The Birth of Jesus Christ is Good News That Should Cause Great Joy For All The People

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS THAT WILL CAUSE GREAT JOY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11, emphasis mine).

 Many people find it difficult to embrace the Good News (of grace) because they don’t understand the bad news that we are all guilty before God and deserve to die. The Bible says, "where there's no law, there's no transgression" (Romans 4:15). In other words, no one would be guilty of sin if there were no law, "for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (see Romans 3:20). "To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law." (see Romans 5:13 NIV). In Romans 1:22-32, the apostle Paul lists over 23 different kinds of sin including idolatry, murder, envy, gossip, disobedience to parents, lack of understanding, pride, and deceit, and then declares that "all who do such things DESERVE DEATH." In Romans 14:23, Paul expands the list of sins to include anything that is not of faith (which will include our doubts or worries). James also expands the list of sins further to include anything we know is good but fail to do. (see James 4:17). Such all-encompassing definition of sin makes Paul's pronouncement in Romans 3:23 that "ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God" all the more compelling. It also makes the declaration in Romans 6:23 that "the wages of sin is death" all the more scary.

The truth remains, my dear friend, that no man can stand before God on Judgment Day and claim they’re without sin. We are all guilty as charged. We are all guilty before God, and we all deserve to be punished with the full measure of God's wrath. We all deserve to perish in hell. And we can't redeem ourselves from this punishment just by "doing good." Our "good deeds" cannot atone for our sins. And no matter how much "good" we do, we will always fall short (see Romans 3:23). So how do we get out of this guilty verdict and its consequence? Since we can’t save ourselves, we just need to be humble and admit that we need a Savior! And the good news is that “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” (see Luke 2:11). Jesus Christ, the Son of God is our Savior. This is why Romans 3:24 says, “ALL ARE JUSTIFIED FREELY by His GRACE through the redemption that CAME BY CHRIST JESUS.” We who believe in Jesus Christ have transitioned from being guilty in Romans 3:23 to being justified freely in Romans 3:24. Hallelujah! We are acquitted of all charges! “For as IN ADAM all die, even so IN CHRIST all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22, NKJV). As in Adam all were made sinners, even so in Christ all are made righteous. (see Romans 5:19, with 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30). Isn't this Good News? Doesn’t this make you want to scream "thank you Jesus?" Doesn’t this call for celebration?

Beloved, this is the amazing grace we often sing about. We have all been FREELY JUSTIFIED by His grace. We did not work for our justification. Our right standing with God is “without works” (Romans 4:6), “without the deeds of the Law” (Romans 3:28), “not of works” (Ephesians 2:9), “It is the Gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). The Bible also says in Romans 11:6, “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” This certainly leaves no room for boasting. Thus Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST." 

Jesus has borne the full punishment for our sins, and all we have to do to be saved is BELIEVE in His atonement for our sins. This is the Good News Paul and all the other apostles preached. Paul affirms this good news when he declares: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: "And by him ALL THAT BELIEVE are JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39 KJV, emphasis mine). John also declares that Jesus Christ is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). What this means is that Jesus has paid the penalty for everyone's sins. That is called grace (unmerited, undeserved favor). But you have to put faith in what Jesus has already accomplished; you have to believe it in order to be saved (see Ephesians 2:8). Jesus bore the full extent of God's wrath against sin, as He who knew no sin became sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21) and was forsaken by God (see Matthew 27:46), so that you and I will be reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:19). Thus Peter proclaims: “For Christ also hath ONCE suffered for sins, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, that He might BRING US TO GOD …” (1 Peter 3:18, emphasis mine). And Paul adds, "In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE.” (Ephesians 1:7, brackets and emphasis mine). This, my dear friend, is the good news! This is the gospel! It sounds nearly too good to be true. But that is why it is called the "Gospel." And it is the good news we celebrate this and every day.

 May you accept this gospel of grace and put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who alone can save you. Be blessed.

 I share this message, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).

Be Strong and Courageous in the Lord

Beloved, throughout the Bible, believers or the saints are urged to be strong and courageous in the Lord. Before his death Moses said to all the children of Israel, “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes WITH YOU. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called JOSHUA and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; DO NOT FEAR NOR BE DISMAYED.” (Deuteronomy 31:6‭-‬8 NKJV). Then when the Lord God Almighty Himself also spoke to JOSHUA after the death of Moses, He said, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; AS I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU. I will not leave you nor forsake you. BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ONLY BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE; DO NOT BE AFRAID, NOR BE DISMAYED, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5‭-‬9 NKJV).

Now, in this short passage quoted above, notice how many times God Himself told Joshua to BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, and to be VERY COURAGEOUS. It just shows how important it is to God that His children and servants are strong and courageous. In this passage also, God tells Joshua why he must be strong and courageous. One of the reasons is that he was to divide as an inheritance the promised land among the children of Israel. God also promised Joshua that no man shall be able to stand before him all the days of his life, because God would be with him as He was with Moses, and would never leave nor forsake him. God knew that it would take strength and courage for Joshua (and all believers for that matter) to lay hold on the promises from God. Joshua’s strength and courage was to be drawn from the Lord, from knowing and being conscious that He the Lord God almighty was with him, just as He was with Moses, and would never leave nor forsake him. Another reason Joshua was admonished to be strong and courageous is that it takes strength and courage to observe to do according to all the law (or the Word of God) which Moses commanded, and to prosper as a result and have good success. It takes strength and courage to be a DOER of the Word of God, and not just a hearer. And again, this strength and courage comes from the Lord, from knowing and being conscious that the Lord is with you. Therefore God made sure to point out to Joshua that He would be with him, AS HE WAS WITH MOSES, and would never leave nor forsake him. Joshua knew how God was with Moses; he knew the great signs and wonders God performed through the hands of Moses. And so God was basically reminding Joshua that Moses prospered and was successful in all He did, because He the Lord was with him. Moses delivered the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt because the Lord was with him; Moses divided the Red sea for the children of Israel to pass through it on dry land because the Lord was with him; Moses fed the children of Israel with manna from Heaven because the Lord was with him; Moses struck the rock with his rod for water to come out and quench the thirst of the children of Israel and their livestock because the Lord was with him; Moses received quail (meat) for all the children of Israel to eat in the wilderness because the Lord was with him. And so when God said to Joshua that “As I was with Moses, so will I be with you,” Joshua could rest assured, he could call to remembrance how God was with Moses, and use it as a basis to be strong and courageous.

Beloved, to be strong and courageous in the Lord today, we also have to remember how God was with our Lord Jesus Christ, and with all the saints who were before us, and how He kept His promises to them and did mighty signs and wonders among them. In the Old Testament, the prophet Habakkuk, calling to remembrance the marvelous works of God, prayed, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2 NIV). In the New Testament, Peter also, while preaching to Cornelius’ household, called to remembrance “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, FOR GOD WAS WITH Him.” (Acts 10:38 NKJV). We can be strong and courageous and accomplish great and marvelous deeds when we believe and are conscious of the truth that the Lord our God is with us, just as He was with Jesus of Nazareth, and just as He was with the early disciples, and that He will keep His promises to us, just as He kept His promises to them; for the Lord Himself has said, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (see Matthew 28:20 NKJV). He has also said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (see Hebrews 13:5). “So we may boldly say: “The Lord  is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NKJV). Thus, our level of consciousness about the Lord’s presence with us at all times will make all the difference as to whether we will be afraid and dismayed, or strong and courageous. Indeed the Lord our God is with us always, He will never leave nor forsake us; and He will repeat His awesome deeds in our day, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hallelujah! “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those  who  have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28‭-‬31 NKJV). Praise be to God!


Now, the Bible records how strong and courageous the young man David was when he faced the giant Philistine of Gath, Goliath, and defeated him. Why was David so strong and courageous, one may ask? It's because David knew, believed, and was conscious that the Lord God Almighty was with him, and that the Lord would never leave nor forsake him. Thus while approaching Goliath, David said to him, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, THE GOD OF THE ARMIES OF ISRAEL, whom you have defied. This day THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU INTO MY HAND, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, THAT ALL THE EARTH MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD IN ISRAEL. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands.” (I Samuel 17:45‭-‬47 NKJV). Clearly, the source of David’s strength and courage (as revealed in this passage) was the Lord, whom he knew was always present with him and would never leave nor forsake him. David said, “THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S,” and beloved I don’t know what battle you are facing today, but if you would believe with David that THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S, then I can assure you that THE VICTORY IS YOURS. Glory to God!

In First Samuel chapter 30, there is another record of a terrible situation David faced and how once again he triumphed over the situation in the strength of the Lord. David and his men came to Ziklag, where they had left their wives and children, only to find out that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women and everyone who was there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. So here David and his men stood in the wreckage of the city burned with fire, and their wives, their sons and daughters taken captive; then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. (see 1 Samuel 30:1-4). What a tragic sight this was! The Bible says, “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters...” (see 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). And so David’s condition was made worse by his own people threatening to kill him, to stone him. But here is the point I want us to focus on: the Bible says that in the midst of all this, “David STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD.” (see 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). Another translation (the NIV) says, “But David FOUND STRENGTH in the Lord his God.” Hallelujah! Beloved, where do you look for strength in times of trouble? I hope that your strength is in the Lord your God. David knew the source of his strength was outside of his flesh; he knew that the source of his strength was God — and so he relied on God, strengthening himself in the Lord his God. Thus, in the Psalms David writes, "THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalms 28:7 NKJV). Every believer has to have the same consciousness and confidence David had, that the Lord is our strength. Our hearts must trust in the Lord, and we will be helped and filled with joy to sing to Him songs of praise in every situation. David, armed with the Lord as his strength, pursued the Amalekites, attacked them, and recovered all that they had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. (see 1 Samuel 30:18). “And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.” (1 Samuel 30:19 NKJV). Glory to God!

When we face battles in our own lives and are at our weakest and are unable to fight in our own strength, we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). The Bible says that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (see Isaiah 40:29). Again, “the God of Israel gives POWER and STRENGTH to His people. Praise be to God!” (see Psalm 68:35 NIV). Indeed, God's grace is sufficient for us in every situation, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). David’s victory presents us a classic example of God’s strength made perfect in weakness. Paul said, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, THEN I AM STRONG." (II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV). Truly, when you are conscious that the Lord is your strength, then you will always be strong and courageous regardless of your circumstances. Hence, Paul again said, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” (Philippians 4:13). Paul was conscious of Christ in him, Christ was his strength. Beloved in Christ, we must also be conscious that Christ who is the wisdom of God and the power of God dwells in us and strengthens us, and so we can do all things through Him. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (see Romans 8:28). Whatever situation you’re in today, rest assured that all things will work together for your good. Therefore, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NIV). “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (see 2 Timothy 2:1 NIV). For “If God is for us, who can be against us?" (see Romans 8:31). Nobody! Truly, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (see Romans 8:37). We need to have an overcomer's attitude or a victory mentality whenever we encounter trials or adverse circumstances. We need to understand that it is only by faith in Jesus' finished work that we can keep our hearts from being troubled. Paul, walking in faith, said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (see Philippians 4:11). Then he added, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned THE SECRET OF BEING CONTENT  in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV). And that secret is to set your mind on things above, set your mind on Jesus Christ who is your strength and your life, and know that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (see Philippians 4:13, with Colossians 3:2-4). Glory to God! Remain blessed.

There is Power in the Name of Jesus

Beloved, there is saving power in the Name of Jesus; there is healing power in the Name of Jesus; there is miracle-working power in the Name of Jesus. And this power is activated through FAITH in the NAME. The apostle Paul said by the Spirit that God exalted Jesus “to the highest place and GAVE HIM THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, that at the NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (see Philippians 2:9‭-‬11 NIV). No wonder the spirits are subject to us in the Name of Jesus  (see Luke 10:17, 20). I rejoice because (in the Name of Jesus) my name is written in heaven, in the Book of Life (see Luke 10:20), for whoever calls on the NAME of Jesus shall be saved (see Romans 10:13). Jesus is “able to SAVE to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (see Hebrews 7:25 NKJV). The apostle Peter says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other NAME under heaven given to mankind by which we must be SAVED.” (Acts 4:12 NIV).And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, in commanding His apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, said, “He WHO BELIEVES and is baptized WILL BE SAVED; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:16‭-‬18 NKJV).

In the Acts of the Apostles we see evidence of the power in the Name of Jesus. And for today's discussion I want us to focus on the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful. (see Acts 3). The Bible says that Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer (that is, the 9th hour or 3pm). It would be fair to assume that Peter and John were not expecting the encounter that they had with the lame man at the gate of the temple; nonetheless, they were READY or PREPARED for it. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy said, “Preach the word! BE READY IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON…”  (II Timothy 4:2 NKJV). This is an exhortation to us also to be ALWAYS ready or prepared to give witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and to do so with great power. Peter and John were ready when the opportunity came, when A CERTAIN MAN asked them for alms, a man who was lame from birth (a complete stranger whose name they didn't even know) who was ALWAYS CARRIED and LAID DAILY at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful to ASK FOR ALMS from those who entered the temple. This lame man was not asking for healing, he was only asking for money. Perhaps he didn't think anyone could give him healing, for he had been in that condition from birth, and he was over 40 years old. Besides, these mostly legalistic Jews from whom he always asked for alms had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (see Romans 10:2), and so they had a form of godliness, but denied the power thereof. Thus the lame man seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple ASKED them for money only, not healing.

Beloved, when someone asks you for money, you can only give what you have; Peter didn't have any money at all (on him), and of course, you can't give what you don't have. But Peter had something that he knew the lame man needed even more; he had HEALING in the Name of Jesus. Peter knew he had it. Jesus had given all His disciples the authority to ask ANYTHING in His Name, and He WILL DO IT (see John 14:14). Peter took Jesus seriously and laid hold on His promises. Peter knew, as every believer needs to know today, that Jesus did not lie, Jesus meant what He said; no deceit was found in His mouth (see 1 Peter 2:22). Jesus had also promised that in His NAME His disciples (those who believe the gospel) will lay hands on the sick, and the sick WILL RECOVER (see Mark 16:18). Peter believed all of these promises. And so Peter, though he didn't have any money on him, HAD SOMETHING, and he was aware of what he had. Hence the Bible says that Peter and John both fixed their eyes on the lame man, they stared at him intently, and Peter said, “Look on us.” (see Acts 3:4). Beloved, let us not ignore people who ask us for alms, for we always have something we can give them, even when we don't have money. And when trying to administer healing in the NAME of Jesus, let us also be mindful to make eye contact with the sick person, and try to get the sick person to give us their attention or consent, so that they are expectant. The lame man in this story gave Peter and John his attention, EXPECTING to receive SOMETHING from them (see Acts 3:5). In this context he was expecting to RECEIVE MONEY from them, for that was what he was asking for. The lame man certainly didn't expect what was coming next. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I DO NOT HAVE …” (see Acts 3:6). In fact, if Peter had stopped at this statement, the lame man would've been utterly disappointed. Thankfully Peter didn't stop there; Peter HAD SOMETHING he wanted the lame man to know about and to RECEIVE from him. So Peter continued, “But WHAT I DO HAVE I give you:” (see Acts 3:6). Now, what did Peter have that he was so generous with? Peter had the HEALING POWER in Jesus’ Name. And Jesus had said, “Freely you have received, FREELY GIVE” (see Matthew 10:8). Therefore Peter gave it freely to the lame man. Peter said, “IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, rise up and walk.” (see Acts 3:6). Hallelujah!

Beloved, Peter knew, indeed Peter believed, and he was aware that the NAME of Jesus had power to accomplish what he (Peter) had commanded; and so Peter wasn't going to accept any other outcome, he wasn't expecting any other outcome but to see the lame man rise up and walk in the NAME of Jesus, just like he had commanded. Therefore, Peter TOOK HIM (the lame man) by the right hand and LIFTED HIM UP (see Acts 3:7). Peter followed up his faith-filled command with the ACTION of lifting up the the lame man by the right hand, because Peter believed that what he had commanded in the NAME of Jesus MUST HAPPEN, it had to be fulfilled. The Bible says, and IMMEDIATELY the lame man’s feet and ankle bones RECEIVED STRENGTH (see Acts 3:7). So the lame man, leaping up (or jumping to his feet), STOOD and WALKED and entered the temple with them -- WALKING, JUMPING, and PRAISING GOD (see Acts 3:8). Glory to God! “And ALL THE PEOPLE SAW HIM WALKING and PRAISING GOD.” (Acts 3:9 NKJV). My dear reader, there is awesome power in the Name of Jesus! What a testimony the lame man now had! And he didn't hide his testimony, he didn't hide his miracle, he didn’t hide his joy; he walked and praised God for all the people to see. He praised God publicly, grateful, and joyful.

Indeed, Peter’s FAITH in the Name of Jesus was strong and unwavering. It was FAITH that would not be denied. It was FAITH that worked. Peter wouldn't take No for an answer. The Name of Jesus works, it cannot fail. And Peter understood it, he believed it. Now, how did the people who saw the lame man walking and praising God respond? The Bible says that they were filled with WONDER and AMAZEMENT at what had happened to the lame man (see Acts 3:10); they were GREATLY AMAZED (see Acts 3:11). But contrast their response with Peter’s response; Peter was not amazed, nor did Peter marvel, because he knew, he understood, and he believed that the Name of Jesus has POWER to accomplish ANYTHING. Those of us who believe in the Name of Jesus need not marvel at the mighty miracles, signs and wonders that are performed in the Name of Jesus; it should be normal to us. As believers, the supernatural is natural to us (in the Name of Jesus). Hence, our response is always to give the glory to God. Thus, when Peter saw the people's reaction, “he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, WHY DO YOU MARVEL AT THIS? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12 NKJV). Peter gave the glory to God. He basically said “You marvel at this because you have the wrong perspective; you think it is by our own (human) power or (human) godliness that we made this man walk.” What Peter meant was that these people shouldn't have marveled if they knew that the healing was performed by the power of God, for with God nothing is impossible. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Beloved, Peter was echoing the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:”‘Not by (human) might nor by (human) power, but by My Spirit’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (see Zechariah 4:6 NKJV, brackets and emphasis mine). The power in the Name of Jesus is the POWER of God, and we should not think it incredible that it accomplishes the seemingly impossible, like healing a man lame from his mother's womb, who is over 40 years old. As Paul said to king Agrippa, “Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?” (Acts 26:8 NKJV). Nothing is impossible with God. If you’re sick, receive your healing now in the Name of Jesus!

Beloved, Peter gave the glory to God when he revealed that the power that had healed the lame man is in the NAME of Jesus. He said that this Jesus is the Prince or Author of life, He is the glorified Servant of God whom you (men of Israel) denied in the presence of Pilate, when Pilate was determined to let Him go; this Jesus is the Holy One, the Just whom God RAISED FROM THE DEAD, of which we (His disciples) are witnesses (see Acts 3:13-15). “And His NAME, through FAITH IN His NAME, HAS MADE THIS MAN STRONG, whom you see and know. Yes, THE FAITH WHICH COMES THROUGH HIM has given him this PERFECT SOUNDNESS in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16 NKJV). Now, note carefully what Peter said here. He said that it was Jesus’ NAME that healed the lame man; through FAITH in Jesus’ NAME, the lame man was healed and made strong; the FAITH which comes through Jesus (for Jesus is the Author and finisher of our faith -- see Hebrews 12:2) gave the lame man PERFECT SOUNDNESS. Truly, Jesus’ NAME and the FAITH that comes through Him doesn't heal partially, it gives PERFECT SOUNDNESS. Jesus indeed is able to SAVE (redeem, deliver, heal, prosper, bless) to the uttermost those who come to God through Him (see Hebrews 7:25).

In the next post, we will discuss the response of the Jewish rulers to the healing of the lame man in the Name of Jesus, and what we can learn from the apostles with regards to responding to the threats that we face today from some government authorities, religious authorities and other opposing groups in carrying out our priestly duty of preaching the gospel to every creature. May you receive whatever you ask for in the Name of Jesus. Remain blessed. #UnveilingMysteries #SpiritLife #shareTheWord #FollowThisBlog

How To Respond When We are Severely Threatened and Commanded to Stop Preaching the Gospel of Christ? (PART 2)

Beloved, we’re concluding our discussion on how to respond to severe threats and strict laws against the preaching of the gospel, and as we mentioned earlier in Part One, we are drawing inspiration from chapters 3 through 5 of the Acts of the Apostles. We have already pointed out from the example of the early apostles that one important way to respond when we are threatened severely and commanded by governing/religious authorities and opposing groups to stop preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ is to OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. We also learned that another important way to respond is to PRAY. And of course these two responses are to be employed TOGETHER or SIMULTANEOUSLY, and not as alternatives. We learned in Part One that when the disciples were severely threatened and commanded to stop speaking and teaching in the Name of Jesus, they not only decided to obey God rather than men, but they also prayed, and God answered them. God empowered or emboldened the disciples by the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of power, the Spirit of prophecy) to do that which the enemy had severely threatened them and commanded them not to do, as the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit, and they SPOKE the Word of God with BOLDNESS. The Bible says (as a result of the prayer) that the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and they did it with GREAT POWER. (see Acts 4:33). And GREAT GRACE was upon them all. (see Acts 4:33). Oh, thank God for answered prayers! What could we do without the grace of God? “And through the hands of the apostles MANY SIGNS and WONDERS WERE DONE among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” (Acts‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). “And BELIEVERS were increasingly ADDED to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and THEY WERE ALL HEALED.” (‭Acts‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Indeed this was a great period of progress for the disciples and for the gospel. But it didn’t stop the Rulers of the people and elders of Israel (or the Council) from coming after the apostles again.

The  Jewish Religious Rulers (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), seeing the progress the apostles made in spreading the gospel and performing miracles, healings, signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus, were filled with indignation (anger, resentment, jealousy). The Bible says, “Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.” (Acts‬ ‭5:17-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). They ARRESTED the apostles and put them in the public PRISON. But God was obviously pleased with the work the apostles were doing for the Kingdom, so He intervened; God didn’t allow the apostles to spend the night in prison. God wanted the apostles to keep the momentum going, to continue with the good work of preaching the words (or message) of this (eternal) life. So the Bible says, “But AT NIGHT an ANGEL of the Lord OPENED THE PRISON DOORS and BROUGHT THEM OUT, and said, “Go, STAND IN THE TEMPLE and SPEAK to the people all the words of this life.”” (‭Acts‬ ‭5:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). It is quite interesting to me that throughout the Acts of the Apostles God often sent help DURING THE NIGHT (see Acts 5:19; Acts 16: 25-28; Acts 12:6-10; Acts 27:23-24); I believe this is significant, for “NIGHT” also connotes that God will always send help in our DARK moments, and so we should not be afraid. Praise God! Beloved, when you OBEY God rather than men and do the will of God, God will be with you every step of the way and He will deliver you from all your afflictions.

It is also worth noting that God didn’t release the apostles from prison for them to go into hiding. Rather, He told them to go back into the temple (into the full glare of their persecutors) and speak (that is, preach or teach) the words of this eternal life (which is in Christ Jesus). And as always, the apostles OBEYED GOD. The Bible says, “THEY ENTERED THE TEMPLE EARLY IN THE MORNING and TAUGHT” (see Acts 5:21). Hallelujah!

The Bible says that when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard that the apostles were missing from the prison, with the prison doors still locked securely and the guards still standing outside in front of the doors, they were greatly perplexed (confused), wondering what would come of this (see Acts 5:23-24). Then someone came and told them that the missing prisoners (that is, the apostles) were STANDING in the temple and TEACHING the people (see Acts 5:25). The apostles were doing exactly what the angel of the Lord had told them to go and do (see again Acts 5:20). Beloved, you will never go wrong obeying God, you will never go wrong doing what God tells you to do. Even if you get in trouble with the government/religious authorities for doing it, don’t be afraid; we have the example of the early apostles to encourage us. The Bible says that they ARRESTED the apostles again, without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned (see Acts 5:26); they arrested the apostles for doing exactly what God had commanded them to do. “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not STRICTLY COMMAND you NOT to TEACH in this NAME? And look, you have FILLED Jerusalem with YOUR DOCTRINE, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”” (Acts‬ ‭5:27-28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). In other words, the Council was accusing the apostles of violating their command (their law, or instruction), and FILLING JERUSALEM WITH THEIR DOCTRINE. And thankfully, the apostles were guilty as charged. Oh, how pleasing it would be to God if all Christians will fill our neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, nations and the whole world with the doctrine of Christ, with the doctrine of the apostles, with this glorious gospel of peace!

Now, it is fascinating how Peter and the other apostles responded to these charges with such holy boldness. They said, “WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD, rather than men.” (see Acts 5:29). Then they also pressed counter-charges against the rulers and elders of Israel, saying, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom YOU MURDERED by hanging on a tree.” (see Acts 5:30). The apostles were basically calling the Jewish leaders MURDERERS, for they charged that they were the ones who murdered Jesus. And then the apostles testified that God RAISED UP Jesus and has EXALTED Jesus to His RIGHT HAND to be Prince (or Ruler) and Savior, to give REPENTANCE to Israel and FORGIVENESS OF SINS. (see Acts 5:31). They concluded by identifying themselves as Jesus’ WITNESSES to these things (these truths), adding that “so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (see Acts‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

The Bible says that when the members of the Council heard what the apostles said, “they were FURIOUS, and PLOTTED TO KILL THEM” (see Acts 5:33); they wanted to prove themselves as the murderers the apostles charged them to be. But one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and he advised the Council (in private consultation), that they shouldn’t kill the apostles but leave them alone, for if this plan or this work (the apostles were doing) is of men, it will come to nothing (for, after all, their Leader Jesus Christ is dead), but if it is of God, no man can overthrow it, lest they even be found to fight against God. (see Acts 5:34-39). Gamaliel buttressed his point with examples of uprisings or movements in the history of Israel that came to nothing after the ringleaders’ death (see Acts 5:35-37). And so the other members of the Council agreed with Gamaliel (see Acts 5:40), and they did not kill the apostles. Rather, they called for the apostles and BEAT THEM (see Acts 5:40). The apostles were beaten for obeying God and following God’s command. Then they were commanded (once again) by the Council that they SHOULD NOT SPEAK IN THE NAME OF JESUS. (see Acts 5:40). After that, the apostles were released; THEY (the Council) LET THEM GO. (see Acts 5:40). Praise God! The Bible says, “So they departed from the presence of the council, REJOICING THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME for His NAME. And DAILY in the temple, and in every house, THEY DID NOT CEASE TEACHING AND PREACHING JESUS as the Christ.” (Acts‬ ‭5:41-42‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). The apostles truly won! They could not be stopped. They (in the words of the unbelieving Jews) turned the world upside down (see Acts 17:6). Oh, what boldness and zeal they had for the preaching and teaching of the gospel! They even REJOICED that they were counted worthy to SUFFER SHAME FOR JESUS’ NAME. And DAILY in the temple (in the full glare of their persecutors) and in EVERY HOUSE, they DID NOT STOP TEACHING AND PREACHING JESUS AS THE CHRIST. (see Acts 5:42). They OBEYED God rather than men. And buoyed by PRAYER and sustained by the power of God through faith, they pressed on, they pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, may you also OBEY GOD rather than men whenever you are confronted with severe threats and laws against the preaching and teaching of the gospel; and may you not forget to PRAY. May you be bold and unstoppable as you preach and teach the gospel of Christ, and even in the face of severe persecution, may you rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ Name. Amen. #SpiritLife #UnveilingMysteries #shareTheWord #FollowThisBlog

How To Respond When We are Severely Threatened and Commanded to Stop Preaching the Gospel of Christ? (PART 1)

Beloved, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said that “REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in His NAME to ALL NATIONS” (see Luke 24:47). Then He commanded that we (His disciples) are the ones to preach it (see Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus also wanted us to preach the gospel, not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, just like the apostle Paul did (see 1 Corinthians 2:4-5), so that the faith of our hearers should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. This is also why Jesus commanded that every believer waits and be baptized in the Holy Spirit and thus receive power before we go out into the world as witnesses to Him (see Luke 24:49, with Acts 1:8). Beloved, the gospel of Christ was never meant to be preached with words only, but with power. Paul, in writing to the Corinthian Church, said that “the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power” (see 1 Corinthians 4:20). Then in his letter to the church of God in Thessalonica, he said, "For our gospel DID NOT come to you IN WORD ONLY, BUT ALSO IN POWER, and IN THE Holy Spirit and in MUCH ASSURANCE, as you know WHAT KIND OF MEN WE WERE among you for your sake." (1 Thessalonians 1:5 NKJV). Paul was not the only apostle of Christ who preached the gospel in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. All the early apostles did.

In the Acts of the Apostles we see evidence of the gospel of Christ being preached in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. We also see the evidence that when the gospel of Christ is preached in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, it triggers persecution and severe threats against the preaching of the gospel. It seems that our adversary (the devil) does not mind people preaching the gospel, as long as they preach it WITHOUT THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND OF POWER. The devil does not mind an empty gospel, he doesn’t mind when a church has religious zeal and a form of godliness but denies the power thereof. Indeed it is the manifested power in the gospel that the devil is afraid of and thus hates, not the intellectual or philosophical preaching of it. Hence, those of us who are willing to lay hold on the power in the gospel and to preach it, not only in word but in power, should expect opposition from the devil and his minions or human proxies, we should expect threats, we should expect laws carefully crafted by government and religious authorities to try to stop the preaching of the true gospel of Christ, indeed we should expect arrests and imprisonments, especially in these last days. The focus of our discussion today is on how we are to respond to the persecution and the threats from government/religious authorities and other opposing groups against the preaching of the gospel in these last days. We will draw our inspiration from Acts chapters 3 through 5, which narrate the story of the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, the gospel crusade that was triggered by the healing, and the ensuing persecution and threats against the preaching of the gospel that the apostles received from the governing/religious authorities.

Now, when Peter and John healed the lame man (in the Name of Jesus) at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, they did not stop at the healing, the healing provided an opportunity for them to preach Jesus Christ (in whose name the healing was wrought), calling on the people to repent and be converted for the remission of sins in the Name of Jesus (see Acts 3:17-26). And the Bible says that “MANY OF THOSE WHO HEARD THE WORD BELIEVED; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” (see Acts 4:4 NKJV). However, not everybody who heard the Word believed. In fact, this has always been the case since the beginning of the world: whenever the gospel is preached, there are some who believe the Word and others who don’t. The Bible says of the children of Israel in the wilderness that the gospel that was preached to them did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (see Hebrews 4:2). Among those also who DID NOT BELIEVE the Word that Peter and John preached in the temple were the Sadducees, the priests, and the captain of the temple; these men spurned the gospel, they didn’t even allow Peter and John to finish speaking, but came up to them while they were still speaking, and arrested them, for they were greatly disturbed that Peter and John preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (see Acts 4:1-3). Obviously, the reason these men were greatly disturbed is because they felt Peter and John were destroying their theology or their doctrine, for “the Sadducees say there is no resurrection from the dead, and that there are neither angels nor spirits” (see Acts 23:8; with Mark 12:18; Matthew 22:23). Indeed it is sad that these men preferred to hold on to their man-made doctrines and traditions rather than accept the truth of God’s Word which was being proclaimed to them by these great apostles of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that they arrested Peter and John and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening (see Acts 4:3). And so Peter and John spent the night in custody; they were kept in custody till the next day (see Acts 4:5). Their only offense was that they had preached in the Name of Jesus Christ, and they had done a good deed to a helpless man (see Acts 4:9). Beloved, what are you willing to suffer for the Name of Christ? Peter and John spent the night in custody, suffering shame for the Name of Christ, suffering for doing a good deed to a helpless man.

The Bible says, “And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them (that is, Peter and John) in the midst, they asked, “BY WHAT POWER or BY WHAT NAME have you done this?” Then Peter, FILLED WITH THE Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for A GOOD DEED DONE to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that BY THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, BY HIM THIS MAN STANDS HERE BEFORE YOU WHOLE. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:5‭-‬12 NKJV, brackets and emphasis mine). Oh, the boldness of Peter! Thank God for the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that “Peter, FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT” answered the rulers and elders this way (see Acts 4:8). It was the Holy Spirit who gave Peter the utterance when he spoke these words. The Lord Jesus promised all His disciples, saying, “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for IT IS NOT YOU WHO SPEAK, but the Spirit of your Father who SPEAKS IN YOU.” (Matthew‬ ‭10:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). This promise was fulfilled in Peter and John in this story. When  you are also filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will give you the utterance to speak. Indeed when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will speak with BOLDNESS, and people will SEE that boldness. The people SAW the BOLDNESS of Peter and John, and perceiving that Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled and attributed their boldness to the fact that they had been with Jesus (see Acts 4:13). And how right they were! As believers, the Bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of POWER, and of love, and of a sound mind (see 2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of POWER, He is a Spirit of BOLDNESS. And He makes us bold and powerful witnesses to Jesus Christ.

When Peter spoke boldly about Jesus in response to the Council (that is, the gathering of the rulers of the people and elders of Israel), they could not dispute Peter’s claims about Jesus because they could see the man who had been healed (BY THE NAME OF JESUS) standing with them (see Acts 4:14). The proof was infallible and irrefutable, and so the gospel could not be denied. This is also why God wants us to always preach the gospel in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. The Lord wants to work with us and confirm His Word with signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Mark 16:20). We just have to be filled with His Spirit, and yield to Him. You need the POWER of the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness to Jesus. The Holy Spirit will give you miracles, signs and wonders as evidence of the truth of the gospel of Christ, so that people cannot deny it. Indeed the Council couldn’t challenge the fact that a NOTABLE MIRACLE had been done in the Name of Jesus through Peter and John, for it was EVIDENT to all who dwelt in Jerusalem, and they couldn’t deny it (see Acts 4:16). Therefore, the Council set a goal to STOP what later came to be known as CHRISTIANITY FROM SPREADING FURTHER AMONG THE PEOPLE (see Acts 4:17). And the STRATEGY that they employed in their effort to achieve this goal was SEVERE THREATS against the apostles to stop them from speaking to anyone in the name of Jesus. The Bible says, “So they called them and COMMANDED THEM NOT TO SPEAK AT ALL NOR TEACH IN THE NAME OF JESUS.” (Acts‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NKJV). Beloved, the goal and strategy of the enemy has not changed. The devil (through his human proxies) today still has the same goal of stopping true Christianity from spreading further among the people, and he uses the same strategy of severe threats against the preachers of the gospel, and antagonistic laws designed to stop us.

Thus the Council commanded Peter and John to not SPEAK at all nor TEACH in the Name of Jesus (see Acts 4:18). They passed a strict law against preaching the gospel of Christ among the people. But what was the response of the apostles? Did they budge? Did they say, “Oh God, as You can see, the new law of the land is that we are not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus, so we are not going to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus?” A thousand times No! Rather, “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.”” (see Acts‬ ‭4:19-20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Peter and John were basically saying to the Council, “You judge for yourself whether it is right IN THE SIGHT OF GOD (not in your own sight, but in the sight of God) to listen to you (mere men) more than to God (who has commanded us to preach and teach in the Name of Jesus.” And so, here we learn from Peter and John that one important way to respond to the severe threats and laws made by human authorities and institutions against the preaching of the gospel is to simply OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN. This was what Peter and John intended to do, and so they continued their response to the Council by basically saying, “If we are ever going to open our mouth to speak again, we cannot but speak the things which we have SEEN and HEARD, and of course, the things which we have seen and heard concern the Word of Life, which we preach” (see Acts 4:20, with 1 John 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:16-18).

Not quite unexpectedly, this response from Peter and John was greeted with MORE THREATS from the Council, after which they released them, finding no way of punishing them because of the people, since they ALL glorified God for the miracle that had been done (see Acts 4:21). For the man who was healed was over 40 years old, and he had been lame from birth. (see Acts 4:22). Beloved, the miracles God performs by our hands should always bring glory to God, they should cause people to glorify God, and not us. Christ must be at the center of all we do; He must be  lifted by our witness, yes, Christ must be exalted and glorified by our works.

Now, after Peter and John were released from the custody of the Council, having been threatened severely and commanded to neither speak nor teach in the Name of Jesus, the Bible says that “they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them” (Acts‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Let us pay careful attention to what follows next, because it will teach us another valuable lesson about how we are also to respond to severe threats and antagonistic laws against the preaching of the gospel. The Bible says that when the brethren heard from Peter and John about the severe threats against them by the Council, and learned that the Council had commanded them to STOP preaching or teaching to anyone in the Name of Jesus, they (the brethren) also set a goal and devised a strategy: the goal was to PREACH and TEACH the gospel WITH ALL BOLDNESS, and the strategy was to PRAY. (see Acts 4:24-31). And so they raised their voice to God in prayer, they PRAYED LOUDLY (see Acts 4:24); indeed this was no time for silence. For the apostles knew that they were at war, and they also knew that they were not warring against men, they were not wrestling against flesh and blood, “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (see Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬). Hence they did not war according to the flesh, they understood that the weapons of their warfare are not carnal. Therefore, they employed a spiritual strategy: the strategy of PRAYER. And they prayed LOUDLY. You see, some people criticize loud prayers, because they don’t understand that although it is not the loudness of the prayer that brings the answer, there are times and situations in which we can’t help but pray LOUDLY. And this was exactly one of such times and situations where the disciples couldn’t help but pray loudly. The disciples did not only pray loudly but they also prayed IN AGREEMENT or WITH ONE ACCORD. (see Acts 4:24). Jesus had promised His disciples that “if two of you AGREE on earth CONCERNING ANYTHING THAT THEY ASK, IT WILL BE DONE FOR THEM by My Father in heaven.” (Matthew‬ ‭18:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Therefore, the disciples AGREED concerning what to ask for in prayer. Then they asked. They said, “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all BOLDNESS they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to HEAL, and that SIGNS and WONDERS may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” (Acts‬ ‭4:29-30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

Beloved, if the events surrounding the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful hadn’t taught the disciples anything else, it had taught them that miracles performed in the Name of Jesus bring BOLDNESS  to them for the preaching of the gospel of Christ. And so, in their prayer of agreement, they asked the Lord to look on the threats of the Council (and because of those threats) grant to them that WITH ALL BOLDNESS they may SPEAK GOD’s Word; they added that they CAN SPEAK WITH ALL BOLDNESS if God will give them MORE  HEALINGS, and SIGNS AND WONDERS, if God will stretch forth His hand to HEAL and that SIGNS AND WONDERS may be done IN THE NAME OF JESUS, in the Name that the Council had forbidden them from speaking and teaching in. (see Acts 4:29-30). Oh, what noble request these disciples made in their prayer! They asked for more healings, signs and wonders to be done in the Name of Jesus, so as to give them BOLDNESS to preach and teach the Word of God. They asked for notable healings and miracles to be performed in the Name of Jesus, such that they can’t be denied, just like before. The disciples basically believed that more miracles performed in the Name of Jesus will give them more boldness to preach in the Name of Jesus. And they were right. Thus God answered their prayer. The Bible says, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with BOLDNESS.” (Acts‬ ‭4:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

Truly, God answers prayers. God’s response to the disciples’ prayer was awesome: He empowered or emboldened the disciples by the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of power, the Spirit of prophecy) to do that which the enemy had severely threatened them and commanded them not to do, as the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit, and they SPOKE the Word of God with BOLDNESS. The Bible says (as a result of the prayer) that the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and they did it with GREAT POWER. (see Acts 4:33). And GREAT GRACE was upon them all. (see Acts 4:33). Oh, thank God for answered prayers! What could we do without the grace of God? “And through the hands of the apostles MANY SIGNS and WONDERS WERE DONE among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.” (Acts‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). “And BELIEVERS were increasingly ADDED to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and THEY WERE ALL HEALED.” (‭Acts‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬). Indeed this was a great period of progress for the disciples and for the gospel. But did it stop the Rulers of the people and elders of Israel (or the Council) from coming after the apostles again? We will discuss this and more in the next post (or Part 2 of this series). Please return to this Page in two days to read the conclusion of this topic. And may you stand steadfast in the faith and rejoice always when you suffer shame for Jesus’ Name. Amen. #SpiritLife #UnveilingMysteries #shareTheWord #FollowThisBlog