Category Archives: The Only Name That Matters

Faithful To Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #478

23 Sunday Aug 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Glory To God, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, God's glory NOT mine!, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Godly Wisdom, The Only Name That Matters, The Only Way, The Struggle IS Real?, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Faithful To Jesus??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #478

I love reading and studying Paul’s letters, they are chock full of so much that can make us better servants of King Jesus; he talks not only about the ‘don’ts’, but also immeasurable treasures about the ‘dos’!  Yes, there are things we are to recognize as harmful to our own walk with Jesus, as well as to those who are following us, and even those whom we encounter even casually.  We are a testimony to the world of Jesus all the time; in fact we are a testimony all the time—be it a good testimony or a harmful witness!  Let’s dig into the scripture and see what we can glean from our observations to help us be better witnesses and servants!

“Wherefore putting away lying,

speak every man truth with his neighbour:

for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not:

let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole

steal no more:

but rather let him labour,

working with his hands

the thing which is good,

that he may have to give

to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication

proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good

to the use of edifying,

that it may minister grace

unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,

whereby ye are sealed

unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness,

and wrath,

and anger,

and clamour,

and evil speaking,

be put away from you,

with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ’s sake

     hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:25-32

Because I am forgiven, I am called, equipped and obligated to extend that same forgiveness to others; not the kind of forgiveness that is often promoted around us, that which says, I forgive you, but I won’t let it go; I forgive you but I will seek retribution; I forgive but I won’t forget what you’ve done to me.  Now, I’m not saying that we can erase the past wrongs done to us, but what we must do is to think on the things of God and remember what Jesus did for me!  I can learn to forgive and release the consequences to Jesus!  I know that is often easier said than done, but scripture is our hope, our truth and our pathway to success.  Let’s check out a few passages—some of my favorites that I rely on regularly.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”   Philippians 4:6-8

“But I beseech you,

that I may not be bold

when I am present

with that confidence,

wherewith I think to be bold

against some,

which think of us

as if we walked

according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds😉

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”                           2 Corinthians 10:2-5

How can we do these things?  By taking heed to scripture and what it teaches us about walking successfully with and before our King!  As Paul says so succinctly in his letter to the Philippian believers.

“I know both how to be abased,

and I know how to abound:

every where

and in all things

I am instructed both to be full

and to be hungry,

both to abound

and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.”   Philippians 4:12-13

Jesus can supply our needs when we depend upon Him, His grace, and His power!

“16 This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh…

…25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16 & 25-26

And one of the best ways to keep things in order, is to put on the armor of God—every morning first thing!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

What an amazing opportunity to start our day off in such wonder of what Jesus has not only done for us, but also what He has provided for us to not only survive but to thrive spiritually.  We must rely upon The Word of God—as our hope, confidence and power.  Let’s consider two more passage that give us total assurance in The Word; and remember Jesus is the living Word (See John 1:1-12) and the breath of the written Word.

“For the word of God is

quick, and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

Jesus has promised to be with us, and you can depend upon Him, yet it is essential that we walk with Him in accordance with His Word.  I pray that you will draw near to Jesus and dig into His Word to get to know Him and His desires for you!

“Marriage is honourable in all,

and the bed undefiled:

but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;

and be contentwith such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.” Heb.13:4-6

Amen and Amen!!!

How Close To Calvary??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #404

13 Thursday Nov 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Follow Jesus, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Mind Of Christ, The Name of Jesus?, The Only Name That Matters

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Close To Calvary??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #404

I want us to consider where we stand in relation to the cross of Jesus; how close is my walk to that cross?  Am I so far away from the import of the cross that it pales in comparison to the focus of my life?   Is Jesus and His work of redemption the thing that holds my heart, or is the world so important to me that I have lost sight of the cross, in other words, how big is my cross?  Am I so far away from it that its import has shrunken into oblivion?  The cross is what Jesus calls us to cling to, as both Matthew and Luke record this discourse for us.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

and whosoever will lose his life

for my sake

shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

or what shall a man give

in exchange for his soul?”  Matthew 16:24-26

“Saying,

The Son of man must suffer many things,

and be rejected of the elders

and chief priests and scribes,

and be slain,

and be raised the third day.

23 And he said to them all,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily,

and follow me.

24 For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it:

but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,

the same shall save it.

25 For what is a man advantaged,

if he gain the whole world,

and lose himself,

or be cast away?

26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me

and of my words,

of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he shall come in his own glory,

and in his Father’s,

and of the holy angels.”  Luke 9:22-26

What does Jesus tell us?  He says that if we desire to come after Him—to follow Him—we must “deny” ourselves, in other words, put Jesus first over our own desires.  Jesus doesn’t stop there, for He goes on to say that we are to take up our “cross daily”; remembering that the cross is an instrument of death—we are to die to self and live to Jesus Christ The Lord each and every day, following Him!  Not following the fads, or the trends, or the call of our flesh to be popular, wealthy, powerful, or influential in this world.  Paul said it better than I can.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

To take up our cross means to die to self and live unto Jesus in all that we do.  Jesus is to be the heartbeat of all we say and do!  Not an easy task, but one that we can do when we walk with The Lord by the power of His Spirit within us.  The indwelling Holy Spirit is the evidence that we belong to Jesus, and in his power, we are enabled to take up our cross and live for Jesus!

“So then they that are in the flesh

cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.”  Romans 8:8-10

By Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross He bought our righteousness with His own blood; so that all who come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice receive His righteousness in place of our sin, all by His precious blood!

“To wit, that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:19-21

We are privileged to know the love of The Son of God, who poured out His own blood to pay for my sin and yours—payment for all who will believe in His sacrificial payment for sin, made on the cross of Calvary!  What have you done with His grace and mercy to pay for your sin?  Do you know Him?  Have you received His grace and mercy in salvation.

“And you,

being dead in your sins

and the uncircumcision of your flesh,

hath he quickened together with him,

having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances

that was against us,

which was contrary to us,

and took it out of the way,

nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:13-14

The question is how close are you to Calvary?  Have you been there for salvation?  If you are saved, are you carrying your cross in faith and devotion to the Lord of all—Jesus Christ the Lord?

In closing, we can choose to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, we can choose the broad road or the narrow way—destruction or life!  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test—and the cross and God’s Word are the standard!

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would…

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.” Portions of Galatians 5:16-25

Amen and Amen!!!

Gift/Fruit–Gifts/Fruits??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

18 Sunday May 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Fruit of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit., Good Citizens, Good Neighbor, Good Samaritan?, Good Stewards, Holy Living, How much goodness is enough?, Sowing and Reaping, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Warfare, Springs of Living Water, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Love of God, The Name of Jesus?, The Only Name That Matters

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gift/Fruit—Gifts/Fruits???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #347

You may have noticed that I haven’t been writing much of late, but it has been a bit crazy in our circle with family issues, illness and the issues of just living life.  But hopefully we’re on the road back to normal—whatever that is!!  I’m sure you understand that; so I thought I’d look at something that we all need to be reminded of, and that is God’s gift to us and His gifts to us, and there is a difference.  I want to spend a little time today considering the difference and where you and I stand in regard to the gift and the gifts.  What have you done with each!  Let’s begin with the Samaritan woman whom Jesus met at the well.

“Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee,

Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee

living water.”  John 4:10

If you recall much about biblical history, the Samaritans weren’t very well-liked, in fact most Jewish people would go far out of their way to avoid Samaria at all costs; in fact there’s an often-unnoticed misnomer in one of Jesus’ parables, the one we call the “Good” Samaritan; but no one listening to Jesus’ teach would have applied the term “good” to any Samaritan!  Yet, here is Jesus talking face to face to not only a Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman, an immoral woman at that!  But Jesus already knew her need, and He found her worthy of being the first one recorded to whom He revealed His true nature!  He identifies Himself as “the gift of God”, the one who could give “living water” which He went on in verse 14 to declare to her that, “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”!  This woman of ill repute and of Samaritan heritage found Jesus to be whom He professed to be, and not only believed what He spoke to her, but then proclaimed that truth to those in her village.  And just as Jesus was the gift to this woman and the others who came to believe in Him before the cross, He is still ready to save and give eternal life to all who will come to Him in repentance and faith in His substitutionary atoning sacrifice!  Paul reminds us over and over of this truth of the “gift of God”!

“But not as the offence,

so also is the free gift.

For if through the offence of one

many be dead,

much more the grace of God,

and the gift by grace,

which is by one man,

Jesus Christ,

hath abounded unto many.”  Romans 5:15

And some of the most familiar verses that I use continually:

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

 In other words, there is nothing we can do to be worthy to come into God’s presence—but God, through Jesus, made a way!

“But now being made free from sin,

and become servants to God,

ye have your fruit unto holiness,

and the end everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Romans 6:22-23

And another of those familiar passages reminds us that salvation is God’s gift to all who will come to Him in faith and repentance.  Have you come?  God’s grace gift is still Jesus!

“That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:7-10

Jesus is the gift of God to us for salvation and eternal life with God; and not only is Jesus “the gift”, but when He saves us, He imparts individual, particular spiritual gifts to each one by The Holy Spirit which Jesus imparts to His own; and these gifts are in God’s purpose for us to minister to those in God’s family and be a witness to those who need Jesus.  What are you doing with your gift/gifts?

“As every man hath received the gift,

even so minister the same one to another,

as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God.

11 If any man speak,

let him speak as the oracles of God;

if any man minister,

let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:

that God in all things may be glorified

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be praise and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

God gifts us for His work, His service and His glory; what are you doing with your gifts?  Won’t you seek Jesus’ face and pursue the work that He has gifted you to do.  You’ll never regret doing that which God has called you to!  Remember that God doesn’t call the “equipped”, rather He “equips” the called.  If you are called, be true to your calling, and Him who called you!

“But unto every one of us is given grace

according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith,

When he ascended up on high,

he led captivity captive,

and gave gifts unto men…

… 11 And he gave

some, apostles;

and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists;

and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith,

and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

unto a perfect man,

unto the measure of the stature

of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind

of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted by that

which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying of itself in love.”                   Portions of Ephesians 4:7-16

And on a last note in closing, there is also the “fruit of the Spirit”—and note, that is “fruit” (singular) not “fruitS” (plural).  This is God’s work of conforming us into the “image of His Son” (See Romans 8:28-29) as God’s Spirit transforms us day by day in each of these areas of life!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:22-25

When we walk in The Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord, we will reflect His nature, character and righteousness—our behavior reveals what is in our heart.  Yes, we all have moments of weakness or failure, but it is not to be our continual way!  Jesus places His Holy Spirit within us to work in us the glory of God.  Paul gives us a challenge to this kind of living, so in closing I share one of my favorite passages.

“I beseech you therefore,

brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

May you know the “gift of God” Jesus, as your Lord and Savior, and may you then recognize His touch of grace in your life and exercise the spiritual “gifts” that He will bestow upon you! And because of this, we can boldly come to our Lord when we are in need!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

Amen and Amen!!!

The Manger>The Cross??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #164

11 Monday Dec 2023

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Ponderings, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Alive, Jesus Is Coming Again., The manger leads to the cross, The Manger To The Cross, The Mind Of Christ, The Only Name That Matters, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Walking by Faith or Sight?, Walking With Jesus, What's The Word?, Where your treasure is--Your heart is!, Who are YOU following?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Manger>The Cross??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #164

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled

which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,

saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child,

and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with us.”               Matthew 1:21-23

Without the cross the manger is, in and of itself, rather insignificant; it’s the story of a baby born in strange and difficult circumstances, but when we consider the truth that Jesus was born to die for our sin, it changes everything!  Jesus then stands out in history as the only ‘God-Man-Savior’ who came that we might have life; even as the angel told Joseph, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”!  Amen, what an amazing gift from God—the greatest gift of all—a “Savior which is Christ The Lord”!

“And the angel said unto them,

Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born

this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe

wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:10-12

The most amazing ‘birth announcement’ in history, Jesus’ birth was proclaimed by angels, unto the lowliest of men, shepherds who were tending their sheep; and the announcement was totally amazing, so much so that they were ‘scared to death’, but found out it was ‘life’ that was being shared with them, for the birth being announced, was Jesus’, The Son of God, “THE way, the truth and THE LIFE” for all who would believe and receive His saving grace!  And just FYI, Jesus wasn’t “born in a manger”, He was simply “placed” in the manger, His cradle, so to speak.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,

and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them

in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

Jesus wasn’t born in a palace, or laid in a golden cradle, or surrounded with people of note; rather he came amongst the lowliest of people, but people who loved God, believed what HE revealed to them, and acted upon it in faith and obedience!  We are faced with the same choice today.  We can believe and receive the God-Man-Savior, or we can reject Him; we can say we believe, we can go to church, we can do good deeds before men, but are we truly walking in the faith, hope and love of The Savior?  Are we willing to ‘leave the sheep’ and pursue the New Born King’?  Are we willing to stand in faithful service to our King Jesus, and do what He bids, go where He sends, serve the lowly as He did?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test!  For what’s the point, yes, the nativity story is an amazing gift from God, but the real gift was and is that Jesus came to die for you and me; to die for our sin.  Have you seen “your sin” and come to Jesus in repentance and faith to be forgiven of your sin; or are you playing games with God and putting on a show before men?  God knows!  So do you if you really search your heart!  Jesus said it better than I can:

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,

They that be whole

need not a physician,

but they that are sick.

13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth,

I will have mercy,

and not sacrifice:

for I am not come to call the righteous,

but sinners to repentance.”  Matthew 9:13

Ponder these things, as you go through your day, and don’t lose sight of the truth that the “manger” points to the cross; and without the cross we have no hope.

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them,

Whosoever will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me. 35

For whosoever will save his life

shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake

and the gospel’s,

the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange

for his soul?

38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words

in this adulterous and sinful generation;

of him also

shall the Son of man be ashamed,

when he cometh

in the glory of his Father                 with the holy angels.”   Mark 8:34-38

Jesus is coming again, and it won’t be in a manger, or on a cross again—He’s coming in “the glory of his Father with the holy angels”!  Are you ready?  Don’t celebrate the manger without the cross.  Jesus came to save you and me, my friend.  Don’t miss the cross, it is our only eternal hope!

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

33 This he said,

signifying what death he should die.”   John 12:32-33

He died for you and me—don’t miss it!

Amen and Amen!!!

The Only “Name” That Matters!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #550

19 Friday Apr 2019

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Resurrection, The Only Name That Matters

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #550  The Only “Name” That Matters!!!

 

Just a brief word this morning as many are celebrating the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus.  I would simply like to share with you a couple of passages that might encourage you today to “consider Jesus”, and that others may see by our lives that we have “been with Jesus”!

“If we this day be examined of the good deed

done to the impotent man,

by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all,

and to all the people of Israel,

that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,

whom ye crucified,

whom God raised from the dead,

even by him doth this man

 stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone

which was set at nought of you builders,

which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven

given among men,

whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness

of Peter and John,

and perceived

that they were unlearned

and ignorant men,

 they marvelled;

and they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:9-13

And what was it that made Peter and John so bold?  The same One who will empower you and I to live boldly today—by the power of the precious Holy Spirit whom Jesus imparts to those who come to Him in repentance and faith!

“And they overcame him

by the blood of the Lamb,

and by the word of their testimony;

and they loved not their lives

unto the death.”  Revelation 12:11

Boldness that can even face death with an assurance and courage based on the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of the One whose resurrection we rejoice in this week—and every Sunday—every day!!!  It’s all about JESUS!  And He is still in the soul-saving, life-changing business.  If you don’t know Him, won’t you make this the greatest celebration of all and receive Him into your heart and life.  Here’s the Gospel in a nutshell, so to speak.  Truth that can and will transform your life, if you will but hear His voice and heed His call!

“For I delivered unto you first of all

that which I also received,

how that Christ died

for our sins

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried,

and that he rose again

the third day

 according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas,

then of the twelve:”  1 Corinthians 15:3-5

This IS why we celebrate—

“HE IS NOT HERE—HE IS RISEN”!

Amen and Amen!!!