Calling On The Name Of The Lord Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Calling on the Name of the Lord

Introductory Remarks.

1. Today's lesson will discuss "Calling on the Name of the Lord." This is the fifth lesson in the sermon series, "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be other lessons bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to receive what Isaiah promised: "With joy, you will draw water from the well of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to obtain the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called: "Expository Preaching." Our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper" in the text of emphasis in these lessons. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the Master's words to shed new meaning to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 6:67-69.

2. We will answer this question: what is meant by: "Calling on the Name of the Lord?" By this, we mean: "Calling on the Name of the Lord to be Save." Is there such a thing as: "Calling on the name of the Lord to wash away our sins?" We will re-dig in old wells to find a biblical answer. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper" in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text for this sermon series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham's death," Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: "Stopped them, and filled them with earth," because they envied Isaac's possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.

3. Our emphasis text reads: "For the scripture saith: Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is rich unto all who call upon him. For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved," Romans 10:11-13. This verse has caused some to stumble in their faith and obedience to Christ. Many are teaching that salvation is made possible through repeating a "sinner's prayer." And, therefore, this is how one, "calls on the name of the Lord to be saved." It's essential to consider every text within the context of the scriptures. The searcher of truth cannot suppose anything regarding their salvation. We will clarify this text's meaning to enable sincere believers to find the truth so that they might be saved. Imploring God's help, we will do just that, to draw: "New water from old wells." With this brief introduction, let's consider this topic carefully, with our bibles and hearts opened unto the living God.

BODY OF LESSON

I CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD

A. What is meant by: "Calling on the Name of the Lord?" Before we get too far along in this lesson, we need to do some background study. Studying the text of emphasis is never fruitful without some background work. So, we shall do just that to lay a firm foundation regarding this truth. Observe—

1. Paul's love for Israel. He wrote: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. I bear them record that they have the zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For...being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their righteousness, have not submitted their selves unto the righteousness of God: For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." Romans 10:1-4.

2. Righteousness through the Law. He continues: "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them," Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:11-12. Herein is Israel's problem.

a. First, they were still seeking righteousness through the Law. They obtain it not because they sought it not through faith but through the Law.

b. Further, "What shall we say then? The Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness (through the Law), have attained righteousness, even the righteousness of faith," Romans 9:30.

c. Finally, "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness," Romans 9:31. Why? Hear me, beloved of the Lord! Because--

1) First, "Wherefore? –Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the Law," Romans 9:32. Recall, by the: "deeds of the law, shall no flesh be justified in His sight," Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9.

2) Second, "For they (Israel) stumbled at that stumbling stone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed," Romans 9:33; Isaiah 28:16.

3) Third, Israel did not accept Jesus as Messiah nor be obedient to the gospel's message, preached by Peter, Paul, Philip the Evangelist, and other disciples of the Lord. They rejected Jesus of Nazareth. Recall--