The Third Commandment: Bearing God’s Name

What does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain? Exodus 20:7is about far more than misusing God’s name in our speech—it is aboutwhat happens when people who bear God’s name fail to represent himaccurately. Throughout Scripture, God’s people fall into two ditches:becoming indistinguishable from the world or becoming different onlyto begin to think they are better than everyone else. But Jesus showsus another way. He perfectly bears the name of God, moving towardsinners with both compassion and a call to repentance. And at thecross, he takes the judgment we deserve so that forgiven sinners canbear his name with humility and love while still courageously callingpeople to repent and believe the Gospel. This message asks achallenging question: When people encounter us, what picture of Jesusdo they see?