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Sunday 16th.July
email: fvamw@tm.net.my
Dear Friends
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
The
Apostles witness despite the persecution they faced
Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must
obey God rather than men, The God of our fathers raised Jesus from
the dead - whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted
him to his own right hand as Prince and savior that he might give
repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witness of
these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those
who obey him."
When they (the Sanhedrin) heard this, they were
furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named
Gamalliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people,
stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside
for a while. Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider
carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas
appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men
rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and
it came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the
days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was
killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the
present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For
if the purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if
it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will
only find yourselves fighting God," ’
His speech persuaded them
(the Sanhedrin). They called the apostles in and had them flogged.
Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let
them go,
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing
because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the
Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house,
they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus
is the Christ. (Acts 5:33-42)
Read the above portion a few times and try to
visualize the situation the apostles were in. They had been warned
not to speak in the name of Jesus. They had been arrested and put
into the public jail, but the angel of the Lord had released them
and told them "Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people
the full message of this new life." The apostles were following the
instructions of the angel. When the leaders in the Sanhedrin went to
collect the apostles, they could not find them yet found the jail
securely locked with guards at the door of the cells with no one
inside.
Today the message of salvation is nearly
2000 years old and still fresh, reaching the hearts of men and
women all over the world. Those who have come to know Jesus, as
their Lord and Savior are the witnesses who carry the gospel message
to them. Many methods and approaches are used, but it is
still the Holy Spirit working through the disciples touching
the hearts of many that enables them to come to know of their sins
and seek salvation through Jesus. In our country what it
the best approach? All of us have relatives and friends
who have yet to know Jesus as their Savior. They are our mission
field. Our colleagues and those around us see us daily. We may
be the only Christians they know. Our lifestyle and attitude of
trust in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables those
around us to see the difference in us and help to draw them closer
to Jesus and desire to know him.
There can be no hindrance to the love of Jesus shown by our actions
in our daily life.
This week let us consider our roles as co-workers
with the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known to our relatives and
friends. Let us pray and intercede on their behalf. Let us ask the
Holy Spirit to guide us.
(This is sent out by email
once a week. If you have just come across this for the first time,
and would like to receive it, please send an email. Your comments
and views on this are most welcome. If this sharing could be of help
to a friend of yours, you are welcome to pass it on.)
With regards,
Fred.
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