|
|
Calling On The Name of The Lord Acts 2.17-21 Introduction:
The name of Jesus is often invoked in prayers, church activities, and even in
businesses. We want to look at 1) What does it mean to call on the name of the
Lord, and 2) How do we call on the name of the Lord? I)
Common Teachings On Calling On the Name of The Lord A)
Salvation by faith only 1.
Some teach that all one has to do is simply “accept Jesus” 2.
Some believe this means one must obey the Gospel and nothing more is needed. B)
We can do whatever we want as long as we use the name of Jesus 1.
See churches involved in recreation, social gospel, singles ministries, even
business ventures. 2.
How do they justify it? They are doing this in the name of Jesus. 3.
As long as we are using His name we are glorifying Him 4.
See this in people claiming to be “Christians” and living immoral lives. C)
Some thing more II)
Whoever A)
Important to recognize the inclusiveness of this word 1.
Peter preaching at the household of Cornelius, Acts
10.34-35 2.
Includes Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free, men, women, etc B)
I must be called before I can call on the name of the Lord 1.
God does the calling – sets the conditions or terms of the calling 2.
How does God call? By the Gospel of Christ,
2 Thess. 2.19 II)
What Does It Mean To Call? A)
To invoke, appeal to, to recognize 1.
Some have called on the name of God and others to idols, 1 Kings 18.24, Micah 4.5 2.
The demons appeal to God on different occasions. Man possessed by demons in the
country of Gerasenes, Mark 5.7. 3.
1 Chronicles 16.1-2 David offered
offerings to God and then blessed the people “in the name of the Lord” B)
To follow, to do the will of, to submit to 1.
Christians obey the will of the Lord, Acts
9.10-14 2.
Prophets, apostles were sent by the will of the Lord C)
To use for the sake of authority 1.
“In the name of the law I say open up” 2.
Church discipline is performed by the authority of Christ, 1 Corinthians 5.4; 2 Thess. 3.6 D)
Does it really matter who’s name (authority) we are using? Acts 4.12 1.
Many believe it does not matter what you believe as long as you believe in
Jesus. 2.
Others will go onward and believe it does not matter which God you believe in or
if you believe in Jesus. III)
Whoever Calls On The Name Of The Lord: A)
Who is the Lord? 1.
Acts 2 is about Jesus, the one they had crucified, the Son of God, the one at
the right hand of God 2.
Ephesians 5.20 B)
How do we call on the name of the Lord? 1.
Not by:
a. Crying out with one’s voice,
Matthew 7.21
b. Just accepting Jesus as Lord or your personal Savior, Acts
2.37-38
c. Prayer alone—we do not see one occasion where a person outside of
Christ was told to pray and he would be saved.
d. Having some kind of religious experience, feeling 2.
Just believing in Jesus is not enough.
a. There is a distinction between believing in Jesus and “calling on
Him” John 12.42-43
b. When one calls on the name of the Lord he is saved, Acts
2.21 3.
By doing what Peter said to do brings about salvation
a. Day of Pentecost we have the promise, Acts
2.21
b. We have the explanation, Acts
2.36-38 (Faith + Repentance +
Baptism) C)
Saul called on the name of the Lord, Acts 22.16 1.
Saul was not saved on the road to 2.
If he was then Jesus did not know it, Ananias did not know it, and Saul did not
know it. D)
Compare Mark 16.16 with Romans 10.13-14 III)
Do Use The Name of The Lord A)
We must do what Jesus says to do, Matthew 7.21ff B)
We must read His word and do what the Bible says 1.
People are involved in spiritual perjury or spiritual blasphemy 2..
The seven sons of Sceva, Acts 19.11-16 3.
Our singing is by the authority of Christ, Ephesians
5.19 4.
Our giving, prayers, preaching, and daily living is to be according to His will.
Conclusion:
The name of the Lord is not a catchy phrase but our means of salvation, worship,
and living. |