What's In A Name?

                                                                         

Scripture:  Acts 3:1-10  (King James Version)
"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer; being the ninth hour.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms.  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said; Look on us.  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him."
Scripture: Acts 4:5-12 (King James Version)
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, by what power, or by what name, have ye done this?  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means is he made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

"Names are important.  People ask, "What is your name?"  You tell them.  So - from then on, whatever they see in you, that is what your name means to them.  The name represents you.  What does your name mean to others?  The name of Jesus was not some magic formula that Peter used to produce miracles.  When you sign your name on a check, that signature means you have the resources and authority that backs it up.  Peter was saying this is the name and this is the power on whom I am depending…the power and authority and the resources that this name represents.  What's in a name?           ………………...Everything - when that name is Jesus!
                                                                     

When you think of the great preachers of old, Spurgeon, Moody, Finney….great authors, Shakespeare, Longfellow, Tennyson….the great military leaders, Caesar, Napoleon, Washing….sports heroes, Babe Ruth, Dempsey, Rockne…(we could go on and on.)  But - when it comes to salvation - Jesus is the only name!  You could call upon any other name in the world, but there would be no response.  There would be no help for your soul.

BUT, when you sincerely call upon the name of Jesus….something happens!
As the popular song goes, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus……there's something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus……...like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus……..…..let all heaven and earth proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms may all pass away, but there's something about that name."
                                             Oh, the precious name of Jesus.

Another song says this,  "In the name of Jesus we have the victory…
                                         In the name of Jesus demons will have to flee…
                                         In the name of Jesus we have the victory…."

                                                  There is power in the name of Jesus.
Power to save;
                        Power to keep;
                                                Power to heal;
                                                                       Power to live a victorious Christian life;
                                                Power to meet ever need you may have.
                                Speak that wonderful name of Jesus!

Something happened in the beggar's life that day; something in that name; the name of Jesus.  Day after day he sat, lame from his mothers womb.  But, one day, he received something money cannot buy, something that caused him to shout and praise God.  A miraculous change came over him, in the name of Jesus, the power and authority, resources of almighty God was behind that name.  The beggar's feet and ankle bones received strength.  He went walking, leaping and praising God…into the house of God, the temple.

We as individual spirit filled believers need to boldly declare and release the power of God, making available to men and women what only God Himself can do in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.  I declare unto you upon the authority of God's word…there is help for you…in the name of Jesus.  Giants fall, mountains crumble, and the seas divide at the name of Jesus.
                         What are your giants?       What are your mountains? 
                    Whatever the need, whatever problems you may be experiencing;
                                                                     they can be conquered in the name of Jesus!                                      
                                                 Won't you call upon His name?"