Name Dropping...

All the prophets spoke about [Jesus Christ], saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name.  Acts 10:43

There is a great story in the books of Acts 19 there is a great story about the "sons of Sceva".  If there is video replay in heaven... that is one I want to see!  In the story some people realize that the Apostle Paul and other Christians are healing people and freeing people from demonic possession by the power of Jesus' name.  These sons Sceva, a Jewish High Priest, decide to charge money for the service of casting out demons.  These sons are not followers of Jesus, but they figure what the heck, it will work for us, too.  The they command the demon to come out in the "name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches".  The demon responds, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who are you?"  Then the demon uses the body of the possessed one to attack these seven brothers, beating them up so badly that they run from the house naked and bleeding all over.
This points us not only to the power of Jesus' name, but more importantly, to the power of "believing" in Jesus himself.  It is important that we who are followers of Jesus know that it is "in Jesus name" that our sins are forgiven.  It is in Jesus' name that our prayers are answered.  It is in Jesus' name that we are allowed to approach the "throne of grace" (Heb. 3).
I am able to use my Dad's name to receive help from those who know and respect him.  There is a certain power in being able to trade on the reputation of a famous person, or a person of authority.  American Ambassadors, those who represent our country to other countries are given the power to speak in the name of the President of the United States.  We, who are followers of Jesus, are ambassadors for God in the name of Jesus Christ.  We can speak on God's behalf, without fear.  In fact we are told to pray, share the Gospel, heal, love... well, we are told to do everything we do in the "name of Jesus".  We can do that without the fear of what happened to the sons of Sceva.
Our sins are forgiven, we receive and share grace...in the name of Jesus.  There is power in that name for those who believe... We don't have to be apologetic, we need to be bold.
Be strong in the Lord... not yourself.  Proclaim the forgiveness of sins, yours and others in Jesus name.
Amen!