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Bulletin Article Archives
Jesus Christ
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Adam had power over all creatures. He walked with the Divine. Eden held all that was necessary for human happiness, especially the pleasure of a perfect companion. Within his grasp the branches of the Tree of Life bore the fruit of eternity. Adam's brief Garden existence was spent in paradise and he likely never knew it until it was lost.
The serpent's tale of power, divinity, happiness, and pleasure captivated the mind of the first couple. This, they thought, would be paradise! It was only after it was too late that they realized the truth. The paradise they thought they were getting was a prison. The prison they thought they were leaving was paradise. Now what they needed was hope.
Hope was awaiting. Before God created light he established hope. To fallen man God promised that someone would come to regain what Adam foolishly lost (Gen. 3:15).
This someone would give a crushing defeat to the serpent's demonic forces and would offer to all people paradise. The Old Testament is filled with generations awaiting the fulfillment of this hope. The New Testament is filled with a generation who saw hope firsthand. We are a part of that legacy because
Jesus is our hope. For still others hope awaits.
Do not look in the sterile rooms of the trendiest hospital’s maternity ward, for he was not born there. His entrance into the world came not with medical etiquette but with angelic heralds and the praises of shepherds. His birthright was poverty, this Prince of Peace.
Joseph held in his hands, gently but firmly wrapping in strips of cloth, the Creator of the world. Divinity was placed in a cow’s feeding trough as the city slept comfortably in warm beds. From the very start he would be familiar with rejection, this Prince of life.
Mary joined her husband and together they adored, perhaps not so much the child as the Father who’s plan was crafted in Heaven, born in a stable. Softly Joseph whispered the name given to him directly from God for his child, which he did not father, he shall be called Jesus, this prince is the Savior.
He would grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. This Jesus would be called the Christ, the long awaited for Messiah. The poverty and rejection would not go away; in fact they would lead him as a pauper to his death. As a Prince, however, he would be led far beyond to bestow life and peace.
Jesus Christ, the saving Messiah, the Prince and the pauper, the name so fitting for the Son of God. It was no wonder that those seeing the peace he offers, yearning for the life he possessed sought the beauty of the name he wore.
The greatness of Jesus Christ is such that He need no other testimony to declare it. In His earthly ministry the necessary testimony was provided. Consider the evidence cited by Christ (John chapter 5):
Simon Peter was on sure ground when he confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Centuries have passed and the same questions are being asked. Is Jesus really the Christ? Is He the Son of God? Prominent men from a more modern standpoint of time have asked such questions.
Television talk show host Larry King said that if given the opportunity to interview Jesus he would want to know the answer to only one question, "Are you indeed virgin born? "The answer to that question," he noted, "would explain history for me."
The eminent philosopher, Karl Barth, was once asked to identify, from his vast experience and study, the most profound spiritual truth. Without a moment's hesitation he stated, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
As the debates rage, Jesus' own assessment is consistently proven true (John 5:46-47). In the final analysis it is a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:6). Without the testimony of the philosopher or Larry King, your life offers the verdict to a skeptical world, not only that Jesus lives but also that He cares.
It was the moment Satan had been waiting for. His usual concerns (inciting riots, stirring lusts, prodding anger, fanning the flames of hatred) were left unattended. His concentrated attention centered not on the big city but on the barren wilderness of Judea and its lone occupant, the Son of God.
The attacks were calculated and relentless. In rapid succession the devil dangled before our Savior's eyes the supposed answer to his every whim. Bread lay in the stones at his feet. Angels stood vigil to protect from and potential danger. Kingdoms could be relinquished at the devil's bidding, if the Prince of Peace would only worship the prince of darkness. Nothing was held back. Satan used every trick in his arsenal to attempt a coup to overthrow God's mission planned from the foundation of the world.
To Satan Jesus appeared helpless against his demonic resources. Jesus had surely been weakened by the forty day fast. He was removed from the company of John, his lone supporter. He was unprotected on the mountain of temptation. Still Satan was defeated with the same three words that can defeat him today: "it is written." Far from defenseless, Jesus met the trials armed with the greatest weapon known to man - the word of God. His knowledge of the Bible was not only impressive it was priceless.
Jesus ascended the barren heights of the Judean wilderness prepared for a monumental encounter with the Devil. Armed with the grim forces of evil and emboldened by generations of success, Satan eagerly joined the battle to defeat God's Son.
The temptations came in relentless succession. The Devil urged Jesus to turn stones to bread and satisfy his hunger, to test God's faithfulness by leaping off the Temple wall and to seize power and influence by worshipping at the feet of the Devil himself. Each in turn was resisted. Each temptation was met with God's powerful word. Finally Satan left and God sustained. Ultimately, at the cross, Satan's defeat was sealed.
This same battle is joined each day in the lives of humanity. Satan's goal is to conquer your soul. The key to his defeat is the same - trust in God,, cling to God's Word, "resist the Devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Finally, Satan will be destroyed along with all those he has taken captive to do his will. The victorious will live forever with God.
From the seclusion of the wilderness emerged the sinless Son of God as the forces of evil were left behind on the lonely mountain of temptation. Jesus' encounter with Satan in Matthew chapter four illustrates the strength, available through God, to face the dangers of temptation without succumbing to their deadly design.
From that mountain we find hope. Just as Christ prepared for a certain encounter with the Devil (vs. 2), we also arm ourselves for the battle before the enemy is engaged. Through prayer we steel ourselves for the conflict certain to face us all.
The temptation itself is met with the sword of God's Truth. Three times the efforts of Satan to lure Christ into disobedience were met with God's Word. One by one the Devil's attempt failed before the impenetrable power of Scripture.
Will you be tempted? Yes. But you can resist temptation by arming yourself for the fight and drawing in even closer the shield of God's Holy Word.
Against the setting of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus presented a lesson to the thronging masses of Judeans following him. Sensing they were about to partake of an historic occasion the crowds strained to hear his every word. "Blessed are the poor in spirit," each word drifted out across the hungry multitudes, satisfying as nothing else could the deepest needs of their souls.
Consider these characteristics of this historic presentation and its most unique presenter. * Jesus spoke of the roots of true happiness (the meaning of the word "blessed"). * He offered guidelines for successful living to people tired of the oppressive leadership of the scribes and Pharisees. * He spoke with unique authority that emanated from God. The platitudes of previous generations were replaced with wise insights into human nature. But most of all, his audience caught a glimpse of God. * Jesus urged them on to action. He called on them to build on the foundation of truth he had laid. He called for a commitment to the work of God.
The "Sermon on the Mount" is a classic example of effective communication. It is the work of a Master Teacher. Delivered by the power of truth it gently leads the audience to humbly bow at the feet of the Master.
"Forgiveness is ...," the scribe's lecture might begin. In reverent tones the long speech would lead down winding roads of facts and statistics. Then he might ramble through an exhaustive list of ancient authorities on the subject. The weary audience would conclude long before the speech did that the speaker was well informed on his subject. Not that he needed to be, except to teach his unholy admirers. He, for one, liked things the way they were.
One day the clean theology of the local religious elite was challenged. It happened in a home where Jesus was teaching when a paralyzed man was lowered before him through the roof. Everyone grew anxious to see the famous miracle worker perform. No one was prepared for what was to come next, least of all the scribe. "Son, your sins are forgiven you" (Mark 2:5). The fiery response speaks for itself (verse 7).
Jesus compared God's vast scheme of forgiveness with the scribe's narrow understanding. He showed forgiveness as freedom from guilt, shame, and condemnation. Forgiveness sets one free from bondage to the sins of the past. It sets one free to live a full life in the future.
It was hard for the scribe to accept. Many didn't. Many more today won't taste the forgiveness freely offered in Jesus. These will continue to be hopelessly confined to their cots of sin, even while arguing what it means to be forgiven and who has the right to do it. But all arguments aside, when Jesus forgave, the man walked home!
Did Jesus break the Sabbath law? The charge is a serious one to the Bible student. The Scriptures portray a sinless Jesus yet his contemporaries charge him with sin (Mark 2:23-24). The Pharisee's allegation must not be brushed aside lightly. It demands a closer examination.
Jesus lived and died under the Law of Moses and was bound by that Law. To violate its precepts would be to commit sin. In the views of both Peter (1 Peter 2:22), and the Hebrew writer (Hebrews 4:15), Jesus did not sin. If He didn't sin, what did happen?
That the Law provided for the traveler's provision is clear (Deut. 23:25). The point of contention was not the action but the day on which it occurred, the Sabbath! No reference can be found in the entire Old Testament that would prohibit such an action, even when it occurred on the holy day of rest. The reader is left to wonder, "Where is the offense?"
The Law, as described in the New Testament and apparently so understood by Jesus, includes the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:44), or, in other words, the entire Old Testament Scriptures. To the Pharisee it would include much more, specifically the traditions of the elders (Matthew 15:2). Our Lord's question to them is relevant today as well: "Why do you also transgress the commandments of God because of your traditions" (Matthew 15:3)?
Did Jesus break the Sabbath? Yes! But that answer is very misleading and obscures the whole truth because the question is faulty. The proper question should be which Sabbath did He break, God's or the Pharisees?
Many years ago, while preparing for my very first sermon, my father handed me this poem, penned by the imitable Annie Flint. "God hath not promised skies always blue, flower strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love."
Now, after 22 years of sermons and Bible classes, I am reminded each day of that one simple verse. When I find myself daily waging a familiar battle with frustration, it is His love that gives me the strength to strap on His armor and pull myself upright upon the solid foundation of His promises (Mat. 11:28-30; Gal. 6:2; 1 Pet. 5:7).
We serve such a wonderful God. He is marvelous not because He shields us from all pain or isolates us from hurt and sadness and disease. He is marvelous because, even there, He permits us to find joy. God is great because of the promises He keeps and the victory He gives to everyone who believes in Him and obeys no matter what the cost. So today I will stand for Him. Is your burden heavy? Look around and take courage, you are not standing alone.
Pearls were his business and he knew his business well (Mat. 13:45). Most would be satisfied with what this man had thrown away, being consumed with his search for one pearl in particular. Traveling the globe he pushed his weary bones on, determined not to abandon his search. Then he found it.
"For Sale" signs went up all over. House, cars, furniture, jewelry, appliances, everything went. The cost was high to acquire the rare beauty of this greatest of pearls but never was a doubt entertained as the sacrifices were made.
The Bible teaches that when it comes to the basics man generally finds that for which he searches. Many search for evil, which is never hard to find (Prov. 11:27). Some search for Truth and will not be disappointed (Matt. 7:7). Jesus said the church was just such a pearl. David said the Bible also was precious, life a pearl (Ps. 19:10; 119:72). Eternal salvation is as the perfect pearl (1 Pet. 1:7).
We will see Heaven open and the searchers walk through a pearl gate onto a golden street. What are you searching for? Do you know a real pearl when you see it?
Today was the culmination of a lifetime of toil. Today the harvest was completed. Years of scrimping and saving have paid rich dividends and with self-congratulatory praise the farmer looks over the plunder he has wrenched from the soil. Life doesn't get better than this.
"The success of today requires preparation for tomorrow," he tells his servants. With crops piled high and no place to be stored, he ordered his men to replace the old barn with an even bigger one. No expense is to be spared to preserve his prosperity for tomorrow.
Tonight he imagines the joy and contentment that stretches before him. Many years of tomorrows will be spent in luxury because of today's abundance. "Tonight," he tells himself, "I have plenty" as he drifts off into a well deserved sleep, deeply pleased with himself. Finally he is happy. At last he has stood on the pinnacle of success.
Tomorrow didn't come.
Tonight the rich man realized that he was really poor. The dreams of tomorrow were just that. The priorities of yesterday had been misused. He had forgotten the One who matters most. Tonight he remembered. Tonight he was too late. If only he had tomorrow.
Dissatisfied with home, the Prodigal saw in the far country the answer to his dreams. It held out the promise of fame, fortune and happiness. Within its borders, he was told he would find not only contentment but satisfaction.
This road took the lone traveler to the popular sites of the far country, to parties and drinking and unrestrained pleasure. There he found companions but no friends. There he experienced gratification but no satisfaction.
Convinced that what he sought lay just beyond the next bend, he plodded on towards it only to find more disappointment and a pig sty. For a road that supposedly led to the height of living he never expected to be so low. Hunger and want were his only companions. Still no friends. Still no satisfaction.
It was then, his life in tatters and his spirit broken, he realized that the same road that had led to disaster could take him home. He struck out for home in shame, never dreaming that there he would finally find satisfaction.
Jesus told the story once and it has been relived countless times. Some have made it home. Others, unlike the Prodigal, refused to turn and take the road home. These will never know the joy of the Father or the satisfaction of His pleasure. Instead they speed along in the wrong direction on the road home.
Matthew relates the memorable account of Jesus' life. Luke unfolds the history of the church while Paul allows us to see the struggles and joys faced by Christians in the first century. Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives practical advice for Christian living today. Somehow it seems that these men would have little in common with the likes of Caiaphas. Of all the people who spoke by inspiration he was the most unlikely.
With Paul's letters we have grown accustomed to finding inspiration working in prisons. John was inspired while an exile on Patmos. Of all the places the Spirit was at work revealing God's will the most unlikely was the planning session of John chapter eleven. The topic of discussion was Jesus. The objective was how to get rid of him.
As high Priest Caiaphas spoke, by inspiration, he uttered a prophecy of which he likely never knew the full impact. "It is better for us that one man should die for the people" (John 11:50). His prophecy, instigated by envy, would be fulfilled through deceit, bribery, betrayal and murder. Ironically, sin caused the very act that could forgive it. At the cross the true nature of sin is inescapable ... sin kills.
Modern media overflows with reports of violence, each day great atrocities invade the security of the innocent, parading themselves before our eyes in print, marching right into our living rooms on the evening news. Common citizens are so wearied at crime's presence that they no longer respond in shock or amazement. There is no shortage of injustice in this world. Yet the seemingly endless stream of shocking crimes throughout the ages is apparently capped by a single act: the cross.
Calvary must have been the scene of the most notorious crime ever perpetrated. There the sinless Son of God was mercilessly tortured, His innocent blood given on behalf of the very humanity taking it. On that hill Jesus accepted death willingly. Strangely, in the midst of this tragedy, Jesus exhibited the ultimate of control. He could have called angels (Matthew 26:53) or His Father (John 19:10-11) to deliver Him, but then there would have been no promise of paradise (Luke 23:43). Peter later confirmed the obvious: nothing happened at Calvary that day by accident (Acts 2:23-24).
Yet, it saddens the heart to look around and see divided Christianity, nominally committed members, a world all too willing to worship a dead Jesus rather than a living Christ. Jesus did not endure Calvary for that! He died so that His followers could live an abundant life (John 10:10). He died so that He could live in those who accept Him in baptism (Romans 6:4).
Jesus died so that He, and those living in Him, could live forever (Romans 5:17). The greatest crime was not the murder of God's Son but modern man's refusal to allow Him to live. It is committed daily in the streets and homes of our world, everywhere where Jesus is not exalted as the living Christ.
The Decision. "Then released he Barabbas unto them" (Matt. 27:26). Pilate consented to the trade: a murderer for the Giver of Life. Rejected by the ones he came to save, Jesus obeyed that they may live.
The Whip. "And when he had scourged Jesus." Some say the Roman scourge consisted of leather thongs gathered into a handle. Each thong had pieces of glass, stone, bone or metal embedded into it. Others tell us it was made of chains with heavy weights at the end. We are certain, however, that it's goal was to tear life away a stroke at a time. In the hands of a professional one could be skinned alive.
The cross. "He delivered him to be crucified." The Romans had literally perfected torture to the T. The humiliated victim was hung without clothes in heavily traveled places. Iron nails, five inches long, were hammered through the victim's palms. It would be forced into the wood and bent over. Being lifted into place the feet were bent precariously and nailed. A sharp prong served as the only seat. The slow march to death had begun.
The Death. "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me" (Matt. 27:46). A Doctor Edwards of the Mayo Clinic says that Jesus likely died of suffocation, loss of blood and shock. After six hours it was finished.
The Reason. This was the only way your sins could have been forgiven. You ought to know that he loves you this much.
"It's okay," Satan urged. "You will enjoy a world of possibilities this added knowledge makes available. God has not been honest with you. You've not seen the full picture or heard the whole story." On and on the reasoning raged as doubt crept into Eve's mind. The serpent prodded her into the unthinkable: rebellion against the very God that created her.
In a flash Adam and Eve left the brightness of paradise to enter a world without God. They faced a death for which they were not created. Havoc and violence choked to death generation after helpless generation. The devil and his scheming squandered a world shaped in the hands of a righteous God. Satan grinned, victorious in captivating the human imagination for perpetuating evil.
The darkness hanging over humanity had to be shattered. The violence and havoc must be conquered. In the vast wasteland of sin a cry was heard. It shook the foundation of the earth and tore the complacency of the Jewish religion from top to bottom. As the words sprang heavenward the blood of Jesus Christ flowed downward. "It is finished!" Mankind was ransomed. Jesus is Lord indeed!
Jesus died on the cross of Calvary. The sinless Son of God died to set us free from the grip of sin and death. The blood that blanketed the cross offers us hope that we might escape the death hold of Satan. The cross offers us the joy of salvation. It offers us freedom from death. But the cross is meaningless without the empty tomb. Jesus lives! He lives in His church. He lives in His people. He lives in Heaven to intercede on our behalf. The hope of the cross is the empty tomb that offers a final amen to the work of this Savior. It proves for all time that He was who He said and that He can do what He promised to do.
Jesus died to save. He lives to deliver. Praise God for such a loving Savior and for the empty tomb.
On July 3, 1960 Alfred Henry Ackley died at the age of seventy-three. In most circles his life was one without significance. He was interested especially in music, both religious and secular, and was deeply devoted to the organized religion that his father before him actively supported.
Mr. Ackley, like most fervent believers, was possessed with a desire to share his understanding of Jesus with those living about him. However, one particular individual proved most challenging. The time was early 1930's and a young acquaintance refused every effort of persuasion as to the true identity of Jesus. The young man's insistent refusal to acknowledge Jesus as Christ greatly saddened Alfred. One conversation in particular remained prominent in Alfred's mind. The young man explained that he was himself a Jew. Then he declared, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?" Such a startling statement drew the immediate reply, "He lives!"
Later, as Alfred reflected on his frustrating experience, he recalled the statement of the angels near the Lord's empty tomb, "He is not here, for He is risen" (Matthew 28:6). With pen in hand the thoughts took shape upon paper. Soon the world was singing, "He Lives."
Alfred Ackley's thoughts remain today a powerful reminder of the most essential truth in human existence. Of all the vital facts that make this great world function, the most vital is the fact that Jesus, this very day, lives!
The dead walked the streets of Jerusalem that Sunday morning. The city was blanketed with news of a stolen body, angels, a moved stone and an empty tomb. Even Jesus' closest disciples, paralyzed by fear, were tormented with doubt. But the women believed, being emboldened by the words of the angels, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; for He is risen!"
The location of that empty tomb is today unknown. The church established in Acts chapter two didn't need it to thrive. They had a risen Lord. They inherited a hope that has survived to this day. Jesus lives. Jesus reigns. Jesus walks in His church (Rev. 1:20-2:1).
As the years melted into decades that hope began for some to fade. They grew proud of what they could do. They found pleasure in providing for themselves. At Laodicea they no longer celebrated a risen Lord because He was not there (Rev. 3:20).
When does the church cease to be Christ's? One indication is to depart from the new covenant pattern handed down by Jesus' apostles. But the first sign is to no longer celebrate the fact that Jesus lives. Jesus is declared to be the Son of God by virtue of the empty tomb, not an empty church. Is he here?
"I am the Good Shepherd," Jesus said (John 10:14). "The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." "I lay down my life only to take it up again" (verse 17). "I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again" (verse 18). "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (verses 27-28). "Whoever enters through Me shall be saved" (verse 9).
And so it came to pass on a hill far away, Jesus died for you and me. And it came to pass in a garden nearby, angels stood vigil over an empty tomb. Jesus died for all the lost but He lives for you! He asks only that you learn from His Word and follow Him. He lives that you might live for Him.
How can you be His "sheep" if you live as if He never died? How can you be His "disciple" if by your daily life you are saying the cross doesn't matter? How can you be saved unless the Good Shepherd forever guides you?
The disciples, having seen so much good accomplished through the ministry of Jesus, cherished only bright hopes for the future. Dreams of the restored glory of Israel, with themselves occupying positions of honor and prestige, illuminated the years ahead.
But more and more it seemed that Jesus spoke of denial, betrayal, and a cross. They were encouraged as Jerusalem recently overflowed with praise when the Lord rode into town on a donkey. Why couldn't Jesus see that the people were for him? With the tide of public opinion behind them, nothing could stand in the way of certain conquest against the Romans. But as they were looking to the start of a kingdom Jesus was preoccupied with his end.
As they gathered in an upper room Jesus announced once again his imminent departure. He told his stunned followers that they would not be permitted to accompany him. Sorrow settled over the room as they sat about the table. The cup and bread before them had been vested with new meaning they could not yet fully grasp. That night the apostles began in earnest struggling with the realization of something dramatic being near.
The silence was broken by Jesus saying, "Let not your heart be troubled ..." (John 14:1). He reassured them that although their work was here below a place would be prepared for them above, with the Father. Then these eleven men received a promise that would shape each coming day of their lives. Jesus promised to return and take them home to heaven. Nothing could better prepare these men for what was about to come than the assurance that in the end all of God's people would be together forever.
Man is easily preoccupied with the great mysteries of life. One impossible mystery is the date of Christ's promised return. Over the years many have attempted, in vain, to predict this unsolvable secret. Some religious groups seem to thrive in spite of a series of "missed" projections of the return of Christ. Still, scripture plainly teaches, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Mat. 24:36).
Such speculation is not reserved for man on the brink of the 21st century. Even in the first century the church struggled with concerns over the second coming and the resurrection (1 Cor. 15). In Ephesus Hymenaeus and Philetus insisted "that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrew the faith of some" (2 Tim. 2:18). In Thessalonica some were concerned about having missed that much anticipated day (2 Thes. 2:1). Peter wrote of those who openly questioned the accuracy of Christ's promise to return, saying in 2 Peter 3:4, "Where is the promise of His coming?"
Skeptics and false prophets will come and go. Theories and formulas will be adopted and abandoned. When God is ready, Jesus will come whether we are ready or not.
The masses gathered wherever Jesus was rumored to be found, eager for instruction or healing. Many professed him to be a great teacher, some a great prophet and others the long awaited Messiah. But James had no faith in Jesus. The blind saw, the lame walked, the deaf heard, and James continued in his belief that his brother was no more than an ordinary man (John 7:5).
Then came the cross. The hoard of believers evaporated leaving behind a distraught family and discouraged disciples. Together they huddled for strength and comfort, rejected by all others. But the comfort they received was unexpected. For into the security of their locked room Jesus appeared. There they saw his risen form, the wounds still vivid, the life undeniable. James believed! He believed that it had been the power of God surging through Jesus' miracles, verifying the truth of his words. He believed that those who heralded the coming of the Messiah had been right. He knew he would spend the rest of his life proclaiming, not his brother, but the Savior of the world.
The life of James would be far from easy. He would lose his friends and associates to the unbelieving world. James, the apostle of Jesus would be beheaded. The church would be persecuted and scattered by a mad Jew named Saul. He would stand against the prejudice and hatred of his own people (Acts 15). Yet, James would gain a reputation as a pillar in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9), a herald to the Jewish world to believe in Jesus, an author of a beautiful epistle included in the New Testament.
He endured because Jesus enabled him to endure through the enduring power of God (James 1:21).
“Open up in the name of the law!” The order compels a speedy response because of the authority behind it. In this sense the word “name” is equated with authority.
In the early days of the church, while the special gifts to perform miracles were available, Christians could work wonders in the name of Jesus. Thus the promise of Christ (Mark 16:17) was fully realized by Paul (Acts 16:18).
It was by this same authority the ordinary functions of Christianity were routinely conducted. Preaching was done in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27). Peter stressed that it was only in that name that salvation could be enjoyed (Acts 4:12). It is no surprise that baptism was then administered in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Each time the church came together it would be under the authority of that beautiful name (Mat. 18:20).
The scriptures stress the obligations of believers to be involved in good works. But the power of those works can be muted if it is not stressed why they are done. May people do good things and receive recognition for their acts. We do good things only to give the glory to Christ, in whose name we serve.
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David Bragg
Memoirs of a Martyr
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son" |
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