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Welcome
“Do we trust the Lord completely in everything at all times. Complete obedience is needed for He has our best interest in mind in good times and bad. We are precious to Him and He loves us so much that He died on that cross to give us new life and the promise of heaven to come. Praise His holy name always, Amen.”
Stella
Worship
Word
“What are we going to do with these men?’ they asked. ‘Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.”
Acts 4:16
A remarkable miracle has occurred. A man lame from birth who is now over forty years of age (Acts 4:22), has been instantly healed (Acts 3:7). He is now seen, no longer sitting down at the temple gate begging, rather he is on his way to the temple courts with Peter and John, and he is walking and jumping, and praising God (Acts 3:8). All the people see him and they are filled with wonder and amazement at what has happened to him (Acts 3:10). This provides a wonderful opportunity for Peter to preach the Gospel as the people all start running towards them (Acts 3:11). Peter preaches to them (Acts 3:12-26).
Always when the Spirit is moving powerfully, opposition arises, as regularly happened here in the book of Acts e.g.
And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:1
This happened regularly in the ministry of Jesus, culminating in the Crucifixion, and in Church History, especially in times of Revival. Someone once said, “If there is no persecution, check that it really is revival.” Satan especially hates it when the Spirit is powerfully moving in the Church. Here, the religious leaders including the High Priest, take exception to what has happened. Yes, the greatest opposition to what the Spirit is doing often comes from religious people,
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and put them in prison overnight. With pride and arrogance they discussed the situation amongst themselves, and said: ‘Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.
Acts 4:1-3
A great miracle had happened, and they couldn’t deny it, but they refused to humble themselves and put their faith in Jesus the Messiah. Paul wrestled with such an attitude and concluded,
All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.
Romans 10:21
The same sign that is such a blessing to many, and resulted in another 2,000 being added to the Church (Acts 4:4), is a cause of stumbling to others (see Romans 9:30-33 for a further explanation). Nevertheless, let us pray for the Lord to do great things in His Church so that people will be amazed and come running to hear the message of the Gospel, the Good-News of Jesus Christ; that they might put their faith in Him and be added to His Church. But let us also be ready for opposition, for Satan knows that his time is short and he is very angry, Amen.
Quote of the week
“The Spirit that operates in such a manner as to cause a greater regard for the Holy Scriptures, and establishes them more in their truth and divinity, is certainly the Spirit of God.”
Jonathan Edwards
Verse of the week
Rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.
Rev. 12:12
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, pray glorify Your Name once more in this nation through Your Church. Pour out Your Holy Spirit as You did on the Day of Pentecost and revive Your Church, that people may be convicted of their sin, repent and be born-again to eternal life; that they may be healed, delivered and set free, in Jesus Christ Name and for His glory, Amen.