The Third Commandment

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

When we read the Bible, we learn that God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. In the very first chapter of Genesis we see that when God speaks things happen. He said, “Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). As we go on in Scripture, we learn that by calling on the name of the Lord we can be saved (Romans 10:13). There is power in God’s name; but this can be no ordinary call, this has to be a call of faith (Acts 3:1-16; Hebrews 11:6). While on earth, there was an incident where Jesus was in a press of people, everyone bouncing against Him but only one person was healed, because she touched Him in faith, not happenstance (Luke 8:43-48). Jesus’ major issue while on earth was having people truly believe in Him, Jesus cried and groaned for the faithlessness of His people (John 11:33-38). Complete faith in God is not a mere verbal declaration but genuine belief that will bring about a change in behaviour. Because we believe in God, we will do what He asks, knowing that He will do what He says He will do.

Therefore, using the name of God lightly, as a throwaway exclamation, with no intent behind it, is an offence to Him. When the name of God is called, He responds, whether to the faith we express in seeking Him or to the trivial way in which we use His name (2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:21; Job 35:13; Psalms 66:18; Jeremiah 7:16). This also extends to the title by which we call ourselves – Christians. This is the name of Christ that we bear, as purported followers of Jesus. Do we live this name? Are we living by faith? Every word and action we declare in this world should be by faith in the wonderful power of Jesus (Jeremiah 33:3; 2 Corinthians 5:7). We should ask ourselves, "are we living Christ’s name or are we living in vain?"

In Love

His Holy Name, Our Reverent Life

Comments

The Seventh Commandment

“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 A preacher, I like listening to, presented this philosophy, ‘if we want to know what God expects study the pattern set in the first three chapters of Genesis’ (words to that effect). Because our goal is restoration to our Eden home this is an excellent plan. What then, is adultery? Based on scriptural descriptions, adultery covers all sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage (Leviticus 18; John 8:2-11). So then, what is marriage? Well, utilizing the above principle, Genesis 2:18-25 describes marriage as a covenant made before God and our community between one man and one woman. Any relationship outside of this covenant is not marriage; and therefore, any sexual activity outside of this bond is adultery. Adultery, however, is not limited to physical acts with inappropriate partners; Jesus taught that the thoughts that lead to those acts also bring condemnation (Matthew 5:27, 28). Because we are visual creatur...

"Not Now [Working] to Bring Many Souls Into Truth"

In our churches there is this running theme of winning souls to “hasten the Lord’s return”. But there is a major error in our thought process. We cannot in our own strength “win” souls to Christ. The Holy Spirit is to lead us in this work. And the Holy Spirit is not leading and will not lead us in our present condition. The prophet for our time gave us this warning: “There is a message regarding health reform to be borne in every church. There is a work to be done in every school. Neither principal nor teachers should be entrusted with the education of the youth until they have a practical knowledge of this subject. Some have felt at liberty to criticize and question and find fault with health reform principles of which they knew little by experience. They should stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, with those who are working in right lines. {6T 370.2} The subject of health reform has been presented in the churches; but the light ...

Practical Faith

In Scripture the definition of faith is as follows: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen . Hebrews 11:1” This same chapter also informs us: “But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6” Scripture also tells us: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us : And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him . 1 John 5:14-15” Jesus also instructs us: “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you . Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24” These are just a few passages of scripture among many that encourage us...

Meet It

Search This Blog