AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
October 2024
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The Supreme One9/29/2019  The Supreme One
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:9–11 NIV). Corporations spend thousands, even millions of dollars on their brand and shaping public perception of their organizations. From their logos, to slogans, to advertising jingles, they purposefully plan their strategies to promote their brand identity and create a positive perception of their businesses. It is vital to their success and their profit line that their image reflects favorable impressions on the population. Financial institutions want to exude stability and solvency. Insurance companies want inspire security through their ability to provide protection. Sports enterprises want to project strength, endurance, and a winning reputation of association with championship. Successful brands find a common basis in a recognizable name and the perception they inspire. Certain names have a ring of excellence, like Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, or Rolex. Other names invoke pride and superiority above others. Think Rolls Royce, Ritz-Carlton, or Swarovski. Strength and security are often associated with some names like Brinks, Gibraltar, or Fort Knox. More recently technology brands vie for top recognition and dominance in the marketplace. Names like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have become universally recognized. Though brands and corporate identities rise and fall there is one name that remains superior to every other. Only one has withstood the test of time and remains unwaveringly trustworthy, highly valued, and ultimately superior. There is one name that stands above every name that is named. That name is Jesus! Jesus is supreme in position. His is the name above all others. Paul said, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9 NIV). He declared Jesus Christ to the highest authority, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (Colossians 1:17–19 NIV. Also, see 2:9–10). Jesus is supreme in power. Again Paul wrote, “What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:19–21). Jesus is supreme in praise. The sacrifice of His life to provide redemption for all humanity requires the adoration of heaven and earth. John wrote, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12). The Psalmist declared that the Lord alone is the name worthy of praise, “That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18). Salvation’s name is Jesus and He alone is worthy of praise! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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His Name is Power9/22/2019  His Name is Power
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ … by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” (Acts 4:7, 10). An outstanding miracle took place just outside the most notable gate of the Temple, the Beautiful Gate. According to historians it was a majestic gate seventy-five feet high. It was likely to have been made of bronze with an overlay of silver and gold. It was an impressive background for the miracle that took place in Acts, chapter three. A man who had been lame all of his life, forty years, was assisted to a place near the Beautiful gate every day to beg for the coins that worshippers might drop in his hands on their way into the Temple. This man in abject poverty sat in the shadows of the opulent gate which glittered with silver and gold. Significantly, as Peter and John passed the man on their way to the Temple, 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” (Acts 3:6). Immediately the man was healed. He was assisted up on his feet for the first time in his life and he began leaping and rejoicing with new strength in his legs and a praise on his lips as they moved into the Temple with great demonstration. The miracle caused quite a stir among the religious devout. For such a common and well-known feature as the lame man outside the Temple to be suddenly absent due to his complete healing certainly created a buzz of speculation. “Who did it? When did it happen? How did they do it?” These were some of the questions that were being asked. Some looked at Peter and John as though they had some holy anointing or special powers within themselves. Peter was quick to disavow their own ability to perform miracles, but readily confessed that it was through the power of the resurrected Jesus, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16). The power for performing the miraculous is in the name of Jesus. Signs and wonders were accomplished by the disciples, but all were quick to acknowledge that their power was only through the name of Jesus. The same authority is resident in the life of every believer today. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do .… If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12–14). Every indication is that healing, miracles, signs and wonders will be accomplished in the church community and in our interaction with others. Peter went on to establish that in the name of Jesus there is power for salvation. From his inaugural message at the birth of the church in Acts 2 he established the necessity of speaking the name of Jesus. He instructed the repentant, “Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). He told the religious leaders who questioned them after the healing of the lame man, salvation comes in the name of Jesus. He said, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). In the house of Cornelius, Peter preached a similar message, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, … To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:38, 43). His name holds all power. Jesus is Salvation’s Name! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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Mighty to Save9/15/2019  Mighty to Save
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Some have posited the question, “Can God create a rock so big that He cannot move it?” In the question they create a circular reasoning that if God cannot make or move such a rock then there must be limits to His power and definition of His ability. The angel that appeared to Mary and proclaimed her spiritual conception to bring the Messiah into the world said, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Not only did the angel predict that Mary, a virgin, would have a miraculous birth, he also announced the miraculous birth of John the Baptist who would be born to elderly parents who were beyond child-bearing years. Suffice it to say that miracles are plentiful in the story of God. There is nothing that He cannot do and if we try to use philosophy or faulty reasoning to deny His power we alone will end up missing out on the demonstration of the miraculous. Jesus came into the world with a clear purpose and a defined objective. He came to, “Save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Not only was His goal to save, but He was motivated by love. “God so loved the world” that He came. He promised that those who believe, “In Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He loved the world. He came to save, and He continues to provide life to all those who turn to Him in faith. He is our loving and powerful Savior! Anyone can promise protection and some may assure us of continual security from life’s unexpected problems. However, no one else is able to assure eternal life and deliverance from sin. Those promises can only be kept by one who has the authority over the grave and the power to restore us to righteousness. Only God can redeem us from the guilt of our sins, forgive us for our transgressions, and give us hope for an eternity with Him in Heaven. We have the privilege of proclaiming His message to all who are lost. The Gospel is powerful. It is His story of His death, burial, and resurrection. The One who died took on the guilt and burden of sin to finish it. We accept His provision and His substitution by faith when we ask His forgiveness of sins through the act of repentance. He is the one who was buried in a borrowed tomb. It would not be a permanent dwelling place, just a three day occupation. We identify with His death when we call on the name of Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism. Just as Christ rose from the grave we rise from the waters to receive His Holy Spirit and the new life He brings. Paul said, “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:4–5). We leave the old life behind and the stain of sin buried in the watery grave. In Christ we have life and we live in the power of His resurrection. We have hope because He is mighty to save! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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The Seeking Savior9/8/2019  The Seeking Savior
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Luke is the only Gospel writer to give us the three stories of lost things: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In the first two stories the one suffering loss goes to great lengths to find that which was lost and to restore the property. In the story of the lost son the grieving father awaits the return of the prodigal. There is a lesson, or maybe several lessons, in the correlation of the biblical tales. The Good Shepherd was concerned about every sheep and He numbered them, remembered them, and was concerned about the one that was lost and alone facing the danger of night. Ninety-Nine sheep were accounted for and safely collected in the fold. They were secured, but one was missing. The shepherd retraced their steps and sought carefully in the deepening darkness. He listened for the cry of the sheep and looked in ravines and among the thickets until he finally found it. He carried him home with a light heart and a gladdened gait. Once the lost one was safely in the fold he called friends together to share in his joy. The woman who lost the silver coin was distraught over the loss and set about to find the missing item. While it may not have seemed to be so valuable to others it was very important to the woman. She swept floors, moved furniture, carefully looking in every crack and corner until she finally found the missing coin. Again, she was so joyful over the recovery she had to celebrate with others and called friends to come together for a party over her good fortune. In the final story there was a departure from the plot line. A father’s son asked for an advance on his inheritance so that he might live it up and enjoy life in the present. The grieving father obliged the errant son and gave him what he had coming. The boy left home and lived it up, until the money ran out and friends were gone. When the son came to the realization of his folly and awakened to his mistake he was far from home, hungry, and alone. In this story, the father did not chase or seek for him; he simply waited at home and watched with a wistful eye down the path that took his son away. Only when the lone figure of the returning prodigal appeared on the trail did the father run to meet him in a joyful reunion. In both the lost sheep and the lost coin there was joyful celebration over their return. Jesus said, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). Equally, the father wanted to celebrate over the return over the lost son. He prepared a feast and invited many to come and welcome the prodigal home. He exclaimed, “‘For this beloved son of mine was once dead, but now he’s alive again. Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy” (Luke 15:24 TPT). Whether Jesus seeks the lost sheep, the thing of value, or awaits the return of the errant child, He is still concerned about restoration and rejoices when the lost is returned. Those who feel His heartbeat and understand His passion will also celebrate when the lost is reunited with the Father. Our desire must be one with His. Our compassion for the lost must motivate us to join in the search for the lost ones and bring them back into the fold. Jesus is still seeking the lost and willing to save. “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). That is His ultimate purpose, “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” (John 3:16). His love is constant and His purpose unchanging. Together, let us seek and find the lost. Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
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The Name of Jesus9/1/2019  The Name of Jesus
SALVATION’S NAME Terry R. Baughman “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1–2). The ministry of Jesus began with clear purpose and His intention was made known through His reading from the prophets. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18–19). These passages in Isaiah were read in the synagogue of Nazareth after the launch of His ministry. It was His application that caught the attention of the crowd and caused many to reject His words, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). Regardless of their response His message was clear; He was the one that was prophesied to come and bring salvation to those who called on His name. Isaiah said, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:2–4). The prophet predicted a joyous day of salvation and made the inexorable connection with the Name of the Lord. Salvation came in His name and His name became salvation! An angel appeared to Joseph and instructed Him concerning the child that Mary would bear, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Savior was coming and His name declared His mission, Yahweh Saves! Jesus came to bring the good news of hope, healing, and the restoration of broken relationships. He came to bring release from bondage, vision for the blinded, and freedom for the oppressed. Salvation brings all these benefits and makes everything right in our relationship with God. All the benefits of His provision were made possible through the authority of His Name! The name of Jesus is the ultimate authority and everything is possible through Him. Paul wrote, “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 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” (Philippians 2:9–10). His name is efficient for salvation. Paul also said, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). For these reasons it is easy to see the importance of His name in baptism. Peter responded and the other apostles agreed when the question came, “What must we do?” (Acts 2:37). He said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The instruction and examples are clear. Everyone baptized in the New Testament church were all baptized in the name of Jesus Christ … the saving Name of the Lord! So what is Salvation’s name? It is Jesus! Take on His name in baptism. Call on His name. Paul wrote, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Paul himself was baptized after the command of Ananias, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Call on His name today! Theme passage: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV). |
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