What does it really mean to “take the Lord’s name in vain?” For many of us, this commandment may feel like an easy check mark, but if we look below the surface, we will find that there is much more than meets the eye. In one interaction in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that not everyone who says to Him “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of heaven. What do His words teach us about the power of His name and how we should hold it?

Readings: Exodus (Exod) 20:7, Matthew (Matt) 7:21-23, True Christian Religion (TCR) 297-300 (portions)

Minister: Rev. Steven P. Gunther

Delivered October 5th, 2025 at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral in Bryn Athyn, PA.

The Bryn Athyn Church is a congregation of the General Church of the New Jerusalem, located in Bryn Athyn, PA. We are committed to helping each other draw closer to the Lord God Jesus Christ through lives of love and useful service, guided by the Old and New Testaments and the Heavenly Doctrine for the New Church (contained in the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg). Please join us for worship on Sunday mornings; services and times can be found at brynathynchurch.org.