Posted on November 28, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
What is it about the name “Jesus?”
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16
If asked, “Are you ashamed of the name of Jesus,” what would you say? I suspect you would respond with an adamant “NO” just as would I. But have you ever noticed that we are much more comfortable referring to the One True God as “God” when in conversation with others?
God is so good. God is so faithful. God bless you. I am trusting God for the outcome.
Now there is certainly NOTHING WRONG with speaking about God in these ways but it begs the question… why is it that the name “Jesus” doesn’t just as naturally roll off our tongues?
You and I both know that there is often a negative reaction from non-believers when we utter the name “Jesus.” We can say “God” and rarely get a negative response even if they don’t believe in God but say “Jesus” and it might be a subtle twitch or a verbal barrage or they may just quietly end the conversation and walk away, but there is usually SOME response.
What distinguishes us from others that believe in A GOD but not the ONE TRUE GOD? What testimony for Jesus our Savior are we sharing if we lump our God in with other gods?
We may know the distinction but how about our hearers? We say “God” but they hear “god.”
Perhaps we need to prayerfully ask the Lord to help us broaden our sphere of influence for the Gospel by simply naming the name of Jesus on a regular basis in our conversations. Do you ever shrink back from naming Jesus in your conversations? Give it some thought.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org
Think About This: “We need more Christians for whom prayer is the first resort, nor the last.” – John Blanchard
The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 40; 1Peter 5 You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
