The Name of Chirst
In modern society, we pay little attention to names. But the ancient world held a man's name to be of utmost importance. Often, during Old Testament days, God changed a person's name because of some important experience or some new development. As Christians, we bear the name of Christ. The word Christian is found only three times in the entire New Testament (Acts 11:26;26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). The name was given originally as a term of contempt, but gradually it became a name of honor. The name Christ, then, means identification : we belong to Jesus Christ. But His name also means authority. A man's name signed to a check authorizes the withdrawal of money from the bank. The President's name signed to a bill makes it into law. In the same way, it is in the name of JEsus Christ that we have the authority to pray (John 14:13-14; 16:23-26). Because Jesus Christ is God, and He has died for us, we have authority in His name. All that we say and do should be associated with ...