Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Summer 2004                                                            Volume 5, Issue 3

"Where In The Bible Will I Find..."
The Name For The People of God, Part 1

This question should engage the serious thinking of every individual. Especially since Jesus, after Peter’s confession, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” said, “...upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:16). Once a man saw a church building being built, on which at the time no name had been placed. He said to the workman, “I will give a $1,000 contribution on this building, if you will place over the door a sign reading, This is the church of Christ.” The man responded, “But sir, this is not a church of Christ.” After this refusal the man desiring to give said, “I will then give you $2,000 if you will write over the door, This Is Not The Church of Christ!” This offer was also refused.

The great assortment of names for religions in every city is no doubt confusing to the masses. For years denominations have shown their divisiveness by the names they wear, choosing many names not found in the Bible. The number continues to increase yearly. They have often said, “There is nothing in a NAME.” Of course this is not what the Bible says, but many have not chosen to go by the Bible for a long time.

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! Some “churches” have recently removed their NAME, which tells what human creed they follow, because they consider it unattractive to the masses any more. Even more disturbing, some have refused to wear the name of Christ for fear of “alienating” the world around them.

When we have all come to the end of our earthly journey, it will certainly matter whether our NAMES are written in the book of life (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:l2; 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, faith,

repentance, confession, and baptism into Christ. It is not one of the plans or ways to heaven, but the only way if an individual wants to go with Christ to the Father (John 14:6). Peter declared by inspiration, “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).

Gary Colley

We appreciate Gary for this timely article and look forward to next quarter’s installment. I would like to add that Jesus said in Matt 10:32, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.” Understanding the consequences and significance of this confession by the Lord on my behalf, I am going to be very concerned about hearing my name proceed from His lips on that day. Furthermore, it will matter very much to me whether He calls me “blessed” or “cursed” on that day as well (cf. Matt 25:31-46). For those who think names mean nothing, try telling that to the IRS, DMV, or TRW!

- ed.

Fruit Of The Spirit

Published quarterly, in the interest of New Testament Christianity in northern California, under the oversight of the elders of the Vacaville church of Christ. It is mailed free upon request. Direct all correspondence to:

Fruit Of The Spirit
401 Fir Street
Vacaville, Ca. 95688
(707) 448-5085
fruit_of_the_spirit@juno.com
 
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Inside...
Page 1 - What Is Hard About Preaching? | Page 2 - Where In The Bible Will I Find...
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - The Beautiful Bride, Part 1
Page 6 - Indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Part 3 | Page 7 - Christian Evidences
Page 8 - Alcohol For The Depressed? | Page 9 - The Christian Home
Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page
Page 12 - Announcements / Continuations

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