What are people who call themselves "Christians" to do with the name "Jesus Christ"? Increasingly, Christians are being encouraged in every arena to omit the words "Jesus Christ" from conversation, writings, speeches, or even public prayers. Curse if you must, but please don’t refer to Jesus in any sense which might infer that He is real. Strangely, those who cry the loudest are not offended by Buddha, Mohammed, or Krishna. Or by a variety of words that censors wrestle with. But watch out for "Jesus."

Let it be said first of all that there is no such thing as a "Christian" apart from Jesus Christ. The word itself – "Christian" – means a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ. It occurs rather early in the history of the church as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. It was a name given to the followers of Jesus Christ when their behavior and character and boldness reflected that of Jesus Christ. At the deepest level, a "Christian" is connected through something called the "new birth" with the very real and living person of Jesus Christ. To separate the two words is illogical.

Secondly, the message that every "Christian" is obligated to declare to the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word "gospel" means "good news." And the simple good news is that Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and rose again for us. Coupled with that good news is the invitation to embrace Jesus Christ by faith for eternity. This is not just one message out of many – this is the main message. A "Christian" who does not faithfully declare the good news concerning Jesus Christ is nothing more than a disobedient Christian. His name must continually be in our communication.

It is rather grievous to me to even have to blog something like this as a citizen of the United States of America, a country whose founding fathers gave us "freedom of speech." But "freedom of speech" does not mean what it once did. It now is qualified by the terms "political correct" and "culturally acceptable." The founding Fathers would be horrified that their majestically simple and clear phrase has so been muddied. But such is the day that we live in. And it would seem that no two words in the English language are so increasingly excluded from the freedom of speech than the words "Jesus Christ."

So what are we to do? First, we re-educate the public concerning the words. Whenever we use "Jesus Christ" also include the reasons why we use the words. By all means, do not assume that people already know that. They used to. They don’t any more.

Secondly, boldly and unashamedly declare the good news of Jesus Christ. Don’t be ashamed of that name. It is the name of God the Son through which we are saved and forgiven. It is the name through which God’s gracious gift of eternal life is given to those who deserve the very opposite.

There’s a lot worse names than the name Jesus Christ. On the contrary, there’s none better.