Scripture of The Day
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
The Word, the Name, the Blood is the theme at our church. Like many churches, we have majored on the power of the Word of God because it’s the Word of God that sets us free. Jesus said in John 8:31,32, “If you abide in My word . . . you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” The Word of God can and will set you free. We know there’s power in the Word of God. We know there’s power in the name of Jesus. When Peter and John were standing in front of the lame man in Acts chapter 3, they said to him, “In the name of Jesus, rise and walk.” The man jumped up and leaped, totally healed.
The Word says Peter looked out at the crowd and asked them why they were so amazed? “It’s not us. It’s the power in the name.” Then Peter went on to preach faith in the name of Jesus because he wanted them to know that it was Jesus Who had given this man strength and made him whole. The name of Jesus is above every name that is named (Philippians 2:9). There is no name above the name of Jesus. Every name that is named has to bow to the name of Jesus. Cancer is a name and it has to bow to the name of Jesus. Diabetes is a name and it has to bow to the name of Jesus. Sickness, disease, and poverty are just names and they all have to bow to the name of Jesus. The Scripture tells us over and over and over again – it’s by the name. When Peter and the apostles were arrested in Acts chapter 4, the religious leaders told them one thing. Quit preaching about that name! Don’t speak the name.
There’s power in the Word, there’s power in the name, and there is power in the blood. One teaching in the Bible that has been overlooked by some in the church is the power of the blood of Jesus. One major denomination put out a new version of the Bible a few years ago and omitted fifteen references to the blood of Jesus! Another major denomination decided their songs had too much about the blood, so they eliminated all songs in their hymnals which referred to the blood. Much of the religious community has the view that we are more civilized now and talking about blood is offensive.
The devil wants us to eliminate the blood from our theology, so we will be powerless. A powerless Christian is easily defeated. A powerless Christian is easily deceived. A powerless Christian will easily fall into sin. Satan knows if he can deceive us into ignoring the blood, we will be overtaken. As a believer you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not move into a vessel that’s full of sin. When you were saved, you were made righteous by the blood of Jesus cleansing you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7). Without the blood cleansing you from all unrighteousness, the Spirit of God will not live in you and will not move through you. So, speak the Word, use the name, and plead the blood.
