Many of the popular TV talk shows, films, and news media have recently been attempting to redefine and reinvent Jesus to conform to man's ideas of who He is. Sadly, most rely on so-called religious "scholars" of the day who sit in judgment on the Bible, and reject much of it as myth. As a professor at the University of San Francisco said in the May 29, 1999 Newsweek magazine, "For every time and place, we reimagine and reimage Jesus."

Instead of imposing our opinions on Scripture, we need to accept God's Word as the truth it is, and believe the Jesus it reveals to be "the Same yesterday, and today, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). The Bible is the only light we have in regard to who Jesus is, and to turn from it is to remain in darkness and uncertainty. Any search for the historical Jesus which is not linked to this divine revelation must end in confusion, doubt and unbelief.

By turning to God's Word, we find much evidence as to Jesus, and have sought to present some of this in the following pages. I would also like to draw your attention to several things that we can know and possess in the name of Jesus TODAY.

There is gospel preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27; Luke 24:47).

There is salvation in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13).

There is remission of sins in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:43; 1 John 1:7).

There is forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus (1 John 2:12).

There is eternal life in the name of Jesus (John 20:31; 1 John 5:11-13).

There is justification in the name of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11).

There is relationship with God (children) in the name of Jesus (John 1:12).

There is answered prayer in the name of Jesus (John 14:13,14; 15:7; 16:23,24). In the name of Jesus means that the prayer is in conformity to His character, and in agreement with His mind and will. This powerful promise will not be fulfilled merely upon our wants or wishes.

There is power for the believer to do all in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17).

There is suffering and shame to be borne by those who speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40-42).

There is responsibility to depart from iniquity for those who are sealed in the name of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:19).

There is the blessing of His presence when believers are gathered together in (unto) the name of Jesus (Matthew 18:20). The preciousness of this promise is realized today, not when Christians simply "meet" together, but when they "are gathered" by the Spirit of God unto Jesus' blessed person, in accordance with His Word, giving Him His rightful place as Head of the assembly, relying on the Spirit of God to lead in worship, prayer and ministry.

There is condemnation for all who do not believe in the name of Jesus (John 3:18).

There will be universal homage to the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11).