And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, “Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.’ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:5-12
Peter
God or Man?
And He began to teach them, that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He spake that saying openly. And Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned about and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying,
“Get thee behind Me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”
Mark 8:31-33
Discern What You Hear
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, “He shall not die;” but, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” John 21:23
On this eve of a brand new year may we who are Bible reading, Bible believing, blood bought, redeemed believers in Jesus Christ be sure we hear Jesus, and all of Scripture rightly. Let us ask God to enable us to let the Bible say what the Bible means, and not what we think or feel that it means.
The above verse is the conclusion of Jesus’s conversation with the apostle Peter in verses fifteen through twenty two; which began with Jesus asking Peter “Do you love Me” and finishing up by telling Peter “Follow Me.”
O how we often miss what Jesus is saying. I am praying that I am a better listener to the words of all of Scripture, Genesis through Malachi, and Matthew through the Revelation. That I might rightly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Denier
And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, “Art not thou also one of His disciples?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.”
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, “Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?” Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. John 18:25-27
To deny is to disown something. Dictionary dot com gives several definitions, but the fifth one fits with what Peter did – “to refuse to recognize or acknowledge; disown; disavow; repudiate: to deny one’s gods.”
Jesus had told Peter and the other disciples that they would flee from Him, and Peter was the one who said, “I will never forsake You”, and Jesus told Him that he would not only flee from Him, but that he would also deny Him. John records only two denials, the other gospels show us three.
We are bold to proclaim Him when we are with like minded people and brethren of the faith. What about when someone who is hostile to the faith of Christ? Do we stand in faith and still proclaim Him; or do we deny Him?
Let us not be too quick to judge Peter. If we say or think, “I would never deny my Jesus” then we best be on our guard, because sure enough it will happen.
May we be faithful in hiding God’s word in our hearts, spending much time in secret prayer, that we might not sin against Him by denying Him. Let us pray for faith and courage to always stand for Him in the power of the Holy Spirit and to be brave, bold, and knowledgeable in the faith.
You Follow Me
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, ‘Lord, which is he that betrayeth Thee?’ Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what shall this man do?’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.’ ” John 21:20-22
The Lord Jesus, recently resurrected from the grave, has told Peter how he is going to live, and how he is going to die. Then Peter begins to think about “that other guy”. We know “that other guy” is John; he is the one who leaned on Jesus’s breast at the meal and the last supper.
Now, Peter’s question is not without the likeness of many people of all ages, including yours truly. “What about Joe?” or we may ask, “What about Jan?”, “What are You going to expect of them?” “Lord, You sent Joe to Hawaii. Why don’t You send me to some place like Hawaii?”
The Lord’s answer to Peter was, “You follow Me”. That is His answer for you and me as well.
Our personal relationship with the Lord involves me going where the Lord leads me. I am to follow Jesus, and not be distracted where He might send you, Joe or Jan.
Loosing and Binding
“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18
To be honest with you, I am not real sure of the power of these words and the authority that goes with it. It does seem greatly connected to prayer because the verse following has Jesus saying, “That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
Jesus also gives to Peter this same authority in chapter sixteen when Peter tells Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” What He gave to Peter He gives to all who follow Him here in these verses. That is also Christians for this generation of 2021.
I remember a few years ago when I was still driving a school bus, as I was nearing my first pick up; I was greatly burdened for my wife. She was sick, with a fever, a cough, and she had just a few years previously recovered from heart aorta surgery, and gave us a scare in the hospital.
I began to pray out loud, verbally and with great authority, that came only from the Holy Spirit, and I was really overwhelmed by the power of the Spirit. The prayer was a short one, and I do not remember the words that were said, but I do remember saying something about binding her sickness and casting it from her. When I closed the prayer I had a great peace. I made it to my first stop, picked up the students and took them to school.
When I got home my wife was recovered. No more fever, and no more cough. I thanked and praised the Lord.
I still am not sure of the power and the authority of those words to bind and loose, but I still want to learn, and practice the works of the Spirit of God, and give Him all the glory.
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – John 21:20-25
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, ‘Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?’ Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what shall this man do?’ Jesus saith unto him,
‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.’
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, ‘He shall not die;’ but, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?’
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:20-25 (KJB)
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 091720
“The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him,
‘Follow me.’
Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, ‘We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph.’ And Nathanael said unto him, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip saith unto him, ‘Come and see.’
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him,
‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’
Nathanael saith unto Him, ‘Whence knowest thou me?’ Jesus answered and said unto him,
‘Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.’
Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, ‘Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel.’ Jesus answered and said unto him,
‘Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these.’
And He saith unto him,
‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’ ” John 1:43-51 (KJB)
Words of Jesus; Son of God, God the Son – 082220
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them,
‘All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.’
But Peter said unto Him, ‘Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.’ And Jesus saith unto him,
Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice.’
But he spake the more vehemently, ‘If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. Mark 14:26-31 (KJB)
Words Of Jesus; Son Of God, God The Son – 080620
“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Then saith Jesus unto them,
‘All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.’ But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.’
Peter answered and said unto him, ‘Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.’ Jesus said unto him,
‘Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.’
Peter said unto him, ‘Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.’ Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:30-35 (KJB)
Grace in Dispute
“And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, ‘Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.'” Acts 15:6-11 (KJB)
Scripture and the Resurrection
“For as yet they knew not the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9 (KJB)
How well do I know Scripture? How well do I think I know Scripture? Those are two very different questions. I am pretty confident that I do not know Scripture as well as I ought to know them. I think sometimes that I am pretty intelligent concerning the Bible.
It is not, however, until a trial of faith or a real life situation comes along that I understand the value of things I have learned from God and His word.
The events leading to the verse above was the death, burial, and then the bodily resurrection of Jesus. These were not ignorant of the Scriptures teaching of the resurrection, but now all those times Jesus had spoken of His death and resurrection they had that “OH YEAH!” moment. Peter and John entered the empty tomb, and saw it was empty – the body of Jesus was gone.
At the crucifixion Scripture was fulfilled. In the burial Scripture was fulfilled. In the resurrection of Jesus Scripture was fulfilled.
Read the Scriptures. Hear them, know them, and understand.
You, Follow Me
“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, ‘Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?’ Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what shall this man do?’
Jesus saith unto him, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.’
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, ‘He shall not die;’ but, ‘If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?'” John 21:20-23 (KJB)
Remember, if you will, that at the trial of Jesus, and Peter standing with the crowd outside denied our Lord three times. I am positive that Peter grieved over that when he heard that rooster crow, and it hit him like a rock, and he remembered what the Lord said.
Jesus is giving Peter some assurance, and reassurance in much of this chapter. Giving him renewed faith, and strength.
The Lord has revealed to Peter what his life is going to be like for Him; and so he asked the Lord the question concerning John, “What shall this man do?” He receives the Lord’s answer, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.”
Peter was not given words concerning John’s life, his calling, or his last day on earth. Peter was given Peter’s life.
The same is true of all Christians. We are not to be anxious about another’s life, their calling, neither their last day or days. Not that we do not care for them; but that we are not using them to excuse our own weaknesses, sins, and faults.
Jesus’s answer to Peter could be said to be “You, follow Me”. That is what the Lord’s answer to me is; and so for all who call Him Lord and Savior.
When Things are Tough and You Sit Down With the Crowd
“And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, ‘This man was also with Him.’ And he denied Him, saying, ‘Woman, I know Him not.’ And after a little while another saw him, and said, ‘Thou art also of them.’ And Peter said, ‘Man, I am not.’ And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, ‘Of a truth this fellow also was with Him: for he is a Galilaean.’ And Peter said, ‘Man, I know not what thou sayest.’ And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.’ And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:55-62 (KJB)
Peter had said to the Lord, “I will not deny You.” Jesus had confirmed that Peter would; Peter did (Matthew 26:31-35). Is there any way Peter could have avoided this tragedy of denying the Lord?
The first thing Peter did wrong was doubt the Lord’s words when He spoke it concerning his denial. The second thing is at Jesus’s trial at the house of the high priest; he sits with the crowd who is wanting Him crucified.
If we desire to walk with the Lord and to be faithful to Him when we sit with the crowd in times of trial, and trouble we will cave to the pressure of the crowd.
O, Lord, give me strength to always stand and to be faithful to You. Amen.
…The Hand of the Lord was with Them…
“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” Acts 11:19-21 (KJV)
There was a problem with the salvation of the Gentiles, of which we read in chapter 10. Peter’s defense is read in 11:1-18. The Jewish apostles, and brethren had that problem. There was no Biblical difficulty, if they were willing to see it, because God intended that all the nations know “He is the LORD” (a theme mentioned throughout the Old Testament).
Due to the persecution of the Church at Jerusalem the Christian community was spread to other countries, and areas on the map. It was how the Spirit of God was moving.
Those being persecuted did not cease preaching the gospel; rather they kept on preaching, but only to the Jews, in synagogues as God allowed it. The gospel was given first to the Jew and also to the Greek [Gentiles] (Romans 1:16; 2:10). The “Grecians” would be the “the Greek speaking non-Jews” MacArthur Study Bible. That would mean Gentiles. They too were hearing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ; which God has meant for all to hear.
When “The hand of the Lord was with them” they prospered and grew in great number. We must be sure when we are seeing a growth that it is of God. That there are truly regenerated people coming into our congregations, and not just an entertainment seeking, soft skinned, self made gods, but truly turning to the One who saves us from sin, and gives us eternal life.
Turn to the Lord, and live. Reject Him and perish. You reject Him by refusing to believe what He has said.
God is no Respecter of Persons
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:34-43 (KJV)
This chapter begins by telling us of a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the “Italian band” (v. 1), a devout man who feared God, but did not know the Savior. God does marvelous things to get His Chosen to Himself.
The verses we look at today are the words of Peter which he spoke after leaving Simon the tanners house, going to the house of Cornelius in Caesarea, and now he shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with the household, from the Old Testament – it was the only Testament they had at the time. Something we must not forget.
Note Peter’s words given by the Spirit of God;
- He exalts the Father and the Christ above all things or anyone;
- Peter tells us of the work and ministry ob Jesus Christ;
- Peter declares the work of salvation which Jesus performed
- His work of the cross;
- His burial;
- and His resurrection.
It was the Spirit of God who caused all the Old Testament prophets to speak of the Christ, and it is the Spirit of God who leads us to Him for the remission [forgiveness] of sins.
Many of Cornelius’s household were born again that day. They also who believed were baptized in the name of the Lord.
As Christians we need not look too far to see the work of God. We need only look into our own lives, and see Him at work. We can look into our families, our community, our State, our Nation and the world to see the Spirit of God is moving, working. It is only the blind who cannot see.
…Purchased with money
“But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” Acts 8:20-25 (KJV)
There are two men of God in this chapter. Philip seems to be the one who was preaching when Simon the sorcerer makes a decision, and speaks, “This man is the great power of God” (v. 10).
Sorcery has always been rejected by God because it distracts from God, His power and authority and Spirit. In the case of this sorcerer it appears to mean “Magical arts” or the “work of a magician”. For Simon it was used to deceive people purposely for his own personal gain. In our day we might call him a “Scam artist”. He did, however, recognize Philip as a man of God.
The words of the verses above were spoken by the apostle Peter. He had spoken and laid hands on some of the believers of Samaria, and they received the Holy Spirit. For clarity the Holy Spirit comes into, is given by God to an individual when receive the gift of God in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Simon saw this laying on the hands, as a “Power” which could be bought with money; and Peter rebukes him, even heavily condemns him for believing such a thing.
The gift of the Spirit of God has no price. He is given by the grace of God upon one’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, His burial and His resurrection. He is given as “Christ in you,” empowering us to live by the Spirit, and when we live in the Spirit we walk with God in full agreement with Him.
I do not know the outcome of Simon. He did ask for prayer “…That none of these things which you have spoken come upon me..” I do know that God is gracious and merciful, and if this Simon truly was born again through faith in Christ Jesus he is forgiven, and walking with Jesus in glory today.
No matter what you have done know today that God loved you so much that He gave His only begotten Son that if you will believe in Him you will never perish, but have eternal life with Him.
The Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the Man of God
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” Acts 4:13-14 (KJV)
I use the word “Man” above in a generic sense; so I pray none of you feminist ladies get up in arms about it. Smile.
These verses are a continuation of chapter three, and the healing of the lame man at the temple gate. Peter and John were taken by the Sadducees, and “Put them in hold…” (4:1-3), because they were preaching the resurrection of Jesus; and the Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection, or anything spiritual.
People were believing as a result of Peter’s message – “About five thousand” men came to faith in Jesus the Christ.
If you go back through chapter three you will see that the message Peter preached was the Scripture the Word of God. Throughout the book of Acts when there is a move of the Spirit of God it is due to the preaching of the Word of God, and the influence of the Word of God through the Spirit of God; never without it.
Peter and John were tried by these unbelievers, and the unbelievers were put on trial as well, by the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the men of God.
Peter and John, not being educated in the education system of that day were ignorant of the things of the religious elite, but they had a far greater Person in their hearts and lives; and He is the All wise One; the All Knowing One. When the Word of God is put to the test; it will stand. When the Spirit of God is put to the test; He too will stand. When the man of God, who is in the Word of God, filled with the Spirit of God is tested; he too will stand, and he will not fall at that point in his testing.
This is the testimony of the Spirit of God, and the Word of God — “…And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Let that be my testimony. Let that be your testimony.
The Power of the Spirit of God
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)
As we enter the book of Acts via chapter one, and looking at Luke’s Gospel, we find the disciples hiding away, uncertain of what to do. Nothing is going on in their lives. At least that is the way it appears. Forty days after His resurrection Jesus ascends into heaven in their sight, and for their witness of it.
On the day of Pentecost, about 10 days later, an amazing thing happens. We must remember Jesus’s own promise “I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.” (John 14:18).
What takes place on the day of Pentecost was a day of the fulfillment of that promise, and power; the power of God descending upon all who were following Jesus Christ the Son of God, God the Son.
Many have made a big to do, about the tongues, but it is not about “tongues” it is about Christ Jesus and His promises. He keeps His word. The tongues is more in the hearing – when you read the verses following those above.
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” verse 6
Peter who had been quiet for these fifty days was suddenly given the power, authority of the Spirit of God, and his discourse is heard, and people are changed by that same Spirit of God. It is that same Spirit of God that dwelt in Jesus Christ, and raised Him to life, and brought Him forth from the grave.
On this day there were three thousand souls added to the Kingdom of Christ (v. 41), and their lives were changed forever.
The real “Miracle” is not the tongues but the thousands of changed lives. Jesus Christ the Son of God and God the Son is still changing lives today; because He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. That same Jesus is getting ready to return and that could happen any moment now.
Christian live for Christ in the power of that Spirit of Christ.
Day Three Hundred and Eight
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to have the boldness of Peter and John as they entered the Temple in Acts 3; and for my life to be lived that others will notice that I have been with Jesus.
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 (NKJV)
Christian Persecution
There are a few people I know who have jail, and prison ministries. They do it because they believe God has called them to go to the places where men and women are incarcerated for crimes against God and humanity. Yet, these minister to the men and women who are willing to listen to the message of Christ; the hope for all mankind; even the murderers and rapist and child molesters.
The event from Acts which we read today is not of criminals who have violated God’s laws, but violators of men’s laws which are against God. The apostles had preached when they were ordered not to preach in that name of “Jesus”; yet, they did. Hear what they said:
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32 (KJV)
This takes place following their arrest, and imprisonment. An “Angel of the Lord” has come to them in the “common prison” and opened the doors, and sent them to preach in the temple. They went, and that is where they are found the next morning. Doing as they had been told by God.
When men’s laws are against God’s law, then Christian men and women are to continue their practices of being Christian; obeying God’s Word, His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments. I do not think we Christians should be surprised by persecution in a dark world. We ought rather, be surprised that we are not; because the apostle Paul has written, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV). Now, I do not want to be persecuted, but really, if I am not; am I really living a godly life? The apostles were.
As Peter stated above; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. That begins through our faith; trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; obeying Him in our lives; being His witness.
One thing this passage of Scripture teaches is that the freedom of speech is from God, not men; therefore men cannot take it away. Let our speech be always with words that glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amazed by the Power of God
We ought always be amazed by the power of God. We ought always realize that God is working, moving, accomplishing His purposes in the world around us and in our own lives.
Previous to the verses we look at today Jesus had been on the Mount called “Transfiguration”, and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah. A wonderful experience for Peter, James and John, and where they heard the Father say, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him”.
Coming down from the mountain they encounter a man who has a son possessed of a demon, and is tormented by the evil one; tearing, tossing, torturing him with great pain, and grief to the father of the son. The other nine disciples have been powerless to cast out the demon. Jesus has come and speaks to the “unclean spirit”, and the demon leaves, the son is healed, and is delivered to his father (Luke 9:28-42)
Jesus knew the time of His death was near. He had spoken to the disciples of His death on previous occasions, but they did not yet understand.
“And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, He said unto His disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask Him of that saying.” Luke 9:43-45 (KJV)
In verses 51 and 53 we can note that Jesus had His “face set to go to Jerusalem”, and that means all the way to the cross, and to death for our sins.
In the words of the text above Jesus wanted the disciples to know and to understand; but it just had not happened yet.
In the Gospel account of Matthew Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus after Jesus has spoken of His coming death (Matthew 16:21-23). A disciple rebuking his Master? I almost laugh at the thought; but Jesus rebukes Peter, and even tells Satan “Get behind me Satan”. For man, or the whole human race to think that they can thwart the power, plan, and purposes of God is even more laughable. See Psalm 2:4.
For the Christian today we can understand what has taken place; yet we must have the heart, mind and soul for hearing it, hiding His Word in our hearts, and obeying it. We can pray for understanding and wisdom in the Word; but if we never read it, and study it, there will not be any of wisdom or understanding. There will also be no growing faith in Him.
O Christian; hear Him. Do His word. Let these sayings sink down into your ears; and your heart. Jesus has been delivered into the hands of men. He died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of that grave, and He ever lives.
Save Me
“Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.” Psalm 69:1 (KJV)
As Peter stepped out of the boat, in a storm, to walk on the water to Jesus; he began to sink. His words as he was going down were “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30). Have you ever cried out to Him, “Lord, save me”?
I never make a secret of the fact that I enjoy reading the preachers of old. Many of them like Spurgeon, Edwards, Gill, Henry, and Wesley are ones that I am blessed in reading. Most of the time I post the commentary of Spurgeon; and I do so today from The Treasury of David.
“Save me, O God.” “He saved others, himself he cannot save.” With strong cryings and tears he offered up prayers and supplications unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared (Heb_5:7). Thus David had prayed, and here his Son and Lord utters the same cry. This is the second Psalm which begins with a “Save me, O God,” and the former (Psa_54:1-7) is but a short summary of this more lengthened complaint. It is remarkable that such a scene of woe should be presented to us immediately after the jubilant ascension hymn of the last Psalm, but this only shows how interwoven are the glories and the sorrows of our ever-blessed Redeemer. The head which now is crowned with glory is the same which wore the thorns; he to whom we pray, “Save us, O God,” is the selfsame person who cried, “Save me, O God.” “For the waters are come in unto my soul.” Sorrows, deep, abounding, deadly, had penetrated his inner nature. Bodily anguish is not his first complaint; he begins not with the gall which embittered his lips, but with the mighty griefs which broke into his heart. All the sea outside a vessel is less to be feared than that which finds its way into the hold. A wounded spirit who can bear. Our Lord in this verse is seen before us as a Jonah, crying, “The waters compassed me about, even to the soul.” He was doing business for us on the great waters, at his Father’s command; the stormy wind was lifting up the waves thereof, and he went down to the depths till his soul was melted because of trouble. In all this he has sympathy with us, and is able to succour us when we, like Peter, beginning to sink, cry to him, “Lord, save, or we perish.”
from THE TREASURY OF DAVID
Jesus is our salvation. When have you cried to Him for eternal salvation? If you have not, then, do so now.
Walking on Water
“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a spirit;’ and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’ And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’ And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, ‘Of a truth Thou art the Son of God.'” Matthew 14:22-33 (KJV)
Pigs in the Pigpen
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4 (KJV)
Now when it comes to pigs, no one sees a thing wrong with pigs being in the pigpen. That is pretty natural and normal; especially for the hog farmer. He pens them to work, to raise them and get them fat ready for sale, or the market. In the pigpen it gets pretty downright disgusting to see. Mud and waste product, mingled with wasted feed, from the fights among the pigs for their feed. It is pretty normal for pigs to be that way, live that way.
What does the pigpen have to do with Jude’s writing? Notice it says that “Pigs have crept in unawares”. NO! It does not say that exactly; but that is what they are. These that have “crept in” have taken the grace of God and turned it into a license to sin. Just a few days ago on Peter’s epistle it was written,
When we have these “Pigs” in the church we have chaos, unbelief, malicious conduct, selfishness, greed, lust, and all kinds of evil. Is it any wonder the world wants to accuse us of hate; especially when they see it among us toward one another. The pigpen is not natural or normal for the sheep.
Why is this happening? Many of the one’s who profess Christ, and to be ministers of the Gospel are profaning the Gospel, denying the Scriptures, and living like the world. Sir! If you do not believe God and His Word get out of the Church, and back where you belong; and take the pigpen with you.
-T.A.
The Fire and Hammer 