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Where In The Bible Will I Find...
The Name For God's People? Gary Colley |
This question should engage the thinking of every serious individual — especially since Peter confessed, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said, "...upon this rock I will build my church." (Matthew 16:16-18). A man once saw a church building being constructed. No name had been placed on it, and he told the builder, "I will give you a $1,000 contribution on this building if you will place over the door a sign reading 'This is the church of Christ.'" The builder responded, "But sir, this is not a church of Christ." The man responded, "I will then give you $2,000 if you will write over the door, 'This is not the church of Christ.'" The offer was refused. The great assortment of names for religions win every city is confusing to the masses. For years, denominations have shown their divisiveness by the names they wear, choosing many names not found in the Bible. Their number increases yearly! Of course, this is not what the Bible says, but for years many have not chosen to go by the Bible. Question: If there is nothing in a name, would you be as happy for a man to call you a gentleman, as for him to call you a liar or a thief? We think not! What if your wife decided to wear another man's name? It would matter to any normal husband! One religious group in Nashville recently removed its name from its building. This name tells what human creed they follow and they removed it because they consider it unattractive to the masses any more. (Nashville Tennessean, Aug. 22, 1999) Of course, the name this religious sect has used for years is never used as a proper name in the Bible. It can only be accurately rendered "immerser" or "baptizer." Women or men who do not administer baptism cannot rightly wear this name. If it were a proper name, the only man who ever wore it said, "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). When we all come to the end of our earthly journey, it will certainly matter whether our name is written in the Lamb's book of life (Phillippians 4:3, Revelation 20:15; 21:17). Obviously, dear friends, names do have meaning and significance. Before you can wear the Lord's name, you must have the "marriage ceremony" by hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized into Christ. This is not one of the plans or ways to heaven. It is the only way if an individual wants to go with Christ to the Father (John 14:6). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). |