"But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:19,20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the Bible. The gospel of the resurrection of Christ is gaining popularity. To add fuel to the fire, the apostles healed a lame man that was seen daily at the gate of the temple. This undeniable wonder further incites the enemies of Christ, and thus leads to a confrontation.

We not only marvel at the courage of the apostles, but also at the nature of Divine truth. There is a sharp contrast between the character of truth, and the character of human error.

When those opposed to Jesus are presented with the facts, their only option is to discredit or neutralize those who teach God’s word. In this case, the Jews first try to simply threaten the apostles. (Acts 4:16,17) The Sanhedrin was a body of great influence and power, but their inability to answer the hard facts leaves them powerless.

To teach that Jesus is the only way to God (Acts 4:12),and to proclaim this Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 4:1,2) are daring claims. Such concessions greatly disturbed the religious elite in Jerusalem. However, these doctrines were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Divine truth is not speculative, but practical, and nothing has gained the attention of  skeptics like the resurrection of Christ. But, God has not left himself without witness. The testimony of early disciples challenged the authorities. Peter: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”. (Acts 2:22) Paul:“For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Like all of other witnesses, Peter and John will say: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:20)

The historical events of early Christianity is marvelous proof of its Divine origin. Disciples of Christ of every generation must not be ashamed of their faith. Shout it from the house tops! Christ is risen!

By George Slover
 

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (Psalms 23:5)

God has promised to meet our every need.  The Psalmist acknowledges that because “the Lord is his shepherd” that “he will not want”, i.e. he will lack in nothing.  Even though the poet has enemies (vs. 5), they are powerless to remove the joyful peace of fellowship with God.

When we are lacking in such areas it is not due to failure on God’s part, but a lack of diligence on our part.  Jesus said,   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”  (Matthew 5:6)  We become so satisfied with the mundane offerings of this world, we fail to pursue the greater spiritual joys.  

How often have we been too busy to pray or too distracted to engage in daily Bible reading, or too lazy to assemble with God’s people, or too timid to share God’s word with a friend?  All of these are simple avenues authorized by God through which one can be richly blessed.  Our failure to receive such joy is due to our spiritual apathy.

It is time to let go and trust God fully. So many doors of opportunity are given to us each day.  Turn off the television, put aside that fiction novel, and let the yard wait until tomorrow.  Do not worry about the possible inconveniences and discomforts.  When you are finished God will bless you more than you thought possible!

George Slover

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (2 Corinthians 7:1)

A pursuit of holiness is the Christian's lifelong ambition. To "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man" is the lofty goal. It is connected to the sinless life of Christ, the model of character and behavior.

The disciples are exhorted to cleanse their lives of fleshly defilements. Perhaps the reference here is to the idolatry and unchastity so prevalent in Corinth. A separation from old habits and associations are necessary, coupled with a focus on the purity of God.

At times one can become discouraged with this task. Old habits are hard to break, new wholesome ones are hard to begin. It is encouraging to know that spiritual growth is  gradual. The perfecting process is accomplished by setting daily goals, and constant, steady attention given to the task.

Paul appeals to the promises of God to motivate the disciples to this work. One of the sweetest thoughts in scripture is the very thought of God's reception of us, of a father-son relationship. What an awesome thought that God would say, "I will be there God, and they shall be by people."  (2 Corinthians 6:16)

The perfecting process must also be coupled with fear. I am amazed at the number of times that fear and holiness are coupled together in Scripture. “Be holy, for I am holy.”
 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." (1 Peter 1:16,17) Remembering that we live each day in his holy presence, and the tender dread of offending him in anyway will help us to move in the right direction.

Thus, in the fear of God, and with our hearts encouraged by his promises, let us be determined to manifest God's holiness. God says, be holy, for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:1:16)

by George Slover
 

"At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped." (Numbers 9:18)

According to God’s providence, Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt.  Moses, their fearless leader, was leading them toward the Promised Land.  An assurance of God’s presence was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that appeared above the tabernacle.  When the cloud lifted each tribe, according to God’s orders, would set out to march.  When the cloud rested they would make camp according to God’s instruction.  The journey of Israel is a parable of the life of the Christian as he travels from the bondage of sin, through this world, toward the heavenly home.

First, observe that it was God who clearly determined their route.   At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp.  The mapping out of our lives is God’s job and not ours.  This may require abandoning the plans we have made, or the plans friends and relatives have made for our lives.  We must yield to God!

Second, note the path is clearly marked.  God gave Israel a clear, visible sign of his intentions.  Today, God provides a simple pattern to follow that is revealed in the New Testament.  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2-3).  He left us a blueprint for our daily lives, and gave the local church a pattern to follow in our collective work.  Like Israel, we must respect and follow our Lord’s marching orders.

Third, when Israel failed to follow their guide the result (Numbers 14:44, 45) was disastrous. We must never presume to follow our notions rather than the Lord’s commands.  Our greatest need is redemption from sin.  This salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus.  However, Jesus will present us blameless before God only if we continue in the faith.  (Colossians 1:22,23) God will approve of no life unless it is ordered by the gospel.  

Is not our life like a journey across a wilderness with the Promised Land as our goal?  Along the way do not forget to give glory to God, acknowledge his ruling hand, and commit your way to Him for the time to come.

By George Slover
 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peter’s words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

By George Slover