2026 Acts 4-1, No Other Name Except Jesus
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2026-10-04 16:24
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No Other Name Except Jesus
Acts 4:1-22
The lame rose to his feet by the power of name, Jesus. Yet, persecution followed immediately. Religious leaders, filled with rage, threw Peter and John into prison. It was a suffering, but simultaneously, a time of revival. Five thousand people came to believe in Jesus. So, is it a time of suffering or a time of revival?
Suffering and revival (prosperity) come together. Life is on two tracks. When something good (bad) comes, something bad (good) comes along with it. You might say, "Now, I am in a season of suffering,” or “I am in a season of prosperity.” No. They coexist.
P. Rick Warren is arguably the most influential pastor in this generation. His book, ‘The purpose driven life’, has been translated into more than 74 languages and has sold over 50 million copies. His church has flourished. Yet, he suffers from a lifelong brain disorder that suddenly causes him collapse due to seizures. His son took his own life at the age of twenty-seven, and his wife made a humiliating public confession.
Paul was a fruitful gospel worker. But he suffered from a thorn in his body. (2 Corinthians 12). He thought he would be more fruitful if he were free from the painful thorn. So, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. God replied, "My grace is sufficient for you." Paul then realized, "When I am weak, Christ’s power is revealed."
Life is on two tracks. There are thorns in our lives, but there is also power and blessing from God. Once you understand this, you must look at the other side as well. If you suffer now, then expect something great. “Oh, God is going to bless me.” If you are going well, be prepared to deal with suffering or temptations.
Joseph was sold into slavery. But he was raised to become the chief in his master’s house. But he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Then, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt and saved both his family and the nation. Whenever he suffered a lot, he did not lose his heart, believing, “There is God’s divine purpose in this.”
Psalm 30:6 says, When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” The author knew that prosperity has a trap, the danger of becoming arrogant and drifting away from God. You might think that if your life goes well, having a good job, earning plenty of money with recognition, you would have strong faith in Jesus. However, these advantages can lead to your downfall. The more you possess, the more you need the spiritual insight to see the other side, suffering or temptation. Otherwise, there is a danger of becoming secular and destruction.
In Luke 14, a king invites some to his son’s wedding banquet. They were chosen and privileged. However, those who declined were the ones enjoying prosperity. They made excuses: “Sorry, I can’t come because I bought oxen,” “I purchased a field,” “I just got married.” Because they had good job, money, successful businesses and nice family, they used their blessings as an excuse to reject the invitation of God, the King. Their prosperity became a trap making them lose eternal blessings.
"Is anyone among you doing well right now?" If so, be careful. Long for God’s grace more and dedicate yourself to God through worship, prayer and evangelical work even more. Otherwise, you could lose everything. That is why the Psalmist prays, “Lord, I stand firm like a mountain, unshaken.”
The religious leaders here—especially the Sadducees—saw the miracle of a lame walking by the power of name, Jesus. Instead of glorifying Jesus, however, they opposed Jesus and his ministry. Why? Because of their own interests and maintaining the status quo. Then they became the adversaries of Jesus and His ministry.
The Sadducees were a group of priests, yet they did not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Look at verse 2. “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” Though the Sadducees were religious figures, they loved money and things of this world. So they denied resurrection, scared by the judgment after death.
Our current era is becoming "Sadducee-like. Sadducees studied scripture and came to temple, but they were indifferent to the spirit and eternal life but are highly sensitive to money and public opinion. After they arrested the disciples, they could not kill them but released them because of public opinion. (V 16, 21)
In contrast, the disciples lived before God. Look at verse 19. “But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?” Joseph in his twenties was tempted by a foxy woman to sleep together. He refused it saying, " How could I do such a wicked thing and sin in God’s eyes?" Because he lived in God’s eyes, he was acutely aware of God with his whole being—realizing, "God is watching and judging me right now. I can’t do that." This is ‘a consciousness of God,’ knowing that God sees me at this very moment. I pray that you may have ‘a consciousness of God.’ For this, have fellowship with Jesus.
Look at verse 13. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. The disciples were with Jesus. Then they became courageous and wise though they were uneducated ordinary men.
We are on the earth, the world of material ruled by birth, aging, sickness and death. But here is a mystery. There is God. There is heaven. There is eternity. Now we are to be touched by God Immortal and Holy. Jesus came to the earth from heaven. The disciples met Him. They saw, heard and touched Jesus’ words, His inner self, His purpose in life, and His power. This is fellowship. They said, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They did not merely hear rumors about Jesus, nor did they know Him simply through studying at their desks. They experienced Jesus personally.
Personhood or character is the sum of intellect, emotion, and will. When you do Bible study or hear sermons, your intellect is engaged. Then you are moved and touched. Then, a determination and action follow. These three constitute character. This is the meaning to meet Jesus.
Nowadays, many people rely solely on their intellect or emotion. Without coming to church to worship God and have fellowship, they search for a good service and good sermon by their computer mouse. But true character is not like that; it is a meeting between life and life, Jesus and me. That is why worship, prayer, mission and fellowship in Jesus are so important. Yet, living this way is not easy. Why? Because it requires the engagement of your entire being. May God touch all your beings, intellect, emotion and will power to meet Jesus.
A lame was healed.by the name, Jesus. This is an undeniable fact. However, the religious leaders felt that their authority and status quo were shaken. They refused to acknowledge the power of the name, Jesus who rose again from the dead. They discussed among themselves how they would deal with the disciples and Jesus, the Lord of resurrection. Their conclusion is verse 18. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. The lame’s healing was undeniable fact. But they threatened, “We acknowledge the lame’s healing. But don’t say that it is by the name, Jesus.”
God grants us miracles and victory in our lives. The devil cannot deny this. Yet, the world insists: "It is not from Jesus. It is just by good luck or a good timing or the result of your efforts." That is the mindset of the Sadducees and that is the devil's scheme.
Do not resist when you hear that everything is from God. We sing a song, “My life is God’s.” Then are we obeying Him? Are we offering our time and money and talents when he askes us? Do not remain dull when you see God’s hand on your life and others.’ Everything what we have is from God. If we deny it, we could become like the Sadducees, the enemies of Jesus.
When Peter was asked to explain how the lame was healed, he proclaimed, “The lame was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.” And the conclusion is verse 12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Only Jesus! We are forgiven, healed, get peace, escape God’s last judgment and go to heaven only through Jesus. There is no other way.
People in this world are offended by this proclamation. They criticize, “Christianity is dogmatic, close-minded and intolerant.” People rather like religious pluralism—the idea that there are multiple paths to salvation, not just Jesus alone. It certainly seems appealing, gentle, and broad-minded.
Once Joel Osteen appeared on ‘Larry King Live.’ When asked, "Is Jesus the only way?" it was a golden chance for him as a pastor to declare a life-saving message, “Yes He is!” However, he replied, "I don't know." He compromised with religious pluralism to please many. He is a fake.
You know what, Christianity is absolute intolerant when it comes to dogma (doctrine). Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus. Then, where do you go when you have problems, when you are sick or busy or tired? Are you still trying to solve your problems by your plans and efforts or human ties? Are you still trying to be friendly to the world? Come to Jesus! Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus. If you compromise on this, you are a fake.
Now, where did such a confession come from? Would such a confession come out of your mouths as you simply read a few Bible chapters or hear sermons once a week?
First: devotion and loyalty
Look at verse 2. “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” The religious leaders intensely hated disciples’ teaching about Jesus’ resurrection. They openly threatened them, “don’t teach it, or you will be imprisoned and killed.” Yet, the disciples continued to proclaim Jesus’ cross and resurrection. How was it possible?
People generally act based on self-interest. They come when there is a benefit. They don’t come if there is no. However, Even when threatened by religious leaders, the disciples did not deny Jesus but actively proclaim the name, Jesus and resurrection. This shows a loyalty and devotion that went completely against their own safety and benefit."
You attend Sunday worship service and confess, "I believe in Jesus." No one hinders you or raises objections against you. Then, there is no problem. However, some oppose you, “Hey, why are you going to church always? Today we have a family issue. Today we have a study group meeting.” Or your current circumstances or self-interest collides your faith in Jesus. If you give up worship and mission of God, your faith is not genuine. Your words must align with your devotion and loyalty.
In the 17th century, a man named Sabbatai Zevi in Turkey claimed to be the Messiah. The Islamic authorities arrested him and gave him a choice: "Do you want to die under torture, or will you convert to Islam?" He converted immediately. He was a fake, wasn't it? In contrast, the disciples of the early church held fast to their faith in Jesus crucified and rose again from the dead despite threats to their own interests and safety. That is what devotion and loyalty.
Friends, "Actions speak louder than words. Prove your faith through commitment to Jesus and his purpose. To prove the confession of your lips is real, your commitment is required. People say, "I believe in Jesus," yet they skip Sunday worship service, prayer meetings and have no even thought about gospel work, saying they are busy, tired, have a family gathering, or friends’ demand. Devotion and loyalty to the Lord, Jesus mean laying down one's own interests, and even one's life. If we show such devotion and loyalty, we, our families, our campuses and the world will be transformed. I pray for you to meet Jesus, the Lord of life and death. I pray for you to love him and be devoted and loyal to him. Then, the grace of God will reach to your family and people around you.
Second, personal experience
The religious asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?” (v 7) They answered, “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Verse 20 says, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” "I have seen and heard. This is their testimony. They had personal experience. Without such experience, how can one live a life of faith?
Honestly, it doesn't look like you go out and preach. Perhaps I, as your pastor, am incompetent. Generally, people don't go out to preach because they have no spiritual experience. It makes sense. Now, suppose you have had spiritual experience—suppose you have been moved during worship or prayer or Bible study. Suppose you have received tangible help from God. Yet you don't share the gospel. Then you are abusing God’s grace.
Think of how much grace God has bestowed upon us! You have such experiences, don't you? I certainly do. That is why I cannot help but proclaim Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Verse 11 quotes from the book of Psalm 118: The stone treated useless became the cornerstone. That stone is Jesus Christ. And in the book of Psalm, it refers to David. He was the youngest son, a smelly shepherd, and a fugitive. He was a failure, loser and nobody. He was constantly disregarded and hunted down, living in caves with society's outcasts. He was a rejected stone—and he knew it. Yet, he looked toward the One who was to come. By fixing his eyes on the glory of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, he finally established the Kingdom of David—the Messianic Kingdom on earth. He became the cornerstone of the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is truly amazing.
I have seen some people who once were like abandoned stones but now are so precious and useful to God’s kingdom on earth. I pray that you, too, may experience this—in both body and spirit—through the power of Jesus' name.
Therefore, keep coming here to see and hear the word of God. The reason I urge you not to miss worship service, prayer, and mission life is that being present in those fields makes you see and hear the work of God. May God bless you to experience Jesus and the kingdom of God, the forgiveness of sins, hope, vision and joy.
Acts 4:1-22
The lame rose to his feet by the power of name, Jesus. Yet, persecution followed immediately. Religious leaders, filled with rage, threw Peter and John into prison. It was a suffering, but simultaneously, a time of revival. Five thousand people came to believe in Jesus. So, is it a time of suffering or a time of revival?
Suffering and revival (prosperity) come together. Life is on two tracks. When something good (bad) comes, something bad (good) comes along with it. You might say, "Now, I am in a season of suffering,” or “I am in a season of prosperity.” No. They coexist.
P. Rick Warren is arguably the most influential pastor in this generation. His book, ‘The purpose driven life’, has been translated into more than 74 languages and has sold over 50 million copies. His church has flourished. Yet, he suffers from a lifelong brain disorder that suddenly causes him collapse due to seizures. His son took his own life at the age of twenty-seven, and his wife made a humiliating public confession.
Paul was a fruitful gospel worker. But he suffered from a thorn in his body. (2 Corinthians 12). He thought he would be more fruitful if he were free from the painful thorn. So, he pleaded with God three times to remove it. God replied, "My grace is sufficient for you." Paul then realized, "When I am weak, Christ’s power is revealed."
Life is on two tracks. There are thorns in our lives, but there is also power and blessing from God. Once you understand this, you must look at the other side as well. If you suffer now, then expect something great. “Oh, God is going to bless me.” If you are going well, be prepared to deal with suffering or temptations.
Joseph was sold into slavery. But he was raised to become the chief in his master’s house. But he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Then, he became the Prime Minister of Egypt and saved both his family and the nation. Whenever he suffered a lot, he did not lose his heart, believing, “There is God’s divine purpose in this.”
Psalm 30:6 says, When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” The author knew that prosperity has a trap, the danger of becoming arrogant and drifting away from God. You might think that if your life goes well, having a good job, earning plenty of money with recognition, you would have strong faith in Jesus. However, these advantages can lead to your downfall. The more you possess, the more you need the spiritual insight to see the other side, suffering or temptation. Otherwise, there is a danger of becoming secular and destruction.
In Luke 14, a king invites some to his son’s wedding banquet. They were chosen and privileged. However, those who declined were the ones enjoying prosperity. They made excuses: “Sorry, I can’t come because I bought oxen,” “I purchased a field,” “I just got married.” Because they had good job, money, successful businesses and nice family, they used their blessings as an excuse to reject the invitation of God, the King. Their prosperity became a trap making them lose eternal blessings.
"Is anyone among you doing well right now?" If so, be careful. Long for God’s grace more and dedicate yourself to God through worship, prayer and evangelical work even more. Otherwise, you could lose everything. That is why the Psalmist prays, “Lord, I stand firm like a mountain, unshaken.”
The religious leaders here—especially the Sadducees—saw the miracle of a lame walking by the power of name, Jesus. Instead of glorifying Jesus, however, they opposed Jesus and his ministry. Why? Because of their own interests and maintaining the status quo. Then they became the adversaries of Jesus and His ministry.
The Sadducees were a group of priests, yet they did not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Look at verse 2. “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” Though the Sadducees were religious figures, they loved money and things of this world. So they denied resurrection, scared by the judgment after death.
Our current era is becoming "Sadducee-like. Sadducees studied scripture and came to temple, but they were indifferent to the spirit and eternal life but are highly sensitive to money and public opinion. After they arrested the disciples, they could not kill them but released them because of public opinion. (V 16, 21)
In contrast, the disciples lived before God. Look at verse 19. “But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?” Joseph in his twenties was tempted by a foxy woman to sleep together. He refused it saying, " How could I do such a wicked thing and sin in God’s eyes?" Because he lived in God’s eyes, he was acutely aware of God with his whole being—realizing, "God is watching and judging me right now. I can’t do that." This is ‘a consciousness of God,’ knowing that God sees me at this very moment. I pray that you may have ‘a consciousness of God.’ For this, have fellowship with Jesus.
Look at verse 13. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. The disciples were with Jesus. Then they became courageous and wise though they were uneducated ordinary men.
We are on the earth, the world of material ruled by birth, aging, sickness and death. But here is a mystery. There is God. There is heaven. There is eternity. Now we are to be touched by God Immortal and Holy. Jesus came to the earth from heaven. The disciples met Him. They saw, heard and touched Jesus’ words, His inner self, His purpose in life, and His power. This is fellowship. They said, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They did not merely hear rumors about Jesus, nor did they know Him simply through studying at their desks. They experienced Jesus personally.
Personhood or character is the sum of intellect, emotion, and will. When you do Bible study or hear sermons, your intellect is engaged. Then you are moved and touched. Then, a determination and action follow. These three constitute character. This is the meaning to meet Jesus.
Nowadays, many people rely solely on their intellect or emotion. Without coming to church to worship God and have fellowship, they search for a good service and good sermon by their computer mouse. But true character is not like that; it is a meeting between life and life, Jesus and me. That is why worship, prayer, mission and fellowship in Jesus are so important. Yet, living this way is not easy. Why? Because it requires the engagement of your entire being. May God touch all your beings, intellect, emotion and will power to meet Jesus.
A lame was healed.by the name, Jesus. This is an undeniable fact. However, the religious leaders felt that their authority and status quo were shaken. They refused to acknowledge the power of the name, Jesus who rose again from the dead. They discussed among themselves how they would deal with the disciples and Jesus, the Lord of resurrection. Their conclusion is verse 18. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. The lame’s healing was undeniable fact. But they threatened, “We acknowledge the lame’s healing. But don’t say that it is by the name, Jesus.”
God grants us miracles and victory in our lives. The devil cannot deny this. Yet, the world insists: "It is not from Jesus. It is just by good luck or a good timing or the result of your efforts." That is the mindset of the Sadducees and that is the devil's scheme.
Do not resist when you hear that everything is from God. We sing a song, “My life is God’s.” Then are we obeying Him? Are we offering our time and money and talents when he askes us? Do not remain dull when you see God’s hand on your life and others.’ Everything what we have is from God. If we deny it, we could become like the Sadducees, the enemies of Jesus.
When Peter was asked to explain how the lame was healed, he proclaimed, “The lame was healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.” And the conclusion is verse 12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Only Jesus! We are forgiven, healed, get peace, escape God’s last judgment and go to heaven only through Jesus. There is no other way.
People in this world are offended by this proclamation. They criticize, “Christianity is dogmatic, close-minded and intolerant.” People rather like religious pluralism—the idea that there are multiple paths to salvation, not just Jesus alone. It certainly seems appealing, gentle, and broad-minded.
Once Joel Osteen appeared on ‘Larry King Live.’ When asked, "Is Jesus the only way?" it was a golden chance for him as a pastor to declare a life-saving message, “Yes He is!” However, he replied, "I don't know." He compromised with religious pluralism to please many. He is a fake.
You know what, Christianity is absolute intolerant when it comes to dogma (doctrine). Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus. Then, where do you go when you have problems, when you are sick or busy or tired? Are you still trying to solve your problems by your plans and efforts or human ties? Are you still trying to be friendly to the world? Come to Jesus! Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus. If you compromise on this, you are a fake.
Now, where did such a confession come from? Would such a confession come out of your mouths as you simply read a few Bible chapters or hear sermons once a week?
First: devotion and loyalty
Look at verse 2. “They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” The religious leaders intensely hated disciples’ teaching about Jesus’ resurrection. They openly threatened them, “don’t teach it, or you will be imprisoned and killed.” Yet, the disciples continued to proclaim Jesus’ cross and resurrection. How was it possible?
People generally act based on self-interest. They come when there is a benefit. They don’t come if there is no. However, Even when threatened by religious leaders, the disciples did not deny Jesus but actively proclaim the name, Jesus and resurrection. This shows a loyalty and devotion that went completely against their own safety and benefit."
You attend Sunday worship service and confess, "I believe in Jesus." No one hinders you or raises objections against you. Then, there is no problem. However, some oppose you, “Hey, why are you going to church always? Today we have a family issue. Today we have a study group meeting.” Or your current circumstances or self-interest collides your faith in Jesus. If you give up worship and mission of God, your faith is not genuine. Your words must align with your devotion and loyalty.
In the 17th century, a man named Sabbatai Zevi in Turkey claimed to be the Messiah. The Islamic authorities arrested him and gave him a choice: "Do you want to die under torture, or will you convert to Islam?" He converted immediately. He was a fake, wasn't it? In contrast, the disciples of the early church held fast to their faith in Jesus crucified and rose again from the dead despite threats to their own interests and safety. That is what devotion and loyalty.
Friends, "Actions speak louder than words. Prove your faith through commitment to Jesus and his purpose. To prove the confession of your lips is real, your commitment is required. People say, "I believe in Jesus," yet they skip Sunday worship service, prayer meetings and have no even thought about gospel work, saying they are busy, tired, have a family gathering, or friends’ demand. Devotion and loyalty to the Lord, Jesus mean laying down one's own interests, and even one's life. If we show such devotion and loyalty, we, our families, our campuses and the world will be transformed. I pray for you to meet Jesus, the Lord of life and death. I pray for you to love him and be devoted and loyal to him. Then, the grace of God will reach to your family and people around you.
Second, personal experience
The religious asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?” (v 7) They answered, “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Verse 20 says, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” "I have seen and heard. This is their testimony. They had personal experience. Without such experience, how can one live a life of faith?
Honestly, it doesn't look like you go out and preach. Perhaps I, as your pastor, am incompetent. Generally, people don't go out to preach because they have no spiritual experience. It makes sense. Now, suppose you have had spiritual experience—suppose you have been moved during worship or prayer or Bible study. Suppose you have received tangible help from God. Yet you don't share the gospel. Then you are abusing God’s grace.
Think of how much grace God has bestowed upon us! You have such experiences, don't you? I certainly do. That is why I cannot help but proclaim Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Verse 11 quotes from the book of Psalm 118: The stone treated useless became the cornerstone. That stone is Jesus Christ. And in the book of Psalm, it refers to David. He was the youngest son, a smelly shepherd, and a fugitive. He was a failure, loser and nobody. He was constantly disregarded and hunted down, living in caves with society's outcasts. He was a rejected stone—and he knew it. Yet, he looked toward the One who was to come. By fixing his eyes on the glory of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, he finally established the Kingdom of David—the Messianic Kingdom on earth. He became the cornerstone of the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is truly amazing.
I have seen some people who once were like abandoned stones but now are so precious and useful to God’s kingdom on earth. I pray that you, too, may experience this—in both body and spirit—through the power of Jesus' name.
Therefore, keep coming here to see and hear the word of God. The reason I urge you not to miss worship service, prayer, and mission life is that being present in those fields makes you see and hear the work of God. May God bless you to experience Jesus and the kingdom of God, the forgiveness of sins, hope, vision and joy.