The Name of Jesus - PT 1

As born-again believers we pray in the Name of Jesus. But we need to know what that means. His Name is not just a religious, superstitious formula that we chant, hoping it works. Praying in the Name of Jesus refers to His Nature, character, purpose, and integrity. Praying in the Name of Jesus refers to Who He is, what He represents, and what He has accomplished. As Christians we are bearing the Name of Jesus as His representatives (Col. 3:17). Therefore, using the Name of Jesus is not a religious act, it is our lifestyle. It is who we are in Him (Acts 2:38). We are constantly bearing and representing the Name of Jesus is everything we say and do.

Moreover, on multiple occasions Jesus taught us that if we ask anything in His Name, He would do it. That the Father may be glorified in the Son (Jn. 14:13-15; 15:16; 16:23-26). As children of God, our Father gets glory answered prayer. And being of God, we not only bear His Name, we have been given the Power of Attorney to use His Name. If we can get our faith out of the mystical realm and into the realistic and legality of redemption our faith will grow exceedingly. Understanding these things, in His Name God has given us provision, healing, victory, sanctification, peace, righteousness, His Presence, and salvation.

Beloved friends, some of our prayers are not being answered because we do not have confidence in His Name. We tack His Name to the end of our prayers religiously. But for most of it is just a code. We do not have the full revelation of the power of the Name of Jesus that has been revealed and given to us to bear and use.

God wants an abiding relationship with us that is manifesting through answered prayers (Jn. 15:16). The secret to having the fullness of joy is answered prayer (Jn. 16:23-26). The secret to answered prayer is knowing the power of His Name. God wants you to be joyful. But He wants the joy to come through knowing His Name; asking and receiving in the power of His Name.

Throughout the book of Acts they preached Name of Jesus and Christ unto them (Acts 8:5-7, 12). Paul who once persecuted the church against the Name of Jesus (Acts 26:9-11) was chosen by God to bear His Name before the Gentiles (Acts 9:14-15). Yet most of the persecution that the early church received was for teaching the Name of Jesus (Acts 5:28-32). Yes we need to teach that God loves them. BUT PREACH JESUS! Preach the power of His Name!