The praise team from First Baptist Church, Lexington, leads messengers in a time of worship at Summit. — Photo by Dan Ferrell
CHATTANOOGA — Clay Hallmark, president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, felt right at home on Tuesday night at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Moments before Hallmark delivered his “president’s sermon” to the messengers at the annual meeting, the praise team from First Baptist Church, Lexington — where Hallmark serves as senior pastor — set the tone for service with a series of powerful worship songs.
“It is a privilege to get to preach after this team each Sunday,” said Hallmark, “and it’s great to have them here tonight.”
Hallmark delivered his sermon, focusing on the name of Jesus, from Acts 4:12. The verse reads: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Hallmark reminded messengers of the lyrics to the song by Bill and Gloria Gaither, “There is Something About that Name.” He followed that up by asking attendees this question: But what, exactly, is it about the name of Jesus?
He examined that question with a four-part answer:
TBC president Clay Hallmark, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Lexington, preaches the president’s sermon at 2023 Summit in Chattanooga.
In the name of Jesus, there is power. Citing Luke 10:17, Hallmark noted how the 72 people that Jesus had sent out “returned to Him and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ ” Hallmark said that continues to be true today. For 2,000 years, Hallmark said, Jesus hasn’t just reformed sinners; he’s transformed them.
In the name of Jesus, there is provision. Hallmark noted that Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Hallmark then added that Jesus doesn’t simply provide our needs. Instead, Jesus himself “is our provision!”
In the name of Jesus, there is pardon. Although the dictionary definition of the word “pardon” refers mainly to the cancelation of a debt, it takes on a deeper meaning when Jesus is involved. He said that Jesus’ pardon is not a “penance” or a “parole” or a “payment.” Those things are temporary, and subject to change, Hallmark said, whereas the pardon we receive from Jesus is eternal.
In the name of Jesus, there is promise. Citing both Acts 4:12 and I John 2:25, Hallmark reminded messengers that the Bible makes it clear that there is no other name by which we are saved: “Only Jesus can open the doors of heaven.”
Hallmark concluded with a word of encouragement — and also a challenge — for the messengers.
“(Even if things look bleak), change can come to our lives, our families, our neighborhoods and our convention,” he said, “but it can’t come in my name or your name. Change can only come in the name of Jesus.” B&R
