NO!...NEITHER!...NEVER! Part 2: "Neither"

The focus of today’s First Words is the often-overlooked word “Neither”. The word “Neither” has a negative connotation. Only God can take the negatives of our life and bring about something positive, in spite of the negatives….of that, I am positive. So, for a few minutes, join me as we take a look at the word…. “Neither”.

Acts 4:12

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Our former District Superintendent, W.L. Davis, preached a message in which he made the following statement: “Middle C” in music is “Middle C” regardless of where or when it is played.” So it is with this statement, in Acts 4:12… “Neither is there salvation in any other...”

Pakistan or Pennsylvania - 1920 or 2020 - it doesn’t matter - there is salvation in no other, but Jesus. You can discuss it, debate it, dislike it or deny it but you won’t change it: “Neither is there salvation in any other.” The good thing about this unchanging truth is, you nor I have to go looking for other sources of salvation… there are none. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.” Jesus is not one way among many ways - He is the only way to God and to have a relationship with God.

The rest of that verse makes it even plainer: there is no other name… Think about that…NO OTHER NAME given among men whereby we must be saved. No other name whereby we can be saved, forgiven, cleansed, made righteous, healed, delivered and forever blessed. Only Jesus!

Eph 4:27

“Neither give place to the devil.”

In the preceding verses, Paul tells the Ephesian believers to refrain from lying and uncontrolled anger. Then says: “Neither give place to the devil!” In other words, Do Not Give Any Place In Your Life To The Devil. Give no place to that which is characteristic of the devil. The devil is a destroyer. Jesus said that the devil kills, steals and destroys. In light of that, the Christian must RESIST and REJECT anything that is destructive spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and relationally. It’s not rocket science: “Neither give place to the devil.”

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This is not a statement about eternal security. It is a statement about eternal love. The top line and bottom line is not one thing that can alter, diminish or negate God’s love for us. It’s imperative that we embrace the truth that we are loved right now, in our present state, situation or circumstance. Well or sick, poor or prosperous, overcome or overcoming, liked or disliked… you are loved. That’s a big deal, because that means you are loved by the One… the only One that can make a difference in your life, family and situation.

None of the things listed in verse 38, after the word “Neither” can isolate or alienate us from God’s limitless love. What that means is that everything is going to be okay—you are loved by the Creator of this world, Master of the universe and Redeemer of all mankind. This very moment you are loved by He who is all knowing, all powerful, all present and all prevailing. Think about it: “Neither… things present or things to come can separate us from the love of God.”

If the uncertainties of your tomorrows have cast a dark, ominous cloud over your life….be encouraged, Jehovah God is here and there….His preserving, protecting, peace-giving, strengthening love will always be there.