"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12
In last week's message, Apostle Peter and John brought forward an amazing healing to a 40+ year man who was born without the use of his legs! Apostle Peter revealed how this man's new ability to walk and jump around came from the living presence of the risen Christ! The religious leadersNow of the day did not like what Peter and John were doing. First, they were teaching people as "uneducated" men. Second, they taught about the resurrection which was not an acceptable teaching of the Sadducees. However, Peter couldn't stop but defend the truth based on what they witnessed about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, this amazing healing in Jesus' Name, and how He is the ONLY ONE now given under heaven where salvation is found!
In one way you would think this is GOOD NEWS affirming all the Old Testament prophecy about Jesus being their Messiah and especially knowing God will forgive them for what they did to his Son in ignorance. They just need to repent and receive Jesus as their Messiah and Savior. In another way, to give up one's pride, position, rights, status, wealth, security, and/or comforts in order to receive God's new and only way of salvation is not so easy.
Now they are beginning to face persecution and by their religious laws told not to speak or teach of this Jesus who is dead. The response? "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:19-20
Jesus did state, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." - Matthew 5:11-12
How do we respond when persecution becomes a possibility? What's at stake if we decide not to share the truth of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to OBEY GOD over man that has us living out Christ's Commission?
Prayer: "Gracious Father, consider the threats of those coming against us, as your people. Consider the threats of the various laws that are in opposition to you and your Word. We ask that you enable us, your servants, to speak your word with great boldness. We ask that you stretch out your hand in ways that continue to make your Son Jesus Christ known. We ask that you continue to fill us with the Spirit's presence as we faithfully and obediently act upon your asking. In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!"