Bible Bytes

Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain

Exodus 20:7 ‘You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.’

Have we lost our respect and reverence for the name of the Lord our God? In our age of Facebook and other social communication media, it seems that even Christians show disrespect for God’s name and person. An obvious example is the use of the letters OMG. Many seem to feel that if they are not using God’s name as a swear word that they couldn’t be using His name in vain. Taking God’s name in vain is actually using His name in a casual or careless fashion. Every time a Christian uses God’s name it should be in a manner that reflects or shows respect for His awesomeness or holiness. Another way in which people take God’s name in vain is by the use of words such as gosh, golly or gee. All of these are euphemisms for God and are basically a means of using the name of God in a less offensive way.
Not only can we disparage the name of God by speaking disrespectfully but we can also do so by our actions. As Christians we should be always be careful that our behaviour as well as our words are worthy of the One Whose name we carry. Colossians 3:17 instructs us ‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ To swear by God’s name falsely is another way to profane His name. Even in worship we can take God’s name in vain if our hearts are not sincere, and we do not seek to worship in ‘spirit and in truth.’ And it is clear that God ‘will not hold him/her guiltless or allow them to go unpunished who are guilty of taking His name in vain.

Do we reverence God’s name as we ought to?
Are you offended when God’s name is ‘taken in vain’?
How do you think you should react when this happens?

Trials And/Or Temptations

James 2:2,3 ‘My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.’

How many of us can say that we are joyful or glad when we are faced with temptations or trials? Although this verse uses the word temptations, it can more accurately be interpreted as trials, which is borne out by the second part which mentions the ‘trying of your faith.’ While both temptations and trials both are a test of faith, they are not the same. As with any challenge to our faith, God will only allow situations which we are able to bear or overcome .(1 Corinthians 10:13) And in each challenge God is there to help if we exercise our faith. But the key difference between a trial and a temptation is where it originates and the motivation behind it. Trials may or may not come from God, but any trial that originates with God is for the purpose of accomplishing something positive in our Christian experience, or growing our faith. Which is one reason why Paul could say in Romans 12:28 that ‘all things work for good to those that love God.’

On the other hand, any temptations we may face are enticements to do wrong and are the result of our sinful nature or the works of Satan. God will never tempt us to sin or do wrong of any kind. (James 1:13) He loves us too much, and likewise hates sin too much to tempt us to commit sin. Satan’s agenda, however, is one of discouragement, defeat and destruction. As 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, he ‘walks about, seeking whom he may devour.’ But Satan is a defeated enemy who will flee when we resist him steadfastly in the faith. While trials or temptations are never enjoyable experiences in themselves, our joy comes from facing them with confident faith in the ultimate outcome, and attaining victory with the help of our all-powerful God.

Do you find it difficult to distinguish between a trial and a temptation?
How can we avoid or escape temptations?
How important is attitude in dealing with trials or temptations?

The Church – The Body of Christ

Colossians 1:18 ‘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.’

The word church is usually associated with a building or a particular religion. And there is usually a designated head of each church or religion. However, the true church consists of Christians whose names are recorded in the Book of Life. This church is referred to in today’s verse as the ‘body of Christ.’ Although this body, or church has many members, with many different theologies and styles of worship, there is only one head – the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is described as the ‘Author and Finisher of our faith’ and as such He alone is deserving to be the Head of His followers. In John 10 Jesus is the Shepherd and His church the flock, and in Revelation 21 He is the Bridegroom and His church the bride.

As a member of the triune God, Jesus alone is qualified to determine church doctrine, which is revealed to us through the Scriptures. Churches or denominations which adhere to the basic truths and principles of the Bible, and promote the essential doctrine of ‘salvation by grace through faith’ no doubt contribute greatly to building up the body of Christ. The church is founded on Christ Who ‘is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead’. This expresses Christ’s divinity and immortality, and attests to the fact that He is the first to have risen from the dead, never to taste death again. Finally, Christ must have preeminence or have first place over all of His creation, especially His body the church. Only He is worthy to rule and reign as Lord and Master over all things, including His church and every individual life.

Do you view your church as branch of the ‘body of Christ?
Do you see yourself as a member of the ‘bride of Christ
Is Christ not only Saviour but Lord of your life?