” Did we not strictly command you not to each in this name?”  (Acts 5:28) – “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  (v.29)

The TV now tells us that the soccer players at the world cup in South Africa are forbidden to have ”religious messages” on their shirts. The celebrated player Kaka from Brazil still has the words on his boots, though:  ”Jesus has pre-eminence!”

Jesus isn´t tolerated.  Slogans like:  ”I want to be like Ronaldo!”  Or:  “Pelé is my idol!” would probably have been okay, nay highly commended.

We feel the same hatred everywhere, e.g. when I write in the newspaper or at various solemn occasions.  The leadership in a local church once let me understand that my handing out gospel tracts to the unsaved after a Christmas service was not considered appropriate!  -  At a nursing home I happened to mention Jesus in an open area when talking to a resident.  Someone overheard that and complained to the leadership. Because of that blessed name only.  If I´d mentioned the name of some politician or entertainer or popular comedian nothing would have happened.

In my early youth I remember here and in the U.S. how funerals were sometimes revival meetings where words were spoken powerfully to the many unsaved relatives.  But today a “gospel funeral” like that would probably be considered improper.  The dead person is to be praised instead. – Billy Graham´s son, Franklin, was criticized for mentioning the name of Jesus at his inauguration prayer for George W. Bush.  Some tried to put him on trial, but didn´t succeed.  Franklin however went home and wrote a fine book with the title ”The Name” with a refreshing Christ centered message.

Religious people often get offended at such speech.  They would rather talk about their church.  But their church piety may be a hindrance to their salvation by Jesus Christ, the only Savior of lost souls.  So we should be bold about it “in season and out of season”  (2 Ti. 4:2).  When I was still a babe in Christ an old preacher friend said to me, “Whenever you confess His name before men, your name will be confessed in Heaven!”  I´ve never forgotten his words.  ”Let´s talk about Jesus” we sang in old days.  Let´s do it.  Whether it´s proper or not.

-jn-

17.6.10