Dear Concerning The Times ministry friends, In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the ‘name it, claim it’ and ‘word faith’ teaching. This problem persisted in decades past, due to the false teachings of people such as Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and others. You would think that this sort of unbiblical teaching would subside as people become aware of the folly of the prosperity gospel. But in recent years, a new group of deceivers is preaching the exact visualization and positive confession nonsense to an unsuspecting younger generation of believers. Much of what is taught is under the guise of biblical faith and sincere prayer. Many modern-day self-proclaimed “apostles and prophets” act as though God is some genie in a bottle or Santa Claus, and have made asking in prayer in Jesus’ name a path to health, wealth, and power. Here is a short but timely and biblical piece from a dear friend of mine, Pastor Paul Sherbird, who reminds us about having the right motives when we ask in Jesus’ name.
Asking in Jesus’ Name – Guest article by Pastor Paul Sherbird
“Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.” -Jesus
Dear Friends, when Jesus spoke those words, He certainly did not mean that we can ask for just anything we wish, according to our whims and desires. These words, spoken by Jesus to His disciples, are for those who know and love Him, whose hearts are set to serve Him, who seek to live a life that pleases Him, to be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and in all bring glory to Father and Son. Those who have such a heart would shudder at the thought of asking Almighty God anything that would dishonor His name, or that would be in contradiction to the word of God, or that would come from carnal, selfish desire.
We need to see the words in context: Jesus had been speaking of His death and departure, He would be “going away” and would “go to the Father” John. 16:17. And though the disciples were filled with sorrow, He assured them this would be a good thing, and that their sorrow would turn to joy and they would rejoice, and that He would see them again. John 16:20-21 He was speaking of His resurrection and ascension to heaven, from where He would send the Holy Spirit and serve as our great High Priest,
Mediator and Intercessor, things which are indeed a source of great wonder, joy, and rejoicing for those who know Him as their Lord and Savior.
There is more revealed in these words, because Jesus spoke of personal access to the Father, something which, for the Jews of that time was unknown, for them, God was accessed through the priesthood, and just once a year, on the day of atonement, would the high priest enter His presence in the Holiest place to mediate and make atonement for the nation; Jesus offered access to His
disciples, men who had no Levitical ancestry.
When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom Matthew 27:51, and the writer of Hebrews tells us that we may now “enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, consecrated for us” Hebrews 10:19-20. We must acknowledge the privilege granted and the price paid to make this possible. In doing so, we would be most careful to enter with deep awe and reverence, with godly fear respecting the absolute holiness of the One to whom we may now confidently draw near, and with sincere prayer and supplication present our requests. Philippians 4:6
Where there is such sensitivity and understanding, there will be a shunning of anything in thought or deed that would offend the holiness and righteousness of our God, and so a boldness in asking, and
assurance that He hears and will answer; prayer conducted in Jesus’ name with such holy regard will prove to be a source of great joy. John 16:24. -Pastor Paul Sherbird
I hope you were encouraged by this article from Pastor Paul Sherbird. I will place several links to Paul below, along with a few more resources.
All for Him,
Howard
*I highly recommend the video message titled “In the Name of Jesus,” which Pastor Paul recently preached at the 2025 Southwest Bible Week, UK.
Link to CMFI – CMFI is the ministerial association with which both Paul and I hold ministry credentials. If you are in ministry anywhere in the world and looking for like-minded fellowship, accountability, encouragement, and possibly ordination, feel free to check out the CMFI website here.
Link to Pastor Paul Sherbird’s ministry site: Light is Life
Recommended reading: A classic read by dear brother Dave Hunt, exposing, among other things, the Word Faith and visualization prayer false gospels still with us today. The Seduction of Christianity.
