Sunday School Lesson Outlines

The Name Of Jesus

Jesus can do many things in our lives. We say it but do we actually believe it, and trust it? Just the mention of the name "Jesus" has the power to change lives to all who trust in that name. You will eventually not hear the name of Steve Jobs. He and other influential men have had a great impact on the entire world, but only during their era. Jesus' name was mentioned in prophecy, and the story of his three year ministry has been well documented in history. His name has and still changes things today and forever more.

Is your life is out of control? Jesus can help! In His hands our lives become a blank canvas. With a commitment to live life sold out for Jesus our lives become a masterpiece. They have meaning and purpose. There is even joy during life's hardships.

Acts 7:54-57 "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse." NASB

This is the account of Stephen's stoning. Poor Stephen was just doing what Jesus commands - to go and tell - this made him the very first martyr. Are you willing to do that? Look at the blessing he received.

Saul of Tarsus approved of this killing:

Acts 8:1 "And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions os Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." NASB

Acts 9:1-2 "Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." NASB

It would take a miracle to change the heart of this cruel Pharisee. Well, actually it only took the name of Jesus.

Saul was on his way to Damascus to kill Phillip and many other disciples. On the way, a great light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground. Why? Because he knew whoever it was, was greater than he himself.

Acts 9:3-6 "And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' And he said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.'" NASB

Jesus said Saul's name twice. He wanted t get his full attention; kind of like when you call your kids by their first and middle name - "Julie Lynn" - I knew that was a strong demand for my attention. Saul wasn't stupid. As a matter of fact, he went to the best Jewish school money could buy. He knew all the laws. Yet he still asked, "Who are you, Lord?" He knew it was Jesus. Saul was completely changed at the name of Jesus! From Acts 9:17 to Acts 20 we read the account of Saul transforming from a murderer to an evangelist. If the mention of Jesus' name can change Saul's mindset and life, He can change yours!

In Jesus ...

• There Is Healing
  Did Saul have a broken soul? Yes. He wrestled with his past. In Jesus there is true freedom.
  

  Romans 7:24 "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" NASB

  Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of the life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." NASB

• There Is Help
  Have you made dumb decisions, have financial problems, marital issues, children, temper, addiction, etc.; the only one to help you get back in control is Jesus. No other name.
  

  Hebrews 13:6 "So that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?'" NASB

• There Is Hope
  Tired of trying and still not getting ahead? Still trying to handle everything yourself? Try going to the empty tomb - that's your hope - nothing is hopeless.
  

  Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." NASB

Jesus taught us many things in His short three year earthly ministry. With love, by example, through parables, replacing the old laws, forgiveness, overcoming death, etc. So if just hearing the name of Jesus changes Saul of Tarsus 360%, then He can change your life around too. Who better to serve than the son of the Almighty?

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