Evidence Of A Relationship

Acts 4:13

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

It became evident to everyone exposed to Peter and John that something had changed about their lives. These men were known to have been uneducated and untrained yet they were speaking with authority and confidence. It is interesting that John’s leadership is being noticed for the first time. We had seen before that the two of them were going to the temple (3:1) but up to this point Peter seems to have taken the lead. Here, twice in this passage (v. 13, 19) John appears to be joining the discussion.

The other phrase that attracted my attention was that everyone began to realize that they had “been with Jesus”. This phrase really challenges me and forces me to ask myself the question: do others recognize my relationship with Jesus? Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit working in and through me as I go about my daily routine?

I know from the study of the Bible that the Holy Spirit is as active within me as He was within Peter and John. His power can be manifested through my life just as it was through theirs. I can have the same confidence and boldness through the Spirit’s ministry to me.

Peter and John were confident enough in their relationship with the Lord that when they were commanded not to speak or teach about Jesus they responded “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” Do I have that same confidence and will I have it if I am confronted as they were?

Paul exhorts us in I Cor. 11:28 to examine ourselves to assure we are in right relationship with God. It is good to do that often, not just as we anticipate participating in communion. As we do that and confess the sin in our lives we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete control of us. It is our responsibility to be filled with the Spirit and we need to take that responsibility seriously.

I pray that those around you will recognize that you have been with Jesus.

Salvation In No One Else

Act 4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

Peter and John were aggressively speaking to the people about the resurrection of Jesus in this passage. The priests involved (v. 1) were probably Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. The captain of the temple guard arrested Peter and John because of the commotion they were causing.

We see the results of their message in v. 5 where we are told that about 5,000 men were saved. Throughout history we see that in times of persecution the Lord works mightily in the hearts of men.

Those in charge asked Peter a very leading question which gave him an open opportunity to share the Gospel. Peter never hesitated but quickly proclaimed the Lord Jesus to them. Note that this was done by the prompting of the Holy Spirit (v. 8). Peter asked them a question that really put these leaders on the defensive: are we on trial for a benefit done to a sick man?”

The statement in v. 12 is a very important one and is especially meaningful in today’s environment. Even in America we are being challenged by other religions that do not believe in Jesus. We are in the midst of a war with Arab nations because of our desire to see people free from persecution. Many people who believe in other god’s are moving into our country and others are challenging our right to worship our God. I believe America is following Europe into a post-Christian society.

I have no idea what our society will look like in the future. I am sure of one thing: God is still in control. My counsel to you is to be bold in sharing the plan of salvation to others. God has placed you, as a Christian, in this world for that purpose. You may very well face persecution as you do that but you can be confident that God is with you and will never forsake you. Remember the promise and the challenge God gave Moses and Joshua “I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous…”

Seizing The Opportunity

Act 3:11-26

Peter noticed the amazement of the people at the healing of the paralytic and took the opportunity to share the Gospel message. Notice that he first gives credit to God by clearly stating that the healing was not done in his own power. Once again we also see the boldness he has been given by the Spirit when he accuses the people of putting to death the Lord Jesus.

As you read this account pay attention to the three titles Peter gives to the Lord Jesus during his message. First he uses the title “His servant Jesus” (v. 13). This title reminds me of the passage in Phil. 2:6-8 “---although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross.”

Next Peter uses the title “Holy and Righteous One” (v. 14). In Hebrews 7:26 we read “For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.”

Finally in v. 15 Peter calls Christ the “Prince (Author) of life”. Although they killed the Author of life God raised Him from the dead.

In Jesus servanthood we see Him as man, then as the Holy and Righteous One we see Him as God and finally, as the Author of life as one who death cannot conquer, but who is risen again.

Peter’s message was clear as he simply told the people they needed to repent and to trust Jesus as their Savior. Sharing Christ is not that complicated. It is simply explaining the Gospel to others. Help them see that they have sinned and are separated from God. But Jesus, through His death paid the price for our sins and has risen and is currently with the Father in heaven preparing a place for us to dwell eternally with Him. We will do that only if we trust Him as our Savior.

You will have many opportunities to share the Gospel. I pray you will be faithful in doing that.

Apostolic Miracles

Acts 3:2-10

"2And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was

being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of

the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were

entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the

temple, he began asking to receive alms. 4But Peter, along with John,

fixed his gaze on him and said, "Look at us!" 5And he began to give

them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

6But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have

I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!"

7And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately

his feet and his ankles were strengthened.
8With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered

the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God;
10and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit

at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled

with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."

The story in this passage recounts the healing of a man who had been lame from birth. Some mistakenly interpret this passage to indicate that the gift of healing is still present among Christians today. There is no question that God still heals; we all have witnessed that in our lifetime. But we believe that God does not bestow the gift of healing on people today.

The apostles had the gift of healing because it was a “sign” gift. It authenticated their role as messengers from God. Jesus also healed many to give evidence that He was the Messiah (Matt. 11:2-5). It was needed because the New Testament was not available at that time and others could identify these men as men of God through the use of this gift. Paul used the gift of healing early in his ministry, but not toward the end of his ministry. There were several times when Paul or one of his friends became ill and they were not miraculously healed. There is very little mention of the gift of healing in the epistles. Today, we have the Bible and the “sign gifts” are no longer exercised.

Today God often brings about healing when people pray, but it is evident that he doesn’t heal everyone. That was even true of Paul (II Cor. 12:7-10). Paul desperately wanted the Lord to remove his infirmity. God chose not to do that but replied “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”. Some would say that God didn’t answer Paul’s prayer, but I believe He responded negatively and we need to accept that response as Paul did. God knew Paul’s personality much better that he did, and knew that this “thorn in the flesh” would help Paul maintain the right attitude and perspective toward Him.”

But we certainly don’t say that God doesn’t heal. Just recently we have witnessed God heal a physical problem in the heart of an eight year old at our church. The doctors were astounded when they reviewed x-rays taken at two different times. The first x-rays clearly showed a problem with an artery coming from the heart and a few months later the second x-rays showed the problem to be completely eliminated.

Another factor to notice here is that God heals immediately and completely. The paralytic immediately gained full strength (he didn’t have to build up his muscles) and began walking and leaping and praising God.

It is entirely appropriate today to pray for healing and we should give God the glory when that happens. We must beware of those who claim to have the power of healing. They are usually after gain for themselves.