Jesus sent out 72 disciples to go into the towns where he was about to go and to

heal the sick and say the kingdom of God has come among you. And when he

greeted them on their return, this is what happened. This is Luke chapter 10

and verses 9 and 19 and 20. The 72 returned with joy saying, Lord, even the demons are subject

to us in your name. And Jesus said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and

over all the power of the enemy. Nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not

rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your

names are written in heaven. Do not rejoice at the stunning power you have to

liberate people from evil. Rather, rejoice that your names are written in

heaven. Let's pray. Father, that's an odd thing to say. And we need to know what it

means for these graduates and the rest of us come Holy Spirit and teach us a

pray in Jesus' name, amen. Do not rejoice in this power to deliver people from

demons, rejoice that your names are written in heaven. What does it mean to have

your name written in heaven? The Apostle John tells us the names are

written before the foundation of the world in a book. And the name of the book is

the book of life of the lamb who was slain. In other words, to have your name

written in the book is to be saved. It's the book of salvation. It's the book of

the redeemed. If your name is in the book, is your name in the book? If your name

is in the book, these things are true of you or will certainly be. You are chosen

by God in eternity. You are predestined for sonship in his family. You are

ransomed from every evil bondage. You are purchased for God's precious

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