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January 9, 2008
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=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
The Power of Names, by Steve Ridgell
Just a few weeks ago I welcomed my fourth grandchild into this world.
Now you think this is another article about grandkids, family, and a
heritage of faith. That would be a good article, but not this time.
Actually, this child is my only son's first son. So now you may think I
am going to talk about fathers and family blood lines. Those are good
points, but this child has an even better story.
His name is Andrew Joel Ridgell. What makes that special is that his
father is Joel Don Ridgell, I am Stephen Joel Ridgell, and my father is
Joel Wesley Ridgell. He is the fourth generation Joel Ridgell. He will
grow up hearing stories of the three men he is named after. He will
hear of the great things the Lord has done in our lives and in the
lives of others through us. By virtue of his name he will have
blessings, legacy, and responsibilities. It will be easy to identify
his family. He will have lots to live up to, and some things to live
down.
I like this Joel tradition. It is my second favorite name. I have a
name that I cherish even more. It was given me when I was adopted into
the family of God. I am called a child of God. I am sometimes called
Christian, the name of my older brother … Jesus Christ. This family has
nothing to live down. In fact, I am in no way worthy of belonging to
this family. It is a holy family, and I committed far too many sins to
be called holy. Except, God the Father sent his only son to die for
those sins. He invited me into his family. Then when I was born again,
he forgave those sins, and gave me his name.
What an amazing gift to be called a child of God.
Someday Andrew Joel will choose to join the family of God. Then we will
be part of the only family that lives forever. He will no longer be
just my grandson, but my brother.
You too can become the brother of Jesus and wear his name.
Write me at steve@hopeforlife.org.
(Expressed written consent must be obtained prior to republishing,
retransmitting or otherwise reusing the content of this article. Email
info@hopeforlife.org for information.)
Are you presently experiencing a new life? God's word says, "if anyone
is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
come!"
This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. If
you want to know more about this life that only Jesus can give you,
sign up for one of our Bible courses. Wherever you are in life,
whatever you've done, you can begin again.
You may also contact us at info@hopeforlife.org if you have questions
about becoming a new creation.
---------
(c) 2008 Herald of Truth Ministries
RELATED LINKS:
* My Grandchildren Really Are Most Amazing
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200709/20070912_mostamazing.html
* Invited into the Family
http://hopeforlife.org/resources/invited.asp
* Let Me Tell You About Jesus and His Church
http://www.hopeforlife.org/resources/jesuschurch.asp
* Hope for Life!
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200801/20080109_Named after God.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
SIMPLY CHRISTIAN: WHY CHRISTIANITY MAKES SENSE, by N. T. Wright
Destined to become a classic alongside Lewis's Mere Christianity - a
fascinating and accessible apologetic for modern seekers.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?255
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
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ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
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