Names

Question 1: Which book in the Bible does not mention the name of God?

ANSWER: Esther and Song of Solomon!

Question 2: What was the original name of the apostle called Barnabas?

ANSWER: Barnabas was not an apostle in the sense that Paul and the twelve were. The word "apostle" literally means "one sent out." It is in this sense that Barnabas is referred to as an apostle in Acts 14:14. In Acts 4:36, we see him identified by the name Joses and surnamed Barnabas (The son of consolation) by the apostles.

Question 3: What man's name has the same meaning as Jesus?

ANSWER: The names of Jesus and Joshua are identical in the Greek language.

Question 4: Some of our brethren use words such as liberalism, conservatism, anti(ism), millennial, and premillennialism. What do these words mean?

ANSWER: These words often mean different things to different people, depending upon in which category they place themselves. For example, a person who believes he is a "liberal" will often refer to one who is "conservative" as an "anti," while an "anti" will often refer to a "conservative" as a "liberal." However, generally speaking, a "liberal" is one who ignores the authority of Scripture by loosening (undoing) those things that God has bound (enjoined) upon us. For example: they loosen (undo) God's commands to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) by using instrumental music in worship instead of (or in addition to) vocal music. This amounts to changing the Gospel of Christ, which is sinful (Galatians 1:6-9)! An "anti" is one who does the opposite, i.e., he binds (enjoins) things upon others which God has not bound (enjoined). For example: some of these demand the use of only one cup (the same cup) by everyone in the congregation when partaking of the fruit of the vine, while forbidding the use of multiple cups. This too, changes (perverts) the Gospel that Paul preached!

The word "conservative", as applied to an individual, describes one who "preserves established institutions and methods, and one who resists and opposes any changes to these" (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). When the word "conservative" is used in this way it may scripturally apply to one who is walking in the light of God's Word (I John 1:7), and one who earnestly contends for the established institutions, patterns, and methods set forth therein, i.e., the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). 

The word "premillennialism" is defined as follows: "pre" means "before;" "millennial" means "a thousand years;" "ism" refers to a system of belief. This particular system of belief holds that Christ will return "before" the establishment of His Kingdom, over which He will physically and literally reign for "a thousand years." Since the Kingdom was established on the first Pentecost Day after the death of Christ (Acts 2), this premillenial doctrine, therefore, is entirely false and has no foundation in the Word of God. Because it derives from the doctrines and commandments of men (Matthew 15:9), it must be totally rejected by the faithful child of God!

Question 5: How can one identify those who promote various "isms"?

ANSWER: Each must diligently study God's Word (II Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14) and then by using His Word, try/test the "spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (I John 4:1). Very often (and for many reasons) men learn to rely upon what other men say and teach. The Holy Spirit tells us that it is less than noble to do so. Each of us must search the scriptures daily to determine whether the things we hear and are taught are so (Acts 17:11). All that is not of God must then be rejected in view of the coming Judgment (John 12:48).

Question 6: Is it good for Christians to be "footballers."

ANSWER: A Christian may engage in sports activities without sinning, unless that activity or fellowship causes him to compromise his Christianity in any way. One should not become so involved in sports or anything else to the degree that he or she takes away from their Christian responsibilities, either in time or effort.

Question 7: What is a brute?

ANSWER: This word describes an animal without power to reason. For this reason it is sometimes applied to men who are irrational, unthinking, or stupid. It is often said of a cruel or coarse person who sometimes exhibits the characteristics of a beast of the field.

Question 8: Who are ministers? Are they servants?

ANSWER: Yes! However, most often today the term of "minister" is used to identify the "preacher," but in the Bible it is applied to all who serve. For example: Christ was a minister (Matthew 20:28)! The apostles were ministers (Romans 15:16)! Preachers are ministers (I Thessalonians 3:2; I Peter 4:11)! His followers are ministers (Mark 10:43)!

Question 9: Who is Diana, queen of heaven in Jeremiah 7:18 and Acts 19:35?

ANSWER: In both of these passages reference is to a mythological female deity worshipped by the various heathen cultures of those days in their idolatrous practices. The Greeks knew her as Diana; the Persians as Mylitta.

Question 10: What are Cherubim?

ANSWER: They are heavenly beings and servants of God. See Exodus 25:18-20 and Ezekiel 10:1-22).

Question 11: What is the difference between a "reverend" and a "preacher?"

ANSWER: The title of "reverend" is not given by God, but, rather, by men to honor men. The word "preacher," as well, should never be used as a title, but only to describe the function of the one who preaches. In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus condemns the use of religious titles that create respect of persons (Acts 10:34). Therefore, to use such titles in this way results in sin! In Scripture, the word "reverend" is used only in reference to our God (Psalms 111:9). This word then, used as a title and applied to man is in violation of the three scriptures mentioned heretofore, as well as many others. There is no room for a "clergy/laity" system in the Lord's church, because we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-29).

Question 12: The Israelites were called Hebrews in their early history, but later we find them called Jews. What is the difference between Hebrews and Jews? Where did the name “Jews” come from?

ANSWER: We find the first biblical reference to “Jews” in II Kings 16:6 which at that time identified one belonging to the tribe of Judah. Later the meaning was extended, and the word was applied to any one of the Hebrew race who had returned from the captivity; and finally it came to include anyone of that race throughout the world and is so used in Matthew 2:2.

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