What's In A Name?

Acts 19:13-16

[13] Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out."

[14] Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

[15] [One day] the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"

[16] Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

If I say to you "Stop in the name of the law!"

It is meaningless.

For I have no authority from the city, county, state, or federal government.

It doesn't matter what I say. No one has to comply.

If I buy a badge, and a uniform, and then say it again, someone might actually comply. However, if they find out I am not authorized, I could face punishment for impersonating someone with authority.

It would be a crime.

Claiming authority where there is none is a crime, and makes you look crazy.

So, when you say "in Jesus name"...are you?

Maybe, that's why your prayers are meaningless.

If you have authority, it is given from authority, and you WILL know.

Otherwise, you are just playing dress up.