There are many places in the world where preaching the name of Jesus will still get you arrested. Here in this passage the Apostles get arrested for healing a man and preaching in the name of Jesus. The church, newly founded, is facing persecution. When the men are arrested, they are told to not speak about Jesus anymore.
Their response is short and to the point: “But Peter and John replied, 'Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges!'"
They essentially say, “Should we listen to you or God?” This question has an obvious answer; we are to listen to God.
This might not seem important, but a day may come when even in America we are told we must not tell others about Jesus. But we must do what God says not what man says.
Showing posts with label evangelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label evangelism. Show all posts
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Acts 3: The Gospel Displayed
Peter and John healed a man in the name of Jesus. They used this miraculous occurrence as an opportunity to proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
I want you to see that all of the parts of the Gospel are in this passage. Paul is very specific; he tells them that they killed Jesus. Peter also says that God raised Jesus from the dead. In verses 18-19 Peter says, “But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Peter defends his statements using the Old Testament, showing that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. He then calls for the people to repent (turn from their sin and turn to Jesus). If they do this their sin will be forgiven; their sin will be blotted out.
Peter says this to the people responsible for the death of Jesus. How great is the grace and mercy of God that even those people were offered forgiveness!
I want you to see that all of the parts of the Gospel are in this passage. Paul is very specific; he tells them that they killed Jesus. Peter also says that God raised Jesus from the dead. In verses 18-19 Peter says, “But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Peter defends his statements using the Old Testament, showing that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament. He then calls for the people to repent (turn from their sin and turn to Jesus). If they do this their sin will be forgiven; their sin will be blotted out.
Peter says this to the people responsible for the death of Jesus. How great is the grace and mercy of God that even those people were offered forgiveness!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Acts 2: The Miracle of Pentacost
The disciples seem to have been waiting for the Holy Spirit. Their teacher (Jesus) has left, thought he promised to send the Holy Spirit, and so they were waiting. Pentacost is 40 days after Passover, which is when Jesus died. So this chapter takes place forty days after the death of Jesus and Peter’s denial of Jesus three times. Here, a miraculous event takes place. More than one actually.
The first being that the disciples, speaking in their language, are miraculously understood in a different language. This caused the Gospel to spread rapidly since people were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentacost though they lived throughout the Roman Empire.
The second being that Peter is a changed man. He was previously denying Christ but is now preaching the gospel and calling on all men to believe in Jesus. This life change is due to being radically changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The first being that the disciples, speaking in their language, are miraculously understood in a different language. This caused the Gospel to spread rapidly since people were in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentacost though they lived throughout the Roman Empire.
The second being that Peter is a changed man. He was previously denying Christ but is now preaching the gospel and calling on all men to believe in Jesus. This life change is due to being radically changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Acts 1: Jesus' Final Commission
The book of Acts is about what happens to the followers of Jesus after he ascends into heaven. The first chapter begins with Jesus’ final command to his disciples.
Jesus says in verse 8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus promises to them that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and when they are empowered they will be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
There is a progression in the locations. It would be like saying, "You will be a witness for me in Williamston, and in all Martin County and Pitt County, and to the ends of the world.”
If we believe in Jesus, we are empowered by the same Spirit, and we should be a witness for Him!
Jesus says in verse 8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Jesus promises to them that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and when they are empowered they will be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
There is a progression in the locations. It would be like saying, "You will be a witness for me in Williamston, and in all Martin County and Pitt County, and to the ends of the world.”
If we believe in Jesus, we are empowered by the same Spirit, and we should be a witness for Him!
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