The name of Jesus

What’s in a name? Jesus – Jeshua – God saves Christ – anointed one – Messiah Jesus is Lord – divine, God and King Prayer - In the name of Jesus – I will do whatever you ask (John 14:13) Worship – at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10) & we gather in the name of Jesus - 2 or 3 - there I am (Matthew 18:20) Healing – by the name of Jesus (Acts 4:10)

What’s in a name? The name is not magic It carries authority of the King and His Kingdom “Thy Kingdom come, They will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Realignment with the Kingdom of God Intercession – is prayer which seeks to stand in the gap between God and the world and pray in his Kingdom and therefore His will

Praying in the Kingdom and His will Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will… Col 1:12 … who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Col 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…

Praying in the Kingdom and His will We are not merely to ask for things – we have a Kingdom given: Luk 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luk 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

Intercession is part of Jesus’ ministry He intercedes for us Matthew 10:32 (he “owns” us before the Father) Hebrews 1:3 (right hand of God) Hebrews 7:25 (always lives to intercede for us)

Intercession involves key people standing in the gap for others too Moses stood in the gap (Exodus 32) Psalm 106:23 So he said he would destroy them - had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.

Intercession involves key people standing in the gap for others too Daniel stood in the gap (Daniel 9) Identificational repentance on behalf of the whole of he people of God (“we have sinned, we have been wicked, we have turned away” Dan 9:5) O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."

Last but not least – the NT church The story in Acts today Starts in Acts 3 with the beggar at the gate called Beautiful “silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I you - in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Peter and John are jailed. The key question of accusers: "By what power or what name did you do this?“ (Acts 4:7)

Last but not least – the NT church Their answer: “ …then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.” Acts 4:10 How do the authorities respond? “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:18)

Last but not least – the NT church Peter and John are released What is their prayer response as a church? • It’s all about this bigger picture. Creation - The nations - The kings of the earth taking their stand against the Lord and his anointed one! Who IS that? Jesus – Jeshua – Messiah. Herod is mentioned – Pontius Pilate – all these powerful people who react against this Carpenter from Nazareth. Because of who He is.

Last but not least – the NT church What is their prayer response as a church? They have a clear picture of what goes on behind the scenes. There’s a conflict of Kingdoms. And they end with another great prayer of intercession: Lord – they are a threat to what you are doing! Act Lord! Do something!

Last but not least – the NT church What is their prayer response as a church? Act 4:29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Act 4:30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

What about us? Are you fully aware of the power and authority of the name of Jesus? Would you like to grow in intercession and stand in the gap for others? Not just for a few – we can learn to be intercessors We need to grow in discernment as we see the bigger picture as a conflict of two Kingdoms