Knowing The Truth

Ever wonder why at the name of Jesus people are offended? Odd how the effect is not the same at the mention of other ancient religious leaders such as Buddha or Mohammad. Those names don't strike fear in the heart the way the name of Jesus does.

Isn't it strange that the name of Buddha or Mohammad are not used in slanderous remarks? Yet people use the holy name of Jesus without reverence, cursing the one called the Son of God, on a regular basis. There is only one logical reason for this reaction to the name and person of Jesus Christ; he is who he claimed to be. People use his name because there is power in the name of Jesus.

His name commands recognition, speaks of authority and requires respect. The Bible says, “There is no other name given by which you can be saved” (Acts 4:12) and “Because of this [Jesus laying down his life] God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT)

Jesus stated the reason why so many are offended by his name. In a conversation with a religious leader named Nicodemus, Jesus said;

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they liked the darkness more than the light, because their actions were evil. They hate the light for fear it will expose their sins and they will be punished” (John 3:16-18 NLT).

We can choose not to believe what Jesus said about the love of God for people. We can choose not  to believe that a Holy God would send a savior because of that love. We can choose not to believe that a savior would pay for all our wrongs and offenses against a Holy God, with his own life. We can choose to deny the weight of guilt that hangs on us, and choose live in darkness because we are afraid of punishment.

Then woe to the fool, who has closed their eyes and plugged their ears against the truth! Jesus is the savior!

Do you struggle with the name of Jesus? Do you think that just believing in his name is too easy to have all your many years of sin and guilt washed away? Read again the passage in John - slow and out loud. Let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart and don't harden it. You'll know how much Jesus loves you and all your sins can be forgiven.





Prayer of Acceptance:

Lord Jesus, I know that I have sinned against you and the Father. I believe that you came to pay the price for my sin with your own life and rose from the dead. Please forgive my sin and come live in me so that I may know you more. Amen

If you have prayed this simple prayer, welcome to the family of God! Your sins are forgiven and Jesus has accepted you as a brother or sister. Join other family members at your local church and grow in your new life.


“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are Reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan-this rebirth comes from God.” (John 1:12-13 NLT)




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