A NEW NAME - NYOBS 78.26

A NEW NAME

There is a NEW NAME written down in Glory, and ITS MINE.

First Word

·         This study looks at a few good men and women whose names were changed. This will unpack who they were and who they became. - GOD CHANGED ABRAM’S NAME to Abraham. - Just as a wife takes on the name of her husband, Sara also takes on Jehovah’s name; her name is changed to Sarah. - DID YOU SEE IT? - An “H” from Jehovah; YHWH or YAHWEH was added to both of their names. - Abraham was the Friend of God, & God was the friend of Abraham – Abraham and Sarah had become receptors of God’s blessings and COVENANT.

• Abraham is known as the “Friend” of God.  The term “Friend” is used only when you are “In Covenant” with someone.  – I hope you have heard the old song; “What a FRIEND we have in Jesus”. – Once you are in covenant with God, you are always in Covenant with Him.

·         A Blood Covenant between two people is irrevocable and carried with it extensive rights and assets; the stronger takes on the weaker. – The weaker has his account “reckoned” or paid in full.  Jesus is our covenant partner and our “Friend” and our sin debt is paid in full. - I encourage you to read The Blood Covenant. – NYOBS 05.34 - BLOOD COVENANT

• During the Blood Covenant they would EXCHANGE NAMES and add each other’s name to theirs.  If my name was Paul and your name was Andrew, I would be called Paul Andrew and you would be called Andrew Paul. - From that day forward we would be known as “Friends”.  The term friend was a big deal and is not the casual relationship that we have today.
• From that moment on Paul would be known as the friend of Andrew and Andrew would be known as the friend of Paul.  – They now carried the name of the other. -  They would either exalt the other’s name or shame the others name. – We carry the name of Christian; we will either exalt or shame the name of our covenant brother, the Lord Jesus Christ.
• God said it three times that Abraham was His friend - Three is the Trinity – Abraham was filled with The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit - He was full of FAITH – Today we would call this being FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT; but what does that look like?

The SIGN of being filled with the Spirit is not how you FEEL, but what you DO.

Isa 41:8 – Abraham my friend

8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. KJV

James 2:23 - Abraham was called God’s friend.
²³ And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

He was called the friend of God. (NLT)

2 Chronicles 20:7 – Abraham, God’s friend forever
⁷ Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? (NKJV)

Matthew 7:16 – You will know Spirit Filled by what they produce
¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? (NASB)

John 6:39 – All that are in covenant, shall stay in covenant

39 And this is the will of him who sent me, which I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. NIV

Who Jacob “WAS”

·         Abraham received a “Self Imposed” covenant from God. - What Abraham did or didn’t do or his faithfulness had nothing to do with this covenant; it was all God’s faithfulness. – This covenant was passed down through Abraham, to Isaac and then to Jacob who wanted it so bad he felt he had to FIGHT to get it.

·         Jacob means” Heel Grabber”, which was the hallmark of his character, however in other Middle Eastern languages it also means “God Protects”.   Jacob was a crook, a cheat and a liar.  Esau and Jacob were twins and before they were even born there was conflict, a struggle within the womb between the two of them.  Rebekah, Isaac’s wife who had been barren for twenty years, felt this struggle and asked God, “Why is this happening to me”?

·         God tells Rebekah that the two sons in the womb would become two rival nations and STRUGGLE with each other and THE FIRST BORN WOULD SERVE THE SECOND BORN. – Esau was born first with Jacob clinging onto his heel with a strong grasp. – Esau was strong, loved the outdoors and hunting; he was easy going and took nothing seriously, he sought instant gratification and became a Daddy’s Boy. -  On the other hand, Jacob was like his  mother and would become a Mama’s Boy,

·         Note: as you read this story, you will see that Rebekah in her form of unscrupulous opportunism, believed it was her duty to help God with Jacob’s rise to leadership of the family clan and so she deceives her husband Isaac as well as teaches Jacob to wangle his way by doing the same thing.

·         Jacob would eventually cheat his brother out of his birthright by making a trade with him. -  Esau had returned home from an unsuccessful hunt and was exhausted, tired and famished for food.   Jacob made a deal to trade him “A HAPPY MEAL” of some savory red stew in exchange for his birthright.  Esau made the deal.

·         The Birthright gives the oldest son special privileges within the household as well as a double portion of the father’s estate.  - In this case Jacob would now get 2/3 of the estate and Esau only 1/3. - The next thing Jacob wanted was the Blessing of his father Isaac.

·         Isaac was now BLIND and mistakenly thought he was dying and felt it of supreme importance to transmit “The Blessing” to his first born son Esau, but his wife Rebekah felt that God wanted the blessing to be on Jacob and engineered and perpetrated a Dirty, Dastardly, Deceitful Deed.

·         The Blessing was a prayer to God conveying an irrevocable transfer of power to the next family leader.  With the help of his mother Rebekah, Jacob tricked his father Isaac on his death bed to give him the blessing.  Rebekah made Isaac his favorite stew, and Jacob put on Esau’s stinky hunting clothes and even put hides of goat hair on his arms and neck so he would feel hairy to his dad. – Isaac being blind wasn’t sure if he was really talking to Esau, but the harry arms convinced him to give him the irrevocable blessing of clan leadership. – The Dastardly, Dirty, Deceitful Deed was Done.

·         SIDEBAR:  whatever you think of Jacob’s character, you must admit that he desperately wanted “The Birthright” which Esau cared nothing about and with the help of his mother, he fought single minded to get it. This is an important fact; “he struggled with man” – Hold that thought. - 

WHO JACOB WAS

Genesis 25:22 – Jacob struggled with Esau in the womb
²² But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the LORD about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked. (NLT)

Genesis 25:23 – The twins will become two rival nations
²³ And the LORD told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your OLDER son will serve your YOUNGER son.” (NLT)

Genesis 25:25 – Esau came out covered with thick hair
²⁵ The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. (NLT)

Genesis 25:26 – Jacob came out grasping Esau’s heel
²⁶ Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born. (NLT)

Genesis 25:29-33 – Birthright “Trade Out” at the OK Corral
²⁹ One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry.
³⁰ Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)
³¹ All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”
³² Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”
³³ But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob. (NLT)

Genesis 25:34 – Esau cared nothing about the Birthright
³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn. (NLT)

Genesis 27:6-7 – Jacob and Mom Weave a Wicked Web of Woe
⁶ Rebecca said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau,
⁷ Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the LORD’s presence before I die.’ (NLT)
Genesis 27:8-14 – The Dastardly Deed is hatched

⁸ Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you.
⁹ Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish.
¹⁰ Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.”
¹¹ But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth.
¹² What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”
¹³ But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just DO WHAT I TELL YOU. Go out and get the goats for me!”
¹⁴ So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it.

Genesis 27:15 - Jacob deceit begins with Esau’s stinky clothes

¹⁵ Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob.

(NLT)
Genesis 27:16-17 – Jacob covers arms & neck with goat skins.

¹⁶ She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats.
¹⁷ Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.
Genesis 27:18-19 – Jacob’s FIRST LIE to his father

¹⁸ So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”
¹⁹ Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.”
Genesis 27:20-23 – Jacobs’s SECOND LIE - God’s name in vain

²⁰ Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?”

“The LORD your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.
²¹ Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.”
²² So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said.
²³ But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob.

(NLT)
Genesis 27:24-26 – Jacob’s THIRD LIE – Are you really Esau?

²⁴ But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied.
²⁵ Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him. Then Isaac said to Jacob,
²⁶ Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.”

(NLT)

Genesis 27:27 – Jacob KISSES his father and the Deed is Done

²⁷ So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the LORD has blessed!

(NLT)

Genesis 27:28-29 – Jacob gets THE BLESSING of Clan Leadership

²⁸ From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine.
²⁹ May many nations become your servants, and may they bow down to you. May you be the master over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. All who curse you will be cursed, and all who bless you will be blessed.”

(NLT)

Who Jacob BECAME

·         Jacob STRUGGLED with “The Promise” of the blessings of God against his own “Do It Yourself” arrogance; the desire to do it his way. - In his mind, the purposes of God for him to succeed could only come about through his own efforts.   (Remember the song, “I did it my way”)

·         The father Isaac was about to die, so Jacob takes off to another country in fear of his life from Esau.  He took up with his Uncle Laban who was as brutal and CROOKED as he was.  This man who was the trickster was now in turn being tricked by his uncle and there he struggles for 14 years. - His rough edges were being honed off and Jacob changed and became a generous man full of compassion; gone was the greed and selfishness; his ME - ME attitude had disappeared. - Through his family a Pharaoh would eventually be blessed.

·         Although Jacob feared for his life, he wanted with a passion to be back with his family and set out to return home and along the way, while ALL ALONE  he encountered a mysterious being which I believe was an angel of God; an all-night struggle or wrestling match ensued. – Jacob WANTED DESPERATELY A BLESSING and WOULD NOT LET GO of the Heavenly being until he got the blessing.

·         The Book records a prayer of Jacob to God that is an EXAMPLE for all of us. - He begins by acknowledging who God is and then reminds Him of His promises; then he acknowledges his own unworthiness and of Gods unfailing love and His faithfulness and wanting desperately to return home he confesses he CAN’T DO IT HIS WAY and asks God to rescue him.

·         Israel means “God Struggles” or “One who struggles with God”. - THE HEAVENLY BEING BLESSED HIM and said your name will no longer be Jacob,” “From now on you will be called Israel, because YOU HAVE FOUGHT WITH GOD AND WITH MEN AND HAVE WON – Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” (How much are you willing to fight to receive God’s Blessing?)

·         Jacob was like he had been “Born Again”, he was a new person, but he walked away with a limp, a “Thorn in the Flesh” that continuously reminded him of his STRUGGLE for God.

·         Jacob struggled all his life, it begin in the womb and continued in violence with the storming of the “Walls of Jericho” in order to obtain the promised land of the covenant and has continued some 3,400 years with the Jews still struggling for its existence as a nation.   On May 14th 1948, Israel was established as a Jewish state and still STRUGGLES to hold on to the small portion of the Promised Land which includes Jerusalem and this struggle WILL CONTINUE through the Seven Years of Tribulations which is also known as JACOB’S TROUBLE. -  It’s in the Book  -

WHO JACOB BECAME

Genesis 32:9-12 – THE PRAYER OF JACOB
⁹ Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O LORD, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’
¹⁰ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!
¹¹ O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau.

I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.
¹² But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.’” (NLT)

Genesis 28:10-14 – God confirms the Abraham Covenant with Jacob
¹⁰ Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran.
¹¹ At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep.
¹² As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.
¹³ At the top of the stairway stood the LORD, and he said,

“I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants.
¹⁴ Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.

(NLT)
Genesis 28:15 – “GOD PROTECTS” (Jacob other name)

¹⁵ What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” (NLT)

Genesis 32:24-27 – Jacob wrestles with God
²⁴ This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.
²⁵ When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket.
²⁶ Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless YOU BLESS ME.”
²⁷ What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.”

(NLT)

Genesis 32:28 – Jacob’s name was changed to Israel
²⁸ Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called ISRAEL, because YOU HAVE FOUGHT WITH GOD AND WITH MEN AND HAVE WON.”

(NLT)

Genesis 32:31-32 – After that, Jacob walked with a limp
³¹ The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip.
³² Even today the people of Israel don’t eat the tendon near the hip socket because of what happened that night when the man strained the tendon of Jacob’s hip.

(NLT)

Jeremiah 30:7 – The Tribulations are known as Jacob’s trouble
⁷ Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of JACOB'S TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it.

(KJV)

Peter; who he WAS

·          Simon was called Simon Bar-Jonah – Bar is translated “Son” - So he was Simon the son of Jonah. -  His father Jonah or Jonas was also called John. – Folks did not really have a last name and sometimes would be called by their trade or hometown; there was Simon the Cyrene; Simon the tanner, Simon the leper then there was Simon the Zealot, and Simon the Sorcerer. - Simon Bar-Jonah was slated to get a new name. – NYOBS 10.02 - THE PLAYERS

• Simon and his brother Andrew were commercial fishermen along with their father working the Sea of Galilee which was actually just a very large lake. - They were in partnership with two brothers James and John and their father.
• Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptizer and followed his teachings of repentance and the one who was to come; the Messiah.  - John the Baptizer pointed out Jesus as the Messiah and Andrew quickly went and got his brother Simon to come and meet Jesus.
• The four partners became part-time disciples while sitting under the teachings of Jesus as they continued at their trades. - Their full time calling would come later.
• Are you ready for this:  Salome, James and John’s mother seems to be Mary’s sister the mother of Jesus, and was also a follower and financial supporter of “The Way”.
• Simon and Andrew were out fishing all night and had caught nothing, when Jesus told them to go out a little further and let down their nets. They did and caught so many fish that the nets began to tear. - Simon knew immediately he was in the presence of the Divine and told Jesus to leave him, because was too much of a sinner to be around Him.
• That’s when Simon learned he would now become a Fisher of People for the Gospel’s sake.
• Jesus had thousands of followers and prayed all night to select just twelve to represent all of Israel for a three year training project.
• Who the students were; they were not saints, nor scholars - They were actually the ignorant and unlearned who were employed in mundane trades and considered “Outsiders” to the religious establishment – They made mistakes and had failures and were Wishy washy in their commitment - They were proud, self-centered and had to have attitude adjustments – They had lapses of Faith and were Spiritually dense and slow learners. - They were unexceptional, plain, and ordinary, fallible individuals, the best thing about them was THEY MADE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE.
• Except for Judas Iscariot, they were all Galileans – Who were all deemed “County Bumpkins”, uneducated and common. - These peons, these nobodies turned the world upside down. - The Book says not many wise, influential and noble were called to be Disciples.
• The lesson here shows God can use even weak and dense people like you and me.  Stop and think for a minute, about being an instrument in the hands of The Most Holy GOD.
• Jesus knew their faults before He picked them and even knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him, knowing that Judas was part of God’s plan. - Even though they were common people, the Apostles still had to be morally fit to serve.
• Apostle: - In the Greek:  Messenger - He who is sent  – Disciple:  Student; Learner.
• The number Twelve and its multiple, throughout the Bible, is the number that relates to Priestly Government Perfection.  This symbolism was perfectly clear; the Twelve Disciples represented the twelve tribes of Israel. 12 Common Men with an Un-Common Calling.

John 1:35-40 – John the Baptist directs his disciples to Jesus

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.

36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. NIV

Luke 5:4-10 – Simon recognizes how much of a sinner he is
⁴  When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
⁵ Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
⁶ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
⁷ A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
⁸ When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord,

Please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.”
⁹ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.
¹⁰ His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” (NLT)

Luke 5:10 – All fishin’ buddies - partners

10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. NIV

Mark 15:40-41 – Salome mother of James and John

40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. NIV

Matt 27:55-56 - Salome – Mary’s sister

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of Zebedee's sons. NIV

Peter; who he BECAME

• Peter was the first follower to be called “Full Time” and recognized that Jesus was the Messiah; Jesus changes his name from Simon to Peter. - The name Peter in the GREEK means “Rock” or stone.  In ARAMAIC is it known as Cephas, a name which is referred to very often in the scriptures. -  Peter was Cephas, nicknamed The Rock which is not a “personal name” but a “description” of Peter’s Rock Solid Faith.  - No other person in the New Testament is named Peter. – Peter became the spokesperson for the Twelve.
• Peter had asked more questions than all the other Disciples combined.  He was impecunious; the first one to jump into something and usually the first one bailing out, but note; its’ easier to tone down a lively fanatic than it is to resurrect a dead corpse.
• I find it interesting, that when Peter was being chastised by the Lord, He called him Simon and when he was being commended, He called him Peter; I think to remind him of who he WAS before Christ and who he IS now in Christ; this is also a reflection for us in our life.
• Jesus gave Simon a name; not what he WAS, but what He wanted him to BECOME; “A Rock”.
• Peter was the only person besides Jesus Christ that was recorded as “Walking on Water”.
• Jesus called him “Simon” on a number of occasions to remind Peter of who he used to be.  At some point Simon assumes for himself that very name “Simon Peter”.
• Satan was after Simon Peter and Jesus warned him that he wanted to sift him like wheat.
• After “SIMON” denied Jesus three times he took off to go fishing – The resurrected Jesus Christ WENT AFTER HIM - an example that Christ will come after us too. -  Praise God.

Matthew 16:15-16 – Recognizes Jesus is the Christ.

15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." NIV

Matthew 16:17-18 - Simon’s name is changed to Peter
¹⁷ And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
¹⁸ I also say to you that YOU ARE PETER, and

UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and

the gates of Hades will not overpower it. (NASB)

Matthew 14:29-30 – Peter Walks on Water

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" NIV

Luke 4:38-39 – Simon had a Mother in Law

38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. NIV

Luke 6:14 – Jesus named Simon with a new name; Peter

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, KJV

Matt 16:16-18 – Simon Barjona - Peter

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. KJV

1 Corinthians 3:22 – Peter’s nickname is Cephas the Rock

22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; KJV

1 Corinthians 1:12 – Peter is also known as Cephas

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. KJV

Matt 10:2 – Simon Peter is pronounced their leader.

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: FIRST, Simon (who is called Peter) …..NIV

Luke 22:31- Satan is after Peter

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: KJV

John 21:3 - Peter has just denied Jesus three times.

3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. NIV

John 21:17 – Jesus goes after Peter – Calls him Simon

17 The third time he said to him, "SIMON son of John, do you love me?"

NIV

Pope Peter Rabbit Trail

• The last we hear of Peter is the embellished tradition that he was the “Bishop of Rome” and for twenty-five years was the “First Pope” of the Catholic Church.
• The New Testament says nothing directly about Peter's connection to Rome, but an early Catholic tradition supports such a connection. - Is this tradition Faith, Fact or just Forgery; it is certainly contrary to scripture.

• Wikipedia:  According to Catholic belief, Peter was the first Bishop of Rome and chief pastor of the whole Catholic Church - The “Vicar” of Christ upon Earth. - Although Peter never bore the title of "Pope” or "Vicar of Christ", the Catholic Church believes him to be the first Pope.   Therefore, they consider every pope to be Peter's successor and the rightful superior of all other bishops.
• “Vicar”:  The replacement of Jesus Christ on earth with the authority to forgive sins.
• This tradition originated with two scriptures surrounding Peter:

1.   “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” - Simon’s name was changed to Peter. – In Greek, it means Petros or Rock; in Aramaic its Cephas which was not a name, but a description of Peter’s ROCK SOLID FAITH.

2. “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven”. - Peter was censured by Paul, recognizing that he had no superior authority. - Cornelius kneeled down to Peter, but Peter said to not do that; that he was just a man - Popes do not marry, but Peter was married and took his wife with him on his missionary journeys. – NYOBS 65.22 – KINGDOM KEYS

·         When Peter uttered the words “YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD”, he was confessing what had been hidden; the “revelation” of Yeshua - Emanuel; God is with us - The Messiah.

·         Flesh and Blood has not “Revealed” this to you. - The word “Revealed” comes from the Greek word “apokalupto”; meaning to remove the veil or covering so as to expose what has been hidden; to make manifest. – The Revelation was; Jesus Christ is the Rock that now dwells within Simon. - This was when Jesus changed “Simon; son of Jonah’s” name to “PETROS” which means Rock, but then went on to say, that “on this PETRA, I will build my church”; Petra is a rock that is larger than Petros.

·         Jesus said that upon this revelation; this confession, this ROCK of truth, that He would build His Church.  - He was not making an “apostolic statement” that He would build His Church on Peter and Peter knew this when he called the Believers; LIVING STONES. - 

·         The Rock is Jesus, He is the cornerstone, the foundation for the Living Stones; which are the Prophets, the Apostles and you and me. – NYOBS 65.22 – KINGDOM KEYS – BIND AND LOOSE

·         The “Apostolic Authority” to forgive Sins was never transferred to any man to be passed down through a line of successors. - It is so much simpler than that; it is written; whosoever believes in the Name of Jesus the Christ, their sins are forgiven. – BAM –

• Otto Zwierlein concluded in a critical study that "there is not a single piece of reliable literary evidence (and no archaeological evidence either) that Peter was ever in Rome."

• Peter’s Faith is the rock; the foundation that the Christian Church is built on. 
• The Book records that the Disciples John, and Peter and Jesus’ half-brother James continued their work with the JEWS in JERUSALEM; not in Rome. – It was Paul’s mission to carry the Gospel to the GENTILES, the GREEK; to the non-Jews. – 
• It’s in the Book  -

Matthew 16:18 – God builds His Church on Peter

¹⁸ Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Matthew 16:19 – Peter given the authority to permit and forbid
¹⁹ And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” (NLT)

Acts 10:25-26 – Peter is just a man, not someone to worship
²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.
²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” (NLT)

Galatians 2:11 – Paul apposes Peter to his face for his wrong
¹¹ But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 9:5 – Cephas-(Peter) took his wife with him on trips

5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas?

NIV

Luke 4:38 – Simon Peter had a Mother in Law

38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. NIV

Matthew 16:17-18 – Simon’s name changed to Petrus - Rock
¹⁷ And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
¹⁸ And I tell you, YOU ARE PETER, and on this ROCK I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (ESV)

Luke 20:17 – Jesus is the Cornerstone
¹⁷ But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written: The stone that the builders rejected has become the CORNERSTONE” (ESV)

Acts 4:11-12 – The Rock of Salvation – Jesus Cornerstone
¹¹ This Jesus is the STONE that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.
¹² And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (ESV)

Ephesians 2:19-22 – The foundation of the Apostles; Jesus
¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
²⁰ built on THE FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the CORNERSTONE,
²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (ESV)

1 Peter 2:5-6 – Believers are Living Stones
⁵ you yourselves like LIVING STONES are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
⁶  For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a CORNERSTONE chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

(ESV)

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 – Living stones built on Christ’s Foundation
¹⁰  According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled MASTER BUILDER I laid a FOUNDATION, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.
¹¹ For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

(ESV)

Acts 10:43 - Everyone that believes receives forgiveness of sins
⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (ESV)

Acts 8:1 – Peter did not go to Rome, but Stayed in Jerusalem
¹ Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against THE CHURCH which was at JERUSALEM; and THEY WERE ALL SCATTERED throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, EXCEPT THE APOSTLES.

(NKJV)

Galatians 2:9 – Peter church leader in Jerusalem not Rome
⁹ In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me (Paul), and they accepted Barnabas and me (Paul) as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they CONTINUED THEIR WORK with the Jews. (NLT)

Sidebar – The Early Church

·         It is interesting to me that Paul says that he was NOT taught the Gospel by the preaching of any man, but through the revelation of Jesus Christ. – Understand, this occurred after the resurrection of Jesus. -  Paul even states that those who seemed to be quite influential added nothing to what Jesus had already revealed to him.

• Peter had not instructed Paul in the Gospel, nor did Peter know anything about the Gospel being made available to the GENTILES; he heard about this for the first time from Paul. – With that being said, it seems highly unlikely that Peter would be considered as head of the Catholic Church as tradition has expounded.

·         Jesus after His resurrection appeared FIRST to James His half-brother, before He appeared to the other disciples.  This is probably when James was converted to Christianity. Tradition has James as an important leader in early church history and was appointed as the FIRST BISHOP of Jerusalem by the apostles and by the Lord Himself. – It would seem that James would have headed up the church, not Peter nor Paul.

·         The Church would have seemed to be built first with Peter’s leadership, then it looked like it might become Paul’s leadership, or perhaps even James, but in the end, it is JESUS; the Rock, the Cornerstone, that is the foundation of the Church. – JESUS AND NO OTHER. -

Galatians 1:11-12 – Paul didn’t receive the Gospel through Peter
¹¹ For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.
¹² For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

(ESV)

Galatians 2:5-6 – Others added nothing to God’s instructions
⁵ to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
⁶ And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

(ESV)

Acts 13:46 – PAUL not Peter TURNS TO TEACH THE GENTILES
⁴⁶And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, (Paul)

WE ARE TURNING TO THE GENTILES.

(ESV)

Galatians 2:7 – Peter didn’t know about the Gentile inclusion
⁷ On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised (The Gentiles), just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (The Jews)

(ESV)

Matthew 13:55 - James – half-brother of Jesus

55 "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?

NIV

1 Corinthians15:7 – Jesus appears to James after His resurrection

7 Then he appeared to James, THEN to all the apostles,

NIV

Galatians 2:9 – James becomes a leader to the Jews.

9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be PILLARS, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that WE should go to the Gentiles, and THEY to the Jews.

NIV

Acts 21:18 – James and the leaders.

18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. NIV

James 1:1 – James, the writer of the book of James

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

NIV

Matthew 21:42 – Jesus is the ROCK; the Cornerstone
⁴² Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“THE STONE the builders rejected has become the CORNERSTONE; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? (NIV2011)

Who Paul WAS

·         Saul in Hebrew means “The one asked for” – He was a tent maker by trade and worked hard at it in order not to be a burden to anyone who supported his missions.

·         Saul was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, as well as a Roman Citizen and followed a career path to be a Jewish Pharisee. - He was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews” - He was ZEALOUS TO HONOR GOD and to follow every point of the strict Mosaic commands, laws, customs and traditions.  – He was fluent in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic and volunteered his services to the Jewish Leaders; he made havock of the church going from house to house dragging off men and women and committing them to prison.

·         Saul had received letters from the High Priest and the whole council of Elders authorizing him to persecute the followers of THE WAY, arresting them and throwing them into prison to be punished with some even to death. – The movement was called “THE WAY” because their leader Jesus said He was the Only Way to God; this was blasphemous to Saul. Saul was in complete agreement when Stephen was killed. - He stood by and kept their coats as they took them off when they stoned Stephen. - He uttered threats with every breath and was eager to kill followers of THE WAY.

·         Wikipedia describes Saul; "he was a man of middling size, and his hair was scanty, and his legs were a little crooked, and his knees were projecting, and he had large eyes and his eyebrows met, and his nose was somewhat long. - The Book says he was terrible at preaching and put people to sleep with his rambling, but he could write, formulating his words and thoughts on paper like a scholar.

WHO SAUL WAS

Galatians 1:14 – Saul followed all of the old Jewish traditions
¹⁴ I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. (NLT)

Acts 22:3-5
³ Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today.
⁴ And I persecuted the followers of THE WAY, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.
⁵ The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. (NLT)

Acts 19:23 –There was a major disturbance about The Way
²³ During that time there was a major disturbance about THE WAY. (HCSB)

John 14:6 – Jesus say that He was the ONLY WAY
⁶ Jesus told him, “I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (NLT)

Acts 22:20 – Saul holds the coats of those who stone Stephen
²⁰ And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ (NLT)

Acts 8:3 Saul made havock of the Church
³ As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (KJV)

Acts 9:1 Saul uttered threats with ever breath
¹ Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. (NLT)

Philippians 3:6 – I obeyed the law without fault
⁶ I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. (NLT)

2 Corinthians 10:10 – Paul was a terrible preacher
¹⁰ His letters are brawny and potent, but in person he's a weakling and mumbles when he talks." (MSG)

Acts 20:9 – Paul’s peaching would put you to sleep
⁹ As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. (NLT)

Who Paul BECAME

·         Saul took a weeklong 150 mile trip to Damascus and along the way encountered a bright light that was brighter than the noon day sun that knocked him to the ground.  The Pentecostal’s would call this, being “Slain in the Spirit” and I agree. – The presence of God was just so overwhelming that he just could not stand.  The Book actually records this phenomena a number of times. – NYOBS 73.27 – SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT

·         Saul “SAW THE LIGHT” and connected up with Ananias a “Christian” that God had sent to him. - Saul spent some time in repentance and fasting and openly confessed that “Jesus was indeed the Son of God”.  - Saul says, I’m not worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. - From there on out he is no longer called Saul, but called Paul. –

·         Peter took the message to the Jews and Paul took the message to the Gentiles; … US.

·         Paul was not much to look at and not eloquent at all, but wrote most of the New Testament; so there is hope for you and me.

Acts 26:13-14 - Paul fell to the ground – Slain in the Spirit
¹³ At midday, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me.
¹⁴ And when we had ALL FALLEN TO THE GROUND, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

(ESV)

Matthew 17:6 – Disciples Slain in the Spirit
⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.

(ESV)

Revelation 1:17 – John – Slain in the Spirit
¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, (ESV)

John 18:6 – Soldiers – Slain in the Spirit.
⁶ When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and FELL TO THE GROUND. (ESV)

Matthew 28:4 - Guards – Slain in the Spirit
⁴ And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. (ESV)

Daniel 8:17-18 – Daniel fell on his face – Slain in the Spirit

¹⁷ So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face.
¹⁸ And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my FACE to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up.

(ESV)

Ezekiel 3:23 – Ezekiel – Fell on his face – Slain in the Spirit
²³ So I arose and went out into the valley, and behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, like the glory that I had seen by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my FACE. (ESV)

Numbers 22:31 – Balaam – Fell on his face – Slain in the Spirit
³¹ Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. (ESV)

Acts 22:6-10 – Saul sees the Light
⁶ As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very BRIGHT LIGHT from heaven suddenly shone down around me.
⁷ I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
⁸ Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’
⁹ The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.
¹⁰ I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ (NLT)

1 Corinthians 15:9 – I am not worthy to be called a Disciple
⁹ For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact,

I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. (NLT)

Acts 9:15 – Paul becomes God’s chosen vessel
¹⁵ But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: (KJV)

Acts 9:20 – Paul confesses that Jesus is indeed the Son of God
²⁰ And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” (NLT)

Acts 13:46-47 – Paul become a light to the Gentiles
⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews.

But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles.
⁴⁷ For the Lord gave us this command when he said,

‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” (NLT)

Who we WERE

·         Before we accepted Christ, we were already destined to NOT inherit the kingdom of God.  There was sin in our lives; Sexual sins, Adultery, Gay lifestyles, Homosexuality, Idols and the worship of things.  We were greedy, drunkards, abusive and liars’, thieves and cheaters, bigots and mistreaters.  

·         We were full of evil thoughts, theft, murder, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness, lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, and lovers of pleasure

·         Glen Campbell recorded a song; the FOUR HORSEMEN taken from the pages of John’s Revelation which describes who we WERE without Christ and what happens in the end times for those that reject the plan of Salivation through Jesus Christ. – I encourage you to view it on “YouTube”.  Play it loud with some good Speakers. -  NYOBS 35.24 - FOUR HOURSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE -  Revelation 6:2 -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkLlN778ZU

·         And I saw the WHITE HORSE, ridden by a man with bow and arrow. And he wore a golden crown and he rode a trail so narrow. And he went forth to conquer all the liars, thieves and cheaters; all the weavers of illusion; all the bigots and mistreaters; and the earth was shakin' like an old man's hand and the sun was black as mud; and the oceans moved across the land and the moon became as blood.

·         And I saw a RED HORSE and a rider with a saber; to take peace from all the earth, for destruction was his labor. And he rode out in anger to turn brother against brother; with poison for the nations to make them all kill one another. And the stars of heaven fell to earth like the fruit of a tree that's shaken; by an unkindly wind, to be ever more forsaken.

·         And I saw the BLACK HORSE and the rider with the balance; to separate the works of man; his vices from his talents. A measure of wheat for a penny, three measures of barley in kind to divide the one from the many, But hurt not the oil and wine And the heavens parted like a scroll, when it is rolled together. And the mountains were moved out of place; like a whirlwind blows a feather.

·         And I saw a PALE HORSE, and Death was riding on him and Hell was right behind him, and no mortal man outshone him. The kings of the earth and the mighty men; the glorious and greedy hid themselves in the blackest hole, with the homeless and the needy. And some priests and some television preachers, laid down with the vile unholy and some senators and movie stars shared a cave with the meek and lowly.

·         And they cried to the mountains FALL ON US! And HIDE US from the face of Him - Fall on us! And HIDE US from the face. - HIDE US from the face of Him - Fall on us! And HIDE US from the face of Him - Fall on us! And HIDE US from the face - HIDE US from the face of Him. –

·         (For me this song is very sorrowful and grievous for the Un-Believer and Make-Believer.)

·         The Book says SOME OF YOU WERE ONCE LIKE THAT. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – SOME OF YOU WERE ONCE LIKE THAT
⁹ Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,
¹⁰  or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
¹¹ SOME OF YOU WERE ONCE LIKE THAT. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NLT)

Luke 20:46-47 – Narcissists loves greetings PLACES OF HONOR
⁴⁶ Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,
⁴⁷  who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

(ESV)

Psalm 36:1-3 – FLATTERS himself – Speaks TROUBLE & DECEIT

¹ Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is

no fear of God before his eyes.
² For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
³ The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.

(ESV)

Jeremiah 17:9 – Without God the heart is DESPERATELY SICK
⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

ESV)

Mark 7:21-25 – Without God our hearts have EVIL THOUGHTS
²¹ For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
²² coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.
²³ All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

²⁵ lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

(ESV)

Revelation 21:8 - Lake of fire for DETESTABLE & FAITHLESS
⁸ But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

(ESV)

2 Timothy 3:1-5 – AVOID SUCH PEOPLE
¹ But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
²  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
³  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
⁴  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
⁵  HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF GODLINESS, but denying its power.

AVOID SUCH PEOPLE. (ESV)

Who we BECAME

·         There is good news, the Believer will GET A NEW NAME, one that is engraved on a white stone and the holder of the stone will hear their name spoked by the mouth of God.

·         A New name in Glory written by C. Austin Miles

There's a new name Written down in glory,
And it's mine,   (And it's mine,)
oh yes, it's mine!   (Yes, it's mine!)
And the white-robed Angels sing the story,
"A sinner has come home." (home, has come home."
For there's a new name written down in glory,
And it's mine,   (And it's mine,)
oh yes, it's mine!   (Yes, it's mine!)
With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven,
Nevermore to roam.

·         Unnamed and obscure people fought the fight and who by Faith gained what was promised even though there were tortured, flogged, chained, put in prison, stoned and put to death. The world was not worthy of them. – It’s in the Book -

Revelation 2:17 – My new name will be engraved on a white stone
¹⁷ Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved A NEW NAME that no one understands except the one who receives it. (NLT)

Isaiah 62:2 – God will speak my new name from His own mouth
² The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the LORD’s own mouth. (NLT)

READ ABOUT THEIR LIFE

Hebrews 11:33-38 – Unnamed and obscure people fought the fight

33 who through faith … gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

35 … were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.

37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-

38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

NIV

In the multitude of counselors,

there is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:14

I am grateful to those that went before me providing concepts, ideas, historical

information, and scripture verses.  Because of them I can stand on their shoulders

                         and see further that I otherwise ever could have.              

                                                                                                                                     

A Commentary; Critical, Experimental and Practical - Eerdmans

All the Women of the Bible – Edith Deen

Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius Josephus Matthias

Apocrypha – Goodspeed

Baker Commentary on the Bible – Elwell

Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White

Bible Commentary – F.B. Meyer

Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row

Bible Dictionary – Nelson’s

Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake

English Standard Version Bible – ESV

Expositor’s Bible Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein

Forgotten Books of Eden; The – World

Illustrated Bible Dictionary; The – Tyndale

Interlinear Greek-English New Testament - Baker

King James Version Bible – KJV

Lost Books of the Bible; The - World

Lost Books of the Bible; The - Bell

Matthew Henry’s Commentary - Zondervan

Missing Books of the Bible; The – Halo Press

Mysteries of the Bible – Readers Digest

Nag Hammadi Library; The – James M. Robinson

Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan

New International Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas - Tenney

New International Version Bible (2011) – NIV

NOTE: The “new” NIV has been corrupted & made gender neutral.  AVOID IT.

New Living Translation Bible - NLT

Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls – Hugh J. Schonfield

Thru the Bible – J. Vernon McGee

Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament – Mac Donald

Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner

Wycliffe Bible Commentary; The – Pfeiffer & Harrison

Wikipedia –

Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney