- ♪ Give me the Bible ♪

>>Today we are blessed with a wonderful gift from God, the Bible. This book is God's living word. In its pages, we are told, "For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword." It is in this book of books that we find the answers to all of men's questions and needs. This morning, your area churches of Christ welcome you to a program committed to that perfect law of liberty. ♪ Thy light shall guide thee in the narrow way ♪

>>As we present, "The Living Word." ♪ Precept and promise ♪ ♪ Law and love combining ♪ ♪ Till night shall vanish ♪ ♪ In eternal day ♪

>>Now here is your host, Ray Sullins. ♪ Give me ♪

>>"Oh, come let us sing to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation," Psalm 95:1. Thanks be to God on this Lord's day, for this opportunity to worship before and to offer praises to a God who is our Creator. What a loving and caring God that we serve, who has blessed us with wondrous grace and salvation. So we thank you for joining us for the living word of God. And as his followers, we are blessed to gather here and to have the freedoms before God to worship him in spirit and truth and to do those things which are according to his perfect will. Let me challenge you to do everything you do this day as an acceptable and faithful Christian and to do things according to what we learn in the Bible. As we begin our offering to God this morning, will you bow with me before his mighty throne in prayer? Our God and Father in heaven, we are thankful for this day and for the gift of life. We're thankful that we are your children and that we have the privilege to be known as such. Father, we are also thankful for the many great blessings that we have, knowing that all physical and spiritual things come from you. But we are mostly thankful for the great gift of Jesus, knowing that through your grace, love, and mercy, we now have the opportunity of not only what we need in this life, but also the blessings of eternal life to come. Father, help us this day, that we might offer our best sacrifices before your throne and therefore be found acceptable in your sight, in Jesus' name we pray, amen. What better way to worship God than in song. So at this time, let's join in our first hymn of the day, which focuses on the great privilege that we have to worship God and to praise his holy name. So let me encourage you to do your part and to join in with the congregation as we sing together the song, "Unto Thee, O Lord." ♪ Unto thee, O Lord, unto thee, O Lord ♪ ♪ Do I lift up my soul, do I lift up my soul ♪ ♪ Unto thee, O Lord, unto thee, O Lord ♪ ♪ Do I lift up my soul, do I lift up my soul ♪ ♪ O my God, O my God ♪ ♪ I trust in thee, I trust in thee ♪ ♪ O let me not be ashamed ♪ ♪ Let not my enemies triumph over me ♪ ♪ Yea, let none that wait, yea, let none that wait ♪ ♪ On thee be ashamed, on thee be ashamed. ♪ ♪ Yea, let none that wait, yea, let none that wait ♪ ♪ On thee be ashamed, on thee be ashamed ♪ ♪ O my God, O my God ♪ ♪ I trust in thee, I trust in thee ♪ ♪ O let me not be ashamed ♪ ♪ Let not my enemies triumph over me ♪ ♪ Remember not, remember not ♪ ♪ The sins of my youth, the sins of my youth ♪ ♪ Remember not, remember not ♪ ♪ The sins of my youth, the sins of my youth ♪ ♪ O my God, O my God ♪ ♪ I trust in thee, I trust in thee ♪ ♪ O let me not be ashamed ♪ ♪ Let not my enemies triumph over me ♪

>>One of the interesting studies of the Old Testament is concerning the requirements by God of offering sacrifices on the altar. What I find specifically significant is that God always told them exactly what they were to offer and even how to offer it. Another important fact about the offering was the offering itself. And the animal had to be without spot or blemish. That means they were to offer to God the very best and the most valuable of their possessions. O what a great lesson we can learn from all of these principles. In the New Testament, we see a lot of the same terminologies used concerning our offerings and sacrifices, as well as our service to God. However, we now live under a different covenant, which does not literally require animal sacrifices, but spiritual sacrifices and emotional sacrifices from the heart. Read with me the words of Peter, where he said, "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by him in peace without spot and blameless," 2 Peter 3:14. Notice here that our desire for self should be that we are found without spot and blameless, which means that we are obedient children of God and doing those things which he commands, striving to be pure and righteous and holy in all things, just as he is. However, I also want you to notice that Peter here says that we are looking forward to something. So what are we looking for? Well, if you are looking back in this verse, what we actually find is the discussion of a new heaven and the new earth idea. In verse 15, he actually goes on to say, "And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation." You see, our God has offered us salvation and wants us to be saved, that we might live eternally in heaven with him when he comes to take us home. So that's God's part. But what about ours? Well, we are to be diligent in the things of God, therefore to strive to be without spot or without blame. So the question for us is are we striving to live this type of holy life before God and even the world? And do others see Christ in us as we look for that eternal reward and promise that is available for the faithful in heaven? Let me encourage us all to make sure that today and that every day, we're doing all that we can to be found acceptable in the sight of God. As far as our main study of the day, we'll start a new series this morning. The theme of our discussion will be this: he preached to them Jesus. And our specific lesson of the day will focus on Jesus' name and salvation. So stay with us and after our next song together, we'll be led in this topic from God's word. As far as our guest speaker of the day, we're happy to again have brother Brent Green with us as our guest speaker. Brother Brent is the full-time instructor there at the Bible Institute of Missouri, also a school representative. And we always thank him for being with us as he might lead us in the main thoughts of God's Word. But before we join into that study, we again have the privilege of singing a song of praise. So will you join in with the congregation at this time as we sing together, "There Is a Habitation." ♪ There is a habitation ♪ ♪ Built by the living God ♪ ♪ For all of every nation ♪ ♪ Who see that grand abode ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ I long thy gates to see, O lovely ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ When shall I dwell ♪ ♪ In thee ♪ ♪ A city with foundations ♪ ♪ Firm as th'eternal throne ♪ ♪ Nor wars nor desolations ♪ ♪ Shall ever move a stone ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ I long thy gates to see, O lovely ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ When shall I dwell ♪ ♪ In thee ♪ ♪ Within its pearly portals ♪ ♪ Angelic armies sing ♪ ♪ With glorified immortals ♪ ♪ The praises of its King ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ I long thy gates to see, O lovely ♪ ♪ O Zion, lovely Zion ♪ ♪ When shall I dwell ♪ ♪ In thee ♪

>>What a great joy and privilege it is as always to be able to open God's Word and study from it. Wanna begin here at this moment in Acts chapter three and look at a phrase that we find here in one of the verses that stands out. There in Acts chapter three and verse six, it says, "Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength, so he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God." What a great thing to consider here Peter healing this man of his lameness. The fact that he couldn't walk and yet he was healed, by again the power of God. But specifically there, Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ." Well in the next chapter there, Acts chapter four, as Peter is brought in and questioned by the Sanhedrin, he gives this response to them. Verse eight says, "Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, 'Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this man stands here before you whole.'" Peter again pointing back to Jesus specifically to the name of Jesus, that he healed this man in the name of Jesus Christ. And then Peter adds this, verse 11 and 12 of Acts 4. Peter says, "This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone, nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Did you catch what Peter said there in Acts chapter four verse 12? Not only did he do this great miraculous act in the name of Jesus, he also connects there another important concept in the Bible to the name of Jesus, that is salvation. Jesus' name and salvation go hand in hand. And that's what Peter is connecting here for us of great significance, that we cannot find salvation in any other name. Let's consider there the importance of Jesus' name as it is related to salvation, and understand that name, why it must be preached and why it must be understood, and why it must be received, if we want to find salvation in the name of Jesus Christ. Let's think first about the preaching here of Jesus' name, and why it would be so critical to do such. Just a few chapters later in Acts chapter eight, we find another evangelist, a man by the name of Philip preaching there in this chapter. In Acts chapter eight and verse three, we actually find a very horrible condition in which the church found itself. It says in verse three, "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison." You might think that well, the church would not be growing and preaching would not be done if this was the case, but it didn't stop these from doing the work of God. Verse four of chapter eight we find these words. It says, "Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." There in verse five, "Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them." Would we preach Christ under those conditions? Well, maybe, maybe not, but Philip did. And what was he preaching as he went around these cities of Samaria? Preaching Jesus Christ. Why was he doing that? Because in the name of Jesus, salvation can be found. That's why Peter was not only healing, but also telling those who questioned him there in Acts chapter four, that salvation can only be found in the name of Jesus Christ. Philip understood that. And Philip went down and preached Jesus' name throughout all the cities of Samaria. Towards the end of this same chapter, you can find more details of his preaching summarized in verse 40 of Acts chapter eight. It says, "Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea." There wasn't a city that Philip went to that he did not preach Jesus Christ. Well, as he preached this name of Christ, what was he preaching? I want you to see something else significant here in this chapter, Acts chapter eight, down in verse 12. There it says, "When they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized." Sometimes people have the idea that they'd like to take the name of Christ, but they don't want anything that goes with it. They don't want the kingdom that goes with it, they don't want the directives that would go along with the kingdom given in the New Testament, they just want the name Jesus. But did you notice what Philip was preaching? Yes, he was preaching Christ, and he was preaching the name of Christ, but he was preaching the things concerning the kingdom of Christ as well, there in verse 12. You can't preach Jesus and not preach his kingdom. And that's what Philip was doing. You can see the great response there in verse 12 that as he preached both the name of Christ and the kingdom of Christ simultaneously. What took effect? Well, people listened and obeyed that gospel and both men and women were added to the church. And they did that, because of the preaching that Philip did both of Jesus' name and of Jesus' kingdom. That's the case, so that's the record that we find in the Book of Acts, that Jesus' name, that is Jesus himself and his kingdom were preached simultaneously. Jesus set that example back in Acts chapter one and verse three where it speaks of the fact that he was preaching his own kingdom there. If you look back, and we'll look at a few of these examples throughout the Book of Acts, the first one being, again, in Acts chapter one verse three. It says these words, "To whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during 40 days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." What was Jesus doing between the time of his resurrection and ascension? He was preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God. Such is the case throughout the Book of Acts. Acts chapter two, the first recorded gospel sermon. What was Peter preaching along with the other apostles? Jesus' name, Jesus himself, and Jesus' kingdom there. What about Acts chapter 19 verse 18? Paul continued himself to persuade many others concerning the kingdom of God. Acts chapter 20 verse 25, Paul's work would continue there in Ephesus as he preached the kingdom of God. Acts chapter 28 verse 23 and verses 30 and 31, Paul there preached Jesus and his kingdom in Rome. Whether it was Jesus himself or the preaching of Peter or the preaching of Philip or the preaching of the apostle Paul, the preaching of Jesus and Jesus' name always included simultaneously the preaching of the kingdom of Jesus Christ as well. Jesus in his name cannot be separated from his kingdom, which is his church. And you can see those terminologies used interchangeably also throughout the Scripture. Ephesians chapter five verse 23, Jesus is the head of his church, which is his body. Every body has one head, and spiritually speaking, this body, this spiritual body also has one head, that being Jesus Christ. Jesus is the head of his body, his church, is also identified in Ephesians chapter one verses 22 and 23. Parallels can also be found there in the Book of Colossians. I want us to note at least one of those. Colossians chapter one there, many parallels, as I said, between Ephesians and Colossians. But here's a verse of significance. Colossians chapter one verse 18 and 19. Says, "He," that is Jesus, "is head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have preeminence. Jesus Christ is the head of his body, which is his church. He's also the King of his kingdom. There's another phrase or terminology that's used again parallel to these other two. The church is his body, the church is his kingdom, and subsequently Jesus is the King of his kingdom. Jesus built his church and his kingdom, Matthew 16 verses 18 and 19, and there is but one. Ephesians chapter four would give us those seven ones of unity, one of those being the one body. Speaking again of the body of Jesus Christ, his spiritual kingdom, which is his church. When Jesus' name is preached, his kingdom has to be preached as well. Let's understand that, that Jesus' name must be preached and as we preach that name of Jesus, we have to preach his kingdom, which is his body, which is his church at the same time. Not only must Jesus' name be preached, Jesus' name must also be understood. There truly is great significance in that name Jesus alone. There in Matthew chapter one verses 20 and 21, an angel there appeared to Joseph and told him that Mary was with child of the Holy Spirit. Mary was his betrothed, but the two had not yet been married and not yet consummated that marriage. And so Mary was still a virgin, but she was with child of the Holy Spirit. Now there the angel told Joseph that the name of that son will be called Jesus, specifically saying there that this Jesus would save his people from their sins. You see, even the name Jesus means salvation or Savior, because he's the one by name who brought salvation to the world. His name has significance. As we preach that name of Jesus and we preach his kingdom right alongside, we need to understand that there is not salvation in any other name. You can't find salvation outside of his kingdom, his body, his church, because only in his name and in his kingdom can you be saved. Jesus, the name itself means Savior. What sweeter name could ever be uttered than the name of Jesus. Jesus is identified by many other descriptive and declarative names throughout the Scriptures. Let's just mention a few of those and see just how sweet this name Jesus is. Just to see how important it is to us to understand from the Scriptures. Jesus is called in Isaiah chapter nine verse six, Everlasting Father, he's eternal, he's forever. Jesus is also there in Isaiah 9:6 is called Mighty God. He is deity, which is also something pointed out there in John chapter one verses one and 14. Jesus is called the bright and morning star, Revelation 22 verse 16. Jesus is the horn of salvation Luke chapter one verse 69. Jesus is the Christ, that is the Messiah, Matthew chapter one verse 16. Jesus is the Son of God, another term signifying his deity. All other children of God are children by adoption, but not Jesus, he was a child of the Holy Spirit. And so Mary brought him forth physically. He is indeed that appointed, that anointed Messiah. Jesus is truly the one who is the Son of the Highest. There in Luke chapter one verse 32. He is the I Am, John chapter eight verse 58, likened there unto the phrase that God himself identified in Exodus chapter three verse 14. Jesus is the Lamb of God, John chapter one verse 29. Of all those descriptive and declarative names, many more could be added to that list from the Scriptures. But I want you to see the connection that is made there in John chapter three, from a very familiar passage, hopefully to all of us. John chapter three verse 16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Verse 17, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. He who believes in him is not condemned, but he who does not believe in him is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." You see there again the connection to the name of Jesus, the only source of salvation? To believe in the name of Jesus Christ is to go to the very source, the only source in which salvation can be found. Do you understand the power of Jesus' name? It's a name that must be preached and his kingdom alongside it. But to understand that name and its meaning and the power within, there again in Acts chapter four verse 12 where we started, "There is not salvation found in any other name, but the name of Jesus Christ." Furthermore, those who have found salvation in Jesus' name need to make sure they're wearing that name well. Not only should Jesus' name be preached and understood, Jesus' name must also be received. Hebrews chapter five and verse nine is a simply, but straightforward verse that would show us that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him. We've noted that throughout this lesson that salvation cannot be found in any other name, only in the name of Jesus. Then how can you find that salvation? How can you receive such salvation? Through obeying the words of Jesus Christ. Jesus truly is the author and the only author of salvation. But notice again the words of Hebrews 5:9, "To all who obey him." Jesus wants all to obey, because Jesus' name is the only name in which salvation can be found. You must come to him and obey what he's called us to do. Only in Jesus can you find salvation. Again, Matthew 1:21, "He will save his people from their sins." Ephesians 5:23, "Jesus is the Savior of the body." Colossians chapter one verses 13, 14, only Jesus can redeem. Only Jesus can bless. There in Matthew 11 verse 28, if you come to Jesus, he will give you rest. James 1:17, "Every good and every perfect gift is from above." There are no good gifts outside of Jesus Christ spiritually speaking. You have to come to him. Again in his name is the only source of salvation. Only Jesus can conquer death. 1 Corinthians chapter 15 in that great resurrection chapter, through Jesus Christ, you can overcome death itself. John chapter 14 verse six, Jesus simply said that he was the way, the truth, and the life. No man could come to the Father except through him. If you've not yet received the name of Jesus through obedience to his gospel, then what are you waiting for? You can't find salvation in any other name, not the name of any man presently living on this earth or any man whose name would be found in the record books of history. Only presently and for all time can you find salvation in the name of Jesus Christ alone. Have you found salvation in that name by obeying his words? Truly think about that great name Jesus and how it's directly connected to salvation. That name of Jesus must be preached, it must be understood, it must be received. We've got to understand that salvation in Jesus' name forever will go hand in hand. And make sure you've always been those who've been found seeking the name of Jesus and the salvation that he has to offer. ♪ I have decided ♪ ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ ♪ I have decided ♪ ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ ♪ I have decided ♪ ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ ♪ No turning back ♪ ♪ No turning back ♪ ♪ Though none go with me ♪ ♪ I still will follow ♪ ♪ Though none go with me ♪ ♪ I still will follow ♪ ♪ Though none go with me ♪ ♪ I still will follow ♪ ♪ No turning back ♪ ♪ No turning back ♪ ♪ My cross I'll carry ♪ ♪ Till I see Jesus ♪ ♪ My cross I'll carry ♪ ♪ Till I see Jesus ♪ ♪ My cross I'll carry ♪ ♪ Till I see Jesus ♪ ♪ No turning back ♪ ♪ I'll follow him ♪

>>What a blessing it has been to join together in the things of God this morning. And we thank you for doing your part as we have done those things according to his perfect will. As always, we invite you back every Sunday morning at 7:30 as we commit ourselves to these sacrifices before his throne. But for now, let me ask if you have any questions or comments about today's lesson. Maybe you'd like a free transcript or a free CD or DVD of the program, or possibly we could assist you with free Bible materials or free Bible correspondence courses. No matter what your need is, please feel free to contact us at the following address. The Living Word, 2540 North Kansas Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65803. Many of these items are also available on our website. That address, thelivingwordprogram.com, or if you prefer, you may call us at 417-869-2284. How sweet and precious is the name of our Savior, for there is no other name under the heaven, or on earth, by which we might be saved. Have you responded to the beautiful name of the Messiah? Make sure that you have and that you have honored that name above all others today. ♪ Gladness gleaming ♪

>>Our prayer is to help the world know more about God through this television program. "The Living Word" has been brought to you under the oversight of the elders of the Kansas Expressway Church of Christ in Springfield, Missouri, with the assistance of the following areas churches of Christ. ♪ To seek and save the lost ♪ ♪ Give me the Bible ♪ ♪ Holy message shining ♪ ♪ Thy light shall guide me ♪ ♪ In the narrow way ♪ ♪ Precept and promise ♪ ♪ Law and love combining ♪ ♪ Till night shall vanish in ♪