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WHAT IS A NAME?

August 27, 2000
How important is the name of a person? Does it have any spiritual significance?

Is it good to abandon a name given by the parents and shorten it? As always, let us turn to the Word of God for insight on this subject.

After God had created all species of animals and birds, he took them to Adam and asked him to give each living creature A NAME! Genesis 2:18-20

Why? The answer to that is found in Genesis 1:26-28, where man is given total dominion over the earth. Thus each animal or bird must be identified and given a proper name, to which they were to respond.

A name identifies a human being or any created being, including angels.

When Terah named his son Abram, that name meant "MIGHTY FATHER." Abram was known under this name, until God changed it to "ABRAHAM," which is "FATHER OF A MULTITUDE." Genesis 17:1-8; His wife’s name was Sarai, which means "princess." God changed her name to "SARAH," which means "MOTHER OF NATIONS."

Isaac and Rebecca named their youngest son Jacob, which means supplanter, swindler.  When Jacob had his encounter with God, his name was changed to "ISRAEL," which means "RULING WITH GOD." Gen.32:22-32

Have you ever wondered why a Roman Catholic cardinal changes his name when he has been elected Pope? Or, why do people initiated into Satanism or witchcraft change their names? Or, why persons converted to Islam change their names?

Moses knew the power that is in a name, and that’s why he asked God, "What is your name?" Exodus 3:1-15

The Jewish leadership was well aware of this power, and used it to make Jesus talk to them - Matthew 26:59-66

Each angel has his own name. Gabriel - "GOD IS MIGHTY." Daniel 8:15-19

Michael - "WHO IS LIKE GOD?" Daniel 12:1

Not all angels will give their name - Judges 13:1-25

Saul (CHOSEN) of Tarsus changed his name to Paul (LITTLE). Acts 13:1-9

Paul wanted to be known as a man that was crucified with Christ - Galatians 2:17-21

A name will either invoke respect - Hebrews 11:32-38, or shame - 2Peter 2:14-17; Hebrews 12:15-17; Jude 8-13

God very carefully prepared the coming of the Messiah. The forerunner was given a very specific name -- JOHN ( YAHWEH IS GRACIOUS) Luke 1:1-22; 57-65 and the Son of God Himself was given several names in advance - Isaiah 9:6-7; and then God instructed Mary to what she should call her son - JESUS (SAVIOUR) Luke 1:26-35

KNOW THIS!  A NAME IMPACTS THE SPIRITUAL WORLD - Acts 4:1-12

Jesus said: IN MY NAME . . . John 16:19-28; Mark 16:15-20THE VALLEY OF DECISION 

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow - Philippians 2:5-11

Demons understand the power of a name! Acts 19:11-17

NOW WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THIS COMMANDMENT!  Do not take the name of God in vain. Exodus 20:7
Do not be sloppy with your mouth! Matthew 12:36-37

Each believer in Christ is a new CREATION! - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

We are offered a new name in eternity - Revelation 2:17

PROTECT YOUR NAME AND REPUTATION

                            BECOME AN OVERCOMER!

Do you have an ear with which to hear ?