and had access to the original writings before they were ordered burned in 303 AD. by Roman Emperor Diocletian during very severe persecution of the Christians.
We have no original writings earlier than those used by Eusebius. (M. Fretwell)
Mat 1:21 And she shall bri ng forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Luk 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Act 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Luk 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk
Act 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Act 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Phi 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Jam 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Joh 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
Joh 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Joh 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Joh 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Joh 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE
ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE
The first thing we need to touch when studying about the Kingdom of God is the fact that it is a condition entirely WITHIN the heart of every individual believer, instead of an earthly government which endures for a thousand years. We must forget about those things that resemble our earthly governments, for, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU. Luk 17:20-21
It will be NOTHING LIKE any government we see in the world today.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN HAS OR DOES NOT HAVE, DEPENDING ENTIRELY UPON WHAT THE LORD SEES IN THEIR LIFE.
WE EITHER MEET HIS REQUIREMENTS, OR WE DON’T. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OBTAINING, OR MAINTAINING, SALVATION. THAT IS FREE!
Let’s look at a few of the requirements for attaining to Kingdom Stature.
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (LIT. pressure) enter into the kingdom of God. (Most of the pressure is from within our own hearts)
Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSETH into it.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought (agonized) a good fight (agony), I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (equitable character), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.
HIGH CALLING-- Used in a COMPARATIVE sense, contrasted to other levels. The verses following indicate that whatever level of Spiritual Maturity we have attained to, we should walk in that level, regardless of what others are permitted to do.
OTHERS MAY--- YOU CAN NOT
Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth (agonizes) for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly (straight for the finish line); so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (weary it) (make it my slave): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (unfit for the task at hand, but not necessesarily a lost soul)
Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness (EQUITY OF CHARACTER), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot (morally unblemished), and blameless (in His Sight).
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER: and he shall purify the sons of Levi (the He Goats before the flock), and PURGE THEM AS GOLD AND SILVER, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (rectitude).
Luk 13:24 Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (those who do whatever feels good to the flesh)
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
The “little Sister” who “hath no breasts” (saved, though undeveloped) might not make it into the Kingdom. What a shame.
The first thing we need to touch when studying about the Kingdom of God is the fact that it is a condition entirely WITHIN the heart of every individual believer, instead of an earthly government which endures for a thousand years. We must forget about those things that resemble our earthly governments, for, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU. Luk 17:20-21
It will be NOTHING LIKE any government we see in the world today.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN HAS OR DOES NOT HAVE, DEPENDING ENTIRELY UPON WHAT THE LORD SEES IN THEIR LIFE.
WE EITHER MEET HIS REQUIREMENTS, OR WE DON’T. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OBTAINING, OR MAINTAINING, SALVATION. THAT IS FREE!
Let’s look at a few of the requirements for attaining to Kingdom Stature.
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (LIT. pressure) enter into the kingdom of God. (Most of the pressure is from within our own hearts)
Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSETH into it.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought (agonized) a good fight (agony), I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (equitable character), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.
HIGH CALLING-- Used in a COMPARATIVE sense, contrasted to other levels. The verses following indicate that whatever level of Spiritual Maturity we have attained to, we should walk in that level, regardless of what others are permitted to do.
OTHERS MAY--- YOU CAN NOT
Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth (agonizes) for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly (straight for the finish line); so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (weary it) (make it my slave): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (unfit for the task at hand, but not necessesarily a lost soul)
Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness (EQUITY OF CHARACTER), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot (morally unblemished), and blameless (in His Sight).
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER: and he shall purify the sons of Levi (the He Goats before the flock), and PURGE THEM AS GOLD AND SILVER, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (rectitude).
Luk 13:24 Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (those who do whatever feels good to the flesh)
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
The “little Sister” who “hath no breasts” (saved, though undeveloped) might not make it into the Kingdom. What a shame.
Friday, January 04, 2008
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
I’ve heard of, and read about, the KINGDOM OF GOD for the seventy years I have had the Holy Ghost. I even did an exhaustive study once about the difference between the KINGDOM OF GOD and the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. I spent days looking up every scripture containing the phrases. (There is no difference, by the way)
But, with all my studying, I still was unable to figure out the dynamics of the Kingdom. I did “know” that it would be a THEOCRACY instead of a DEMOCRACY or a MONARCHY as we know it, and that the prospective inhabitants would undergo a rigid scrutiny before they would be granted entry. I did “know” that nothing hurtful or destructive would be allowed to enter through its gates. I was also “aware” that it would be set up by Jesus Himself, and that it would endure for a thousand years.
Some things were a bit of a mystery to me, however. I wondered how Jesus would accomplish the feat in an instant when He returns to earth at the time of the “rapture”, and why the Kingdom would be necessary if the Saints were all gone, and only the Christ Rejecters were left on the earth.
But my reckoning was that if everyone else believed it that way, it MUST be correct, so I didn’t think it worth my time to ask too many questions, though I knew I didn’t have the answers myself.
Would we (for I was sure I would be granted entrance) have a City Council, a Mayor, a Chief of Police, etc., and if so, what were the chances that I would be chosen to fill an office?
An in-depth study has produced some startling facts for us to consider. BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THEY PERTAIN TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD and NOT TO SALVATION.
They are two different subjects—separate and distinct from one another.
SALVATION IS FREE
KINGDOM STATURE IS VERY COSTLY.
I use the term KINGDOM STATURE deliberately, for I am seeing the Kingdom in an entirely different light than in the former years. I am now ready to state flatly that the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught about is a NURTURED CONDITION OF OUR HEART IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF GOD.
IT IS THE STRAIT GATE AND THE NARROW WAY THAT COMPARATIVELY FEW SOULS FIND. The price of Character Refinement seems so unreasonable to many of us. We can not comprehend the need for such a stringent heart condition and life style.
And, indeed, those requirements are NOT laid on folks who aspire ONLY to the Salvation of their souls.
Mar 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Luk 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
Luk 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last (least important—CEV) which shall be first, and there are first (most important—CEV) which shall be last.
Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Luk 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
WHAT DID THEY SEE? Jesus had taken three of them to the top of a mountain, where He was transfigured before them. They experienced His Glory. They were “scared to death”, so to speak. The humanity of Peter expressed a desire to always be in the presence of the Glory, but he had too much “baggage” in his soul yet for that to be realized.
Most of us, and I include myself, also still have far too much of our “baggage” with us while we crave the Glory of God in our souls.
We have failed to understand the need of Character Refinement, and hence have either failed or refused to submit ourselves to the searing heat required to separate ourselves from “ourselves”.
We are NOT dealing with rules and regulations which our fellow Christians would lay on us. We are dealing with the Holy Spirit of God. HE IS THE REFINER OF SILVER AND THE PURIFIER OF GOLD---not our neighbor.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
I’ve heard of, and read about, the KINGDOM OF GOD for the seventy years I have had the Holy Ghost. I even did an exhaustive study once about the difference between the KINGDOM OF GOD and the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. I spent days looking up every scripture containing the phrases. (There is no difference, by the way)
But, with all my studying, I still was unable to figure out the dynamics of the Kingdom. I did “know” that it would be a THEOCRACY instead of a DEMOCRACY or a MONARCHY as we know it, and that the prospective inhabitants would undergo a rigid scrutiny before they would be granted entry. I did “know” that nothing hurtful or destructive would be allowed to enter through its gates. I was also “aware” that it would be set up by Jesus Himself, and that it would endure for a thousand years.
Some things were a bit of a mystery to me, however. I wondered how Jesus would accomplish the feat in an instant when He returns to earth at the time of the “rapture”, and why the Kingdom would be necessary if the Saints were all gone, and only the Christ Rejecters were left on the earth.
But my reckoning was that if everyone else believed it that way, it MUST be correct, so I didn’t think it worth my time to ask too many questions, though I knew I didn’t have the answers myself.
Would we (for I was sure I would be granted entrance) have a City Council, a Mayor, a Chief of Police, etc., and if so, what were the chances that I would be chosen to fill an office?
An in-depth study has produced some startling facts for us to consider. BUT PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THEY PERTAIN TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD and NOT TO SALVATION.
They are two different subjects—separate and distinct from one another.
SALVATION IS FREE
KINGDOM STATURE IS VERY COSTLY.
I use the term KINGDOM STATURE deliberately, for I am seeing the Kingdom in an entirely different light than in the former years. I am now ready to state flatly that the Kingdom of God that Jesus taught about is a NURTURED CONDITION OF OUR HEART IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF GOD.
IT IS THE STRAIT GATE AND THE NARROW WAY THAT COMPARATIVELY FEW SOULS FIND. The price of Character Refinement seems so unreasonable to many of us. We can not comprehend the need for such a stringent heart condition and life style.
And, indeed, those requirements are NOT laid on folks who aspire ONLY to the Salvation of their souls.
Mar 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
Luk 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
Luk 13:21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luk 13:30 And, behold, there are last (least important—CEV) which shall be first, and there are first (most important—CEV) which shall be last.
Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
Luk 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
WHAT DID THEY SEE? Jesus had taken three of them to the top of a mountain, where He was transfigured before them. They experienced His Glory. They were “scared to death”, so to speak. The humanity of Peter expressed a desire to always be in the presence of the Glory, but he had too much “baggage” in his soul yet for that to be realized.
Most of us, and I include myself, also still have far too much of our “baggage” with us while we crave the Glory of God in our souls.
We have failed to understand the need of Character Refinement, and hence have either failed or refused to submit ourselves to the searing heat required to separate ourselves from “ourselves”.
We are NOT dealing with rules and regulations which our fellow Christians would lay on us. We are dealing with the Holy Spirit of God. HE IS THE REFINER OF SILVER AND THE PURIFIER OF GOLD---not our neighbor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
