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Introduction
Pastor Mensa Otabil, founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has challenged Christians to move beyond merely repeating the name of Jesus and develop a genuine understanding and relationship with the Christ whose name they invoke.
Preaching at ICGC Zoe Temple in Tema-Accra during the church’s 25th anniversary celebration on Friday, August 21, 2026, Pastor Otabil based his message on Matthew 28:16–18, where the resurrected Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
Jesus Has Absolute Authority
Pastor Otabil explained that although human beings may possess authority within particular spheres, only Jesus can claim absolute authority.
“There is nothing outside of His jurisdiction. There is nothing outside of His authority,” he declared, stressing that Christ’s authority extends across both the spiritual and natural realms.
He emphasised the deity of Christ, rejecting any understanding of Jesus as merely a prophet or messenger.
“Jesus is God. He is God. He is fully God. He is fully man,” he said.
According to Pastor Otabil, Christian authority is therefore “derived from Christ,” “delegated by Him” and ultimately “deployed through Him.” Believers do not manufacture spiritual authority; they operate under the authority of Christ.
“You Cannot Use the Name of Jesus as a Magic Formula”
Turning to John 14:12–14 and John 16:23–24, Pastor Otabil focused on Christ’s instruction to ask “in my name.” He argued that this means far more than simply ending prayers with the familiar phrase, “In Jesus’ name.”
“You cannot use the name of Jesus as a magic formula to prayer. You have to encounter the living, real, authentic Jesus,” he stated.
He added: “He’s your creator. He’s your beginning. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He’s your King. He’s your Judge.”
Knowing Christ’s name, he explained, requires knowing both who He is and what He has accomplished through His death, resurrection, ascension, enthronement and dominion.
Christ’s Name Cannot Be Used to Destroy Others
Pastor Otabil also challenged prayers that invoke Jesus while asking for the death or destruction of perceived enemies.
“I cannot use the name of Jesus to do something Jesus would not do,” he stressed, pointing to Christ’s forgiveness of those who crucified Him.
Instead, he reminded believers that Jesus heals the sick, calms storms, saves sinners, delivers the oppressed and casts out demons. “When we use His name, it must go with what He will do,” he said.
Conclusion: Let His Name Become a Relationship
Pastor Otabil concluded by urging Christians to make the name of Jesus a lived relationship rather than a religious slogan.
“Don’t let the name of Jesus be a slogan. Let it be a relationship. Live for Him and do it in His name,” he charged.
He then prayed for healing, deliverance, fruitfulness and restoration, as well as spiritual growth and revival in Tema, declaring: “Let Tema be the spiritual hub of Ghana.”
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