July 17,2002
THE GREAT COMMISSION. This is a message that is heard by the entire church and is being accomplished in many ways and through many means. But, have we really heard what Jesus said? We are good at discipleship but, how about baptism? Water baptism was to be in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Mt. 28:19 This command would surely be followed by the early church and the disciples, and it was. Acts 2:38 In the name of JESUS CHRIST Acts 8:12 In the name of JESUS CHRIST Acts 8:16 In the name of the LORD JESUS Acts 10:48 In the name of the LORD Acts 19:5 In the name of the LORD JESUS Were we to treat the above as a mathematical problem we would sum it up to be the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Apostles, embracing the teachings of the Lord Jesus fulfilled His command to perfection.
IT MUST BE RECOGNIZED that Father, Son and Spirit are titles not only attributed to the Godhead but also to men. I am a son, a father and I have a spirit, but that is not my name. A name is given as a means of identity. We are known by our name, so with our God. He is not just God, that expresses His being. There are a multiplicity of gods around the world but only one true God. It pleased the Father to bestow upon His Son a name that is greater, higher, above and beyond and more powerful than any name that is named. It is the Fathers intent that in the ultimate of time, all both living and dead shall bow before Jesus for the purpose of confessing that God, has made Jesus Christ to be Lord. His name was given Him by the Father and the Father is glorified when the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted. Phil. 2:9-11
THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS NAME TO US. All things pertaining to a Christians life should be done in His name. If we cannot invoke His name on our actions then, they would probably be contrary to His will. Col. 3:17 The power and authority of the Lord is delegated to His followers is in the use of His name. Through His name deliverance is accomplished, devils are cast out and the sick are healed. It is imperative that we recognize that He has bequeathed to His church the right and authority to carry out His ministry in His name. Mark 16:17-18 Prayer in His name is highly effectual. He has promised that <WHATSOEVER> and <ANY THING> requested in His name He would accomplish. A promise such as this has no end of possibilities. It opens the vast storehouse of the Lord and places it at our disposal. With Him there are no impossibilities. John 14:13-14 The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus. Our prayers for the presence of the Comforter in our lives must be in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:26 His name is wonderful, glorious and majestic.