Sermon for 12/17/2006
The Name
Introduction:
(Luke 2:21 NIV) On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
WBTU:
A. The most important name is Jesus. Not given by his parents, but given by heaven.
B. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name!
C. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, spoke at a memorial service for the slain youth of Columbine High School and prayed at the first inauguration services for George W. Bush. Each time he was criticized for talking about and using the name of Jesus Christ. He wrote a book about this called, “The Name.” He says, “Why is it than when people curse using Jesus’ name, hardly anyone complains, but if you speak about Him with respect, some people cry “foul.” What is it about this Name that brings such comfort and healing to millions yet provokes in others such venomous hatred and offense.”
D. Suffering and persecution does come from the Name of Jesus Christ. (John 15:20 NIV) Remember the words I spoke to you: ’No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:21 NIV) They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
E. How horrible! We can mention Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius but if we mention the name of Jesus Christ, some will cause trouble.
F. There is strength in the name of the Lord. There is power in the name of the Lord. There is hope in the name of the Lord. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
G. More good than bad comes out of the name of the Lord!
Thesis: What comes in the name of the Lord?
For instances:
1. Salvation comes in the name of the Lord.
(Acts 4:12 NIV) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
(Mat 1:21 NIV) She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (Jehovah is salvation), because he will save his people from their sins."
2. Belief and faith come in the name of the Lord.
(John 3:18 NIV) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
(Acts 10:43 NIV) All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
3. Justification comes in the name of the Lord.
(1 Cor 6:11 NIV) And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
4. Baptism comes in the name of the Lord.
(Mat 28:19 NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(Acts 2:38) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
5. Holiness comes in the name of the Lord.
(2 Tim 2:19 NIV) Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
6. Healing comes in the name of the Lord.
(Acts 3:6 NIV) Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
(Acts 3:16 NIV) By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
7. Prayer comes in the name of the Lord.
(John 16:23) In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 16:24) Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
8. Service comes in the name of the Lord.
(Col 3:17 NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
9. Thanksgiving comes in the name of the Lord.
(Eph 5:20 NIV) always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion and Invitation:
A. (Phil 2:6 NIV) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, (Phil 2:7 NIV) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil 2:8 NIV) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! (Phil 2:9 NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, (Phil 2:10 NIV) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (Phil 2:11 NIV) and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
B. (John 14:6 NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
