FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRISTSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:14 "...as many as received Him, (Jesus Christ) to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).
The apostles had strong faith in the name of "Jesus". They preached on that faith they had. When Peter preached on salvation, he pointed out specifically that there is salvation only in the name of Jesus and on no other name.
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
When Peter prayed for a lame person in the name of Jesus, the lame man was made whole. He jumped up and stood erect. He ran hither and thither in great joy. The people who watched the healing received by the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ, were amazed and shocked. At that moment Peter looked at the people and said to them, "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).
Likewise when Peter preached on the anointing of the Holy Spirit he declared,
"Repent, and let everyone 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." Acts 2:38.
Peter professed that only the name of Jesus Christ would bring the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Everywhere the apostles glorified the name of Jesus Christ. This resulted in strong opposition from all quarters. The priests and others warned them not to preach in that name. They planned to curtail the popularity of that name among the people. They threatened them not to speak or preach in that name at all. (Acts 4:17, 18; 5:40). But the apostles unmindful of that warning preached in the mighty name of Jesus at private homes and at the Temple and declared unceasingly that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ. Because the moment they mentioned the name of Jesus they could feel His presence amidst them. "Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry, and He will say, "Here I am". (Isaiah 58:9).
Yes, He is alive today. That is why the moment His name is pronounced, miracles happen. Demons tremble! Wonders are wrought.
A very prayerful lady gave the following advice to her son, "My dear son, if you face any unexpected danger at any time, anywhere, call upon the name of 'Jesus' unhesitatingly. Wherever you are, He will come and help you." Then one day the boy was playing alone in the woods. Suddenly he saw a large poisonous snake coming towards him in great fury. He was trembling with fear. But suddenly, his mother's advice came to his memory. Immediately he raised his voice and cried with all his strength, "Jesus, Jesus". Immediately the snake stood still as if it were bound by someone. The next instant, the snake curled, swiftly slithered and disappeared in the bush. The young boy was greatly impressed by this incident and it became an unforgettable part of his life. In his later years this boy became a mighty servant of God. I read this incident in a very popular and internationally famous book.
"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:14 says the Lord Jesus Christ.
As He had declared, whenever the apostles had faith in His name and called upon His name, He came down into their midst and performed wonders and miracles.
Likewise, let's also have faith in Jesus Christ. Let's believe that Jesus Christ came into this world as the Saviour and gave His life for us, and He rose from the dead and He is alive even today. When we profess this faith sincerely, we will receive great miracles in our lives.
Prayer
Loving Lord,
I come to Your presence through the powerful and matchless name of Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Help me to have faith in Him and confess that there is no other name by which salvation may be received. Grant me the grace to have unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ and experience the manifestation of His power and glory in my life this day.
Amen |