Go, In Jesus Name

Now that Easter Sunday, or better named Resurrection Sunday, has come and gone, where do we go from here? Is it churchianity as usual or do we, "...forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead, pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?" (Philippians 3:132-14) For many in the church today, Resurrection Sunday means putting on an Easter outfit, attend a church service, have a fine meal with family, which there is nothing wrong with, and then moving on with business as usual. However, are we seeing Christ's resurrection more than simply a day of traditions or as a catalysis of greater things in Christ and His kingdom? Paul's statement, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was not for him alone, but for all believers to entertain every day of our lives.  

We all have various traditions that we embrace in the natural world, but when it comes to the spiritual world, how few really know, possess, or enjoy what Jesus has provided through His death, resurrection and glorification. You remember that Jesus said as He left the disciples, "In My Name ye shall cast out demons," (Mark 16:17) and you also may recall that a large part of His ministry was filled with combating the unseen hosts of darkness. One would naturally think in reading modern religious literature written today, as well as listening to the average preacher's sermon, that demons either no longer exist or else they had been herded together in the slums of the city and were spending their entire time among that environment only.

When Paul was writing to the church at Ephesus, he told them that their combat was, "not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12) We see this in the prayers of Epaphras for the church at Colossi, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." (Colossians 4:12) Notice that the phrase "always laboring fervently for you in prayers," which means to wrestle, struggle, combat. Who was he wrestling, struggling and combating with? Surely, it was not with the Father, whose eternal purpose through Christ is to bless men. No, he was combating the hidden forces that were warring against the purpose of God.

So many people are held by the power of demons. They want deliverance from sin, addictions and all manner of bondage's, but they are unable to break loose from the bonds that are holding them. They do not need a program, a pill or a doctor, they need deliverance. I do not often share stories of my experiences, but, I will share one here to further my point. I remember a person that I was sharing the gospel with. He was intoxicated when I met him. I later found out that he was held by darkness to alcohol and was constantly intoxicated. As I was speaking to him about Christ, he replied, "I cannot become a Christian. I want to, but something holds me." With that, a chill struck me. My flesh was experiencing the oppression that held him. The Holy Spirit rose up inside of me, I laid a hand on him and from my mouth I spoke with authority, "In the Name of Jesus, release him and come out of him."  With that, the man confessed Christ and was instantly and completely sobered by the power of vested in the Name of Jesus.

The quicker we recognize that the very air about us is filled with hostile forces, who are attempting to destroy our fellowship with the Father, and to deprive us of our usefulness in the service of our Master, the better it will be for us. There are three things necessary in ones life in order to take the victory over demons and bring deliverance to the captives; First, we must be born again children of God. Second, we must not have any unconfessed sin or unforgiveness in the heart, if we do, the demons will laugh at our prayers. Third, we must know the power of the Name of Jesus, and
know how to use it. Please take some time and read the Book of Acts carefully. Notice how the disciples used the Name of Jesus.

For instance, notice the simplicity of Peter's use of the Name of Jesus in Acts chapter three. You will notice that he does not stop to pray for the paralyzed man. All he does, is say, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) There is no hint that he attempted to exercise what we call faith. He did not worry about the situation nor did he stop to analyze what it meant. All he did was to act on the Words of Jesus, "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23) Peter knew that Jesus had given him and all believers (Mark 16:17-18; John 14:12) the right to use His Name to continue the works of the Father on earth. Those in the early church simply entered into the right to use the Name of Jesus with authority, but with the simplicity of a child.

It seems to me that this is the same approach that all believers need to take today, that is, bring back the simplicity of true Christianity. The Christianity of love, power, unity, grace and faith, where Jesus is Master, Lord and King and the church is a direct reflection of Him. So, if you are dealing with defeat or you feel hemmed in by the power of the adversary, I want to encourage you to rise up in the Almighty Name of Jesus, cast off the enemy, receive your deliverance and then go, and set others free in the Almighty Name of Jesus...