 Mark 16:15 quotes Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” When Jesus resurrected from death, and when you became a follower of His, He gave you a mission. It is your mission not only to cherish, but to do. In a church newsletter the following challenge was issued: Jesus. It’s a little name. A small word. Say this little name in public, however, in a way other than an obscenity, And stand back and watch the fireworks. This little name is like a tiny detonator that triggers a nuclear warhead. You can say “God,” and you won’t get a squeak. You can say “Our Father/Mother in Heaven,” and few will flinch. You can say “Great Spirit,” and people will nod in approval. You can say “Allah,” and you will be deemed tolerant. But say “Jesus,” and just wait for the sonic boom. Articles will appear in the paper. Reprimands will be posted from the home office. Suits will be threatened by the civil liberties block. So don’t say Jesus. Jesus is divisive, and now is a time for unity. Jesus is an extremist, and that must mean right wing. Jesus is exclusive, so his name amounts to hate speech. Keep his name to yourself. Cloister it in your church. Lock it in your prayer closet. Close it between the covers of your Bible. But for God’s sake, don’t voice it in the public square! It’s immodest. It’s immoral. It’s unloving. Only one problem. Jesus is God. Only one problem. Jesus alone brings salvation. Only one problem. All other gods are nothing. So speak his name aloud. Shout it from the mountain. Whisper it in the dark. Write it in the sky. That’s not hate. It’s hope. You possess the message of hope that people around you need. Will you be faithful to living and sharing Jesus’ message of hope? In John 11:25-26 Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” If you believe this, share it. Invite your friends to join you at church for worship, for Bible study, and for youth group. Because He lives, Tyler
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