Respect the Name – a sermon on the third commandment by Rev. Andrew de Vries, read by Br Richard de Vries.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit sensitive about names. I cringe when I’m at school assemblies and the teachers completely mispronounce the names of the students. I remember being in school and the various ways people would amend my last name, deep freeze, debris, de fries. Slightly amusing at times, but my last name is de Vries. I don’t think I’m alone in being sensitive about names. You want people to get your name right. So it should be easy for us to understand this commandment, you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. God is sensitive about his name as well.

• Our first point this morning is that it is more than a name.
• Secondly, this command has some broad prohibitions.
• Thirdly, this command has a positive side.
• Finally, let’s see what this command teaches us about Jesus.

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