God's Name in Vain

Living Stones Church - South Bend

Matthew 7:21-23 - NLT - “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Sermon Point #1 – Using God’s name for our benefit is always wrong Matthew 7:13-14 – MSG – “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t’ fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention.” Matthew 7:15-20 – MSG – Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned. Exodus 20:7 – NKJV - “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. Exodus 20:7 - “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Sermon Point #2 – Using the Lord’s name in vain is more about misusing His name than cursing Acts 8:18-19 – When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Sermon Point #3 – Jesus invites us into HIS story, not us inviting him into ours