What's In A Name? (Novato)
Pastor Isaac Munene
Part of New Life Novato Sermons—Just fill in, and email to yourself!
December 31, 2023

What's In a Name - Thumb.jpeg

What’s in a name?

December 31, 2023

Names are

to the point that some people had them changed:

a) Jacob to Israel- you have contended with God and man and have overcome.
b) Simon to Peter (Aramaic Kepha - Rock or stone. Gk “Petros”.
c) Abram (exalted father)to Abraham (father of multitude)
d) Sarai to Sarah ( princess)
e) Rachel wanted to name her last born Ben-oni (son of my sorrow) but Jacob insisted his name be Benjamin / Benyamin (son of my right hand)

  • Gabriel announced to Mary and Joseph that they shall call his name Jesus, Yeshua.

30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. —Luke 1:30-31

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’
25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. —Matthew 1:20-21, 25

What’s in a Name? The importance and power of the name of Jesus.

1) In the name of Jesus, the powers of darkness to us.

  • They submit to the name of Jesus. name delivers and liberates.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ 18 He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’ —Luke 10:17-20

  • that you are going to heaven, that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, that you have everlasting life.

2) There is in the name of Jesus.

Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. —Acts 3:6-10

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” —Acts 4:29-30

3) We are saved through the name of Jesus.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. —Acts 4:12

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. —Romans 10:13

4) We in the name of Jesus.

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. —John 14:13 NIVUK
And I will do whatever you ask in My name [as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it. —John 14:13 AMP

  • To have an effective prayer life, we need to abide in Him so that we ask according to his will. From this position, we ask with authority.
  • The sons of Sceva in Acts 19 tried to invoke the name of Jesus but failed because they were to use it.

The evil spirit retorted, “I know and recognize and acknowledge Jesus, and I know about Paul, but as for you, who are you?” AMP —Acts 19:15

5) The name of Jesus is exalted above every other name.

For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:9-11 AMP