File

File

Minister’s Message: What’s in a name?

The Scriptures advise, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

By Mitch Glover

Names identify places, people and products. They can be associated with riches, reputation and respect.

The Scriptures advise, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Names are often associated with achievement. Is there a greater achievement than eternal life as Jesus provided?

When Mary and Joseph heard the angel’s instructions to name her child Jesus, they had no idea of the impact that name would have. Mary had nine months to contemplate the significance of his name. Most mothers spend that time trying to choose the baby’s name. She heard the angel apply the titles, “Son of the Highest” and “Son of God” to her son. When she compared notes with Joseph, she learned the baby’s purpose: “He shall save his people from their sins.”

Did she revisit the angelic visitation? Could she still see the wonder on the shepherds’ faces and hear the worship of the wise men?

Angelic appearances continued until they were safely back in Nazareth. They raised Jesus and the rest of their children there.

When Jesus turned 30, she heard that John the Baptizer said Jesus was “the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” That expanded his purpose universally.

Jesus began his miracle ministry at a wedding in Cana. Mary was there and for the next three years she saw many miracles, heard great teaching and experienced many new things. Wonder grew in her heart as well as concern for her son as opposition to him increased. The power of his name was continually demonstrated over sickness and sin.

Power was given to his disciples when he sent them out. They returned to him with rejoicing, saying that even demons were subject to them in his name.

Remember elder Simeon holding her baby shortly after his birth? He called Jesus “salvation” and the “light.” Jesus claimed those titles and many other names.

Every day experiences were linked to the names of Jesus. He used natural objects to teach spiritual truth. Sheep were a common sight when he said he was the Good Shepherd. Candles and lamps were used to light homes. Jesus said he was the Light of the world. Bread was a staple so they understood when he said he was the Bread of Life. He emphasized life when he claimed to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Lazarus was about to be raised from the dead when Jesus said he was the Resurrection and the Life. Lazarus became living proof of the power of the name of Jesus.

Mary was heartbroken when Jesus was crucified but then rejoiced in his resurrection. She went to Jerusalem to await the promise of the Spirit after Jesus ascended. She and her other sons were present with the 120 who received his Spirit and his name (Acts 2:38). Actually, 3,000 were included in that great outpouring of the Spirit.

Miracles and healing continued in the name of Jesus Christ for early church believers. They continue today, especially with the wonderful gift of salvation. That is the best gift at any time for everyone and it can last forever.

Mitch Glover pastors the Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday Bible class at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. are livestreamed on Facebook as well as the Thursday Bible study at 7 p.m. Visit the services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.

More in Life

Photo provided by Sara Hondel
Sara Hondel stands with a leprechaun during Sweeney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Soldotna on Sunday. Green, leprechauns and Nugget the Moose poured down the streets for the 34th annual parade hosted by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce. Under cloudy skies — but fortunately no precipitation — a procession of viridescent celebrants representing businesses and organizations brought festivities to an array of attendees lining Redoubt Avenue.
Go green or go home

Soldotna turns out for St. Patrick’s Day parade

William Raymond “W.R.” Benson (front row, far right) poses along with the rest of the Sigma Nu fraternity at Albion College in Michigan in about 1908. Despite a lifetime spent in the public eye, Benson was apparently seldom captured on film. This image is one of the few photos of him known to exist. (photo from the 1908 Albion College yearbook via ancestry.com)
Hometown Booster: The W.R. Benson Story — Part 1

W.R. Benson was a man almost constantly in motion

Will Morrow (courtesy)
Obsolete?

As it turns out, I still use a whole lot of “obsolete” things

File
Minister’s Message: In search of your heavenly place

There is a heavenly place that is real and not just figurative

Dancers rehearse the all-company jazz routine “Steamed Heat,” from the Broadway musical “The Pajama Game.” (Photo provided by Forever Dance Alaska)
Forever Classical

‘A Night with the Classics’ channels old Hollywood with a ‘red carpet awards night’ vibe

Tantanmen, a 30-minute ramen dish, doesn’t sacrifice flavor or wholesomeness for speed. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Ramen that satisfies

Tantanmen features a milky, nutty broth and can be on the table in under 30 minutes

Sara DeVolld works on “Towards the Sun,” a dress she designed that was featured in February’s Trend Alaska 2024 Fashion Show. (Photo provided by Shona DeVolld)
Fashioning with light

Soldotna student’s designs featured in statewide fashion shows

Sandra Hüller portrays Sandra Voyter in “Anatomy of a Fall.” (Promotional photo courtesy Neon)
On the Screen: ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is dense, rapturous

I’m disappointed I had to wait so long to get the opportunity to see this film

An Alaska Native man walks towards an Orthodox church in a screenshot from “Sacred Alaska.” (Promotional image courtesy Simon Scionka)
Church to screen film exploring Orthodox connection to Alaska Native cultures

“Sacred Alaska” screening will be held at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center and start at 6 p.m.

Most Read