THERE IS POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS

Proclamation:

"They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: 'By what power or what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: 'Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 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. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:7-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the written word of Luke, who was the Apostle Paul’s close friend, traveling companion, and personal physician.  Luke wrote this under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to Theophilus, possibly a well known Roman dignitary, and to others who he knew would read his letter.  His purpose was to provide “an orderly account” of the events in the life of the early church.  Here he records that after healing the crippled man by the temple, the priests and the Sadducees had Peter and John arrested, jailed for the night, then brought before them the next day for questioning.  They wanted to know by what power did Peter and John heal the crippled man.  Peter boldly told them that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, and whom God had raised from the dead.

Application:

Jesus gave His disciples power to heal the sick and to cast out demons. (Acts 1:8)  The disciples knew that the power they had was from and because of Jesus.  When they used the power, they did so in the name of Jesus. (Acts 3:6)  Today, there is still power in the name of Jesus.  His name is the only name by which men can be saved.  We can share in His power, if we have the faith, and if ask something in His name that will give God glory, (John 14:13) but we must have faith and believe.  Remember, no prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power.