Sermon Central
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The Power Of Calling Upon The Name Of Jesus Christ Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 9, 2026 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul called upon Jesus, and his life was transformed.
Calling upon the name of Jesus is the key to salvation. Acts 2:21 says, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This isn't just about uttering Jesus' name; it's about surrendering to His Lordship and submitting to His authority.
What Does It Mean to Call Upon the Lord?
The Greek word ?p??a??? (epikaleo) means to invoke, appeal to, or call upon in total dependence. It's a cry of surrender, a confession of faith that recognizes Jesus' authority and submits to His rule (Acts 2:21).
Few examples of Calling Upon the Lord
1. Surrendering to Jesus' Lordship: Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse shows that confessing Jesus as Lord is a crucial part of salvation.
2. Faith and Obedience: James 2:26 says, "Faith without works is dead." True faith leads to obedience and surrender to Jesus' Lordship.
3. The Philippian Jailer: Acts 16:31 says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." The jailer called upon Jesus, and his life was transformed.
4. Peter's Denial: Matthew 26:75 says, "Peter wept bitterly." After denying Jesus, Peter repented and called upon the Lord, demonstrating the power of surrender.
5. The Thief on the Cross: Luke 23:42-43 says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." The thief called upon Jesus, and he was saved.
6. The Early Church: Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." The early church called upon Jesus, and God worked powerfully through them.
7. Paul's Conversion: Acts 9:5-6 says, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?... I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Paul called upon Jesus, and his life was transformed.
The Call That Changes Everything
Calling upon Jesus isn't just a one-time event; it's a lifestyle of surrender and obedience. As Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
