As the array of personal opinions increases in volume and content about all matters of morality, politics, or the global cabals gaining more control over our daily lives increases, I am listening for something else – the mention of the name of Jesus. Many believers on both sides of hot-button issues are very vocal, but not so much about the name of Jesus.

2,000 years ago, the division of opinion about Jesus was fomenting, from His own brothers who at the time did not believe in Him, and the Pharisees who were looking to kill the Lord. While all this was taking place, the following verse appears, “But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders” (John 7: 13). 

Just as it was 2,000 years ago, so it is today. We all have opinions about everything yet we remain silent when it comes to speaking the name of Jesus in the public square. If we had the same fervor and passion for mentioning the name of Jesus as we do for voicing our opinions about lesser issues, the Great Commission would be closer to fulfillment than it is today.

After the Day of Pentecost, when the Church had been anointed with the power of the Spirit, everything changed. Timid, fearful, and silent saints became courageous, bold, and vocal about the name of Jesus. They are no longer worried about getting in trouble for speaking His name.  Maybe the greatest evidence of being baptized in the Spirit is not gifts, but a fearless faith.

Shortly after Pentecost, Stephen was proclaiming the name of Jesus and performing amazing miracles. He was arrested by the religious establishment on trumped-up charges. After giving a lengthy address before the Council, he finished with these words, “’Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’ Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him” (Acts 7: 56-58). It was the name of Jesus, not Stephen’s opinion about the culture or the demise of traditional values that led to his martyrdom.

If we do not mention the name of Jesus as the ultimate solution for our social ills, we will have no more hope for change than what is being suggested by those who oppose what is true and right. A change of politicians or a vote that goes “our way” cannot promise that kind of redemption. Only the name of Jesus can make that promise.

We are in need of a new Pentecost to reorder our mission and ignite our passion for the name of Jesus. Without that fresh baptism of fire, we will become just another voice adding to the increasing social clamor.