Knowing Jesus: The Gospel, His Name, and Our Faith

Nov 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Rejoice Because Your Name Is Written in Heaven

There is no greater reason to rejoice than knowing your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This assurance means that God knows you personally, calls you by name, and walks with you through every season of life. No matter what you face or what burdens you carry, the reality that you belong to Him outweighs every complaint or hardship. Let your heart be filled with gratitude and joy, for your salvation is secure and your identity is found in Christ. [27:38]

Luke 10:20 (ESV)
"Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Reflection: When was the last time you truly rejoiced over your salvation? Take a moment today to thank God specifically for writing your name in His Book and reflect on how this truth can reshape your attitude in difficult circumstances.

Day 2: Believe in Jesus—The Only Way to Salvation

Belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is the foundation of salvation. There are many voices in the world claiming different paths, but Scripture is clear: there is only one way, and His name is Jesus. Faith is not just mental agreement but a wholehearted trust that leads to transformation. If you believe, you are saved; if not, you stand condemned already. Let your faith be active, living, and rooted in the truth of who Jesus is. [35:25]

John 3:16 (ESV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you are struggling to fully trust Jesus as the only way? Ask God to reveal any doubts and help you surrender them to Him today.

Day 3: Jesus—The Lamb of God Who Takes Away Sin

Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise, the spotless Lamb who was born, lived, and died to take away the sins of the world. From His miraculous birth to His sacrificial death, every detail points to God’s plan of redemption. He took your place, bore your punishment, and removed the evidence of your sin by His blood. The cross is not just a story; it is your story of pardon, healing, and new life. [52:20]

John 1:29 (ESV)
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'"

Reflection: What “evidence” of past sin or shame are you still holding onto? Bring it to Jesus in prayer and thank Him for removing it completely by His sacrifice.

Day 4: The Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not just for a select few or for emotional experiences; He is the promised power for every believer to be a witness for Jesus. When the Spirit fills you, He gives you boldness, transforms your heart, and enables you to live out the gospel. Just as the early church waited, prayed, and received, you too are invited to seek a fresh outpouring of God’s presence and power in your life. [01:22:21]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to be a more effective witness for Jesus? Ask God to fill you afresh and give you boldness today.

Day 5: Jesus Is Coming Again—Live Ready and Expectant

The story of the gospel is not finished; Jesus is coming back just as He promised. The hope of His return should fill you with anticipation and motivate you to live holy, thankful, and ready. There is a glorious future for those who belong to Him—a reunion, a celebration, and an eternity in His presence. Let this hope anchor your soul and shape your priorities as you await His return. [01:20:55]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV)
"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: If Jesus were to return today, is there anything in your life you would want to change? What step can you take right now to live more expectantly and ready for His coming?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to remember and rejoice in the greatest news ever given: that Jesus Christ knows us by name, walks with us, and has written our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is the foundation of our hope and the reason for our joy, no matter what we face. The heart of the gospel is not just a story, but a living reality—God Himself came down, born of a virgin, lived among us, and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are not distant events, but the very power that transforms us, gives us new birth, and fills us with the Holy Spirit.

We traced the journey of Jesus from His miraculous birth, through His humble upbringing, to His anointed ministry. He fulfilled every prophecy, lived in perfect obedience, and showed us the heart of the Father. He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, faced temptation in the wilderness, and overcame by the Word of God. His ministry was marked by healing, deliverance, and the proclamation of the kingdom, but also by confrontation with religious pride and empty tradition.

Jesus willingly went to the cross, taking our place, bearing our sin, and offering forgiveness even to those who crucified Him. His blood covers every sin, and His resurrection broke the power of death. He appeared to many, proving He was alive, and then ascended to the Father, promising the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out, empowering believers to be witnesses and to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

This good news demands a response: repentance, faith, and a life surrendered to Jesus. The invitation is open—to receive forgiveness, to be filled with the Spirit, to walk in newness of life, and to live in expectation of His return. The story isn’t over; Jesus is coming again, and we are called to be ready, to live thankful, holy lives, and to let the gospel burn within us, just as it did for those disciples on the road to Emmaus. Let us become more aware of His presence, more hungry for His Spirit, and more bold in sharing this life-changing news.

Key Takeaways

1. Rejoicing in Our Identity: The greatest reason for joy is not in spiritual accomplishments or outward blessings, but in knowing our names are written in heaven. This identity is secure, not because of our works, but because of Christ’s finished work. When we truly grasp this, gratitude and worship become our natural response, even in seasons of hardship or uncertainty. [27:38]
2. The Power of Belief and the Offense of the Gospel: Genuine faith in Jesus as the only way to the Father is both a dividing line and a source of life. The gospel confronts unbelief and cannot be watered down to avoid offense; to believe is to cross from condemnation to salvation. Our calling is not to condone sin or soften truth, but to lovingly proclaim the necessity of faith in Christ alone. [36:46]
3. The Holy Spirit Conceives and Grows Christ Within Us: Just as Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, so every believer receives Christ within by the Spirit’s power. This is not just for personal experience, but so that Christ might be revealed through us to the world. The Spirit’s work is to make us bold witnesses, to grow Christ’s character in us, and to empower us to give Jesus away to others. [42:21]
4. The Cross Removes Both Sin and Its Evidence: At Calvary, Jesus not only bore our sins but also removed the evidence that could condemn us. Like Peter’s attack on the high priest’s servant, where Jesus healed and erased the proof, so too does His blood cover and erase every accusation against us. This is not a license to sin, but a call to live in the freedom and assurance of total forgiveness. [68:15]
5. The Ongoing Work of the Spirit and the Urgency of Readiness: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event, but an ongoing invitation to be filled, empowered, and transformed. The early church was marked by prayer, unity, and boldness, and we are called to seek a fresh outpouring in our day. With the promise of Christ’s return, we must live watchful, thankful, and surrendered, letting the gospel burn in our hearts and overflow to the world. [84:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:54] - Jesus Knows You by Name
[27:38] - Rejoice: Your Name Is Written in Heaven
[28:53] - The Reason for Our Joy
[30:08] - A Call to Thankfulness and Holiness
[32:43] - The Gospel: Good News for All
[34:08] - The Necessity of Belief
[38:02] - The Birth of Jesus and the Virgin Mary
[41:09] - The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Believer
[44:12] - The Humble Birth in Bethlehem
[46:05] - The Significance of the Shepherds and the Lamb
[47:20] - Jesus’ Early Life and Divine Identity
[50:27] - John the Baptist: Preparing the Way
[52:20] - The Baptism of Jesus and the Trinity
[54:48] - The Wilderness Temptation and the Power of the Word
[58:46] - Living by the Word of God
[61:23] - The Anointed Ministry of Jesus
[65:44] - The Last Supper and Gethsemane
[68:15] - The Cross: Forgiveness and the Removal of Sin
[73:19] - The Resurrection and the Empty Tomb
[75:55] - The Road to Emmaus: Hearts Burning
[79:39] - The Ascension and the Promise of the Spirit
[82:21] - Pentecost: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
[84:53] - The Church Empowered and the Call to Repentance
[87:58] - The Second Coming and Final Invitation
[91:12] - Invitation to the Altar and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Rejoicing in the Gospel and Living Ready

Bible Reading

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV)

> And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

John 3:16 (ESV)

> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 10:20 (ESV)

> Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Observation Questions

According to Mark 16:15-16, what is the connection between belief, baptism, and salvation? What does Jesus say happens to those who do not believe? ([33:26])
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the greatest reason for our joy as believers? ([27:38])
How does the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus show the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing Christ into the world? ([41:09])
What did Jesus do for us on the cross, according to the sermon? How does the pastor describe the removal of both sin and its evidence? ([01:08:15])

Interpretation Questions

The pastor says our identity and joy come from knowing our names are written in heaven, not from spiritual accomplishments. Why is this important for how we see ourselves and live out our faith? ([27:38])
The sermon talks about the “offense of the gospel” and the necessity of belief in Jesus as the only way. Why is it sometimes hard for people to accept this message, and how should we respond? ([36:46])
The pastor compares Mary conceiving Jesus by the Holy Spirit to believers receiving Christ within by the Spirit’s power. What does it mean for Christ to be “conceived and growing” in us? ([42:21])
The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s outpouring is not just a one-time event but an ongoing invitation. What does it look like for a church or a believer to seek a “fresh outpouring” of the Spirit today? ([01:24:53])

Application Questions

The pastor says the greatest reason for joy is knowing your name is written in heaven, not in what you do or accomplish. When you think about your own life, do you find your identity more in your achievements or in what Christ has done for you? How can you remind yourself of your true identity this week? ([27:38])
The gospel message is described as both good news and a dividing line. Have you ever felt pressure to “soften” the truth about Jesus to avoid offending someone? How did you handle it, or how do you wish you had? ([36:46])
The pastor says the Holy Spirit wants to make us bold witnesses and to “grow Christ’s character” in us. Is there an area of your life where you feel the Spirit prompting you to be more like Jesus or to share your faith more boldly? What is one step you can take this week? ([42:21])
The sermon describes how Jesus’ blood not only forgives our sins but also removes the evidence that could condemn us. Are there past sins or regrets that still make you feel condemned? What would it look like to live in the freedom and assurance of total forgiveness? ([01:08:15])
The early church was marked by prayer, unity, and boldness after the Holy Spirit was poured out. Which of these do you feel is most lacking in your own walk or in our church? What is one practical way you can help strengthen this area? ([01:24:53])
The pastor urges us to live “watchful, thankful, and surrendered,” letting the gospel burn in our hearts. What is one habit or practice you could start (or restart) to help you stay ready and expectant for Jesus’ return? ([01:24:53])
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus ends with their hearts burning within them as Jesus opened the Scriptures. When was the last time you felt that kind of excitement or hunger for God’s Word? What could you do to rekindle that passion? ([01:15:55])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person rejoice in their identity in Christ, to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, and to live boldly and expectantly for Jesus’ return. Invite the Holy Spirit to make the gospel burn within your hearts and overflow to others.

Sermon Clips

“How many know Jesus was born? Huh? Look, Jesus didn't just show up grown. He could have. He could have did it any kind of way. God could have had it any kind of way. But how many know that Jesus was born? The Bible said in Matthew 1:18, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise when he as his mother Mary was a spouse to Joseph before they came together, she was found a child of the Holy Ghost." Woo. How many know this story?”

“But I do pray to her son cuz Jesus, hallelujah, he died, but he not dead. He's alive today. But but Mary was a good woman. And Mary happened to be in the lineage of David. Y'all know David? Y'all know David to do with the Huh? The one that can play the harp. The one that killed a giant. Yeah. David. David.”

“And the angel said after the Holy Ghost, anybody ever had the Holy Ghost come on you? The Holy Ghost come on you. You shall conceive in your womb. And I thought to myself one day, I thought to myself, this thing hit me boy like a tongue. I thought to myself, you know what? That's exactly what happens to people. It happens to people.”

“But the power of the Holy Ghost is to give you a boldness to be a witness of Jesus Christ so that you might be able to tell him. You might be able to preach the gospel also. And what happens is, I'm going to tell you what happens when the Holy Ghost comes on you. You know what happens to you? Jesus is conceived inside you also.”

“As you start eating of the word, praise God, drinking of the word and getting in prayer and having communion with him, he starts to grow on the inside of you. And just like Mary, after about nine months, you can't contain him no more. So you got to give him to the world. That's what takes place inside of a person.”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Oh, praise God. That whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Now, I hadn't preached three minutes so far and I've read you two scripture and both of them have the word believe in it.”

“They don't believe that he's the only way. They think there, oh, there's a pile of ways to get to heaven. How many know there ain't one way and his name is Jesus. Praise God. His name is Jesus. So, I just want to get going here. I ain't really got going yet. I'm trying to warm up. Hallelujah.”

“He said, "Hail Mary, you are highly favored among all women. You going to conceive in in your womb and bring forth a manchild. You going to call his name Jesus of his kingdom and of his reign there shall be no end." And Mary had a question. She said, "Hold on. I got one little question. How is that going to be seeing that I know not a man and I know that I know not a man?"”

“Let me tell you something. You might know me, but you don't know me way I know me. I promise you, I can tell you more about me than than you can tell about me. Hallelujah. Sometimes I just choose not to. But Jesus, let me tell you something. Jesus is the word of God.”

“He said, "Behold." In other words, look. Get your eyes off me. There he is. Look to him and him only. Get your eyes on Jesus. Don't get your eyes on no man. Don't get your eyes on no preacher. Don't get your eyes on no woman. Don't get your eyes on no singer. Don't get your eyes on nobody. Put your eyes on J. Behold, there he is the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.”

“Jesus had one offensive weapon and this is what it was. It's the sword of the spirit. And if you don't know it, you can't fight back. If you don't know this, then you don't have no offensive weapon. You'll be running in a defensive mode the rest of your life.”

“If you ever learn how to live out of the mouth of God, if you get this word inside of you and you learn how to live out of his word, you can live saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost. Rest assured that Jesus is on your side. You can live by the word of God.”

“He started his ministry. And he walks into the temple. He walks into Galilee with and into Nazareth. And when he walks in there and he walks into the temple in the synagogue, they handed him the book of Isaiah. And he and he opened it up and he found the place where it was written in Isaiah 61.”

“He said, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, recovering sight of the blind, and said at liberty, them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."”

“He started preaching and he started teaching and he sit on the hillside and he give him the biatitudes and and the sermon on the mound and then he started healing folk and the lepers were healed and blinded eyes were healed and deaf ears were healed and withered hands were straightened out and the lame got up and started walking.”

“He said, "But I got to die." He said, "It's expedient that I go away because if I don't go away, the Holy Ghost, the comforter, can't come." And he said, ' And I've got to die because if I die, that grain, that one wheat of grain die and bear it, it'll bring forth much fruit. And Jesus said, 'I must die. I got to.”

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