New Antioch Church of Christ
Christ

Above Every Name 

Most of us would agree that our names are personally important to us. We likely take pride in the history or heritage of our name.  This is especially true of a good name, and we all want to pass on a good name to our children.  The Bible has much to say in regard to the importance of a good name. "A good name is better than precious ointment." [Ecc. 7:1]. So we can see that we should certainly consider the value of our names. 

However, there is only one name that really matters. God has placed Christ's name "far above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" [Eph. 1:21]. "God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth". [Phil. 2:9-10]. Jesus "obtained a more excellent name than they (the angels)" [Heb. 1:4].  We can see than, there is no name above Jesus' name. 

We need to be diligent in paying heed to our use of Jesus' name.  Do we take his name for granted?  Are we using Jesus' name properly and in accordance with God's will?  We must think about how we use His name, the name above every name, in our daily lives because it affects our relationship with God. 

When we approach God in prayer we must always do so by utilizing Jesus' name.  The Bible says "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" [Colossians 3:17].  And, "giving thanks a/ways for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" [Ephesians 5:20].  Let's remember that "at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow' and we want to do so in Heaven....NOT HELL! 

-Terry Ellison Via Bulletin Digest

Do You Love Me?

 In John 21, beginning with verse 15, Jesus asks Peter this sow-stirring question.  Using this question as a basis, we can just imagine a conversation among the disciples of this day, if Jesus were here now.

"Do you love me?" Jesus asked.
"Lord, I would even die for you, if need be," Maurice answered.
"You may have to die for me some day, Maurice".
"Oh, you can count on me, Lord".

"Good Maurice, Can I also count on you to lead the discussion in Bible Class this week?"
"Well, Jesus, I had planned on having the kids and grandchildren this weekend, and, well, you know, they just don't come to church and I don't see them very often anymore. So...I may be there, but you'd probably better get someone else for the class".

"Maurice, didn't you just say you loved me?"
"Lord, I told you, I'd even be willing to die for you", Maurice answered.

"But you're going to forsake the assembly".
"Now, Jesus, please understand I am not forsaking the assembly. I don't skip services often".

"Well, suppose I ask you to plan the fellowship gathering for next Sunday evening." "Lord, you're not going to believe this, but next Sunday is the once-a-year 'Fall Foliage Tour' sponsored by the local newspaper, and we try to make it every year.  I have to 'let my light shine' in the community-that sort of thing."

"And you are going to die for me, Maurice?"
"Yes, Lord. Verily so.  But I just hadn't planned on dying for you next Sunday".

via Bulletin Digest                                                                                                  By Dave Rechtin,

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