Power In The Name

Why does Colossians 3:17 tell us that no matter what we do in word or in deed we should do ALL in the name of Jesus? Why is the Bible so cristocentric, or Jesus-only, as some people say? Have you ever wondered what's so special about that name?

The Bible teaches us that all power in Heaven and Earth was given to Jesus Christ (Mat 28:18), so invoking the name of Jesus Christ calls upon all the authority vested in the name. Acts 4:12 teaches us that Jesus is the only saving name, and Philippians 2:10-11 shows that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess at the name of Jesus. Finally, Mark 16:17-18 speaks of the mighty works that believers will do in Jesus name.

But why this persistent focus on Jesus? What about the Father? What about the Holy Ghost? It seems they get pushed to the shadows and Jesus gets to soak up all the limelight doesn't it?

Actually, the confusion comes because people don't realize who Jesus truly is. Let's look at what He said about Himself:

1) I and my Father are one. (Jn 10:30)
2) ...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father... (Jn 14:9)
3) I am come in my Father's name... (Jn 5:43; see also Heb 1:4)
4) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (Jn 14:18)
5) the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name... (Jn 14:26)

The list truly goes on and on........and on........and on.....But the focus here is on the words that Jesus specifically used when describing His relationship within the Godhead (Father, Son, & Holy Ghost) and the attachment of His name to the Godhead.

Notice that Jesus is the name of the Father (Jn 5:43) as well as the Son (do we really need to go there). Additionally, Jn 14:26 emphasizes that the Holy Ghost is sent in the name of Jesus...

So the reason to be so focused on Jesus name is because when you call that name, you are actually calling on the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; they are one and the same, and thus, all have the one and selfsame name!!!

Knowledge Is Power

Ever heard that old adage, "knowledge is power?" It just seems so cliché sometimes, right? But when you actually sit down and study scripture, it's evident that knowledge truly is power. Yup, in fact God puts a high premium on knowledge...

The opening of the book of Proverbs lists one of its purposes as "[to give]...to the young man knowledge and discretion." God wants his people to be knowledgeable in His ways, wise to spiritual things. Just look at what Paul says:

...I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil (Rom 16:19).

So there are some things we should be "ignorant" of, but other things where God expects us to grow. In fact, according to the Bible, we can't even begin gaining knowledge without a fear and respect of God (Prov 1:7).

God even took it a step further and said that His people were destroyed and rejected because of their lack of knowledge (Hos 4:6).

So the answer is to get our noses into the Word of God. Study, ready, consider, and apply God's Word to our lives. Additionally, we MUST NOT discount the effect and need for good teachers and preachers in our lives who can assist us as we learn and grow in knowledge...

Here are a few additional scriptures that may incite some to gain this valuable commodity:

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Cor 2:11)

...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (Daniel 11:32)