Why The Name Must Be - Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
By: Pastor Waheed Ogunjobi
INTRODUCTION
Many call the name "Jesus" today, but nothing happens. Sickness remains, demons resist, prayers appear unanswered. Is the name failing? No. The Bible says:
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." - Philippians 2:9-10
If every knee must bow, why do some knees refuse to bow when we call? The answer may lie in WHICH JESUS we are calling and *WHO* is calling Him.
When Peter met the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, he did not just say "Jesus." He was specific:
"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 rise up and walk." - Acts 3:6
He rose! Peter distinguished his Jesus.
WHY MUST WE DISTINGUISH?
1. Because there are many who bear the name Jesus today. In the time of Jesus, "Jesus" was a common name. Today in Nigeria we have Jesus of Oyingbo, Jesus of Agege, and many self-acclaimed Jesuses. Even in Bible days, Bar-Jesus the sorcerer claimed power - Acts 13:6.
2. Because there are false Jesuses in doctrine. Apostle Paul warned:
_"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached... ye might well bear with him."_ - 2 Corinthians 11:4
There is:
- Another Jesus who is only a prophet, not Son of God.
- Another Jesus who is only a good man, not Saviour.
- Another Jesus who permits sin and has no holiness.
- Another Jesus who is merchandise for miracles without repentance.
These Jesuses have no potency.
3. Because not every caller has relationship. Jesus Himself said:
" Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father..." - Matthew 7:21-23
And in Acts 19:13-16, the seven sons of Sceva said "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth" and the demon replied "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" and beat them. Why? They used the name as incantation without life in Christ.[Yeshua]
KIND OF JESUSES THAT HAVE NO POTENCY
1. Jesus of History Only: A man who lived 2000 years ago but not alive today. No power.
2. Jesus of Oyingbo / Agege / Any Town: Self-acclaimed mortals using the title. They are men.
3. Jesus of Another Gospel:*The one preached by false prophets - a Jesus who does not demand repentance, holiness, and new birth. - Galatians 1:6-8
4. Jesus of the Lips Only: Called by those living in wilful sin, unforgiveness, and unbelief. - Isaiah 29:13, James 1:6-7
5. Jesus as Magic Formula: Used like a charm without faith, obedience, and the Holy Spirit.
WHY WE MUST EMPHASIZE - JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH
1. It identifies the TRUE and HISTORICAL Saviour. Jesus of Nazareth is the one born of a virgin, who died at Golgotha, rose on the third day, and ascended. - Matthew 2:23, Acts 2:22
2. It identifies the ANOINTED ONE. Christ means the Anointed One - the Messiah promised by prophets. - Luke 4:18
3. It provokes Faith and Authority. When you say "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" you are confessing the complete Gospel - His humanity (Nazareth), His Deity and Office (Christ), His Saving Name (Jesus). That revelation carries power.
4. It distinguishes from counterfeits. Just as Peter did, we close the door to demonic confusion.
CONCLUSION: HOW TO MAKE THE NAME POTENT
a) Be born again - John 3:3
b) Live in obedience and holiness - 2 Timothy 2:19
c) Have faith without wavering - Mark 11:23-24
d) Live in the Word and prayer - John 15:7
e) Call on Him with a pure heart - 2 Timothy 2:22
Don't just shout "Jesus!" Shout with knowledge, with relationship, with faith: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!"*
_"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."_ - Acts 4:12
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