Is it really true, “There’s nothing in a Name?” The Bible teaches us “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father” (Phil. 2:9-11). The denominational world has always taught that the name is not important. They say, “We are all the same, we all follow Christ and we’re all going to the same place so what difference does it make if I am called a Baptist, a Lutheran, a Methodist, a Community church.”
I wonder if any of these folks will be on the committee that decides if Nate Smith of Minnesota will receive $50,000 for shooting a 3-inch hockey puck into a 3 ½ – hole from 89-feet away at a charity fundraiser. According to one account, “There is no question Nate Smith hit the amazing shot. It sent the crowd watching from the stands into an uproar. The video clearly shows the puck going through the hole.” But that’s not the problem. The problem was that Nate’s twin brother Nick was called but Nick was outside at the time and so the Dad sent Nate to take the shot. The next day the father called the promoters and fessed up to what had taken place.
Now the question is, do they get the money? Nick’s name was on the ticket but Nate took the shot. According to the denominational world, by all means, he should get the money. Why? They are twins. They have the same father. Their DNA would be similar. However, in order to get the money they have to sign an affidavit to the truthfulness of the account. If they sign that, the Insurance Company standing behind the promoters can convict them of fraud. There are folks who are saying, “Give them the money.” Only problem is that the money isn’t coming out of their pocket.
I am a Christian (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). I wear the name of Christ. I am a member of the church of Christ. I was baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38). I have put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). I pray through and in the name of Christ (Jn. 14:13-14; 15:16).
Nate Smith and Nick Smith are not the same person regardless of how you spin it. The church of Christ and a denominational church are not the same regardless of how you spin it. Write a check for $1000. And sign Warren Buffet’s name to it. See how far you get.
Larry