The Revelation of the Name of Jesus

Trevor Ferguson

November 26, 2011

Philippians 2:5-13 (NKJV)
⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
⁹ Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
¹³ for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

INTRODUCTION

In modern societies the concept of a name has lost much of its significance. This is in contrast to ancient societies, such as in biblical times, in which names were rich with meaning and often carried prophetic significance. For example, Abraham was originally called Abram, meaning ‘high father’, but God changed his name to Abraham meaning 'father of a multitude' to indicate the promise of the mighty nation that his offspring would become. Isaac’s name meant ‘laughter’, indicating the joy he brought to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Jacob’s name meant ‘supplanter’ or ‘trickster’ but was changed to Israel, meaning ‘he who prevails with God’, after his encounter with God at Peniel.

Just as the names of the Patriarchs were significant, the name of God is also significant and rich with meaning. As we read the bible, we see a progressive revelation of the name of God, culminating with the revelation of the name of Jesus in the New Testament. Today, I want to share with you on the great revelation of the name above all names, the name of Jesus.

EXPOSITION

When God revealed himself to Abraham and the patriarchs he revealed himself as The Lord Almighty. The Hebrew term is “El Shaddai”, the all sufficient God, indicating His power to accomplish that which he says He will accomplish and His ability to bless – richly, abundantly and continually. As El Shaddai, there was no limit to His power, specifically as it relates to Abraham, God could fulfil His promise of a son and a mighty nation, even though Abraham was then 99 years old.

In Exodus 6, God further reveals Himself to Moses as JEHOVAH. Jehovah means The Self-existing One or in other words ‘He is’ (or, ‘The One Who Is’). As Jehovah He lived in the everlasting present tense, thus He was able to say to Moses when Moses had asked for His name in Exodus 3 – ‘I AM THAT I AM’, ‘I AM’ sent you. As “the Great I AM”, God exist from the beginning of beginnings, He is “the First and the Last”, “The Alpha and Omega”. He is creator of all things, and also Judge of all the earth. He called the earth into existence and will cause this present earth to pass away. Nothing can exist without Him. He is the Self-existing One

In addition to the revelation of the name Jehovah, God has further revealed aspects of His character:

In Genesis 22:14, He revealed Himself as Jehovah-jireh, meaning “The Lord Who provides”, when Abraham needed a lamb for the sacrifice.

In Exodus 15:26, He reveals himself as Jehovah-rapha – “The Lord that heals”. Israel would therefore not experience the plagues of Egypt.

In Exodus 17:15, He is Jehovah-nissi – “The Lords our banner” (The Lord who gives us Victory).

In Judges 6:24, He is Jehovah-shalom – “The Lord our peace” (Gideon was assured of peace in a time of conflict).

In Psalm 23:1, He is Jehovah-raah – “the Lord our shepherd” (A revelation of God’s care and protection to David in a time uncertainty).

The Old Testament prophets prophesied concerning the further revelation of the name of God. In Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah declared – behold a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel i.e. is God with us. Isaiah further declares in Isaiah 9:6 “for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father and the prince of peace". Despite these prophetic utterances the precise saving name was not revealed to the Old Testament prophets. Isaiah however prophesied in Isaiah 52:6 “therefore my people shall know my name.”

In the fullness of time however, God did reveal his saving name. When the angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1: 21, he declared: “And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” This name Jesus literally means Jehovah-Saviour or Jehovah is Salvation. It incorporates all that the name Jehovah denotes and adds to it the attribute of salvation.

Jesus is thus the saving name of God: Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Repentance and remission of sins is preached in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47)

Baptism is correctly administered in  the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38)

The Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus (John 14:26)

We are sanctified though his name (1^st Corinthians 6:11)

Healing occurs in Jesus name (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 4:10)

Deliverance comes in Jesus name (Luke 4:18)

In Philippians 2:9-10, Paul describes the name of Jesus as “a name which is above every name. Note that he uses similar terminology in Ephesians 1:21 when he writes that, God had set Jesus “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:” Jesus is the greatest revelation of the name of God. Paul therefore declares … at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow … every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

APPLICATION

Having made the above declaration Paul now challenges the Philippians “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. It is good to know about God, but knowledge of God cannot save. Today the appropriate response to this revelation is to make sure that we have obeyed the word of God and are ready for his coming. Remember, every knee shall bow! It is better to bow now than to be forced to do so when he returns.

How does one receive salvation? The response is simple and is given in Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ … and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Note however that after initial salvation we must live a life of holiness and righteousness before God as we prepare for His coming.

God's Abundant Grace

Trevor S. Ferguson

November 5, 2011

Romans 5:15-21 (NKJV)
¹⁵ But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
¹⁶ And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.
¹⁷ For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)
¹⁸ Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
¹⁹ For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
²⁰ Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
²¹ so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Titus 2:11-13 (NKJV)
¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

INTRODUCTION

 
"Grace" is a commonly expresses theme in the New Testament. 

Salvation is by grace, not works: Ephesians 2:8-9 states: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 
The New Testament letters begin and conclude with the wish that grace will be with the readers, and the New Testament closes with these words: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" (Revelation 22:21). It is clear therefore, that if we are to appreciate the message of the New Testament, we need to have some understanding of the concept of grace.
 
What is GRACE? 
Grace is commonly defined as the unmerited favour of God. In the Greek language, "grace" is charis. It means a gracious favor or benefit bestowed. Grace is God’s free gift of salvation to man. It is God’s work in man. Grace expresses that salvation is an undeserved, unearned blessing that God bestows on man freely

EXPOSITION

Why does man need salvation?

The sinful nature and consequent sentence of death was pronounced upon all men through the sin of Adam. Romans 5:12 tells us: “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
 
The sinful nature was transmitted by inheritance to all humanity, because we all descended from Adam; this results in all humanity being subject to physical death. The sinful nature results in sinful acts – this results in judgment for sin and separation from God

What then is the solution to the sin problem?

Just as it was with Adam, by one man sin entered the world, so also by one man, Jesus Christ, many (i.e. all humanity) now have access to the free gift of God’s grace and therefore salvation through Jesus Christ. (Read vs. 15-17)
 
Are there limits to God’s grace? Can anyone or every one be saved? What if I have committed some terrible sin? Is the grace of God able to cover all my sin?
 
Can the grace of God save a murderer? A thief? A terrorist? An adulterer? A fornicator? A homosexual? What are the boundaries of God’s grace? Will God’s grace run out on some people?
 
By no means! Look at verse 20 of Romans 5: "... Where sin abounded grace did much more abound"! 
The greater the sin the greater the supply of grace. God’s grace is sufficient, enough, abundant, overflowing. It can never run out. Where sin is abundant, grace is super abundant!!
 
1^st Corinthians 6:9-11 tells us that many in the church were guilty of terrible sins but now have been washed! God's grace is super abundant!

God’s grace extends beyond bringing us to salvation

Look at Titus 2:11-13 (see above). God’s grace teaches us to:   deny ungodliness; deny worldly lust; live soberly; live righteously; live godly lives in this world; and look for our blessed hope – the appearing of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

God has made available to us undeserved favour – the opportunity of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Through his grace we can live righteous lives as we await His glorious return
 

Today if you have not yet received the grace of God, the opportunity is available to you right now! You must repent of your sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and seek for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It does not matter how deep you are in sin, the word tells us that where sin abounds God’s grace much more abounds.
 

If you are a backslider or have fallen from you steadfastness, God’s grace is available to you as well. Today you can be restored to a right relationship with God.
 

For those who are walking steadfastly with Jesus, let me admonish you to grow in grace as we look for the appearing of our Saviour 

God’s abundant grace is available to us all. Amen   

Dreams, Dreamers and Dream Killers: Lessons from the Life of Joseph

Trevor S. Ferguson

October 16, 2011

Genesis 37:2-11, 18-20 (KJV)

2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.

3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.

4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:

7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.

8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.

10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?

11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.

20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

  

INTRODUCTION

The story of Joseph is one of the most moving in the Old Testament. Its themes include courage, perseverance, personal integrity, love, hatred, envy, forgiveness and many others. The Genesis account chronicles the story from his youth (age 17 years) to the time of his death at 110 years old, with Joseph as the main character in 13 chapters, chapter 37 and then chapters 38-50. A major feature of the life of Joseph was the occurrence of dreams and the interpretation of dreams. Today, we will reflect upon the life of Joseph, his dreams and his interpretation of dreams in order to glean lessons which we may apply to our lives both spiritually and temporally.

EXPOSITION

The Genesis account records six dreams by four dreamers. It is noteworthy that the dreams came in batches of two and each pair was either closely related in their meaning or had the same meaning.

Joseph had two dreams. In the first dream, Joseph and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field when suddenly his sheaf rose up and stood upright and his brothers sheaves gathered around and bowed down before Joseph’s sheaf. In the second dream, he dreamt that the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. 

Joseph’s dreams were interpreted by his brothers and his father. It was clear that those dreams suggested that Joseph’s family would one day become subservient to him. We note the reaction of Joseph’s brothers to his dreams. He was rebuked and hated. They felt threatened by Joseph’s dreams and through their hatred sought to kill his dreams. He became known as the dreamer, but this nickname was more a form of ridicule rather than an expression of support for his dreams. We note however, that his father while not openly affirming Joseph’s dream, took note of the dream. The NIV rendition says ‘his father kept the matter in mind’. I suppose he prayed about it and left the final result to God. Joseph’s brothers went further than mere ridicule however; when Joseph went to visit his brothers in the field they conspired against him, saying clearly: Let’s see what will become of his dreams.

The next set of dreams occurred while Joseph was in Egypt. In these occurrences Joseph’s role switches from being the dreamer to that of the interpreter of dreams. He first interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and butler and then he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh himself. It was this ability to interpret dreams that resulted in him being ultimately elevated to the position of ‘Prime Minister’ in Egypt. Take note of two points not often highlighted from the narrative: Firstly, on both occasions Joseph clearly stated that the interpretation of dreams belonged to God, refusing to take the glory for himself and identifying himself as a witness of the one true God. Secondly, Joseph used the opportunity to stand before Pharaoh not only to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams but he also presented to him a proposal as to how the problems presented by the dream might be overcome ( see Genesis 41:33-36). This proposal was instrumental in Pharaoh’s decision to appoint Joseph as the man to oversee and manage the period of famine in Egypt. This tell us that when God inspires us to speak, we should speak up!!

APPLICATION

Let us now look at some practical lessons that we can learn from the life of Joseph

(1) When God gives you a dream embrace it

Sometimes your dreams will appear bigger than you; it may seem implausible and even impossible. However, if God has placed this dream in your heart He is more than able to accomplish it. Embrace your dream. Leave the fulfilment to God.

(2) Be careful with whom you share your dreams

There are dream killers everywhere. The moment you begin to express your dream the doubters will begin to shout it down. Don’t give them that opportunity. Select trusted, mature and positive persons, who will support you, encourage you and pray with you.

(3) Don’t let the dream killers kill your dream

Regardless of how hard you try, someone will try to kill your dream. They will set up road blocks, obstacles, frustrations, emotional isolation – all in an attempt to wear you down and get you to give up on your dreams. But regardless of the situation and the setback remember that you serve a miracle working God. He will open doors that no one else can open, he will fly the traps of the enemy and in the end he will bring you out.

Remember Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though the vision tarry wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Remember also that everyone does not have to believe in your dream. Paul asks a pointed question in Romans 3:3; “For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” He the responds in verse 4 “… let God be true but every man a liar…” Don’t let the dream killers kill your dream!!

(4) Don’t be afraid to step into your dream

We note that Joseph was not afraid to step up on his big day. He was being taken from prison to manage the affairs of all of Egypt but he stepped up without a fear. We note however that he had good preparation. He was first put in charge as manager in Potiphar’s house. He excelled! He was then put in charge of the prison. He excelled! The transition to the palace was therefore not so difficult for Joseph, by now he was used to being in charge. Let us not despise small opportunities, they may be providing the vital experience for our big day.

(5) When your dream is fulfilled forgive the dream killers

This last point lifts us beyond the ordinary. Many of us have a natural tendency to exact revenge when we come in to positions of authority, but the more noble thing to do is to forgive. The Christian thing to do is to forgive. Joseph forgave his brothers, looked after them and preserved his family so that they eventually became a mighty nation. We do not always understand how God acts, but sometimes the things others do to us for evil, God allowed it for our good. It is all a part of the path to our purpose and every experience is vital.

CONCLUSION

Today I want to encourage someone to dream, dream big and leave the fulfilment to God. Let us learn from Joseph. Remember God is in control, if we put our hands in His hands he will lead us safely to His purpose!!