Discussion Guide | November 1st, 2026

November 2nd, 2026

Name Drop | Pastor Cameron Baldwin | Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon drawn from Acts 3:1-8, Pastor Cam explores the powerful story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. Using the concept of "name dropping," the pastor illustrates how calling on the name of Jesus is not about borrowing someone else's reputation for personal gain, but about submitting to the authority, character, and will of Jesus Christ. Just as Peter told the lame man he had no silver or gold but offered something far greater, we are reminded that the name of Jesus is the most powerful resource available to us in every area of life. The sermon is built around three key truths about the name of Jesus: it authenticates us, it gives us access, and it amazes us. Pastor Cam challenges listeners to stop striving in their own strength and instead bring every struggle, every need, and every area of life under submission to the name of Jesus. Rather than treating his name as a magic formula, we are called to align ourselves with his will and trust that he can do far more than we could ever accomplish on our own.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today in the name of Jesus. As we open Your Word and discuss what You have spoken to us, we ask that You quiet our own thoughts and agendas. Help each person in this group to be tender and open to whatever You want to say to them specifically today. May this time not just be a conversation about a sermon, but a genuine encounter with You. Speak to us, guide us, and draw us closer to You. It is in the name of Jesus we ask these things. Amen.

Ice Breaker

Have you ever "name dropped" someone to get into an event, get a favor, or impress someone? What happened?

Main Study

Key Verses

Acts 3:1-8
Ephesians 2:18
Hebrews 4:16
Philippians 2:9-11

Questions

Pastor Cam described the concept of name dropping as mentioning an important person's name to make yourself look more impressive. How is calling on the name of Jesus fundamentally different from that kind of name dropping?
Peter told the lame man, 'I don't have any silver or gold for you, but I'll give you what I do have.' Have you ever been in a situation where you had nothing to offer someone except prayer and the name of Jesus? What happened?
Pastor Cam said the name of Jesus authenticates us, meaning we do not need to be theological experts or lifelong believers to pray or share our faith. How does that truth challenge or encourage you personally?
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, 'Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence.' The pastor pointed out that we often pray cautiously or generically, as if we are bothering God. What do you think holds people back from praying boldly?
Pastor Cam explained that the name of Jesus gives us access both to God and from God, meaning we receive things like grace, mercy, and peace that only He can provide. Which of those gifts do you feel you need most right now, and why?
Pastor Cam warned against treating the name of Jesus like a spell, a password, or a religious cheat code. What is the difference between using Jesus's name as a formula and genuinely submitting to His will?
Peter said in Acts 3:12 (NIV), 'Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?' The pastor challenged us not to take credit for what God does. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's?
Pastor Cam closed by asking whether there is an area of your life you have not yet introduced to the name of Jesus. What is one area where you need to stop striving on your own and bring it under submission to Him?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area of your life where you have been striving in your own strength, whether it is a relationship, a financial situation, a health concern, or a personal struggle. Each day, intentionally bring that area before God in prayer, not with a generic request, but boldly and specifically, aligning your prayer with His will. Ask Him what He wants for that situation rather than simply asking Him to bless what you have already decided to do. At the end of the week, journal or reflect on any shifts you notice in your perspective, your peace, or your circumstances.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

The name of Jesus is not a magic formula or religious shortcut. It represents His authority, character, will, and presence, and calling on it means submitting to all of those things.
The name of Jesus authenticates us. We do not need to be impressive, experienced, or perfectly qualified to pray or share our faith. His name gives us the standing we need.
The name of Jesus gives us access both to God through prayer and from God through His gifts of grace, mercy, and peace that only He can provide.
The name of Jesus amazes us and points others to Him, not to us. When God moves, the goal is for people to see His power, not ours.
There is an area in every person's life that needs to be introduced to the name of Jesus. The challenge is to stop striving alone and bring every struggle under submission to the One who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You for this time together and for the truth of Your Word. We confess that too often we try to handle life in our own strength, striving and struggling when You have already given us access to Your name and Your power. Forgive us for the times we have treated Your name casually or forgotten the weight of what it means to come before You. Right now, we lift up every person in this group and the specific areas of their lives that feel too heavy, too broken, or too far gone. We name drop today, not to impress anyone, but because we are submitting to Your authority and trusting in Your will. Authenticate us, give us access, and amaze us with what only You can do. May we leave this place ready to carry Your name boldly into every corner of our lives. It is in the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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