"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life THROUGH HIS NAME!" (John 20:31)
We hear the phrase 'in the name of God' so often but rarely do we pursue the inquiry further. Do you know? What is God’s name? For God is surely a descriptive title, never being a name. And similarly in this context, if one is utilizing a descriptive title, then why not expose to others whom it is that you are calling God?
In God we trust is another phrase used in various contexts. But again, please explain to the general populace who it is that you are putting your trust in? Or "God bless you!" In all of these examples, we need to ask ourselves who it is -- this God -- that we are talking about. We should know who it is that we are asking to bless you.
Further to the point, there [apparently] are an abundance of gods that people tend to worship, even if they know not what. For example, taking a feel good pill or trying to find life in the bottom of a beer or liquor bottle can be considered gods because they consume us in a way that is god-like.
So who is this God, whose name we do not know? Well, let me tell you. Certainly, I cannot trust in a God whom I know nothing about and I am equally sure that you feel the same way. So let's examine the scriptures and determine once and for all who God is.
We've all heard that God is Love. We also recognize that God is not a respecter of persons. God has not two laws, one for the rich and another for the poor! And God does not tell me at the point of a gun how much He loves me. But I do know from reading the scriptures how much God loves me.
Similarly, we find in reading the scriptures that God Has a name. In fact, it is as a result of knowing that name and calling upon that name that one can be blessed. Indeed, apart from knowing God’s revealed name, confusion rules and reigns. We've seen this time and time again throughout history. Nations upon hearing God’s name go from being a 'have-not' nation to a 'have' nation. Conversely, nations that at one time were aware of God’s name but have since turned their backs to God often begin a downward spiral.
Still, what is in a name? What do names represent? You as a individual would never let anyone misrepresent or discredit your name. Why? Because your name is you! It dictates who you are. And in fact, your name will outlive you. Your offspring bear your name.
Likewise, when you know God’s name and have grown to know the One God who bears that name, then you would not by any means desire to discredit or misrepresent His name. In this sense, neither Jehovah or Yahweh are God’s name! God never revealed either as being His name.
But there is a name, as the scriptures repeatedly point out, which is above every other name in Heaven and on Earth. And the one who bears that name is the One God, who is before all things. He is also the One God who made all things! This One God who is Spirit has revealed HIMSELF as a Son. He did not reveal Himself as another person!
God who is Spirit, inhabited a man’s body, endeavouring to reveal Himself to His people. And indeed, this God who is love bears the precious Name of JESUS! Why even the angels worship Him. Wise men worship Him too.
Why? Because JESUS is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He will never leave us comfortless -- He will come unto you if you willingly open the door of your heart to the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)
Make that decision for Jesus today, and let the Lord Jesus become your all in all. Stand firm in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
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