Gateway Baptist Church
November 16, 2025

      • 2 Chronicles 7:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Bible Trivia
        Loading...

      • 2 Chronicles 7:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

  • His Name Is Wonderful
  • All That Thrills My Soul
  • Step By Step
  • Freely Freely

  • Acts 4:1-12

    What significance does a name hold? How many individuals have ever paused to contemplate this inquiry? AI stats: “It is a core part of their identity, connecting them to their family, culture, and history.” It can give us a sense of belonging (Jennifer Stanchfield). Brain research has shown that names can activate our brains. Have you ever watched a baby’s face light up when they recognize their name? Or a child whose parent has been in war, and someone mentions their name? Names hold power. Good or evil. I am going to give you some names, and I want you to write each name and either 'good' or 'evil' next to it.
    Genghis Khan (E)- Genghis Khan is most known for founding the Mongol Empire, which grew to become the largest land empire in history through his military genius, disciplined armies, and brutal but effective conquests. His legacy also includes uniting the nomadic Mongol tribes, promoting trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia, and establishing administrative and legal systems, despite the violence of his campaigns.
    Adolf Hitler (E)- Nazi leader who is the central figure of the Holocaust.
    Muhammad (E)- Was an Arab religious, military, and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islam, he was a prophet who was divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. He had 13 wives, which shows us that he was not a prophet from God since God banned polygamy.
    Nero (E)- Roman emperor and the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He reigned from AD 54 until his death in AD 68. He is best known for his extravagance and cruelty, which were seen through the killing of his mother and other family members, the burning of Rome, and the extreme persecution of Christians.
    Pope John XII (E)- Accused of murder, simony, and living a life of debauchery in the papal palace.
    Pope Leo X (E)- His lavish spending and sales of indulgences, in part, led Martin Luther to publish his 95 Theses and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
    Robert Morris (E)- Founder of Gateway Church, who admitted to having an extramarital affair in the late 80s. What has recently come out is that the girl was only 12 years old.
    Barack Obama (E)- Divided the country and killed more people than Hitler.
    George W Bush (E)- Lied to the American people and the world to invade Iraq, and killed more people than Hitler.
    Judas Iscariot (E)- Betrayed Jesus and his brothers.
    Pope John Paul II (G) - One of the most influential modern popes, he helped bring about the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and promoted the dignity of the human person.
    Peter (G)- Denied Christ (3) times but was restored by Christ and delivered the first sermon on Pentecost.
    Paul (G)- Pharisee who killed Christians, but on his way to Damascus was brought to his knees by our Lord, served as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
    Your Name (G/E)?
    What about the other names we are known for? What would these names mean if asked? I am talking about names like: dad, mom, brother, sister, husband, wife, grandma, granddad, friend, and Christian.
    What does the Bible say about a name? Proverbs 22:1; Genesis 17:5; Isaiah 62:2; Ecclesiastes 7:1
    Proverbs 22:1 LSB
    A good name is to be chosen over great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.
    Genesis 17:5 LSB
    “And no longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
    Isaiah 62:2 LSB
    The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of Yahweh will designate.
    Ecclesiastes 7:1 LSB
    Better is a good name than good oil, And better is the day of one’s death than the day of one’s birth.
    Please bear in mind the discussion we have had regarding the inclusion of a name. As we have read, Peter and John have been arrested and are standing before the Pharisees. They healed the lame man, and people ran over to them. When the name of Jesus is spoken, there are only two answers. The first answer is hatred, and the second answer is salvation.

    Hatred:

    The first four verses reveal that when the religious elite observed Jesus's proclamation, they were described as “being greatly agitated.” The Greek term used is “διαπνέομαι” (diaponemia), which signifies being strongly irked, provoked, or troubled by someone or something, and can also imply becoming angry or worn out. It appears that the Sanhedrin court was entirely focused on Jesus Christ. What they believed they had successfully eradicated is now being publicly proclaimed by His disciples.
    Because they harbored animosity towards Jesus, they will extend similar sentiments towards them, and consequently, towards us. As Paul articulated in 1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing." This inevitably brings us to the final point, which is SALVATION!
    1 Corinthians 1:18 LSB
    For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

    Salvation:

    The next day, Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin and testified about Jesus to the religious elite (Matthew 10:19-20). Did you notice that it was every religious elite that came out for this trial? God does nothing halfheartedly. They were faithful to point to Christ, not themselves; therefore, God was faithful to give them the largest audience.
    Matthew 10:19–20 LSB
    “But when they deliver you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given to you in that hour what you are to say. “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
    Peter explained who Christ is to them and then challenged all their beliefs. Let us revisit verses ten to twelve again. Peter first states that the man is standing solely by the NAME of Jesus. This is a slap in their face. In Texas, the plural form of 'you' is expressed as 'y’all'. Therefore, it could be paraphrased as follows: “Y’all could not raise up the lame through all of your traditions and laws, but the man y’all crucified, the man Named Jesus — it is this Man’s Name that healed him.”
    Verse twelve gives us the power of Jesus’ Name. It is only by the Name of Jesus that salvation is given unto men. Peter is very clear that ‘no not one’ which can also be phrased as ‘absolutely nobody can save but Jesus!’ Think of it this way. You have Jesus (1) and nobody else has His power (therefore they are 0), and you subtract what do you get? 1!
    Nobody can stand next to Christ, and nobody can offer salvation except through Christ; therefore, salvation is through Christ alone John 14:6.
    John 14:6 LSB
    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.
    What’s in a Name, everything, if the Name is Jesus; and nothing if it is not.

      • Proverbs 22:1LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Genesis 17:5LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Isaiah 62:2LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Ecclesiastes 7:1LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • 1 Corinthians 1:18LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • Matthew 10:19–20LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

      • John 14:6LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

  • Footprints of Jesus
  • Gateway Church

      • 2 Chronicles 7:14LGCYSTNDRDBBLSB

Gateway Baptist Church
gatewaybaptistchurch@live.com
8128533787
11 members