Embracing Our Identity in the Name of Jesus
Summary
In a world filled with chaos and distraction, it’s easy to lose sight of the presence and power of God in our lives. Yet, no matter what we face, Jesus is always near, ready to make a way and minister to us. The defining mark—the trademark—of God’s people is not our faith, our worship style, or even our good works, but the name of Jesus itself. Just as companies use trademarks to identify their products, the name of Jesus brands us as His own, setting us apart and giving us access to His authority and power.
This identity is not something we can simply choose or inherit by association; it requires a new birth, being born again of water and Spirit. Baptism in the name of Jesus is how we are marked as His, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost is not just a badge to wear, but a power to be used and maintained. Like a brand on cattle that must be refreshed, our relationship with Jesus must be continually nurtured and renewed. It’s not enough to have the name; we must let it govern our lives, our thoughts, and our actions.
The name of Jesus is not misleading or powerless like some earthly brands. It is the source of salvation, deliverance, and victory over every stronghold, including those that take root in our minds—depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. God’s love, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus, assures us of our value and belonging. When we call on His name, heaven responds, demons tremble, and lives are transformed.
Our identity and effectiveness as the church are not tied to denominational labels or social programs, but to the name of Jesus. All glory belongs to Him, not to us or our works. Every miracle, every revival, every act of healing is a testament to the power of His name. As we allow His name to rule in our hearts and minds, we become true reflections of His love and power in the world.
Key Takeaways
- The Name of Jesus Is Our True Identity
Our identity as God’s people is not found in outward expressions, traditions, or even our faith alone, but in the name of Jesus. This name is the mark that sets us apart, giving us access to His authority and making us His own. Everything we do, in word or deed, must be done in His name, for it is the only name under heaven by which we are saved. [09:46]
- Spiritual Birth Is Essential for Belonging
Entry into God’s family is not achieved by mere association, tradition, or human effort. Jesus taught that we must be born again—of water and Spirit—to truly belong. This spiritual rebirth is how the name of Jesus is applied to our lives, marking us as His and enabling us to live in the fullness of His promises. [11:14]
- Relationship with Jesus Requires Ongoing Maintenance
Just as a brand on cattle fades without renewal, our relationship with Jesus must be actively maintained. The Holy Ghost is not a trophy but a living power to be used daily. We must engage in continual communication, worship, and obedience, allowing our connection with Him to remain vibrant and effective. [16:43]
- The Name of Jesus Breaks Strongholds in the Mind
Many of the greatest battles are fought in our minds—against fear, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. The name of Jesus is powerful to tear down these strongholds, bringing healing and restoration. God’s love and the authority of His name assure us of our worth and empower us to overcome every lie of the enemy. [23:39]
- All Glory Belongs to Jesus Alone
No matter the miracles, growth, or good works we experience, the credit belongs solely to Jesus. Our effectiveness and identity are not in our own efforts or in denominational labels, but in the name of Jesus. Every testimony of transformation is a result of His power, and we must continually point all praise and recognition back to Him. [37:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - God’s Presence in Chaos
[01:48] - The Importance of Trademarks
[03:48] - Branding and Identity
[05:11] - What Is the Church’s Trademark?
[08:15] - Common Misconceptions About Our Identity
[09:46] - The Name of Jesus: Our True Mark
[11:14] - Being Born Again: Entering God’s Family
[14:50] - Maintaining the Trademark
[16:43] - Relationship Requires Action
[18:30] - The Power and Integrity of the Name
[23:39] - Breaking Strongholds and Knowing Our Worth
[29:06] - The Transforming Power of Baptism
[32:09] - Letting the Name Govern Our Lives
[37:21] - All Glory to Jesus
[43:00] - Calling on the Name for Healing and Deliverance
[43:43] - Closing Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Trademark of the Church
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### Bible Reading
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
> And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
John 3:5 (ESV)
> Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 3:17, what are we supposed to do “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
2. In John 3:5, what two things does Jesus say are necessary to enter the kingdom of God?
3. The sermon compared the name of Jesus to a trademark or brand. What are some ways the pastor described how a trademark works? [[03:48]]
4. What are some things the pastor said are NOT the true “trademark” or mark of God’s people? [[09:46]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul tells us to do “everything” in the name of Jesus, not just some things? What does that look like in real life? [[09:46]]
2. The pastor said you can’t just “join” God’s family by association or tradition, but must be “born again.” Why is this spiritual birth so important, and how does it relate to our identity? [[11:14]]
3. The sermon talked about the need to “maintain” our relationship with Jesus, like rebranding cattle. What does it mean to keep our relationship with Jesus fresh and active? [[16:43]]
4. The pastor mentioned that the name of Jesus breaks strongholds in our minds, like depression or feelings of worthlessness. Why do you think the name of Jesus has this kind of power? [[23:39]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said it’s easy to get distracted by chaos and forget that Jesus is near. What is one area of your life where you tend to forget about God’s presence? How can you remind yourself to call on His name in those moments? [[00:40]]
2. The sermon made it clear that being part of God’s family isn’t about tradition or just showing up to church. Have you ever relied on “church habits” or family background instead of a real relationship with Jesus? What would it look like to take a step toward a deeper relationship this week? [[11:14]]
3. The pastor said the Holy Ghost isn’t a trophy, but a power to be used and maintained. In what ways have you been “using” or “not using” the Holy Ghost in your daily life? What’s one way you can be more intentional about this? [[16:43]]
4. The sermon talked about strongholds in our minds—like anxiety, depression, or feeling worthless. Is there a specific thought or feeling you struggle with that you need to bring to Jesus? What would it look like to call on His name in that area this week? [[23:39]]
5. The pastor said our identity and effectiveness as a church is not in our programs or labels, but in the name of Jesus. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to find your worth in what you do, rather than who you belong to? How can you shift your focus back to Jesus? [[37:21]]
6. The sermon challenged us to let the name of Jesus “govern” our lives, thoughts, and actions. Is there a specific area (like your words, your attitude, or your decisions) where you need to let Jesus have more control? What’s one step you can take this week? [[32:09]]
7. The pastor shared stories of miracles and transformation that happened when people called on the name of Jesus. Is there someone in your life who needs healing or deliverance? How can you pray for them specifically by name this week? [[43:00]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Name of Jesus is Our Trademark
The defining mark of the church is not our faith, our worship style, or even our good works, but the name of Jesus itself. His name is above every name, and it is the name we call on in times of trouble, the name that brands us as His own, and the name that gives us authority and identity as children of God. Everything we do, whether in word or deed, is to be done in the name of Jesus, for it is His name that ties us to Him and to His church. [10:30]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life today can you intentionally act or speak in the name of Jesus, making His name your true identity and motivation?
Day 2: Born Again—Entering the Family of God
To truly bear the name of Jesus, one must be born again—born of water and of the Spirit. This is not something that can be achieved by simply joining a church, shaking a preacher’s hand, or by any human effort alone. It is a spiritual rebirth that marks us as part of God’s family, a transformation that comes through baptism in Jesus’ name and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This new birth is the only way to be truly branded as His. [12:30]
John 3:5 (ESV)
"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: Have you experienced the new birth Jesus describes? If so, how can you live out your identity as someone born of water and Spirit today? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation?
Day 3: Maintaining Our Relationship with Jesus
Having the name of Jesus applied to our lives is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing relationship and maintenance. Just as a brand on cattle fades if not renewed, our connection with Jesus must be actively maintained through prayer, worship, and daily communication with Him. This relationship is not one-sided—He desires us to talk to Him, trust Him, and show our love for Him, not just in words but in action. [16:43]
James 4:8 (ESV)
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally nurture your relationship with Jesus today, beyond just words or routine?
Day 4: The Power of the Name of Jesus Over Strongholds
The name of Jesus is not misleading or powerless; it is the source of victory over every stronghold, especially those in our minds. When we call on His name, every demon trembles, and strongholds of fear, anxiety, depression, and self-worth are broken. God’s love and power are available to us, and His name is the key to overcoming the lies and attacks of the enemy that try to take root in our thoughts. [23:39]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV)
"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What negative thought or stronghold do you need to bring under the authority of Jesus’ name today, and how can you do that in prayer?
Day 5: It’s All About His Glory, Not Ours
Everything we do as the church must point to Jesus and not to ourselves. Whether it’s acts of service, revival, or miracles, the glory belongs to Him alone. Our trademark is not our good deeds or our reputation, but the name of Jesus. We must continually remind ourselves that it is His name that brings healing, salvation, and blessing, and that all we do should be for His glory, not our own. [37:21]
Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Is there an area where you are tempted to seek recognition for your service or good works? How can you shift your focus today to give all the glory to Jesus?
Quotes
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