10: Part 3 - 'What's in a Name'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC Online services. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Readings:

Exodus chapter 20 verses 1 - 7

Then God gave the people all these instructions:

“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me.
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.  But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.



 

Prayer & Reflection

Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit – forgive us for when we take your name and misuse it, or misrepresent it. In our actions, our words and our thoughts… please guide us and correct us, so that we truly represent You and Your holy name with honour and truth. For we ask this in Your holy name, for Your honour and for Your glory. 

AMEN
 



Questions to Consider

1. What do you think when someone uses ‘God’, ‘Jesus’ or ‘Jesus Christ’ as a kind of swear word?
2. Do you ever do this? Will you from now on?
3. Do you think when we call ourselves Christians we are taking the name of Christ?
4. What do make of the idea that when we declare ourselves to be Christians to other people, we are in effect giving them a message about what Christ is like, and acting as Ambassadors for Him?
5. Anything need to change in your own ambassadorial role?