"So they called them and commanded them
not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."
Acts 4:18
After teaching a men's Bible study years ago, a man asked me, "Why is it easy to talk to people about God, but it's so hard for me to talk to people about Jesus?" I said to him, "The word God means many different things to many people. When we speak the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit moves upon people to convict them of the need to believe in Jesus. That makes a lot of people uncomfortable." He said, "You're right. I've never thought about it that way before." I said, "Mention His name and see what happens."
When it comes to the name of Jesus, the apostles declared, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). They knew that in that name the Holy Spirit would move upon people to convict "of sin, righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not" (John 16:8-9). Those who are convicted and refuse to believe can become very disturbed at the name of Jesus.
Perhaps you are concerned about friends who don't know God's love and grace. As you have opportunity, speak to them about the name of Jesus. Tell them about the love of Jesus, His death on the cross for our sins, and His resurrection to give us eternal life. Tell them in the name of Jesus, we have new life and new hope. Leave the results to the Holy Spirit. Some may get uncomfortable, occasionally a few will be upset, but some will believe and thank you for sharing the good news in Jesus name.
Prayer: Father, use us to tell people about Jesus, and we will leave the results to the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen.
