Beech Tree News Network

Acts 4:36-37 records a very interesting event in the history of the Lord’s church. When certain ones gave money and possessions to supply the needs of the poor brethren in Jerusalem, one man, Joses, stood out. The Bible tells us, “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

            Notice this Christian, Joses, had acted in such a generous way that he was renamed by the apostles. They named him “Barnabas,” which means: “Son of Encouragement or Consolation.” In Bible days, it was common to give names that had meanings to people. Of course, our society doesn’t do this as much anymore. Yet, in Bible days, this was common, and this man Barnabas was named after encouragement! What a name!

            Of course, we know that this was not the only time such a thing happened in the Bible. In fact, God Himself often gave people new names. For example, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham (Gen. 17:5). He gave Sarai the name Sarah (Gen. 17:15). “Israel” was the new name given to Jacob (Gen. 32:25-29). When we read the New Testament, we see that Jesus changed Peter’s name to Cephas/Stone (Jn. 1:42). Perhaps we can think of others whose names were changed, but these are enough to make our point. At times, a name was given so as to convey a blessing on that person. At other times, it was a description of that person.

            In light of this fact, I got to wondering if God were to look at me and give me a new name, what would it be?

·         Would He give me a name that reflected discouragement or encouragement?

·         Would He say I was wishy-washy or steadfast?

·         Would He give me a name that means weak or strong?

·         Would my new name mean, “He hates others?” Or, “He loves others?”

·         Would God call me false or true?

            Friend, what name would God give you if he were to rename you? While the above questions provide us with some interesting thoughts, remember that God is ready to rename you today! He is ready to give you the name Christian. He gave that new name to His disciples in the 1st century, and is ready to give you this name as well if you are willing to obey Him and become a saved person (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 11:26; I Pet. 4:16).

            How can one be called a Christian? The answer is very simple. When we believe on Christ, repent of our sins, confess Christ, and are baptized, we can be forgiven of our sins and will be given the name Christian (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16; Acts 11:26)! Do want that new name? If so, then, obey the Lord’s plan of salvation! Contact me and I will be glad to help you become a Christian.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167