In the Name of Jesus Christ

Brethren, what's in a name? What's in a name? We all have them, don't we? We are called by name. We identify ourselves with a name. I'd like for us to consider this concept for a minute as we get started today about what is in a name.

Parents, before they have children, oftentimes we'll hunt through books. I know that was a case we were pretty much pre-internet when our first child came along, but you pull out the books and they're books of baby names and you're reading through names and the meaning of names. Now you can go to websites and look for names as well when you have a child coming along. You consider what you'll name them because you want that child's name to have significance to it. In your mind, you want that name to mean something.

This is going to be part of the identification of my child, part of their personality, we like to think. And so we look at names, we look at their meanings of their names, and as the parents we find what for us feels like will be something suited to them as they grow up and they go through life.

Oftentimes names are attributes of strength and character. When you look at their description, their definition, maybe strong or noble or it's amazing in West Africa how many of the ladies, for example, they're named meekness and precious and so many things that would be related biblically in terms of names and God's blessing. And men as well, a number of friends over there with what you would go back to and a biblically based names and their parents gave that to them because God was important and he wanted him to be important in their lives and what it is they expressed as well. So a lot is tied up in a name. The hopes and the dreams that we have as parents for our children oftentimes will be tied up in the names that we give them. And when you consider someone you know or someone famous, you likely have a response to their name. Right? To hear a name generates a response and it's more than just the sounds of syllables that you hear when you hear someone's name. If you know the person, the individual personality traits, their identity are associated with that name, whether good or bad. If I were to say to you the name Adolf Hitler, probably very quickly a response jumps into your mind associated with the name and it's not just the sound of the syllables, it's the identity of the person behind the name, the character, who and what that person was or did, and your response to that name, I would say, probably for everyone in this room, is negative by association. If I were to give you the name Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, that I would assume likely produces a positive response. And when you consider, again, who that was, the identity behind the name, more than just the sound of the syllables, to hear the name Donald Trump might provoke mixed reviews. My point is this, okay, it is that influence is carried by a name, because again, it's more than just a collection of syllables forming a sound, it's tied to an identity and the person's words, their actions, their character, what you've seen from them, their successes, their failures, are all wrapped up in what you associate with a name. And again, it has influence in so many ways. It's why advertisers seek after endorsements, don't they? You have a product you want, say it's a sporting product, you want an athlete, a famous athlete, to put their name behind that product, to endorse your product. And it's like if that name is in association with our product, people are going to say, oh, well that's a star athlete and this must be a good product. You know, if Tiger Woods said, this is a prime set of golf clubs, this brand, you would assume those are good golf clubs because of who it is and the name that is associated with it.

Names are important and names carry a certain level of power and influence. So there's one name I'd like for us to consider specifically today and that is the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. And I want to look at his name not specifically from the standpoint of the meaning, although we will touch on that as we get started here, but I want to consider his name from the perspective of the power and the authority that is associated with his name, the identity behind the name, what has been accomplished, what has been laid down, what has been taken up again. The name of Jesus Christ carries weight and power and authority, and again, it's very much tied to the identity of the person possessing it, the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. So I do want us to consider his name today because, you see, when we look at the New Testament, there's so much about our spiritual lives and this experience that is tied up with his name and the speaking of his name and things that take place in his name. It's a name of power and authority in our lives. It's a name that's associated with salvation, with healing, with miracles, and many other facets of our New Covenant relationship with God. And so I would say as such, it's important from time to time to go back and again examine what is in the name of Jesus Christ. What do we do in the name of Jesus Christ? And why is that so important? The title of the message is, In the Name of Jesus Christ. And again, the Bible describes a number of things that happen in that name. And so we're going to look at a number of those things today. I first want to start in Matthew, chapter 1. If you'll follow me there, please. Matthew, chapter 1. This is here at the appearance of the angel that's delivering the message of the child, the Messiah that will be born. And we will see some of the significance in terms of the meaning behind the name. Matthew, chapter 1, and verse 18, it says, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. After his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Notice verse 21, it says, And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. The Greek name Jesus is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Yeshua, or Yahshua, and closely in the English we would pronounce it, most cases Joshua. It's very closely brought across into the English that way.

But the name literally means God is salvation. God is salvation. That's what Jesus means. And so the angel's message to Joseph was, you shall call his name, God is salvation, for he will save his people from their sins. And so what we recognize is there's actually a meaning behind this name. There's a purpose that's stored up in this name, and what's being revealed is actually the purpose and the role that Jesus Christ will fulfill in the plan of God. Again, God is salvation, for he will save his people from their sins. As we understand, through the day of the Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread that we've just come through, Jesus Christ went on to live a perfect life in the flesh. Right? He grew up, he didn't stay a baby, he grew up, and he set the perfect example. And I often kind of wonder what it would have been like, you know, for Joseph and Mary to raise the perfect child. Darla and I have come close, I would say. But, you know, Jesus Christ, that would have been an interesting experience. Maybe, why can't you be like your older brother? Maybe they said to the others, I don't know. But I digress. He lived a perfect life in the flesh, right? He set the standard for us all, and he went on to lay down his life for the remission of sins.

After three days and three nights in the grave, he was resurrected by the Father unto glory again. And so, through all of that, Jesus Christ led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. And I think we understand his name is Jesus. It's Jesus the Christ. Christ means the anointed, the Messiah. It's not his last name, it is Jesus the anointed, the Messiah, the one whom the Father sent. And through his life, death, and resurrection now, he has opened a new and living way through the veil. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, which is a position of preeminence as our high priest, our intercessor, and our advocate. And I know that's a lot to kind of take in and cram into a mouthful, but the point is this, there's so much tied up in the name of Jesus Christ. And when we hear the name, we need to hear more than just the syllables of the pronunciation. We need to understand the individual, the role he fulfilled, the role he continues to fulfill in our life, his necessity, even for us to have eternal life in the family of God, where he is today, the role the Father has given him now and forever.

All of that is tied up in the name of Jesus Christ. And through that name, brethren, there is weight, power, and authority when it is invoked in sincerity and truth. When that name is used in sincerity and truth by people of faith, understand it's not just words. There is an identity of the Son of God that backs that up. And that name carries weight. And again, we'll see through the Scriptures the weight that it does indeed carry. Let's go to Philippians chapter 2 next. Philippians chapter 2. Again, what is tied up in this name and what does it mean for us all? Philippians chapter 2, and I want to pick it up in verse 5, it says, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. It goes on to tell us then what the mind was in him, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal as God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant coming in the likeness of men. It was a mind and an attitude of humility and service. It's what is to be in you and I as well.

Verse 8, And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, in light of everything that went before, the one who humbled himself came in the likeness of men, submitted himself unto the point of death. Therefore, God also has highly exalted him, and has given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, of those on the earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. See, it's always to the glory of the Father. It is what he brought to pass through his power and his might and his plan of salvation. And when Christ walked the earth, he said, All I do is what my Father has given me to do. To him goes the glory. And the same is true in our lives today. And even the exaltation of Jesus Christ is to the glory of the Father. But let us understand, because of what he did as our Messiah, through his life, through his death, and then through the subsequent resurrection that the Father performed, God has exalted him. He has raised him up. He has given him that name, which is above every name. Again, Jesus the Christ. And that name carries weight with it. It carries authority. It carries power that backs it up when that name is invoked and used by those of faith and true relationship with the God. And as we're going to see, it is in his name that God's good purpose is carried out in our lives today. He did not exalt himself. Okay, and that's an important distinction to remember as well. Jesus Christ was dead. Flesh and blood was crucified. He died. He was in the grave three days and three nights.

He relied upon his Father. He did not exalt himself. His Father raised him and exalted him and gave them this position above all positions. Our responsibility is to acknowledge what God has done and then submit to the authority that he has placed in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow of those in heaven, those on the earth, and those under the earth, all to the glory of God the Father. So there is authority. There's power. There is what we would say, God backing up that name by himself, right? He can swear by nothing greater than himself. There's no power greater than God, and God says, I have exalted him to this position. This is my beloved Son at my right hand, all things under his feet. Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 20. Again, what is in this name? Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 20. I'm gonna jump into the middle of the context on a few occasions during this sermon because I'm trying to specifically pull a point. So Ephesians chapter 1 verse 20 says, Which he worked in Christ, when he, speaking of the Father, raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age which is to come. Verse 22, And he has put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head of over all things to the church. Again, all means all. It's just exactly what that means. Verse 23, Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. So this is what we must think of when we hear the name Jesus Christ. Okay? All of this that has gone into, as we understand him today, we're coming along at a specific point in history where he's been raised. He's at the right hand of the Father in glory. So I'll bring it to our perspective here today. This whole package is what should come to our mind when we hear the name Jesus Christ and it is authority that his Father has given him that backs up that name. Again, it's tied to an identity, his words, Jesus' actions, his character, his sacrifice, his glorification, his exaltation is associated with his name, and as such, his name is a name of influence. At the name of Jesus Christ, things happen. They happen in the Bible.

We're going to see it. And they happen indeed even today because of the authority and the power that God has provided by association with his Son and through that name. So I want to kind of shift gears now and I want to look at some practical examples of what I'm talking about, about things that took place in the name of Jesus Christ. So I have six points that we're going to walk through for the remainder of the message, and you could certainly expand your study beyond these points, but these are, I believe, six major points that are important for us to consider in the name of Jesus Christ. Let's go to Acts chapter 3 and verse 1. Acts chapter 3 and verse 1, the book of Acts is such a rich book, and I just love reading and studying it because this is the early New Testament church, and you know, open signs and wonders were taking place because God was showing, this is where I am working, and then yes indeed the name of Jesus Christ that is going out is what is being backed up by the power of God. So the book of Acts is a very, very exciting book to read, and you know, some of it's speculated perhaps one day the book of Acts will be added to following the return of Jesus Christ because it is a record of the church. But Acts chapter 3 and verse 1, now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour, and a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they lay daily at the gate of the temple, which is called beautiful. He was there to ask alms from those who entered the temple, who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked for alms, and fixing his eyes on him with John. Peter said, look at us. So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them, and Peter said to him, silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. Notice what he had. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Peter said, I don't have money to give you. I'm not carrying silver and gold, but I do come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. And in that name, he said, rise up and walk. Verse 7, and he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping, stood and walked, and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. Just an incredible sight to even try to imagine. Going down to verse 11, it says, now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, you know, can you imagine this? It's like he wouldn't want to even let go. He's probably crying out, these are the guys that healed me. Lame, I think it was since birth. Everybody walked by day by day, knew who this guy was that sat at that gate beautiful, always begging alms, and he's probably jumping and up and down and, you know, pulling on him and whooping and celebrating and crying out the glory of what had been done. It's an incredible miracle.

Verse 12, let's go there. So when Peter saw it, let me go back up, verse 11, now as a lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people. You know, it's always a good time to preach a sermon when you have full attention of people.

And he said, men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Why do you look so intently at us as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? He says, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let him go. Verse 14, but you denied the Holy One and the just and asked for a murderer to be granted to you and killed the Prince of Life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. Verse 16, it says, and his name.

What name are we talking about? Well, again, it's the name of Jesus Christ. And his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong, who you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

And so the first point I want us to see is that in the name of Jesus Christ there is healing. You can find it over and over and over again in the New Testament. In the name of Jesus Christ there is healing. And Peter said specifically, and his name, through faith in his name, has made this man strong. And so the name of Jesus invokes power and evokes authority. Again, Peter and John, they said this wasn't by us. Why are you looking at us like we have some great power? No, this is the power of God that has come through the name of and by the name of Jesus Christ.

But you see, no man can do that, but that can only be accessed through faith and submission to him. Jesus had given authority to his disciples. We're not going to go there, but jot down Mark chapter 16 verse 17 and 18. Mark 16 verse 17 and 18. Jesus had given authority to his disciples to go out and do these signs and wonders in his name.

And through that relationship, the book of Acts is full of them performing these great works. Of course, the religious leaders didn't like it. They really didn't appreciate what was done, and they didn't appreciate now the uproar that was taking place in Jerusalem associated with this name, because they had sought to silence the name. Right? Crucify him. Crucify him. And we'll silence this guy in his memory for other. Now these men who had followed him are out performing these great miracles and claiming they are in his name.

So they put Peter and John into custody. Acts chapter 4 and verse 5. Acts chapter 4 and verse 5. And it came to pass on the next day that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them, Peter and John, in the midst, they asked, by what power or by what name have you done this? You know, who gave you the authority to do this? Who do you think you are? Verse 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well?

Let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead by him, this man stands here before you whole. Okay, so he's saying you can't, or I'll say you can't get any more direct than that, he's saying this is by the power and the authority of Jesus Christ that we do this, and by that name this man stands before you whole.

This isn't something that human beings are going to do. And we'll just say what further proof do you need in the authority of the name? Verse 11, he says, this is a stone which was rejected by you builders which has become the chief cornerstone, nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. So this leads us to our second point regarding the name of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes in his name.

Salvation comes in the name of Jesus Christ, nor is there salvation in any other, for there's no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Remember, we read the angel speaking to Joseph, Matthew 1 21, and she will bring forth the Son and shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. It was the declaration from the beginning of the salvation that would come through Jesus Christ. And the point is it comes through him alone. So you can add that point to as a sub point to your number two.

Salvation comes in his name alone. It does not come through Mohammed, it does not come through Buddha, it does not come through any other name you would want to bring up. It doesn't come through various paths. There aren't multiple paths to God.

There is one path to reconciliation with God, and it is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and in the authority of his name. That's what we believe, that's what we teach, that's what the Apostles expressed, and frankly that's what was backed up and endorsed by the power of God working miracles in that name. Acts chapter 10, verse 39.

Acts chapter 10 and verse 39. Again, jumping into the context, when we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. He says, "...him God raised up on the third day and showed him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with him after he arose from the dead." So the point is, okay, they killed him, and a lot of people saw that, but he lives, and many people saw that as well. We are witnesses of his life. We give testimony of that. Verse 42, and he commanded us, Jesus commanded the apostles and the disciples to preach to the people and to testify that it is he who was ordained by God to be the judge of the living and the dead.

To him, all the prophets witness that through his name, whoever believes in him will receive the remission of sins. And so the forgiveness of sins and salvation come through Jesus Christ, come through belief on his name. It's through that relationship that God then extends the forgiveness of our sins. Believing in the name, verse 44, again, I take you back, though, what is in a name? It is the identity, it is the authority, it is what is given by God to his Son that backs up this name. So it's not just syllables, it's identity. Verse 44, while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. It's a miracle. Verse 45, and those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came from Peter because the gift of the Holy Spirit have been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnify God. And Peter said, Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. So we might look at this and think this process is a little backwards because they received the Holy Spirit and then they were baptized. But understand these were the Gentiles. The apostles were not going around baptizing Gentiles. They were baptizing Israelites who they understood to be the chosen people of God. But God was showing that, as actually they had by their own mouths declared, that this promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God should call. It included the Gentiles. But God said, okay, it's time to bring the Gentiles into this process. And they're not out actively baptizing the Gentiles, but God put His name upon them by giving His Spirit. God's endorsement of this was clear and open, and the apostles simply saw the evidence of what God did and said, okay, we need to respond to that. And they were baptized. It's the same thing with Acts 15 and the concept of do Gentiles have to be circumcised to then become Christians? And the answer was no, because God had already made the decision. The apostles and the elders didn't make that decision. God made the decision how He gave His Spirit to the uncircumcised Gentiles. The apostles, again, followed His lead. But notice, they were baptized in the name of the Lord. And that is our third point today. Baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ. It's what was declared by the apostles and witnessed by many on the day of Pentecost on 31 A.D.

Remission of sins through baptism in His name. Acts chapter 2, verse 36. Acts chapter 2, verse 36. Very familiar passage to us. We'll likely read it on the day of Pentecost, probably more than once. Acts chapter 2 and verse 36 says, Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? How can we fix this mess that we've created in our lives? Verse 38. Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. To be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is to be baptized in, by, and through the authority that accompanies that name. Again, it's authority that's been given to him by his Father. So this is the authority of God. This is the name of the Father that's tied up into this. It is the name of his Son Jesus Christ that's tied up into this. And it is also the Holy Spirit which is poured out upon baptism and the laying on of hands. Matthew 28, 19, Jesus commissioned the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

There's not conflict in this, that there was baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Again, understand the power and the authority is ultimately of God, and his Spirit permeates this whole relationship. There is authority in this name above other names. Acts chapter 19 and verse 1, in the concept of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, Acts chapter 19 and verse 1, and it happened while Apollos was at Corinth that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus, and finding some disciples, he said to them, did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? So they said to him, we have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. And if you look into this, the translation could be a little difficult. They could be saying, we actually haven't heard that the Holy Spirit has come, that has been given. Either way, verse 3, he said to them, into what then were you baptized? So they said, into John's baptism. And Paul said, John did indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on him who would come after him. That is on Jesus Christ.

Remember, John was the forerunner, the one preparing the way of the Lord, make his path straight. And then Jesus Christ came along and baptized by ultimately the Holy Spirit and in his name. But the Holy Spirit had not fallen upon them, and they had been baptized in the name of John. And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Let me back up. Verse 4, Paul said, John indeed baptized the baptism of repentance, saying to the people they should believe on him who would come after him that is on Christ Jesus. And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. So God's approval, again, of the name of Jesus Christ to your baptism is clearly evidence through the pouring out of his Holy Spirit. God, through power going out through the disciples and in manifesting his presence, was the authority of God backing up and affirming the name that the disciples and the apostles were declaring. And indeed, it backs up the assertion of both the apostles and the church that there's no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. It is in the name of Jesus Christ. Point number four, the Holy Spirit is sent in the name of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is sent in the name of Jesus Christ. We've already seen the baptism takes place in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism, by God's design, takes place before the giving of the Holy Spirit, unless God decides to do what God will do. But he's given us what we must do in the order we do it, and we do what he says. But again, the Holy Spirit is sent in the name of Jesus Christ. John chapter 14 and verse 25. John chapter 14 and verse 25. These are the words of Jesus. This section of Scripture is following his final Passover with the disciples just before his arrest and crucifixion. It was a time for him to pray to his father, and it was time for him to share with his disciples thoughts that were on his mind. I would say primarily after his death and then resurrection. So John chapter 14 and verse 25. He says, these things I have spoken to you while being present with you. He says, but the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name. He will teach you all things and bring to you remembrance all things that I have said to you. Jesus declared that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in his name. And as you research out the giving of the Holy Spirit, it's reiterated place after place after place that it comes of God through Jesus Christ. And it comes following baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. So again, John reiterates that that spirit comes in his name. And what we need to understand from all of this is that this process of salvation does not take place apart from him. You and I can't say I accept the Father, but I don't accept Jesus Christ.

That doesn't work. If that's what you say, then all I can say is the Bible says God won't accept you, because there's no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Point number five, the spirit world is subject in Jesus' name. The spirit world is subject in Jesus' name. You recall in Philippians chapter 2 and verse 10 that it says, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those in heaven, those on the earth, and those under the earth. And that even includes the spirit realm. When Jesus walked the earth in the flesh, he carried with him the power and the authority granted to him by his father, because he was flesh and blood, physical human being. He wasn't in a glorified state of existence, so he depended on his father for his power and his authority. He said of myself, I can do nothing. Okay? He is now glorified at the right hand of the Father, and of himself he can do everything by the grace and blessing of his father. But in the flesh, he was given this authority and this power, again, which included authority over the demons. And indeed, many public miracles done by Jesus Christ were performed in the casting out of demons. And those who followed him and watched him were amazed, and in like manner, those who were of the leadership were not impressed. Let's just say they really didn't appreciate what it was that he was doing. But again, he had the power and the authority, and what we find in the Scriptures is that he extended that power and authority over the spirit realm to his disciples. Luke chapter 10 and verse 16. Luke chapter 10 and verse 16. The context here is the 70, which Jesus sent out two by two, and they went out all through the region of Israel to the people of God, the physical nation of Israel, performing signs and wonders and preaching the gospel in the name of Jesus Christ. In Luke chapter 10 and verse 16, it says, Jesus says, "'He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.'" Because, you know, this is the work of God that he's performing on the earth through Jesus Christ. Verse 17, then the 70 returned with joy, saying, "'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.' And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." To me, this is kind of like stamp of authority of, okay, I know about the spirit world, right?

"'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.'" Jesus' point of emphasis was that, okay, their names are written in heaven in the book of life, and that indeed is an incredible blessing.

"'But don't let it be lost on you, also the point which though they came forth with,' they said, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name, by your authority, at the naming of your name by people who carry your name and represent your name and your father in the kingdom.'" He says, "'They were subject to us, indeed they rejoiced over that.'" Point is, the demons are subject, ultimately, to Jesus Christ and His Father, but it is by the authority that is in that name that He gave for them to proclaim that the demons must obey. Mark chapter 9 in verse 37.

Jesus' words once again, He said, "'Whoever receives one of these little children in My name,'" okay, it's all over through the New Testament, "'In My name.'" If you want a very extensive study, go ahead and dive into it. "'Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me. Whoever receives Me receives not Me, but Him who sent Me.'" Again, the Father, it's all to the glory of God. Verse 38, "'Now John answered Him, saying, Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us, casting out demons in your name.'" He says, "'And we forbid him because he does not follow us, but Jesus said, Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterwards speak evil of Me, for he who is not against us is on our side.'" So it appears that even those who believed in Jesus Christ from afar, they might not have been the 12, they might not have been the 70 that were maybe even immediately right there, or even others that were close by. But they were watching for the Messiah, they'd heard the name of Jesus Christ, perhaps they'd seen as miracles. The point is, they bought in to the identity and the authority of the name. Even if they weren't part of that circle right there, they still had their actions of casting out demons honored because of the power and the authority that accompanies the name. And again, the point is, demons are subject to Jesus Christ and to those who would carry and invoke His name. They must obey those who rightly trust in God and Christ and who call upon that name, which is above every name in faith. And what you find throughout the remainder of the New Testament is that the authority over that segment of the Spirit realm was entrusted and continued on through those of His. Acts 16.

Verse 16.

Acts 16 and verse 16. Now it happened as we went to prayer. And you see, we referenced in Acts, it's Luke and someone, usually Luke and Paul. Luke wrote the book of Acts, so he's kind of in the background through, you know, Paul bouncing around on the sea, heading to Rome, in prison. He keeps the background, but he says, you know, we, we. So Luke was in a lot of this, even with Paul. Acts 16, 16. Now it happened as we went to prayer that a certain slave girl possessed with the spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul in us and cried out, saying, these men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaims to us the way of salvation.

Which is true. Okay, there wasn't something false in what she was proclaiming. There was something true, but understand this wasn't a helpful spirit. This was an antagonistic demon that was trying to create trouble for them. And I don't know, I look at this and think maybe sarcasm just doesn't translate across languages, but there could have been a bit of that in there as well. But nevertheless, she was following them around, crying aloud, becoming a nuisance. Verse 18, and this she did for many days. But Paul greatly annoyed, turned, and said to the Spirit, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour. Casting out demons in Jesus' name is a matter of invoking the authority of Jesus Christ over the spirit realm.

Understand, no man can cast out demons by his own power and authority. We don't have that. We are not stronger than the angelic creation in that realm. There's the good angels, and there's those who rebelled, but strong as human being is not more powerful than the spirit creation. But the authority of Jesus Christ is more powerful than all, and that is what he has given his true followers to carry.

I believe I worked, yes, I did read verse 18. So understand, we don't go into this on our own. It is by the backing and the authority of Jesus Christ. And consider that even the archangel Michael, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but simply said, the Lord rebuke you. Jude verse 9, the Lord rebuke you, he said, and that's the formula. Okay? Those are the words that the Bible gives us for casting out demons. If you are confronted by a demon, the words are the Lord rebuke you, or in the name of Jesus Christ, depart. And it is authority that God has given to those through Jesus Christ and in the name of Jesus Christ, those who faithfully follow. And if one is strong in the faith, then the demons have to obey the command because they are subject to the authority that accompanies the name. They know the name. They know the authority.

They know the power of God that backs it up. And they know to whom God has given his name, as in the church of God, the disciples of Jesus Christ. But realize, Jesus also told his disciples that there is a kind that does not go out except by prayer and fasting. So the point is, at all times, we have to be close to God. And apparently, there could be degrees of strength even in this process of the demons and what they do. But the point is, it is faith in God. It is the power of God that's being invoked. And it is the authority of the name of Jesus Christ by which it is invoked. It isn't about us, right? Again, it's about that name and that authority. And it's nothing we should seek or desire to get engage in for ourselves. And frankly, it's nothing to play with. We live in a world that plays with it. And it's real. There's nothing to play with. Acts chapter 19 and verse 13. Acts chapter 19 and verse 13. There's actually some that felt they would take it upon themselves to play with it. Acts chapter 19 and verse 13. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves the call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We exercise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. Well, what do you think could be wrong with that? The Jesus who Paul preaches. That guy. I don't know him, but Paul knows him and Paul's been doing stuff in his name. So that guy that Paul preaches, we command you.

Okay, so what was the result of that? Verse 14. Also, there were seven sons of Siva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus, I know and Paul, I know, but who are you? I imagine maybe his blood just kind of ran a little cold at that point. Who are you? I don't know you, he says. Verse 16. Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leapt upon them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded.

This became known to both the Jews and the Greeks, dwelling in Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. It was used as a actually an opportunity to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. But why didn't this work? Why didn't this process work out for them? We, you know, we, by the name of this Jesus who Paul preaches, why was that not successful? Well, because although they were using the name of Jesus Christ in their attempts, they weren't submitting to the authority of God. They weren't those of the faith of Jesus Christ. They weren't of His who followed. They saw some power and they thought it was cool. They thought, hey, we want the notoriety and the respect for ourselves, and we want this as a show. You know, kind of like Simon Magus, who kind of liked the fact that the Holy Spirit came on people who the Apostles laid their hands on. And they're like, hey, let me have that power. I'll give you money.

The fact is, if you're not of the faith of God in the name of Jesus Christ, there's no success in just using the syllables, because you don't identify with the name, and that indeed is the problem. And clearly, brethren, it's not something to play around with either. As the people of God, we need not fear the demonic world.

It is real, but as soon as you fear them, you give them authority over your life.

You give them power and control over you. Do not fear the demons. Fear God.

Fear Jesus Christ. Call upon that name. But don't ever play around with them, either.

Many who have opened the door to interacting with demons have found it very difficult to close the door again. It can be done in the name of Jesus Christ, but better not to open it to begin with. Very stern warning from the Word of God.

Throughout all these examples, we have seen that there must be a proper relationship that exists with this name and those who call upon it, because using Jesus' name assumes a relationship with them. I'm going to say that again. Using the name of Jesus Christ assumes a relationship with him. By declaring the name of Jesus, we're associating ourselves with the person that holds that name. We're saying that we are of the same mindset of him, that we are his disciples. We follow him.

Sometimes there's this concept of, well, what does it really mean to have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Well, the Bible tells us the disciples, which we are called to be, had a relationship with Jesus Christ. Did they not? They traveled with him. They followed him. They listened to his teachings. They ate. They slept.

They interacted with him. Okay, he's not physically present here today, but we have a relationship with him through God's Word, and we learn from him. We are his disciples as well. And so, to use the name Jesus Christ assumes a relationship with him. There is power in the name, but you have to identify with it yourself.

And that is the example of the Word of God. Point number six, my final point, we pray to the Father in Jesus' name. We pray to the Father in Jesus' name. This is a big topic, and I would encourage you to go do homework on it, because you can...

I'm just gonna give you some starter, but you can go and follow this up. Study this point out, but we pray to the Father in Jesus' name. Interestingly, when Jesus taught the model prayer to the disciples, we don't see him instructing them to pray in his name, do we? At least in terms of the words we have in the Bible. You know, it begins with our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be your name, and it ends with, you know, yours is the power and the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

No, in Jesus' name, Amen. So, you know, sometimes that can catch people off guard and say, well, you know, it's not here. But there are many other scriptures as well that show we approach the Father and we make our petitions before him in Jesus' name. He instructed his disciples to do so. Upon the approach of his death, we find where they would one day take up the practice of preaching or praying in Jesus' name, that following his death and resurrection, he says, you will take this name and indeed you will come to my Father in this name. John chapter 14 in verse 1.

Again, back to this section of Scripture that was after the Passover but before his arrest. And Jesus' focus is now on preparing his disciples for what's about to happen and the fact that he will live again. They maybe weren't exactly understanding everything he was saying at that moment. But this is point, this is moving forward. This is moving forward in what will take place. John chapter 14 in verse 1, Jesus says, In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. So again, we can see the context here of this chapter is events that are yet still forthcoming, that would follow his crucifixion and resurrection. Okay, I'll come to you again. Verse 4, And where I go you know, in the way you know. But Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And this is a key point, brethren. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ. And as we've walked through on the Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread, it is through His sacrifice, through His life, His death, His resurrection, and us through baptism coming under that sacrifice that we are then reconciled to the Father in His blood. And we can come to the Father then through Him. But this is an important process to understand. It would happen shortly. This is just prior to His crucifixion. It would happen shortly for them. Verse 12, Most assuredly I say to you, He who believes in me, the works that I do, He will do also, and greater works than these He will do. And notice why? Because I go to my Father.

Again, still yet to come after His resurrection. Verse 13, In whatever you ask in my name I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name I will do it. And Jesus taught the model prayer. He taught that that prayer should be directed to the Father. And our prayers must be directed to the Father. That's the model. That's the instruction that we're given here. But He's also instructing them of an additional element that would be present after His crucifixion and resurrection, which is, you will be able to approach the Father directly in my name. And prayers to the Father would be in His name. John chapter 15 and verse 16. John chapter 15 and verse 16. He says, You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you. Again, it's in the name of Jesus Christ that we ask the Father. Verse chapter 16. John chapter 16 and verse 22. Again, this whole passage section of Scripture is just prior to His crucifixion. He says, This is what is coming and I want you to be aware of these things. John chapter 16 and verse 22. Now therefore you have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and your joy no one will take from you. Forward-looking, right?

After the crucifixion, they were gonna have that joy and nobody would take it from them ever. Verse 23. And in that day, in that day, you will ask me nothing. Most assuredly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you.

He says, Until now you have asked nothing in my name, ask and you will receive that your joy may be full. Okay, they had not asked anything of the Father in the name of Jesus Christ up until this point. That's what He said, right? Until now you have asked nothing in my name, ask and you will receive. That day was coming, the time was coming when they would ask in His name when direct access to the Father would be granted through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and they become boldly before the throne of God into His presence in the name of Jesus Christ.

What is it called when we ask things of the Father? What is that process called? Give us this day our daily bread, don't lead us into temptation, deliver us from the evil one, forgive us our debts. What is that called? Anybody?

Prayer, right? When we ask of the Father. We do so through prayer. Verse 25, John chapter 16 verse 25. Again, He said you're gonna ask in verse 24 in my name and you're going to receive it. Verse 25, these things I have spoken to you in figurative language but the time is coming, it's still ahead, but it's coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language but I will tell you plainly about the Father. Okay, right? He came to reveal the Father. Verse 26, in that day you will ask in my name and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you. For the Father Himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came forth from God. So Jesus is introducing a new relationship between God and those seeking Him. Again, it is direct access to the Father in His name. Following the death and then the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His disciples, or actually Jesus, would no longer pray to the Father on their behalf but rather they would go directly to the Father themselves in Jesus' name. That's what it's saying. Verse 26 again, in that day you will ask in my name and I do not say to you I shall pray the Father for you. You recall that at the death of Jesus Christ the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom, exposing the Holy of Holies, right? That room behind the curtain that contained the Ark of the Covenant, the copy of God's throne room in heaven. And it symbolized the fact now that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that veil is rent and access is granted to the Father through those that would approach in His name. And indeed we do approach in the name of Jesus Christ. And that is a blessing.

Through Christ's sacrifice we can now approach God not through the acts of a physical high priest at certain times and places. Physical high priest was the Day of Atonement, not without blood through the veil, okay? But in Jesus Christ, whoever lives to make intercession for us at the right hand of the Father, we can approach that Holy of Holies, that true, at every, any time.

Hebrews chapter 7 verse 24. Hebrews chapter 7 and verse 24. But He, speaking of Jesus, because He continues forever as an unchangeable priesthood, therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. So when we pray in Jesus' name, brethren, we're literally walking through the open door of God's throne room by the authority of Jesus Christ in His name. When we pray in His name, again, it's not just syllables. We don't just say, in Jesus' name, amen, and it's empty, empty thinking that really doesn't mean much to us. It's the identity, the person, the sacrifice, the high priest, the mediator to the new covenant, the intercessor on our behalf, at the right hand of the Father. In His authority, we are coming before the presence of God. And it is why we pray in His name, through that standing that has been granted to us by our high priest. Ephesians chapter 5 and verse 19. Ephesians chapter 5 verse 19. Speaking to one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, verse 20, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the people of God, we ask things of God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. As the people of God, we praise God. We give Him our profound thanks in the name of Jesus Christ. That's what the Word of God says.

Colossians 3 17 expresses a similar instruction. Colossians 3 17, it says, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. So again, this is a big topic, and I'll leave you to pursue that study on your own, because I wasn't looking to make a whole sermon on this, but it is one of our major points of in His name. And I encourage you to study on multiple other places that the Bible says things were done. Things happened in Jesus' name, and it's an extensive study for you to consider. I think you'll be enlightened and encouraged by what you find.

Brethren, God the Father has given His Son the name which is above every name, and we can take courage in the understanding that there's no other name given under heaven among men by which we must be saved, and that we are called out of the world and reconciled to the Father in His name. And it is indeed a name of power, a name of authority, a name that allows us to approach our Heavenly Father. In the name of Jesus Christ there is healing. In the name of Jesus Christ there is salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ there is reconciliation with the Father. In the name of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit is sent. In His name demons are rebuked and our prayers reach the very presence of God the Father on His throne. What's in a name? What's in the name of Jesus Christ? Well, very much indeed, again, it is not just the syllables, it is the identity of the very Son of God who gave His life for us, who now lives in glory and is seated at the right hand of the Father. So I want to conclude by borrowing from John, 1 John chapter 5 and verse 13. These things I have spoken to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and I'll add in His name, go look that one up too, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.