The Greatest Name
In the 17th chapter of John, Jesus prayed for unity. First, he prayed for the apostles (verses 9-10).
Through the guidance of The Holy Spirit, the apostles answered that prayer in a positive way—they taught the same things, and people believed the same things. As a result the converts were added to the kingdom/church that Jesus built. (Matthew 16:18)
But at times people would misunderstand and cause division and needed to be corrected (Galatians 1:6-12). Also see 1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Let’s go back to the Lord’s prayer in John 17:20-21 “20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
In these two verses, He prayed for us, that we would have unity—that the world would believe that God had sent His Son into the world.
Wherever I have attempted to teach The Bible I’ve always pleaded for that unity. I’ve approached the subject from several different positions. The following is just one.
Starting with a very defining scripture—(Colossians 1:18-19) “18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;”
It pleased The Father to give Jesus the highest position, the greatest name, greatest power, and preeminence in all things!
I ask what about a name? Let’s just go to the inspired word.
The Temple of God—(1 Corinthians 3:16)
The Bride of Christ—(Ephesians 5:22-32)
The Body of Christ—(Colossians 1:18, 24) (Ephesians 1:22-23)
The Kingdom of God’s Son—(Colossians 1:13)
The House of God—(1 Timothy 3:15)
The Church of God—(1 Corinthians 1:2) (Acts 20:21)
The Church of the Firstborn—(Hebrews 12:23)
The Churches of Christ—(Romans 16:16)
Every name gives Jesus Christ the preeminence. Does yours?
Very seldom does a week go by without someone asking me. “To what church do you belong?” My answer is always the same—The scriptures require a person to believe in Christ (John 3:18). Jesus also required repentance (Luke 13:3), then confession (Matthew 10:32), then baptism (Acts 2:38).
That’s exactly what the people did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and the Lord Himself added them (3000) to His church. Since I did everything they did. I believe Jesus added me to His church (Acts 2:41-47). If the Lord didn’t add me to His church, you tell me why He didn’t.
As you can tell from past articles, I have great sympathy and concern for the “average” member. I just want you to know the truth!
Start asking your preacher questions! If he can’t give you scriptural answers, find someone who can!
Thanks for reading and God bless!
P.S. Where is that “sinner’s prayer” in the Bible? Where is the scripture that says it’s okay to start a denomination?