EVANGELISM CODE
Episode Two: M.1.2.1
By Femi A. Falade
We have moved backward but not downward to the first chapter of the Gospel of Mathew with a specific choice of the twenty-first verse. The Episode Two of the EVANGELISM CODE which is coded as M.1.2.1 is from, and, implies Mathew 1:21. This scripture carries what we need to know about witnessing the name of Jesus:
And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
What made this verse very significant to Christian evangelism? From the text, we can see Mary, a virgin, and the august visit of Angel Gabriel with a good new of the King of kings coming through her. Indeed, this was seen as mysterious, but the Angel at once, comforted her, (Luke 1:26-39). How could a virgin bring forth a son? Isaiah the prophets said, who hath believed our report? Is. 53:1. It happen because God needed to deliver His salvation package to the world, (2Cor. 5:17). The name the son was called and the purpose of the name is the centre point of our discourse. Jesus in the context of the text means Saviour- Salvation. This is what the Bible Dictionary has to say about the name: JESUS:
A Jewish Christian surnamed Justus (Col. 4:11). Jesus, the proper, as Christ is the official, name of our Lord. To distinguish him from others so called, he is spoken of as "Jesus of Nazareth" (John 18:7), and "Jesus the son of Joseph" (John 6:42). This is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which was originally Hoshea (Num. 13:8, 16), but changed by Moses into Jehoshua (Num. 13:16; 1 Chr. 7:27), or Joshua. After the Exile it assumed the form Jeshua, whence the Greek form Jesus.
Interestingly, it was given to our Lord to denote the object of his mission, to save (Matt. 1:21). The life of Jesus on earth may be divided into two great periods, (1) that of his private life, till he was about thirty years of age; and (2) that of his public life, which lasted about three years.
His name and life is significant and unbelievers, even believers must know that. In Philippians chapter 2 from verse 9-11, the bible shows us that the name was given that all things that are named any name in heaven, under the heaven and under the earth must all submit to it. The bible points outs that the name has been given to us for our divine audacity in all things.
This name saves because in it, the Saviour and salvation mandate it expressed. The scripture shows us from the book of act of apostles chapter four verse twelve that:
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The name of the Lord is called a strong tower that is capable of saving those who run into it. This name has the potency for divine safety and guidance. This name also heals and delivers the oppressed from their destructions. The name of Jesus must be proclaimed and men must know that, it is by confessing the name and person of Jesus Christ, that they can be reconciled back to God.
HOW TO USE THIS VERSE TO WITNESS TO SOMEONE ABOUT SALVATION
We will need to preach in the name of Jesus telling our audience the mysteries of the name and what make it significant. We will need to tell them that, “believing and confessing” the name of Jesus is the requirement for their salvation after the repentance of their sins. See Rom. 10:9-11. We must show them by signs and wonders if there is such occasion. We must open pages of scriptures where the name of Jesus has been used for prophetic delivery of God promises that backs the name. This and others as the Holy Spirit ministers to us I believe will convinced them by God’s help.
Evangelism is Simple, we must engage in one!
Femi A. Falade
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