Peter and John were commanded to never again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. “Peter and John replied, “DO YOU THINK GOD WANTS US TO OBEY YOU RATHER THAN HIM? WE CANNOT STOP TELLING about everything we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the priests and elders said. “…this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all UNITED AGAINST JESUS, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, GREAT BOLDNESS in preaching your word. STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND with HEALING power; may MIRACULOUS SIGNS and WONDERS be done through the name of YOUR HOLY SERVANT JESUS.” After this prayer, the meeting place SHOOK, and they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. Then they PREACHED the word of God WITH BOLDNESS.” (Acts 4:27-31)
God do this through them, can He do it through us? “I am the LORD, I DO NOT CHANGE…” (Malachi 3:6) “Jesus Christ IS THE SAME yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, TURNING YOU AWAY from the living God. You must WARN EACH OTHER every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, WE WILL SHARE IN ALL THAT BELONGS TO CHRIST.” (Hebrews 3:12-14)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham