IntroductionMany people today speak things to Christians that are purposely offensive in the name of free speech, art, or literature.People have been legally punished in the United States for using the name of Jesus.Why is the name of Jesus so offensive to unbelievers?Let us consider Acts 3-5 to find the answers.A story about Jesus’ nameActs 3:6 – “in the name of Jesus”Acts 3:16 – “on the basis of faith in His name …”Acts 4:7 – “in what name have you done this?”Acts 4:8-12 – “by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene … this man stands before you in good health.”Acts 4:17-18 – “speak no longer to any man in this name”Acts 4:29-30 – “through the name of Your holy servant Jesus”Acts 5:28 – “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in His name …”Acts 5:40-41 – “they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus”What does this episode teach us concerning those who are opposed to Jesus and offended at His name?The power that is associated with the name of Jesus is evident to them.They cannot deny the power of Jesus’ name, so they seek to oppress it by intimidation and manipulation.They are offended because the name of Jesus calls on them to be accountable for their own deeds.Acts 17:31Their attempts to silence Christians fail, so they often turn to punitive measures to enforce their will against Christians.Final thoughtsActs 5:11Acts 4:12
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