What's In A Name?

So - What's In A Name?
As the Old Testament verses at the top of the page indicate, an encounter with the LORD might earn you a new name! Abram received the new name of Abraham, and Jacob was given the new name of Israel. In each case, their new name offered a prophetic view on their lives and the impact they would have on the future of the world.

The New Testament seems to indicate that, as overcomers, all of Christ's followers will also receive a new name written upon a white stone (Revelation 2:17) - perhaps given at the feast in the Kingdom of God. 

When someone encounters Christ, as with Abram and Jacob, everything changes! Consider the following changes:

• A new life - as a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17)
• A new purpose - glorify God and make disciples (I Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 28:18-20)
• A new direction - follow Jesus (Mark 8:34)
• A new identity - ambassador for the LORD, fisher of men, salt & light, etc. (II Corinthians 5:20; Mark 1:17; Matthew 5:13-14)

So what's in a name? Sometimes a name - particularly a name change - can make a huge difference!

The Name Mohammed
Contrary to what it may seem, not every male Muslim in the world is named Mohammed!

So what do we know about the name Mohammed - the name of Islam's "prophet"?

• In Arabic, it means "worthy of praise" or "praised one"
• It is the single most popular name in the entire world!
• Males named Mohammed represent between 8% and 9% of the 1.8 billion Muslims in the world! (approximately 150-160 million people)
• This figure includes those with names derived from Mohammed (Ahmad, Ahmed, Hamad, Muhammed, etc.) 

Prayer Points - Prayers For The Mohammeds Of Islam
Today our entire prayer focus is for every Muslim in the world named Mohammed (or one of its derivatives).

1. Pray for laborers of the gospel to be sent to every Mohammed in the world 
2. Pray for every Mohammed's salvation - that they'd experience new life, new purpose, new direction and new identity as His child
3. Pray for every Mohammed who comes to Christ for salvation to gain a prophetic view of their life as Saul(who became Paul) did - (Acts 26:15-18)
4. Pray for every Mohammed to realize that, unlike their prophet, only Jesus is worthy to receive praise and honor and glory and power (Revelation 5:12)