May 16th, 2021
by Kevin Benton
by Kevin Benton
Remember, there is no magic in faith or in names. You can name the name of Jesus a thousand times; but if you will not follow the nature of Jesus the name of Jesus will not mean anything to you. We cannot worship God and live after our own nature. It is when God’s nature and our nature begin to harmonize that the power of the name of God begins to operate within us.
(A.W. Tozer, Worship and Entertainment, 7-8)
(A.W. Tozer, Worship and Entertainment, 7-8)
Reflection by Pastor Kevin
Acta 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
Acts 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Acts 19:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
Acts 19:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
There is a difference between knowing the name of Jesus and knowing Jesus. These seven sons of Sceva knew that the name of Jesus had power when used by Paul and other believers. They figured they could use His name and have the same power over evil spirits. Oh how they were surprised when the spirits spoke to them. These spirits told them they did not know them and proceeded to beat up on them. Evil spirits know who Jesus is. Evil spirits know who His followers are. Evil spirits know there limitations and have to follow them.
There are rules, principles, guidelines and boundaries in the spiritual realm. All things must follow and adhere to these rules. Here are a few of these boundaries. Christ is supreme to all things. (Colossians 1:15-17) He is the head of the Church and we are his body.(Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23). His name has power. (Philippians 2:19) Believers have power in this realm when submitted to God. (James 4:7) Let us not be like the seven sons of Sceva thinking that we have power in Jesus when we know him in name only and are not in a submitted relationship with Him.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:15-20 that we will be recognized by the fruit that we bear. Jesus also tells us that in John 15 that He is the vine and we are the branches. If we abide in Him we will bear much fruit. He also says that without Him we can not bear any fruit. The word abide means to remain. stay, continue or dwell.(as in marriage) Brothers and Sisters let us continue to develop our relationship with Jesus on a daily basis. Let us have a relationship with Him and not just know His name. Let us bear the fruit of Jesus on the trees of each of our lives. Let us all walk in victory as we abide in Jesus!!! (P.K.)
No Comments