Don't Take the Name of the Lord in Vain

September 10, 2024

00:00 52:06

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In this episode of the Salty Saints Podcast, Randy and I dive deep into the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." We kick off the discussion by exploring various translations of this commandment, noting the differences in wording and what they reveal about its meaning. I share my preference for the King James Version and the New American Standard, which emphasize the idea of "carrying" God's name rather than simply "taking" it.

As we unpack the commandment, we highlight a common misconception that it merely prohibits using God's name as a curse word. While that is certainly one aspect, we stress that the commandment encompasses much more. We delve into the Hebrew words used in the commandment, particularly focusing on "nisa," which means to carry or bear, and "shawe," which refers to emptiness or vanity. This leads us to discuss the implications of misrepresenting God's name and how it reflects on our identity as His followers.

We also touch on the significance of God's name in the Old Testament, referencing passages that illustrate how His name is tied to His presence and authority. I share insights from Isaiah and the book of Exodus, emphasizing the relational aspect of knowing God's name and how it shapes our actions and thoughts.

Throughout the episode, we draw connections between the commandment and broader themes in Scripture, including the importance of representing God well in our actions and the consequences of failing to do so. We discuss how our behavior can either honor or tarnish God's name, affecting how others perceive Him.

As we wrap up, we reflect on the idea that bearing God's name is intrinsically linked to being His image bearers. We encourage listeners to consider how they can better represent God in their daily lives, emphasizing that knowing Him personally is key to living out this commandment authentically.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we explore the depth of the third commandment and its relevance in our lives today. Don't forget to check out our website, SaltySaintsPodcast.com, and explore other great podcasts at Life Audio. Until next time, stay salty!

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Meet Your Hosts

Hey, I’m Zack! I’m a pastor at New Hope Church on the south side of Indianapolis, IN. I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Biblical Studies. I am currently engaged to my fiancé Abby, and depending on how often these bios get updated, I may be married by the time you’re reading this. I love apologetics, theology, and hearing about people coming to Christ. My goal as a Christian is to grow more and more into the likeness of Christ, to spread the Gospel, and to disciple others to do the same. In all reality, I could go into depth about who I am, but the best way to find that out is to tune into the podcast… like right now… :)

After 43 years of teaching the Bible and practical theology and church planting in Hispanic cultures, I have now been a pastor at New Hope Church since 2017. In that role, I hope to help others understand God’s Word in ways that will change their lives. My wife Linda and I have four adult children and eight grandchildren.