Acts 4:9-10 – If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
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The world in which we live today is wicked beyond belief. And along with that wickedness, we see more and more restrictions being applied to those who would speak the truth of God’s Word. Schools (at every level of education), businesses, work places, and even social gatherings put restrictions on the Christian’s use of the Name of Jesus. I find that so interesting. Many of those who impose the restrictions about which I speak still want the blessings of the Lord Whose Name they shun and restrict.
Sadly, even in churches this same battle is being fought at some level. In Spirit-filled, Pentecostal churches, leaders restrict the moving and manifestation of Holy Spirit in their services, often for fear they might offend some new comer. God help us. The sadness of this is beyond description. Jesus had some strong things to say about such behavior coming from His followers. He said if we were ashamed of Him and His Word before our generation, He would be ashamed of us. It cannot be made any clearer.
So, what are we to do? The world shuns the Name of Jesus, and even forbids use of that Name in their arenas of authority. Many Christian leaders, and especially those who go about training people in leader-ship share and utilize Christian principles while noticeably avoiding any strong connection to the Name of Jesus. I am convinced that such actions serve, either blatantly, or over a cunningly long time, to dilute the message of Jesus or hide His influence altogether. Such should not be the case. So, once again I ask, “What are we to do?”
I believe the answer is simple. We must renew our commitment to the Lord, His Word, and His Name. We must return to the boldness and power of Pentecost, not merely have the term “Pentecost” as decoration to our church signs, bulletins, or personal business cards. Who are you, child of God? Who saved you? Who healed you? Who blessed and provisioned you? Who delivered you? His Name is Jesus, and our responsibility is to boldly proclaim that great truth, and to hold forth in strong faith that mighty Name that is above every name – the Name of Jesus.
Manna for Today – Acts 4:1-22; Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12-14; John 16:23; Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 