What's In a Name?

I got interested in NASCAR about three years ago and have been enjoying the race day theatrics, burning rubber, loud exhausts and spectacular pileups ever since.  It seems to be one of the last national sports that still incorporates old time American patriotic values and honors our country’s Christian heritage. 

I think my two most favorite times in each race are the pre-race ceremonies when the announcer asks everyone at the track to stand and remove their hats for the presenting of the American flag, the prayer of invocation over the race and for the safety of the drivers, the singing of our national anthem, the military flyover and the excitement that is generated throughout the stands when a special guest takes to the microphone and emotionally proclaims the words that starts everyone’s heart to pumping “Driver’s start your engines!” 

The other time is the last 10 or so laps when the remaining cars are vying to be the first to cross under the black and white checkered flag at the finish line.  I can’t help but to find myself standing up in front of my couch with both arms raised as the winning car zooms under the waving flag… It is also the time when I inevitably have to remind myself to start breathing again… after holding my breath throughout the final lap!

What really startles me and warms my heart at the same time is when the appointed chaplain, minister or priest finishes the race day prayer spoken over the microphone and heard throughout the track and on national television, with the affirmative and powerful words, “In Jesus Name, Amen!”

I know that it shouldn’t… but I guess that we’ve been so programed over the last few decades, for the fear of offending someone, to NOT speak the NAME of Jesus in public gatherings… that it still catches me a little off guard.  But like I said, it also warms my heart like when someone mentions the name of a very special friend and/or a popular dignitary in a public setting!

I’ve been re-reading (for the umpteenth time) a book entitled “The Wonderful Name of Jesus” written in the 1940’s by the renown Bible teacher and pastor E.W. Kenyon.  In his writings, the author discusses how the modern church in his day, at the brink of WW2 (and still seems prevalent in the 2020’s), has seemingly forgotten, down played or simply by-passed the knowledge of the importance that the NAME of Jesus has in the application and power that is inherent in our Christian faith.

A look into the New Testament writings of the early church leaders will demonstrate the central and pivotal role that the NAME of Jesus occupied as the gospel message was introduced to the world.  In the book of Acts, Luke repeatedly talks about the content of the message that was being taught… a good example being the ministry of the evangelist Philip where it is summed up by saying,

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 – KJV) 

I’ve been doing a study of the NAME of Jesus in the New Testament over the last few days and I’ve been discovering that Philip’s preaching was right in line with all the writers of the New Testament… including Jesus Himself!

Jesus taught throughout the book of John in chapters 14, 15 and 16 of the importance of praying to the Father in His NAME.*  The book of Acts records many stories of incidents when the NAME of Jesus, when spoken with faith through the lips of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and the everyday church members, brought physical, emotional and spiritual healing and restoration to people, cast out devils, brought unity and order between individuals and in the churches, changed the weather and literally raised the dead!

But it is not just knowing the NAME, it is knowing the One who IS the NAME.  I’ve told many times of the long nightly phone conversations that my girlfriend and eventual wife Piper and I had when we were dating in high school.  In my strong Catholic background, I knew the NAME and was taught to be very respectful of it… BUT… Piper not only knew the NAME, but more importantly, the power that the NAME carried as she enjoyed a very personal, intimate and ever-increasing covenant relationship with the One who was the NAME!

Do you know the POWER that is inherent in the mighty NAME of Jesus?  Have you ever spoken out the NAME and seen the negative circumstances that might be approaching you change?  I have!  Just recently in fact, with the bout of Severe Weather threats that we faced throughout our part of the state a couple of days ago.

The two-fold message of the Kingdom of God and the NAME of Jesus is just as prevalent today as it was to the early church when it was first presented to the world over 2000 years ago.  And with everything that is happening in our country as well as in the rest of the world today… It’s probably even more needed NOW!

I’ll share some more truths about this life-changing, powerful and somewhat untaught truth in blogs to come.  But in the meantime, I might suggest that you pick up your Bibles and spend some time reading the New Testament… and in particular in the four gospels and in the book of Acts.  Underline and/or highlight the times that the NAME of Jesus is spoken of… and I think that you might just be excited to discover, along with me, the power… THAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND ME as faith-filled BELIVERS… in the mighty NAME of Jesus!

You never know… this revelation truth just might change the way you walk in your daily life!

Have a wonderful St Patrick’s Day tomorrow.  I was listening to someone explain the big influence that the Christian conversion of Ireland (by the ministry of St Patrick) had to the entire continent of Europe.  One can never fully appreciate the power and depth of influence that the NAME of Jesus can have… so therefore… keep EXPECTING God’s best as you celebrate St Patrick’s Day and share your faith with your world tomorrow!

 

*See: John 14:13,14,26 / John 15:16 / John 16:23-26