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Proclaiming the Name of Jesus By Lani Finley Many members of the churches of God have come from a church background that shied away from preaching, or using the name of Jesus. It might be helpful if we explored this subject from a biblical prospective and see what God the Father has to say about this issue. We need to remind ourselves of the loving relationship that exists between God and Christ, and how He expects us to acknowledge, respect and preach about His wonderful Son. Let us be like God and follow His examples! We begin our search in John 3:35. “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand”. King David also speaks of God’s great affection for Jesus. You are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into your lips: therefore God has blessed you forever. 7 You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. 17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise you for ever and ever. (Psalms 45: 2,7,17). These
words express great honor and love from God. He is so pleased with
Jesus. God simply cherishes and adores Him. These are beautiful words
spoken by a father to his son. God’s favor toward us is also deepened
by our love for Jesus. “For the Father himself loves you,
because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from
God” (John 16:27). "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he has testified of his Son". 11 "And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (1John 5: 9,11). God Himself is witnessing of Christ. Should we not follow His example? The Almighty does not hold-back from proclaiming Jesus. He is a proud father and wants the entire world to know about the mighty works of His Son. God does not tip-toe around this subject. Look how powerfully He magnifies Jesus Christ. Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2: 9,10,11). These scriptures reveal to us that bowing to Jesus and proclaiming His name gives glory to God the Father. The apostle John was inspired to write that it is impossible to honor God, without first honoring Jesus. “That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which has sent him” (John 5: 23). The Holy Spirit also witnesses of Jesus. "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me" (John 15:26). Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth". Can there be any greater truth proclaimed, than witnessing of our Savior, Jesus Christ? If we will study and embrace the Holy Scriptures, then we will quickly understand, that it was never even suggested that we should somehow “minimize" the name of Jesus. It is the only name of ultimate power, salvation, grace and eternal life that was given to weak and sinful man. We should glorify His name, praise His name, and proclaim it at every opportunity.
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