No Other Name
Notes
Transcript
No Other Name
No Other Name
How significant is a name?
Can the right name make a difference?
A young man named James grew up in a small, remote town, but always dreamt of studying at a prestigious university in the city. Despite his excellent grades and numerous applications, he was continuously turned down due to the overwhelming competition and his lack of connections.
One day, James discovered an old trunk in his grandmother's attic. Inside, he found a series of letters tied with a faded ribbon. They were correspondence between his great-grandfather and the founding dean of the very university James aspired to attend.
It turns out that James' great-grandfather had not only been friends with the dean but had played a significant role in the establishment of the university. His counsel, support, and contributions had been invaluable during the early days of the institution.
Armed with this new information and the letters, James approached the university once more. This time, mentioning his great-grandfather's name and showing the letters. Suddenly, doors started to open. The admissions officer was interested in James' connection to the university's history. His application was reconsidered, and James was eventually admitted, his dreams finally realized.
The world is filled with names that carry weight and power - names of influential leaders, revolutionary innovators, and celebrated heroes. Yet, there is one name that rises above them all, holding unparalleled power and significance.
A name that, through its mere utterance, has the power to heal, save, and transform lives. It's the name we, as believers, carry and proclaim — the name of Jesus Christ.
In the book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 5 through 12, we encounter an extraordinary scene. Peter and John, disciples of Jesus, are arrested and brought before the religious authorities for proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Despite the intimidating presence of these powerful leaders, they stand firm, boldly declaring the truth that is central to our faith — the truth that there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
As we unpack this pivotal scripture today, our central theme is just that — "No Other Name." We're going to explore the weight of this name, Jesus, the power it carries, and the unique role it plays in our salvation.
We'll look into the courage of Peter and John as they stood for this truth, and we'll challenge ourselves to mirror that same boldness in our lives today. Because, as followers of Christ, we too bear this remarkable name, and it is our privilege and responsibility to understand its profound significance.
Let’s read our text.
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Peter and John’s declaration before the Sanhedrin is an inspiring show of courage.
This kind of courage wasn't unique to the early disciples. Throughout history, and even today, there are countless examples of individuals displaying similar bravery for the sake of Christ.
Consider the modern-day believers in regions where Christianity is not only marginalized but actively persecuted.
There are also those who have left comfortable lives to serve as missionaries in challenging contexts, sharing the name of Jesus with communities who've never heard it before.
Or think about the everyday courage of Christians in our own communities. Individuals who choose to live out their faith in workplaces, schools, or homes where their beliefs are not shared or respected.
Like the early disciples, like countless believers across the globe and through time, we have the privilege and responsibility to bear the name of Jesus courageously, understanding its unmatched power and significance. There is, indeed, no other name with the power to save, and it is our call to boldly proclaim this truth in our own contexts.
Let’s take a look at how Peter and John deal with religious rulers.
They Proclaim the Power of Jesus' Name
They Proclaim the Power of Jesus' Name
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
A. In the midst of their trial, Peter boldly declares that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the one they crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that the lame man was healed. This was the same council that had condemned Jesus to die. Peter was very clear, attributing the miraculous healing directly to the power inherent in the name of Jesus.
B. Let's consider a modern parallel. There's a story of a woman named Lily who had battled addiction for years. She tried everything she could to break free but to no avail. One day, in her desperation, she cried out to Jesus. She started attending a Christian recovery group, and over time, her life transformed. Today, Lily is not just sober; she runs a recovery ministry helping others find freedom. This transformative power is available to us today, in the name of Jesus.
C. This leads us to a challenge. Are we, like Peter, bold to claim Jesus' power in our lives? Are we willing to call upon His name in the face of our struggles, in our times of need, and in our efforts to bring the Gospel to our world?
Jesus: The Only Name for Salvation
Jesus: The Only Name for Salvation
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
A. Peter goes further in his proclamation. He tells them that Jesus is "the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone."
The image of “the stone” was not new to these men who were experts in the Old Testament Scriptures. They knew that the “stone” or “rock” was a symbol of God (Deut. 32:4, 15, 18, 31; 2 Sam. 22:2; Ps. 18:2; Isa. 28:16), and that the Prophet Daniel had used the rock to picture Messiah and the coming of His kingdom on earth (Dan. 2:31–45). The Jews stumbled over the Rock (Rom. 9:32; 1 Cor. 1:23) and rejected Him, just as Psalm 118:22 had predicted. However, to those who have trusted Him, Jesus Christ is the precious Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4–8) and the chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20).
In verse 12, he goes on to boldly declare that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Peter saw in the healing of the beggar a picture of the spiritual healing that comes in salvation. “Made whole” in Acts 4:9 is a translation of the same Greek word that is translated “saved” in Acts 4:12, for salvation means wholeness and spiritual health.
B. This statement in verse 12 underlines the uniqueness of Jesus' role in salvation. In a world where many claim multiple paths to God or salvation, Christianity asserts a singular path - Jesus Christ. This exclusivity doesn't make our faith restrictive; instead, it underscores the profound love of God, who gave His only Son for our salvation.
C. So, what does this mean for us today? It challenges us to place our trust solely in Jesus. It calls us to respect and honor His name, understanding its unique power and privilege. It should shape our lives, our decisions, and our relationships.
Our Response to Jesus
Our Response to Jesus
A. We are encouraged to trust in Jesus' name in a world full of alternative 'truths.' To hold steadfast to our faith, acknowledging that salvation comes from Jesus alone.
B. We're also challenged with the responsibility of bearing Jesus' name as Christians. How are we representing Jesus in our daily lives? Are our actions reflecting His love and grace?
C. Here's an invitation for each one of us. If you've never acknowledged the power of Jesus' name in your life, today could be the day. For those who've wandered or grown cold in their faith, it's a call to reaffirm your commitment to Jesus.
D. Let's pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the powerful name of Jesus. We thank You for the privilege of bearing His name and for the salvation it brings. As we have learned today, there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
We confess our faith in You, Jesus. We acknowledge Your lordship over our lives and commit to living in a way that honors Your name. Forgive us for the times we've fallen short, and strengthen us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges.
Help us boldly proclaim Your power and salvation in our lives. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we might reflect Your love, grace, and truth in our actions and words. As bearers of Your name, may we represent You well in this world.
We recommit ourselves to You today. We choose to trust You in all circumstances, to seek You in all our decisions, and to serve You with all our hearts. We pray this in the unmatched and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
Conclusion:
A. Jesus is our cornerstone, our Savior, and the only way to salvation.
B. Just like the story of James we heard earlier, who found opened doors through the legacy of his name, we too have doors of grace, mercy, and salvation opened to us through the name of Jesus.
C. Let's leave here with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraged to live in a manner worthy of bearing Jesus' name.
D. As we step into the coming week, here are three next steps you can take:
Live Out Your Faith Boldly: This week, challenge yourself to boldly live out your faith in a way you haven't before. This could be anything from sharing your testimony with a friend, offering to pray for a coworker in need, or simply standing firm in your faith when it's easier to go with the flow. Remember the courage of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, and let it inspire you to bear the name of Jesus courageously.
Trust in the Power of Jesus' Name: In situations of need, uncertainty, or anxiety this week, consciously choose to trust in the power of Jesus' name. Remember that there is healing, salvation, and power in His name. Invite Jesus into those situations by praying, and allow His name to bring peace, wisdom, and direction.
Represent Jesus' Name Well: As bearers of Jesus' name, we have a responsibility to represent Him well. This week, strive to reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in your actions and words. Be mindful of your interactions with others and look for opportunities to demonstrate the character of Jesus in your day-to-day life. Whether in your family, your workplace, or your community, make it your aim to honor the name of Jesus throughout your life.