Verse of the Day 4/24

Acts 4:12 ^"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men^[a] by which we must be saved."  English Standard Version (ESV)

Today's verse is one I memorized as a child in AWANA Clubs (approved workmen are not ashamed- 2 Timothy 2:15).  It is one of the foundational verses of AWANA and of the Christian faith.  It seems that we don't hear it quoted very often in this day of political correctness and tolerance with the feeling that everyone has the right to their opinion.  Everyone does have the right to there opinion but contrary to the modern day version of tolerance, not all opinions are correct.

The words recited in today's verse by Peter in Acts 4 echo the words of Jesus in John 6:44 "I am the way, the truth and the life".  It is the dividing point in life, believing vs. not believing and following vs. turning away from Jesus.

We are identified by our names and also with the names of those whom we identify with.  David Jeremiah writes, "No other name has the power of Jesus. No other name can raise the dead, strengthen the living, save the lost, defeat the demons, delight the angels, and bear us through perilous times. Only Christ could offer Himself as a righteous sacrifice for sin and shed His blood as an everlasting atonement. If we reject Christ, we are rejecting the only possible means by which we can receive forgiveness and salvation. There is no other name." 

There are politicians, world leaders and religious leaders that people follow.  As Christians we affirm that we follow Jesus who has the power to "raise the dead and strengthen the living".
These thoughts should be in our hearts when we need "strength for today, with a bright hope for tomorrow."

Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
	"Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"   Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—     "Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!

If we are questioned about our faith, may we be like Peter and say "we have nothing to hide" (The Message) we praise His great name and HIs great faithfulness.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Acts 4:8-12The Message (MSG)

^8-12 With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."