In the Name of Jesus

There have been many works written instructing the church on the how-to’s of working miracles. Such have rendered many formulas and rituals that have profited nothing. I believe that what we are to know of this matter is not at all as complicated as we are led to believe.

St. Mark 16:17-18

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

If it is indeed impossible for our Lord to lie, then it is a certainty that the working of miracles is simply the signs that will follow those who believe. These signs are evidences that the messengers are sent by God and that they are at one with His Christ. It is reported in some circles that miracles were only wrought by the hands of the apostles, and that they were only done to establish the Church. And since the church has been established, there is now no need for miracles. But, I beg to disagree with my esteemed colleagues. The scripture is clear. These signs shall follow those who believe.

There are those who believe and are called to the service of the Lord throughout all generations of the Church. And as for the apostles being the only ones capable of working miracles, what are we to do with Deacon Stephen and Evangelist Phillip, seeing as how they, too, engaged in the working of miracles in the ministries? Keep in mind that it is only through Jesus Christ that the Father can be glorified.

St. John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

It is Christ’s life that the Father has accepted and it is His intercession that has gained the Father’s ear. Thus, true intercession, whether it is prayer for salvation, healing or the working of miracles must be for Christ’s sake.

As we look into the working of the first miracle in the church, let us not view it with the intent to devise some formula we are to implore. When all is said and done, miracle ministry as is all ministry is of the Father.

Acts 3:6-7

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: 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.

St. John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The inference here is that the Holy Ghost will come to teach or confirm the words of Jesus. He will set the boundaries for the knowledge of God according to those things Christ has already taught. In doing so He has come to perfect the work Christ started. Therefore, He comes “in the name of” or rather “on account of” Jesus Christ. And now back to our base scriptures.

Acts 3:6-7

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: 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.

Acts 4:10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Many times in teaching this passage the focus is placed on the phrase, “in the name of Jesus,” rather than “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” The purpose of the apostle is to certainly identity the source of this miracle. It is done by the power of the same Jesus whom you put on the cross and placed the sign over his head that read, “JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS.”

Acts 3:11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

It was the intent of the Holy Ghost to gather the people to hear the Word of God. The same is true today. However, many of us have forsaken the power of the Spirit and have sought to substitute His ability with abundant advertising dollars and networking. Many have been deceived in that they are able, by carnal means to gather large crowds into great arenas. This is looked upon as ministerial success. However, I guarantee that privately, many of my sisters and brothers who are able to so do are altogether frustrated by the lack of miracle working power after they have successfully gathered the lame, the sick and diseased, the possessed and the dying.

I do not speak these things as an indictment against any, for up to this day I, myself, have not hosted a service where all were healed. But, likewise, I know that I cannot hide behind the unbelief of a few and say that is the reason I was unable to do many signs and wonders in that service. It is the working of miracles that encourages belief. This is a necessary element in the ministry of those called to the forefront of the reformation. It is the life of Christ that is empowered to glorify the Father with signs and wonders. Therefore, it is evident that if God is not working with me in this area, then it is also manifest that I am walking in ways that do not please the Father.

The Lord will not compromise with unrighteousness to accommodate me or anyone else; nor will any of the good works I have done in ministry qualify me for such a privilege. The ministry of Jesus must be performed by Jesus the Christ. I must be fully controlled by His Spirit, without controversy before I can be trusted with such great honor. I solicit your prayers in this! Pray that I will find mercy and grace as I seek to destroy all influence of the flesh in my walk before Him.

This is a very serious request, for if I do not accomplish the revelation of Christ that has been given to me, then I will surely perish. To whom much is given much is required.

Acts 3:12

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Peter is quick to assert that it is not by their power or holiness that this miracle is done. This must be the mind of us all if we are to work the ministry of reconciliation. The conviction of our heart as well as the confession of our mouth must agree that it is the righteousness of our Lord, who lives through us, who is the source of all power. It is the life of Christ that is given power over all the power of the enemy. This mentality will destroy the concept of the power of the Holy Ghost being a private possession of particular ones in the faith. Peter and John never laid claim to being the source of this power, nor did they attribute it to any righteousness of their own. This is important because many judge themselves to be holy enough to be used by the Father when in truth the Father is only impressed by the life He has given us; the life of His Son Jesus.

Acts 3:13-16

13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

The purposes of this miracle and all other works of the Spirit are:

1. to confirm Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Son of the Living God.

2. to show evidence of His resurrection.

3. to declare Him as both Lord and Christ.

4. to glorify the Father through the Son.

We must not allow our flesh to compete with this purpose. To do so, grieves the Holy Ghost and He will not aid such vanity. It is in the mind of Christ in which these truths are not a struggle. We have the mind of Christ. We need only to walk after the Spirit and the power of the resurrected Christ is available to us in situations that will perform all of the above. Be encouraged my sisters and brothers, the Lord has purposed to bring forth a finished work in us. He is delighted to do so. Our equity is our love for one another. Our plea is for His righteousness to reign supreme. Let us continue to draw nigh unto Him. He has heard the cry of the pure in heart and will speedily answer.