“But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” Acts 4: 19-20 (NLT)

Pastor Terry Sartain of Charlotte, North Carolina has ministered to police officers and their families for the past seven years.  During this time, he has always closed his prayers “in the Name of Jesus”. He can’t do that anymore. The police department said that he can still pray, just not in the Name of Jesus. A Christian chaplain asked to pray is now prohibited to use the Name of the One whom he prays to.

These are just two examples in a growing list of news articles describing situations where people cannot mention or pray in Jesus’ Name. Christian students across the nation are constantly harassed for expressing their faith in the Name of Jesus. And as we watch our society warmly welcome followers of Buddha, Al-ah, Joseph Smith or whatever other false prophet this world has ever produced, I am troubled with the fact that other beliefs are free to express their choices, acclaimed and accepted by all facets of society, but Judeo-Christian values are ostracized and expressions of faith in Christ are even prohibited.

From Capitol Hill to school administrators, it seems as if most are open, accepting and understanding regarding various religions and cults. But, oh, the Name of Jesus!

That Name shuts the doors of society’s tolerance.

Although this not-so-veiled persecution is rampant nowadays, we should not be surprised. As we study the scenario around the fourth chapter of the book of Acts, we realize that the apostles themselves were asked not to use or preach in Jesus’ Name.

The early church suffered intense persecution because of the Name. Many early church leaders and followers were killed because of the Name, including most of the Apostles. Throughout history and even today, many Christians lost their lives because of the Name.

Really… What is it about this Name?

Here’s a good question:

[bctt tweet=”If Jesus was just another prophet, why does the simple mention of His Name stirs up of our supposedly “tolerant” society? Behind the intolerance of Christianity, there is much more than what meets the eye.” username=”PatHolbrook”]

Beyond the Name

Jesus’ name means “Rescuer, Deliverer, Savior.” It was not a name given to Christ the child by Mary or Joseph. Rather, an angel told them what His Name should be – a Name chosen by the Father and filled with the meaning of His mission on earth (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21.)

The mere meaning of Jesus’ Name is filled with power. For those of us who have accepted God’s gift of salvation through Christ, His Name is the sweetest, for it opened Heaven’s door and filled the huge gap separating us from our Maker. But for those who deny God’s gift of salvation, it seems as if the meaning of Jesus’ Name would be pointless. And still, at the mention of His Name, they cringe.

Why is it so?

His Name Represents the Presence and the Righteousness of God

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (NIT)

In this first chapter of John, the apostle refers to Jesus as the Word (Greek – Logos). He was present with God in the genesis of the world (Genesis 1:26.) The same verse in John 1 shows that Jesus and God are the same. Therefore, any time we evoke or speak His Name, we are evoking the presence of God Himself.

Moreover, His Name is full of the righteousness of God and as such, it exposes the wickedness of the world around us.

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4-5

Jesus’ Name shines so brightly, that it drives away and exposes the work of darkness around us. The spiritual power of His Name makes the unrighteous uncomfortable, uneasy. Moreover, at His Name, demons flee (Matthew 8:16.) At His Name, the sick are healed and the lost find forgiveness and redemption.

His Name is indeed above any other Name that ever was or ever will be.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3a (NASB)

It’s WAR!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:11-13 (NASB)

Behind every person or regime that has ever persecuted the church… Behind everyone who welcomes cults and rejects Christ… Behind the surface of each one of these conflicts, there lays a much larger plan than any of us can grasp.

From Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and until today, the devil has used evil men to attempt to destroy the work of God. A demon-possessed Herod wanted to lay hands on baby Jesus and end God’s redemptive plan before it started. And in our background passage, the Jewish leaders, undoubtedly influenced by Satan, sought to extinguish the fire of the early church.

Our fight is not merely against those who rise against Christ and His church, but nevertheless we must realize that we are at war and never forget that we are soldiers in this war.

It is not by chance that Ephesians 6:12 is preceded by the verses describing the armor of God. We are at war and the Lord reminds us in these verses that we must put on the armor, stand up for what we believe and fight. Boldly fight. Just like Peter and John did. Not leaning on swords or spears, but on the protection that Almighty God gives His children, as we stand up for what we believe.

Are you a Mighty Soldier… or a Wimpy one?

Can you imagine where we would be had Peter and John succumbed to the Pharisees’ prohibition of mentioning the Name of Jesus?

Jesus died, resurrected, sent the Holy Spirit to fill the church with power from Heaven, then there comes a handful of Pharisees prohibiting the use of Jesus’ Name.

Imagine if Peter had said: “No problem. Let’s just be politically correct and not mention His Name.” He would have been a wimpy soldier instead of a mighty one. The fire that had come down from heaven at Pentecost would have been contained.

You and I may not ever have heard of our Savior.

But Peter and John Stood Tall

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18 (NASB)

Peter and John stand as powerful examples of how each one of us should respond to criticism against our Lord. Their position was bold and courageous. I am sure Peter remembered Jesus’ words, as He promised him that the gates of hell would not overpower His church.

And so, Peter and John took a stand:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4.19-20

Just like you and me, Peter and John had experienced the power of God. They would not be silenced. They knew that God would be their protection against the powers of darkness. Therefore, filled with the Holy Spirit, they pledged to honor God regardless of what men might do. They knew that their God was above any ruler: “It is He who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.” Isaiah 40:23 (NASB).

So… here is a question we should ask ourselves today:

As the world closes in on us Christians, despising what we stand for and exalting their idols and lustful choices… where will we stand?

Will we become a mighty soldier of the Lord, putting on the full armor and standing boldly for His kingdom, even if we stand alone?

Or will we shrink into a weak, fruitless, double-minded and contaminated soldier?

Will you stand with me, my friend?

A little sparkle of light ends the complete darkness of a room. I pray you and I choose every day to shine as beacons of light wherever we go, and no matter the cost.

[bctt tweet=”Count me in! I will not be silenced. I will proclaim the Name of Jesus, no matter the cost.” username=”PatHolbrook”]