9-9-19<\/p>\n
One of the confirmations of Christ\u2019s divinity is the number of times He is mentioned, and was prophesied and predicted, in the Old Testament. And not just vague associations: the Bible overflows with specific references, made previous to His incarnation, regarding Jesus\u2019s life, ministry, and activities. Every one was fulfilled.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n So the names and attributes of Jesus are interesting. And they are instructive to our Biblical understanding, and to our mature faith. Jesus was His given name; Christ was His title\u2026 but there were, and are, many other names by which He can be known, and which explain His numerous facets and roles.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n You know them, from the Old Testament and New Testament both. Among them are: Almighty; Alpha and Omega; Author of Salvation; Bread of Life; Chief Cornerstone; Creator of All Things; Deliverer; Faithful Witness; Firstborn From the Dead; Good Shepherd; High Priest; Horn of Salvation; Image of God; King of Kings; Lamb of God; Last Adam; Light of the World; Lion of the Tribe of Judah; Living Stone; Lord of All; Morning Star; Only Begotten Son of God; Passover Lamb; Precious Cornerstone; Prince of Peace; Rock; Savior; Son of David; Son of God; Son of Man; The Stone the Builders Rejected; Truth; The Way; Wonderful Counselor; The Word\u2026 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The great evangelist R W Schambach frequently referred to the Savior in a unique (and correctly theological) way \u2013 \u201cMy elder Brother Jesus.\u201d This not only delineates a sweet fellowship with Jesus; it explains the precise relationship of our New Life after the Born-Again experience. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n When Jesus walked out of that tomb, He greeted the world as the risen Son of God, yes, but in effect He said to all of humanity: \u201cI was God-with-you, and now you are with Me \u2013 my brothers and sisters.\u201d If Jesus reigns in your heart, God sees Him when He looks at you. Hallelujah!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n So. Should this make us happy? Yes! But I wonder why many church services resemble funerals and not celebrations. I have got to thinking about how people refer to God and Jesus these days, especially when we have so many options. A list of some:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n God d*** <\/i>and Jesus Christ!<\/i> (when uttered as curses). Of course these are not what I am seeking as examples. But I wonder whether \u201ctaking Names in vain\u201d are spoken more frequently among us, if we could count, than in prayers or spiritual respects. For shame. And it strikes me, even, how many people who are not even nominal Christians use \u201cJesus\u201d <\/i>and \u201cJesus Christ\u201d<\/i> or \u201cChrist,\u201d<\/i> as curses. I have rebuked friends and strangers, sometimes asking them to be more polite about my Best Friend.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Jesus H Christ<\/i> and Jesus, Mary, and Joseph<\/i> \u2013 as \u201cantiseptic\u201d curses. As if the humorous (?) twist will not offend the One who suffered and died for our sins. Or offend us, when in their midst.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Man Upstairs<\/i>. Really? The Man upstairs?? This is usually a coward\u2019s way of appearing spiritual without (gasp) actually mentioning God. Also shameful. Would you refer to your spouse as \u201cthat dark-haired person who lives down the hall and watches TV in the evening\u201d?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but religion is too personal for me to discuss.\u201d<\/i> How about that? The most important thing in your life \u2013 or should be \u2013 is something to avoid talking about? Not all of us are evangelists, OK; but to hide Jesus from view likely indicates a fateful unfamiliarity with Him\u2026 a fatal lack of knowledge of God\u2019s ways\u2026 and an insecure realization of what Jesus requires of believers. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If you had a cure for cancer, would sharing that knowledge be \u201ctoo personal\u201d to talk about? Those who have no knowledge of the basic tenets of being a Christ-follower, frankly, condemn themselves. Jesus\u2019s own Entrance Exam, so to speak, was easy \u2013 To believe in your heart that He is the Son of God; and confess with your mouth that He rose from the dead. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Yes, that simple. But \u201cconfess with your mouth\u201d precludes \u201ctoo personal for me to discuss.\u201d Can\u2019t do both. If parents are followers of Christ but let their children \u201cdecide for themselves\u201d matters of faith\u2026 it means they are comfortable with the chance their children will go to Hell. Don\u2019t believe in Hell? Well\u2026 Jesus did; and you believe in Him, right? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n You can see the many implications and responsibilities that attend the use of \u201cmere\u201d words and proper titles. They are the markers on the meter of your soul.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n