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NASB | Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him. |
Subject: Ending prayers in Jesus Nane. |
Bible Note: Dear kalos, Greetings in Jesus' name! I was very careful to read the entire article. Honestly, I am more put out with the entire article than I am with the excerpt you quoted, but wanted to give this brother in Christ the benefit of the doubt. Our colleague Joe has testified that Mr. Koukl has a balanced radio ministry, so I can infer that this particular article is not representative of his overall manner of thinking. I have no intention of censuring him. :-) The point remains that I believe in the efficacy of the name of Jesus, and fully trust that calling upon His name in faith is a worthy prelude to prayer, and a valid conclusion. I am not one to use 'phrases' or 'codes,' and do not subscribe any supernatural 'power' to the mere utterance of the name, or endless repetition. (having once been a Buddhist, I am well aware of the foolishness of 'chanting a sutra' :-)) As I have stated before in another thread, taking the time to think what you're saying is a lost art of faith. Many prayers are prayed at the pace of the Indianapolis 500, or they are prayed with no thought whatsoever! I once saw a minister stand up, pull out a card from his pocket and read, "O Lord, give us spontaneous, meaningful prayer!" No joke or exaggeration, my friend! I almost burst out laughing at the hypocrisy! Another thing, while I'm on a roll, whatever happened to looking someone in the eye and saying, "Bless you, my brother, in Jesus' name," or going to someone's home and enter with, "May the Lord Jesus bless your home."? I see so many churches 'greet one another' with "God bless you!' and back-slapping, and roaming eyes and Shacklee sales pitches! Makes my heart sick! So, if you are saying that we should speak the name of Jesus with focused attention and heartfelt meaning, I agree completely! AMEN! But if you are saying that we should, as Brother Koukl wrote in the article, end our prayers with, "The prayer is over, let's eat," or ,"We're done, let's go on," I pass. I prefer my method, even if some may think it 'harmful' or as an 'exit' phrase. :-) If I may say so, this is akin to the old conundrum, "God knows my needs and my heart, so why should I pray at all?" My good friend kalos, know that I write this to all our forum fellows. Indeed, we are called to be a balance for truth. Know that I mean what I say when I send... Blessings to you in Jesus' name! charis |