A invitation to the future
Your new future comes with your new name. What does that mean?
Names hold power. They grant us access to places and opportunities—whether it’s a flight ticket, a party, a diploma, or even a rental car. But there’s a name that carries even greater significance: the new name God gives us. This name isn’t just a label; it’s an invitation into a future destiny that God has uniquely designed for each of us.
A New Name, A New Future
In Isaiah 62:1-4, we see God’s promise to give His people a new name—one that reflects their true identity and purpose. This new name is a divine passport, granting us entry into the future God has prepared. Without it, we can’t step into the fullness of what He has in store.
Consider Romans 9:22, where Paul speaks of those vessels of wrath prepared for destruction. This stark contrast reminds us that our old name, tied to our old life, was never meant to last. It’s destined to fade away, making room for the new identity God offers.
Throughout the Bible, we see this transformative power of a new name:
Abram (meaning "exalted father") became Abraham ("father of many nations"), reflecting God’s promise to make him the patriarch of a multitude.
Jacob (which means "to be behind" or "supplanter") was renamed Israel ("one who prevails with God"), signifying his new role as the father of a nation.
Simon ("to hear") was called Peter** ("rock"), symbolizing his foundational role in the early church.
Saul (meaning "prayed for") became Paul ("small" or "humbled"), highlighting his transformation from a proud Pharisee to a humble servant of Christ.
Each new name wasn’t just a change in title; it was an invitation to step into a new destiny, one that was tailor-made by God.
Your New Name: An Invitation to a Future Destiny
God’s name for you is perfectly fitted to your future. It’s not basic or ordinary; it’s a unique invitation to step into the specific calling He has for your life. This name is the key that unlocks the doors to your divine future.
For us as a church, the name “In The Light” reflects our collective destiny. Rooted in Isaiah 42:6 and 1 John 1:7, this name encapsulates our calling to be a light to the nations, just as the Antioch church was—a dynamic, equipping, and deploying center for God’s kingdom.
This name creates a holy discontent with where we are right now. God is inviting us, by virtue of our name, to move from our present place to the future He has in mind.
The future is calling, and we can’t stay where we are. Let’s go together, embracing the new name and destiny God has for each of us.
What do you believe about yourself that you can see is keeping you from your new future?