The Pre-eminence of Jesus

[Kimberly]

I liked the reponse about doing things in the name of Jesus being seen as an attitude. If we have an attitude of serving Jesus, our hearts will want to do things to serve Jesus, and declare Jesus’ name over our situations. Keeping Jesus as our foundation, and ensuring we keep close to Him can help us from adopting a formula view.

Having Jesus at the center of ACOP means that everything we do is done in His name. It is not to empower ourselves, and to make people think that we are good. It is to point people to Him, to glorify Him, and to deepen relationships.

[Merodee]

Respond in paragraph format to the following prompt(s):

• How can we ensure that the name of Jesus never becomes just a formula or an incantation?
• What does it mean for Jesus to be at the center of ACOP?

I think that we must pray humbly and often that the Holy Spirit will keep us re-vitalized in the Person, Name and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who keep us. Years ago before debit cards, I use to write cheques. Frequently I would scroll my name as authorization of payment. When I would sign a cheque, my name was a formula of authorization. Sometimes I would send a signed cheque with my husband Kevin to make a transaction on my behalf. Kevin, with my signature, could act on my authority.

Did this transaction reduce me as a person? I do not think so. In fact, I believe it endorsed me. It proved me as a legal person with identity. There times that we will use the Name of Jesus to transact Kingdom business. I do not believe that this reduces His value. I believe that this endorses Him.

The banker could recognize my signature as authorization of payment, but he did not know me personally. My husband, however, identifies my signature, recognizes its authority and knows me intimately. May we always abide with the Lord and know the Authority of His Name, the wonders of His Person and the union we share with Him.

Jesus is head of the church.

[Lorna Anne]

We can ensure that the name of Jesus never becomes just a formula or an incarnation, by making him the centre of our lives and in our church.

Not only knowledge but active relationship. In everything we do, put God first. Asking Gods vision and living in Faith. Having an intimate relationship with him. Activation of his promises and make them alive in our walk with Jesus.

Jesus to be the Centre of ACOP means to me, He is in control, by surrendering our self, plans to Jesus by spending time in prayer and reading hid word. Seeking his will and setting aside time for Jesus to speak to us.

[Melany]

I believe it’s about remaining in a real relationship with Him. Lots of people are ‘badge’ Christians that don’t ever really take a moment to hear God’s thoughts or Word on a situation. We need to remain completely sensitive and responsive to the work of Holy Spirit in our lives, being instantly obedient, even if/when it hurts. We can seer our conscience if we ignore the prompting of Holy Spirit and that’s when we can just use the name flipantly without even having a real connection to Him