The Power of His Name
Notes
Transcript
The Power of His Name
The Power of His Name
"Good morning again. Imagine for a moment you were given a key.
This key is not ordinary. It has the power to open doors that no other key can open, doors that lead to freedom, healing, salvation, and countless other blessings.
However, there's one condition: you must use this key and use it correctly. How eager would you be to learn more about it?
Today, we have access to this key, and it’s within our reach.
It's not an ornate golden key or a complex digital code.
It's far simpler, yet infinitely more powerful.
It's a name - the name of Jesus Christ.
Our message today is titled, 'The Power of His Name.'
As we journey through Acts 3:1-4:4, we’ll witness how the Apostles Peter and John wielded this key in faith and transformed the life of one man, sparking a chain of events that led many to faith in Christ.
Are you ready to explore the power that lies within His name?
Are you prepared to understand, embrace, and share this power?
Because we, beloved, have this message to give to a world that needs Jesus.
So, let us delve into God's word and explore the awe-inspiring, life-altering power of His name.
Let’s begin by reading our text. It’s a bit long, but let’s go for it.
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
The emphasis in Acts 3 and 4 is on the name of the Lord Jesus.
A name, of course, implies much more than identification; it carries with it authority, reputation, and power.
When somebody says, “You can use my name!” you sincerely hope the name is worth using.
If an order is given in the name of the President of the United States or the Prime Minister of Great Britain, those who receive the order know that they are obligated to obey.
If I were to issue orders at the White House or at No. 10 Downing Street (even if I could get in), nobody would pay much attention because my name has no official authority behind it.
But the name of the Lord Jesus has all authority behind it, for He is the Son of God (Matt. 28:18).
Because His name is “above every name” (Phil. 2:9–11), He deserves our worship and obedience.
The great concern of the first Christians was that the name of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, be glorified; and believers today should have that same concern.
There are three stages in this event, and each stage reveals something wonderful about Jesus Christ.
The first...
Witness the Miraculous Healing Power of Jesus
Witness the Miraculous Healing Power of Jesus
The scene unfolds as Peter and John approach the temple, a place of worship, and encounter a man whose life is about to be transformed by the name of Jesus.
A. The Lame Man Encounters Peter and John
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
The lame man, carried daily to the temple gate called Beautiful, was a familiar sight to many.
Unable to walk and likely unable to work, he relied on the charity of others for his livelihood.
Many of us encounter people in need in our daily lives.
The plight of this man prompts us to examine how we respond to those in need around us.
Do we offer aid, a kind word, or perhaps something more meaningful and long-lasting, such as sharing the good news of Jesus?
B. Peter and John had faith and believed in the Authority of the Name of Jesus
4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
Peter and John, upon seeing the lame man, didn't just walk by.
They didn't have physical riches to give, but what they offered was far more valuable.
'Look on us,' Peter commanded, drawing the man's attention to the potential of something extraordinary.
Today, we are called to similar boldness. To step out in faith, with authority in the name of Jesus, and offer spiritual richness that can change lives.
C. What We See Next Demonstrated the Power of Jesus' Name
7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.
Upon Peter's command, 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,' the man's feet and ankles were instantly strengthened.
He stood up, started walking, and jumping, fully healed!
This miracle, performed in the name of Jesus, shows that Jesus' power to heal and transform lives is as real today as it was then.
Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, Jesus is able to restore us completely.
D. The Crowd's Astonishment and Our Call to Witness His Power
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
The crowd, recognizing the man and his previous condition, were filled with wonder and amazement.
Our response should be no different.
When we see God working in our lives or the lives of others, it should fill us with awe.
Moreover, it should compel us to share these works of God, to testify to His power and goodness in our lives, making it relevant in today's world that is often cynical and disbelieving.
In doing so, we continue to carry the power of His name, spreading His love and transformation to the corners of our world.
Next we hear the indictment upon those who killed Jesus.
II. Acknowledge Jesus, the Divine Son of God
II. Acknowledge Jesus, the Divine Son of God
As the crowd grew and people marveled at the miraculous healing, Peter seized the opportunity to point everyone's attention to the true source of this power, Jesus, the Divine Son of God.
A. Peter's Explanation to the Amazed Crowd (Acts 3:11-12)
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
Peter, seeing the crowd's astonishment, didn't miss the chance to proclaim the true power behind the miracle.
He asked, "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you?"
In the same way, we too should not shy away from opportunities to give credit where it's due - to Jesus.
In moments of success or when God works in a mighty way, it is our duty to point back to the Lord, directing the attention to His power and grace.
B. Jesus: The Glorified Son of God, Betrayed and Denied (Acts 3:13-14)
13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
Peter then recounts the painful truth: Jesus, the Son of God, was delivered up and denied even when Pilate wished to release Him.
His audience chose a murderer over the Holy One.
In today's world, similar choices confront us.
Do we choose convenience, worldly desires, or personal ambitions over Jesus, denying His sovereignty in our lives?
C. The Resurrection of the Prince of Life and Our Witness (Acts 3:15)
15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
It didn’t stop with the crucifixion. God raised Jesus, the Prince of Life, from the dead.
In His resurrection, we see the triumph of divine love and power over sin and death, a victory we are called to share as witnesses.
Just as the Apostles testified about Jesus' resurrection, we should also bear witness to His power over death in our lives, sharing our experiences of spiritual rebirth and transformation with others.
D. Healing Through Faith in His Name and Our Acknowledgment (Acts 3:16)
16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Peter boldly states that it was faith in Jesus' name that healed the lame man.
This faith is not only in words but in a personal relationship with Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, and surrendering to His lordship.
Today, as we call upon His name in faith, we open the door to miraculous transformations in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Let us boldly declare our faith, acknowledge His divine authority, and witness His power at work in our lives today.
And finally, the third stage we see happening...
IV. Embrace Jesus, Our Saviour and Redeemer
IV. Embrace Jesus, Our Saviour and Redeemer
A. Peter's Call for Repentance and Conversion (Acts 3:17-19)
17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Peter, understanding the ignorance that led to Jesus's crucifixion, compassionately calls for repentance and conversion.
His message is clear: It's not too late to turn back.
This message of hope extends to us today.
No matter how far we have strayed or how long we have ignored God's calling, we can repent, turn back, and be welcomed into God's loving embrace.
B. Jesus, the Promised Messiah: Our Savior and Redeemer (Acts 3:20-21)
20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, the One promised by the prophets.
His arrival and sacrifice fulfilled the prophecies, and His return will complete God's plan of salvation.
We live in anticipation of this glorious day, knowing that as we embrace Him as our Saviour and Redeemer, we have hope for this life and for eternity.
C. Moses’ Prophecy and the Call to Listen to Jesus (Acts 3:22-23)
22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’
Peter reminds the crowd of Moses' prophecy about a prophet like him whom everyone should listen to.
That prophet is Jesus. Moses' prophecy invites us today to listen to Jesus - in His Word, in our prayers, and in our daily living.
The willingness to hear His voice and respond obediently is a key aspect of our Christian walk.
D. The Power of the Gospel Message and Our Embrace (Acts 3:24-4:4)
24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
Peter's sermon led to the conversion of about an additional two thousand men.
This highlights the power of the Gospel message when shared passionately and truthfully.
As we embrace Jesus as our Saviour and Redeemer, we're also entrusted with this Gospel message.
We're called to share it in our homes, workplaces, and communities, trusting that the Holy Spirit will touch hearts and transform lives, just as it did in Acts.
This is not a mere assignment but an honor and a privilege, to partake in God's grand plan of salvation for all humanity.
Just imagine if we experienced this kind of church growth. Using the same percentage of growth the early church witnessed from Pentecost to this message, it would be like we would have 1,200 people here next Sunday.
Where would we put them all?
Conclusion:
As we journeyed through Acts 3:1-4:4, we've seen the transformative power of Jesus' name.
From a lame man leaping with joy to an astonished crowd witnessing the miracle - the name of Jesus changes lives.
This power is not confined to the pages of the Bible or the era of the apostles.
It is as real and relevant today as it was then.
Each of us can access this power through faith, enabling us to live victoriously and make an impact in our world.
The Big Takeaway
The big takeaway from this message is the reminder that we have what the world needs - Jesus!
In a world marked by pain, confusion, and despair, the message of Jesus – His love, healing, and salvation – is the beacon of hope.
As believers, we're not just recipients of this hope, but carriers of it. What a tremendous responsibility and privilege we have to share this message with our world!
Next Steps
Prayer and Faith: Spend time in prayer daily, affirming your faith in Jesus' name. Remember the power that lies in His name and let that fuel your faith as you pray for personal needs or intercede for others.
Acknowledgment and Praise: Make a deliberate effort to acknowledge Jesus in all areas of your life. Let His praise be on your lips, in your home, at your workplace, and in your interactions with others. Remember, every step you take is an opportunity to witness His power.
Action and Evangelism: Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. Pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in sharing the Gospel with them this week. You have the message that can transform their life, just as the lame man at the temple gate was transformed.
Living out these steps will not only strengthen your personal faith journey but also enable you to be an effective vessel of His love and power in your world. Let's live out the power of His name!