by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
… and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” (Romans 11:26) Another common description of Jesus Christ is that of “deliverer.” We should note that Stephen, one of the first seven...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:3) For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (Romans...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (Luke 2:25) Little is known about this man Simeon, but that he is mentioned is remarkable. Either he...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:4) The Lord is a Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25), my Shepherd (Ps 23:1) and the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is also the Chief Shepherd. No priest, pastor or elder can take on that...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10) The goal of many communicators, whether journalists, theologians or...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
… according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:11) How can God be blessed? Isn’t that something He does to us, the greater bestowing upon the lesser? Yet we see that: Lord Jesus Christ … is the blessed and only...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[B]ehold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) The concept of Sonship has tripped up many. How could Jesus Christ be God if He is God’s Son? The mystery of the incarnation by its nature challenges our...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[B]ehold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) “Beloved” by His Father, what a description of Jesus Christ! Religionists and legalists have a difficult time understanding this, for to them...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[B]ehold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) In a world of broken relationships and unrequited love, where animosity, mistrust and hatred so often reign, God is love. Before creation, after creation and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this…” (Revelation 3:14) Christ was not a created being, period. The Scripture is clear about that in many convincing passages. Yet false...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession… (Hebrews 3:1) Formally we think of apostles as the original twelve disciples identified in the gospel accounts (Matt 10:2, Mark 6:30, Luke 6:13)....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this …” (Revelation 3:14) “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8) Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8) Of the many descriptions of God in the Bible, “Almighty” is very common, reflecting the One who is more powerful than anything or anyone else. He...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; (1 John 2:1) Plan A – don’t sin; Plan B – and God provides an advocate. John’s simplicity has confounded...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45) The name “Adam” represents not only the first individual created by God, but also the entire human race. In the Hebrew OT, the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) “Life,” the word, occurs 47 times in the Gospel According to John, more than the other three gospel accounts combined. When John (quoting Jesus) uses...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) Second of the three metaphors captured in this verse is Jesus’ assertion, “I am the truth.” Popular post-modern thinking would have us believe there...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) One verse, three metaphors; John with simple words conveys profound truths. With a soaring prologue (John 1:1-18) to begin this biography of Christ,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1) “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Abiding in the vine is the dynamic of spiritual life,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” (John 15:1) “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) The popular Christian chorus from back in the day goes...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26). The family trio who were part of Jesus’ intimate circle—Mary,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me” (John 10:14) Probably the best-known metaphor describing Christ is that of a shepherd. Who hasn’t see a picture of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:9–10) Doors are for entering into places,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35) Hunger is an epidemic in our world today. Almost 780 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment (worldhunger.org);...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12) Darkness engulfs the world—spiritual darkness. Apart from God, His image bearers walk around blind,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. (John 1:9) Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12) The Gospel...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:58) We have seen elsewhere in this study the connection of John 8:58 with Exodus...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.” (Revelation 22:6) Fascinating descriptions of God abound in Scripture, of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
But Jesus answered and said to [the Sadducees], “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God … regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11) Universal in its desire, appears to be a rare commodity. In the ancient world, brute force and violence...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11) While the exact phrase, “the God of love,” only occurs here in the NT (NASB), His character as loving...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10) Grace is one of the most important words in the NT, used in Paul’s writings 83...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort … (2 Corinthians 1:3) Someone once said, somewhat skeptically, “Yes, I believe God will help us Christians when we need Him, but I still need someone to help me take...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort … (2 Corinthians 1:3) Since we believe the Scripture teaches Jesus is God, then what is true of God is true of Jesus. Often, in looking at individual passages, the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Revelation 4:8) Mysterious as...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Notable Directives Timothy must have been a remarkable young man to gain Paul’s trust and confidence. However, it is clear that Paul let him go out from under his immediate tutelage. Personal training can only go so far and then a young protégé has to go it alone....
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Comfort or Ministry? Oh, to live life a bit more comfortably! Did you know that such creaturely comfort can hinder the work of the Lord! There is nothing wrong with desiring comfort from pain and hardship. As elders, however, we cannot afford to spend too much time...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
To Question or Not to Question? 1 Timothy 6:1-5 He said he was just trying to start a conversation, that’s all his questions were about. Yes, questions can be innocent, a sign of being a Berean kind of Christian (Acts 17) who wants to make sure what he is hearing is...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
1 Tim 5:19-25 As an elder, you will be criticized—that is axiomatic. Sometimes it comes from well-meaning Christians who are trying to “help” you. Sometimes, from those who for various reasons (whether jealousy, insecurity, fear, selfishness – you can probably add...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 5:17-19 Last article we addressed the subject of those elders who rule and teach well being worthy of double honor. But what about the rest of the elders? The danger in writing an article like the previous one is that some elders might feel diminished,...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Elders Who Do Well 1 Timothy 5:17-18 In this passage Paul addresses the quality of an elder’s work. He speaks first of those elders who “rule well” and then those who “work hard at preaching and teaching.” He says they are “worthy of double honor.” According to Lidell...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Who Do You Help? 1 Timothy 5:1-16 One of the more difficult areas of leadership in the local church has to do with the needy among us. You don’t have to be associated with a local church for very long to realize there are far more apparent needs than there are...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Sharpening the Blade 1 Timothy 4:6-16 “First put on your own mask, then help those around you.” This familiar refrain is heard by air travelers at the beginning of every commercial flight. In the event that air pressure in the plane cabin drops, oxygen masks will...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Falling Away From Faith 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Nothing is more painful to elders than a believer falling away from the faith. This is the most serious thing that can happen to a Christian. The apostle Paul anticipates and warns young Timothy about this problem in 1 Timothy...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Change and Truth 1 Timothy 3:14-16 “But, if we just change the structure of our meetings, things will go so much better!” “But, it’s not about structure, it’s about God’s presence in our ministry!” Sound familiar? Two divergent views, reacting to each other. Common...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Further supporting the full and unique deity of Christ, we simply observe other Scripture that consistently upholds this idea: Before Me there was no God formed, and there will...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Desiring a Good Work 1 Timothy 3 Every elder wishes that there were more people who desired to serve God’s people in the church! It takes no theology degree to make that observation. It seems strange, especially when God attaches such value to serving. Being an elder...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Why the Difference 1 Timothy 2:13-15 In 1 Timothy 2:13-15, Paul supports his teaching of verse 12, namely a gender distinction in the teaching and leading roles in the church. The command of Scripture by itself should be sufficient for us. however, the Lord graciously...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Was Paul culturally conditioned? 1 Tim 2:11-12 Many today are throwing out the (centuries) long established interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 that a person’s involvement in leadership and teaching can be affected by his or her sex. To some, a literal understanding...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Connected with the Chief 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Perhaps the older brothers who spoke of “laboring” in prayer were on to something. It’s hard work and just about anything else seems easier to do. I suspect Timothy found this so, judging from the earnest appeal Paul makes in...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Humble Leadership 1 Timothy 1 Timothy had a unique relationship with Paul, his mentor—something few ever experience. Paul delighted to share his wisdom and insight (inspired as it was). That is the easy part of the relationship—we all like to give advice and have...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
Watching Over the Teaching 1 Timothy 1:3-7 How can elders effectively shepherd the flock of God, when the spiritual gift of teaching is encouraged at all levels involving many teachers? Between children’s ministry, small groups, Sunday preaching, women’s ministries,...
by Chuck Gianotti | 1 Timothy
First Things First Gifting and calling come from God; training and equipping come through men. The apostle Paul was the consummate trainer and equipper. When he couldn’t do it in person, he did it in writing—and we have two of his training manuals, letters written to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) One of the clearest statements on the deity of Jesus Christ is found in this simple statement, “and the Word was God.” It is entirely clear and without any confusion that “the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Not only was the Word in the beginning, but more precisely, the Word was “with God.” There was never a time when Christ, who is the Word, was not with God. Here is the first use...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Eternality is the first of three assertions made about “the Word,” which as we see from John 1:14 is Jesus Christ, who is the “Word became flesh.” In the beginning Jesus Christ...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Pivotal between the OT and NT, this verse packs a huge punch, being significant on several levels. While the Gospel According to John holds fourth place in the standard...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) New Testament references to God in general use the generic Greek term for deity, “Theos.” Employed some 1,400 times in the Bible (give or take depending on the English...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. (Psalm 121:5–7) Related to the Lord being our keeper, He is also our Shade....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. (Psalm 121:5–7) Cain’s angry retort to God reflected his contempt of Abel and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then Jonathan said to David, “The LORD, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if there is good feeling toward David, shall I not then send to you and make it known to you?” (1 Samuel 20:12)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy. (Psalm 61:3) God is our strength and stronghold (Ps 18:1-2). He is, further, our Tower of Strength. We can’t get enough of this truth that God is strong for us and will make us strong....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And [God] said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, and her mighty men will be captured, their bows are shattered; for the LORD is a God of recompense, He will fully repay. (Jeremiah 51:56) Trifling with God is not a good thing. In fact, it is quite dangerous to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. (Psalm 54:4) Just when difficulties calm down, tragedy strikes unexpectedly and sometimes repeatedly. Many people can handle one or two difficulties in life, but at times it seems the enemy of our souls...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” (Malachi 4:2) Contrasted with the previous verse, we who believe have a spring in our step, so to speak,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:10) Located about 20 miles north of Jerusalem, the town of Shiloh was the place where the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them. (Psalm 17:7) How could one do a study of the names and epithets of God without commenting on one of the most frequently used terms for God as...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Declare and set forth your case; indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me. (Is 45:21)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1) Calling out to a righteous God is a dangerous thing. Why would He want to help us who are sinners? We are not even in the same...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4) This Melchizedek is an enigmatic character to most Bible readers. He is first mentioned in Genesis 14 as part of the biography of Abraham...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
3 From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high … (Psalm 113:3–5) God is up—we perceive this physically...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[God] remembered us in our low estate, for His lovingkindness is everlasting… (Psalm 136:23) So glad God has a good memory. By good, I mean He remembers well according to His goodness. After all, Scripture does speak of His forgetfulness, in the sense that He chooses...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
3 “Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, 4 for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
11 Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them; let all who are around Him bring gifts to Him who is to be feared. 12 He will cut off the spirit of princes; He is feared by the kings of the earth. (Psalm 76:11–12) We tend to distance ourselves from thinking of God...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
7 O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah 8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. (Psalm 68:7–8 ESV) The Hebrew phrasing is a bit complicated, as...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He who sits in the heavens laughs, the LORD scoffs at them. (Psalm 2:4) The NIV renders this verse, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs….” The Lord is pictured as one who rules (see NLT), as echoed in what is called the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who is in heaven ….”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:14) Figures of speech abound in Scripture, especially the OT poetic literature, like the book of Psalms. Here we find what E.W. Bullinger calls a metonymy, where one thing is put or given for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1) If there is one thing Christians know about, it is salvation. The word occurs about 400 times in the Bible (either in the form “salvation” or...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:1–2) Sometimes we need the protective confines of a safe place—time to regroup, an anchor...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
25 “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 26 Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; 27 whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another ….” (Job 19:25–27a) Job...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. (Psalm 16:5) When people die, the possessions they leave behind are claimed by their children, near relatives, or those otherwise named, in legal terms, “heirs.” What is left behind is called...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1) When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world…” (John 8:12), He was hinting at His identity with the God of the OT. Though the connection...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
16 The LORD is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land. 17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear (Psalm 10:16–17) Kingship portrays majesty, highness—being far above the common...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man, 5 For You are my hope; O LORD God, You are my confidence from my youth. (Psalm 71:4–5) One asks for help because one believes that the person being asked can in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“You, O LORD, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance” (Psalm 22:19). We all need help at times, though often we don’t admit it. Asking for help admits to neediness. But in this world we sometimes face things much greater than ourselves, and no amount...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. (Psalm 3:3–4) There are at least two senses in which this can be taken (discerning minds might...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. 5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. (Psalm 16:5). Pleasant or bitter experiences of life fill our cup. In Psalm 23, David’s “cup overflows” with “goodness and mercy” (Ps 23:5b-6a). James and John expressed their misguided desire...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (Psalm 16:7). David learned early in life, on the hillsides of Judea, as he watched over his father’s flocks, to order his mind to the Word of God. Being from a faithful family who...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
5 For You are my hope; O LORD GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. 6By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; my praise is continually of You. (Ps 71:5-6). “Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance,” as the NASB...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
1 O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. 2 For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves … 18 That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
21 But there the majestic One, the LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals on which no boat with oars will go, and on which no mighty ship will pass— 22 for the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us … (Isaiah...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
25 “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26 Then after the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them. (Deuteronomy 4:31) Virtually every other English translation (besides NASB) renders this, “For the LORD your God is a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
0 My God in His lovingkindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes …17 O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness. (Psalm 59:10, 17) Love is from God, we are told in 1 John...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
30 ‘The LORD your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 31 and in the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
6 Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:6–7a) Worship, when unhindered by the cares of this world, pours out from the soul that is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Called the “Shema,” this is considered the central prayer in the Jewish faith. Actually, the Shema is the entire section of Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Embedded in the heart and mind of every Israelite...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
17 “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. 18 He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” (Daniel 2:47) Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was a man who had an up and down relationship with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, dedicating it to Him, to burn fragrant incense before Him and to set out the showbread continually, and to offer burnt offerings morning and evening, on sabbaths and on new moons and on the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Let Your name be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel; and the house of David Your servant is established before You.’” (1 Chronicles 17:24) David has it in his heart to build a house for the Lord to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
1 How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3 The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“For you will no longer remember the oracle of the LORD, because every man’s own word will become the oracle, and you have perverted the words of the living God, the LORD of hosts, our God.” (Jeremiah 23:36). Weeping prophet, as he was known, Jeremiah was given the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1–2) So begins a heart-wrenching song to the Lord, the expression of a deep desire to quench a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. (Psalm 3:2–4) While...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
3 “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. 4 Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.” (Isaiah...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us … (Isaiah 33:22) Combining epithets we have written about elsewhere, we focus on the Lord as “our lawgiver.” The people of Israel found great delight in the Law of God. They saw...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) Familiar is this verse...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
16 “But if you have understanding, hear this; listen to the sound of my words. 17 Shall one who hates justice rule? And will you condemn the righteous mighty One…?” (Job 34:16–17) True words to be sure, but the context reveals their import. The charge is fired against...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
7 But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. 8 For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams; it is well mixed, and He pours out of this; surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs. (Psalm 75:7–8) Most would...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) Similar to a fortress, David reflects on God being his “stronghold.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) God is sufficient in every circumstance. David learned this through...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) At the peak of Solomon’s reign as Israel’s most illustrious king,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) The term “deliverance” occurs mostly in the book of Psalms and flows...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) Fortresses are impregnable by definition. Of course, at a human level...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) While elsewhere the psalmist wrote that God was “the rock of our...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I love You, O LORD, my strength.” The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1–2) The closest to the NT word “agape” that we find in the OT is the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
But when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will sanctify My name; indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. (Isaiah 29:23) Warning Jerusalem of impending judgment, God sent a message via...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. (Psalm 16:10) Psalm 16 has brought spiritual comfort to many believers through the years. It is a message of faith, an expression of trust, for all who struggle in our fallen...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
I will also praise You with a harp, even Your truth, O my God; to You I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. (Ps 71:22). As common as the word “holy” is in Scripture, and as frequently objects associated with Israel’s worship are called holy, in what...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[God] struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD … The men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us?” (1 Samuel 6:19-20) “Holy,” the word,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. (Psalm 95:1–2) Rocks are sturdy, solid. Houses built on solid rock stand up much...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods … (Psalm 95:3) Descriptions of God are well worth repeating, for how can one exhaust the greatness of God? The psalm writer was overcome with joy as he contemplated the Lord he worships. He begins his ode: O...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17) Yahweh God is not simply a remote, impersonal, austere deity that watches over the unseen...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17) Many Scripture passages drip with descriptions of God, and this is a key one. A rich...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate. (Psalm 116:5) Our quest to know God returns to common themes, combined in various ways. In this single verse we have three adjectives (gracious, righteous, compassionate) and two nouns (LORD “Yahweh”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’” (Psalm 2:7) Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! (Psalm 94:1) Vengeance is not one of the softer descriptions of God, to be sure. To many, it smacks of medieval caricatures and oppressive, controlling religious institutions or fiery Bible-thumpers on the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Because he who is blessed in the earth will be blessed by the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth…” (Isaiah 65:16a) In our multi-faith, pluralistic world, the notion of absolute truth has suffered among the elites as an...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” (1 Chronicles...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Go and say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.’” (Isaiah 38:5) Spiritual continuity continued throughout Israel’s history. The religion of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, ‘Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.’” And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the LORD your God.” And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers, and bowed low and did homage to the LORD and to the king.” (1 Chronicles 29:20) Connectedness. Spiritual heritage. Tradition. David...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” (Numbers 16:22) “May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation …” (Numbers...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“They will pay heed to what you say; and you with the elders of Israel will come to the king of Egypt and you will say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. So now, please, let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42:8) A yearning for God, this psalm expresses the heart of many Christians for a deeper relationship with God. It begins: As the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, and gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, to go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. And the LORD will cause His voice of authority to be heard, and the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. (Isaiah 30:18) Harkening back to Exodus 34:6-7 where God showed Moses His glory in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! (Psalm 68:35) Of course, He is the God of Israel; nothing could be more clear in the Old Testament. But we often overlook the obvious and miss...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17) Polytheism is the generic belief in many gods. Some religions have innumerable gods, like...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD is over many waters. (Psalm 29:3) Picture the psalmist David sitting on the side of a mountain in northern Israel watching a storm blow in off the Mediterranean Sea, across Lebanon,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.” (Genesis 31:13) Far away from the land of his father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham, Jacob found himself working...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) Scripture adorns the name of God, Yahweh, with various modifiers. These in no way reduce God, as though He needed modification. Rather, like a rainbow, the literary...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. (Genesis 31:53) We include this description as a contrast. Jacob specifically does not swear by either the God of Abraham or the God...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6) Jacob’s faith in God did not come automatically; it was not inherited. In him we discover...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6) God revealed Himself in the line of orthodoxy first to Abraham, then to Isaac, and third...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6) Abraham had many sons by at least three different women: Ishmael by the servant girl...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6) It all began with Abraham—the continuity of faith that extends to our present day. Our...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6) Thirteen times in the Bible, both Old Testament and new, this phrase occurs, with slight...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear [pahad] of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, so He rendered judgment last night.” (Genesis 31:42) “[Laban...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God [Elohim], the faithful [Han-Emen] God [El], who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; but repays those who hate Him to their faces, to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. (Isaiah 40:28) Comprehensive in scope, this description or name combination of God stands in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1) The Book of Psalms has provided comfort and encouragement to many believers through the centuries. In discouragements, sufferings, fears and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. (Psalm 118:22) One would naturally think that if the story were invented by human creativity, the rejected stone would roll back over the building and the builder and destroy them all. That would...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone. (Psalm 118:22) Construction term that it is, the “cornerstone” metaphor is used in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), by Peter in his second great Jerusalem sermon (Acts 4:11)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then the LORD passed by in front of [Moses] and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the face of the poor?” declares the LORD God of hosts [sabbaoth]. (Isaiah 3:15) Used primarily around the Babylonian exile, this extended fusion of divine names was reserved by the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord GOD [Adonai Yahweh], why did You ever bring this people over the Jordan, only to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordan!” (Josh 7:7) Even great leaders sometimes...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
He [Moses] said, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord [Adonai], I pray, let the Lord [Adonai] go along in our midst, even though the people are so obstinate, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your own possession.” (Exodus 34:9) While...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Behold, God [El] is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD [Yahweh] God [Yah] is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) This one verse contains three names of God, with “Yah” representing a shortened form of “Yahweh.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“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. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there [Shammah].’ ” (Ezekiel 48:35) In this last verse in the book of Ezekiel, his vision injects hope into the people of Israel, now in Babylonian exile. The...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
When Gideon saw that he was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Alas, O LORD God! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” The LORD said to him, “Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and named it The...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the LORD sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And [Moses] said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1) One of the most beloved portions of all Scripture, Psalm 23 has brought comfort to millions through the years, especially at times of loss and grief. As A.F. Kirkpatrick says in his commentary, The Book of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; and he said, “The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:15–16) Banners in the ancient world showed prominently during war. They were the rallying...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’” (Exodus...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Abraham called the name of that place The LORD Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the LORD it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14) Pivotal in biblical history is the event in our passage today, Abraham offering up Isaac, his promised son. Abraham...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there.’ ” (Ezekiel 48:35) The book of Ezekiel is well-known for its sci-fi-like visions of four-faced and four-winged angels, choreographed spinning wheels with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Now this man [Elkanah] would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD there. (1 Samuel 1:3) The time of the judges was drawing to a close, with the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. (Psalm 7:17) Names of God occur in various permutations; in our verse (and in Psalm 97:9,) occurs God’s formal, personal name “Yahweh” tagged with...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
[Elijah] said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. (Genesis 21:33) For those raised in a “Christian” culture where theJudeo-Christian concept of God pervades our background, the default understanding is that...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” (Genesis 14:22–23) Found only here in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Can mankind be just before God? Can a man be pure before his Maker?” (Job 4:17) The term “eloah” seems to be a variation on the more common term, “elohim,” and is universally translated generically as “God.” What is particularly noteworthy is that of the 58 times it...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire....
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Thus they answered us, saying, ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.’” (Ezra 5:11) The term “elah” is an Aramaic designation for God. While the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1) One of the more well-known names for God, “El Shaddai,” simply means God Almighty. This was the name by which...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi… (Genesis 16:13) Elohim in its short form El combines with other terms to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, the Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows, and may Israel itself know. If it was in rebellion, or if in an unfaithful act against the Lord do not save us this day!” (Joshua 22:22) God is addressed in an expansive way; in the original...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then he [Jacob] erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. (Genesis 33:20) Epithets about God are found in various combinations. While “Elohe-Israel” occurs 191 times in Scripture, we find it prefixed with “El” only here in Genesis 33:20. While the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
The oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered. (Numbers 24:16) While the term “Elyon” is connected with “Elohim,” the Creator God, as we saw...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
“Therefore, I will make you go into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts. (Amos 5:27) Amos was not a man of high religious standing. By his own writing, “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made earth and heaven. (Genesis 2:4) Two of the most significant terms for God, “Elohim” and the divine name, Yahweh, are found in precise combination “Yahweh Elohim”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… The LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us…” (Genesis 1:26, 3:22) “Elohim” is a plural word, Hebrew scholars tell us. Some today are quick to think the roots of the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) The first reference to God in Scripture shows Him as an acting, creating God. (We will come back to the name Yahweh later in our readings.) The word “Elohim” in Genesis 1:1 is a fairly generic term...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
To Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26) The first mention of the name of God, Yahweh, in Scripture is actually recorded in the second chapter of the Bible: “This is the account...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:58) Was Jesus claiming to be God when He said, “Before Abraham was born, I am”?...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
God spoke further to Moses and said to him, “I am the LORD; and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, LORD, I did not make Myself known to them. (Genesis 6:2-3) Hebrew language in the OT does not contain a word for the concept of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” … ‘The LORD … has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations.” (Exodus 3:14) “God” is...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you...
by Chuck Gianotti | Names of God
Welcome to a year of daily expositional meditations. As you will discovered, these E-Med(itations) are more than a devotional, but an exposition of Scripture with application in mind and worship in heart – those twin goals define my objective for you who read these....
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
The doctrine of justification is a deep subject and the object of study that has engaged the greatest minds of the church. Of course, it mesmerized the apostle Paul, as we have seen in this study of Romans. The 4th century theologian Augustine, who in his early life,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
The book of Romans is about the doctrine of justification, how it relates to understanding our relationship to God and how it impacts our living in the world. The key passage can be identified as: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
… 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen. This is what it is all about, “the glory of the only wise God, through Jesus Christ.” The ultimate purpose of our humanity, the consummate fulfillment of our image-bearing creatureliness. The...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
25a … according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past … Doxology means “a word of glory” coming from two Greek words: “logos,”...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
[24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.] What could be more signature of Paul’s writings than ending (at least close to the end) with an invocation of the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ”? See all of his letters (1 Cor 16:23, 2 Cor 13:14, Gal...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
21 Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. 22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer greets you, and Quartus,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you....
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Fellowship within a church and fellowship between churches commands a place in Paul’s magisterial opus on righteousness. Make no mistake: while the first 11 chapters of Romans present the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
5b Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you … 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Skipping over verse 5b and 6 for a moment, we now look at another two noteworthy individuals, Andronicus and Junias, to whom...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. The last we hear of Prisca and Aquila...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Prisca and Aquila are second on the list...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. The end of Paul’s letter, so it seems—what he has to teach the Romans by letter is now finished. What follows is a long list of personal notes and greetings, and a few related afterthoughts. But lest we too quickly pass...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
… 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Lofty prayers exalting the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, Urgency describes the apostle Paul’s heart. Three times in the last six chapters of his letter to the Romans he “urges” his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Committed to taking the Gospel to the ends of the...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Twice Paul cites the believers in Macedonia and Achaia as being “pleased” in...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
… 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. The bane of Christian ministry—fundraising! Usually in today’s evangelical climate, when people...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written, “They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” With the Gospel at...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Odd statement it seems, for Paul to speak of his readers’ goodness. Earlier he had written...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Breaking out in benediction is something Paul does frequently, taking his teaching beyond the transference of intellectual...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
… 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name.” 10 Again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy… With Christ as the supreme example, Paul further elucidates our motivation...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. We cannot be reminded enough about how we are to treat our fellow Christians. Accepting one another is not optional; we are not free to pick and choose which Christians we accept and...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Applying the OT teaching about...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Some have written off the Old Testament (that which “was written in earlier times”) as having little...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Supreme pattern of Christ, His example compels all of our behavior. How can we begin to review what He has done, how He sacrificed for us? Most...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Spiritual strength in the matter of the gray areas refers to a Christian’s mature...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin. Surprising is the amount of space the apostle Paul has given to the issue of handling our new freedoms from religious restrictions. The...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. What, then, is the value of having a mature and insightful understanding of our freedoms in Christ? What good is it that we no longer...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. Three principles...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. What about our freedom in Christ to enjoy His blessings? Do we let the Pharisee-Christians (PCs)...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Strong-in-the-faith Christianity is the focus of this passage’s attention....
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, Urgency describes the apostle Paul’s heart. Three times in the last six chapters of his letter to the Romans he “urges” his...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. Righteousness and justification being worthy of serious and extended treatment, we find it surprising the amount of space Paul...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. While living fully for the Lord applies to every aspect of our lives, it especially comes to bear in how we...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. Connecting to the strife referred to in Romans 13:13, we turn to one of the primary culprits for conflict between Christians: judging one another. One need not be...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. Deeds of darkness we...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor;...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Taxation—the bane or privilege of living...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very Fear of punishment is one reason for obeying the laws...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
4 … for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Capital punishment: is this a legitimate form of punishment from a Christian perspective? For some this is a slam-dunk “yes,” mixing...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid… Scripture...
by Chuck Gianotti | Book of Romans
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive...
