May 1, 2008

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

The work of the Holy Spirit is probably the most confused of all doctrines, and yet it is one of the most important to the Church. Jesus, when He went away, was "replaced" by the Comforter. The Father promised that we would not be left alone, but the Holy Spirit would come after Christ went back to heaven, and the Spirit would continue the work that Christ began on earth.

Note the Spirit will not "speak of himself." He is not here to promote himself, but he is here to point men and women to Christ. Everything he says is for the purpose of revealing Christ to mankind and his words and work to his disciples.

He is a teacher and what he teaches is "truth." Remember that Jesus referred to himself as "truth" and to the Word of God as "truth." Jesus is the Living Word, and the Bible is the Written Word. Jesus is the "word" or the "logos" revealed in flesh. So what the Holy Spirit teaches and instructs is that which Christ, both written and living Word taught.

The Holy Spirit will never teach anything that contradicts Christ or the Word. He only speaks that "which he hears." The Father has provided the believer with "another Comforter" just like Christ, and he will live in us and instruct us just as if Christ himself were here in bodily form.

The Holy Spirit also will shew us "things to come." He is the Spirit of Prophecy. He will guide us in to understanding what is coming next, so as to prepare the Bride to meet the Bridegroom. Not that the Spirit will have any "new revelations," for all that was completed when God finished the Book. There are no more "visions, or revelations, dreams, or angelic messengers," but we have the completed revelation in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will open up the Word through "illumination", or "shining the light upon", and make the prophecies clear to us so as we will not be caught unawares. We are not children of the dark. The Spirit will make sure we are ready to meet him when he comes again.

Other tools, like commentaries, dictionaries, etc., will help you to study, but it is the Holy Spirit and Him alone, who can "reveal or illumine" the Word and make your understanding of the Word to be clear. Thank God for our heavenly teacher!

May 2, 2008

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Peace is a valuable commodity. The world is looking for peace. It literally cries for peace. Men even "protest" for peace. Yet they cannot find peace in any earthly or material thing.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples who are in turmoil. They do not understand the words Jesus is teaching them. They cannot accept the fact that he has to die. They want a King and a Kingdom but Jesus tells them that "the temple must be destroyed." They also are under persecution themselves, for Rome is worried that this Jesus is going to start an uprising and their kingdom will be threatened. So Jesus is trying to comfort them with this verse by letting them know that tribulation is not surprising. Instead, as long as they are in this world, they can expect tribulation.

But Jesus wants them to know that he is going to give them peace. Surely they can believe this. They saw him calm the storms and the waves were still. They saw him cast out the demons and the results were they were "in their right mind, sitting and clothed." They saw the sick healed, the sorrowful comforted, the dead raised, the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the poor beggar become rich, the outcast and reject made welcome, the helpless made whole, the thirsty to drink, and the lost to be found. If this Jesus could do all this, then why could they not believe that he could fill their heart with peace?

The basis for all this hope was in the phrase, "I have overcome the world." Jesus is the mighty victor! He has conquered every enemy and will in just a few days, in sight of these disciples, conquer the last enemy, death. He is the Captain of our salvation, the Lord of Hosts, and Mighty Conqueror and the Soon Coming King! This same Jesus who promised peace to these troubled disciples, is still giving peace to all those who will believe him and trust him.

He has overcome every enemy that has risen against him. He knows what you are facing. He has overcome every challenge that you are worried about. He does not bite his fingers, fill his head with caffeine or pills, smoke to calm his nerves, or cry himself to sleep each night. This same Jesus who slept on the ship while the disciples up top feared and worried that the storm would overtake them. They thought Jesus didn't even care. Not only does He care, but he is confident and assured that the ship will not sink. Instead, all is safe and the storm will cease. As long as He is on board, rest and sleep on troubled soul. He has overcome it all and his peace will see you through!

May 3, 2008

John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

What is truth? That is the question that Pilate, the one who condemned Jesus to death, asked. Men search for truth. They say that truth can be found everywhere, but that statement is wrong.

Jesus said in John 14 that he was the "way, the truth, and the life." Jesus is truth personified. He is the embodiment of truth. He is holy and full of the wisdom of the Father. In John 1:12, he is said to be full of "grace and truth."

As Jesus is the "living word", or the "logos", the Bible is the "written" word. Jesus prayed to the Father to "sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

The Word of God is truth. It is without error and is perfect. It is inerrant in that it contains no error. It is infallible in that it cannot err. We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scripture. Inspiration means "God-breathed." Verbal means each or every word and plenary means all words. So to explain what we believe concerning this "truth", we believe that it is God-breathed, spoken out of the mouth of God, given to men, preserved in its inspiration, and each word is without error and all words are without error and the Word cannot because of this, ever be wrong.

May 4, 2008

John 18:2 "And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft times resorted thither with his disciples."

Jesus chose twelve disciples when he began his public ministry. One of them was Judas. He was so trusted by the group, that he even was in charge of the money bag. He walked close to Jesus daily. He heard his words and saw his works. Yet Christ said of him that "he was a devil from the beginning."

It was prophesied that one would betray him. Judas was the fulfillment of that prophecy. When it came time for Christ to go to the cross, Judas put his plan into action. Christ had resorted to the garden where he often went with his disciples to pray. Judas knew the place.

Imagine being so close to the Savior that you have even been with him to his favorite prayer spot. He knew the place, but he did not know the person. He had worked with him but had never believed on him. He would even give him a "kiss of betrayal" identifying to the soldiers which one was the Christ. He kissed the "door of heaven and went to hell."

It is possible for you to go to church, be a faithful church member, sing, serve, and even pretend to pray, but never know him. I believe there are so many in people who have been ever so close to him, but do not know him in salvation. Don't be deceived. Examine yourself to see if you be in the faith. If you are not certain that Christ is your Savior, then make sure today. You need to know more than the place, you need to know the person!

May 5, 2008

John 18:27 "Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew."

Jesus had rebuked Peter earlier for his boasting and pride. Peter had promised Jesus that if all others forsook him, he would never forsake him. Jesus told Peter that he would see the day that he would deny that he even knew Jesus. Peter could not have ever imagined that he would ever deny knowing the Lord.

Yet, just a few hours later, while warming his hands by the fire, he denied that he knew the Lord and denied ever being a disciple. How tragic to think of someone who walked so close to Christ for all these years, only at the end to deny the very one you love. How can we love him one minute and deny we know him the next? How can we one day cast out demons in his name, and later deny his name? It is called "flesh." WE are all FLESH!

Our flesh is depraved. We cannot ever forget that we are fallen creatures. That even though we are saved, our natures are still in a warfare. The Spirit within us is warring against the "spirits" that would draw us away from Christ. It is a daily dying to the flesh. It is a daily depending upon Him. It is daily staying in fellowship with the Savior.

If there is any good news to this story, is that just as this man Peter denied that he knew Jesus to this little crowd, this same Peter once restored and filled with the Spirit, stood before thousands at Pentecost, and 3000 were saved. What a difference a day makes!

May 6, 2008

John 18:38 "Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all."

Pilate had the power to set Jesus free and release him to the people, or he had the power to crucify him. He tried everyway he could to shift the responsibility to someone else. He was troubled that this man was truly who He said he was. Yet, he bowed to the will of the people.

One of the questions he raised to Christ was "What is truth?" Men for ages have asked the question. Man has searched for truth and found more questions than answers. It is not until a man knows God that he knows truth. When he meets Christ and believes on Him for salvation, he has received "truth." Christ is truth.

Then after Pilate was finished with Christ, he says to the Jews "I find no fault in him." He could find no reason to crucify Jesus. All the accusations were false. All the witnesses were not credible. Yet the crowd asked for Christ to be put to death. Pilate could have let Christ go, but like most politicians, he listened to the people. He came close to truth, but rejected it.

So many today are looking for truth, but for one reason or another, they bow to the pressures of family, friends, religion, jobs, careers, and turn away from the only truth.

There is no other way to heaven but through Christ, the Truth. He alone has the key to heaven. He alone has the power to forgive sins. He alone can give you the peace you are searching for. There is no fault in him. Try him today. He is the King of the Jews and He is my Savior! He can be yours today! Come to Him and receive Him.

May 7, 2008

John 19:16 "Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away."

The final announcement had come. Pilate had yielded to the people's cry. He gave them Jesus and he was now delivered to be crucified. None of the disciples could believe that this man they had followed and trusted would establish the kingdom of God, was about to be hung on a cross as a common criminal. Yet they could not deny what they saw. Most of them ran in fear, lest they too be judged as rebels and criminals. Only John remained close to the cross.

They are now leading him to Calvary. Picture the long walk down the streets, while crowds mock and sneer. Imagine the pain he bore as he suffers the whip and is now under the weight of the cross. Those who had once desired to see him and some who had heard him and even experienced his touch, could not be found. All the disciples were helpless and full of fear. No doubt his mother watched on not believing her eyes. Who could hate her son to the point he would have to suffer such agony? she wondered.

Yet, it was for this purpose he came. The Cross was his mission. Death was his fulfillment of his Father's will. The pain and agony of the Cross was magnified by the weight of sin that God had allowed him to carry. He bore our transgressions and iniquities. He knew no sin and did no wrong, yet he was "wounded for our transgressions, and he was bruised for our iniquities, and with his stripes we are healed."

Because of that day, while the sky turned black and the heavens were silent, Christ, "for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame." He saw us and he saw the finished work of Calvary and what it purchased. He could not fail and he would not fail. Thank God for the Cross!

May 8, 2008

John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

The agony of the cross was beyond human understanding. There are not words to describe what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ suffered, all because of us and our need for redemption.

When he had come to the end of his agony on the cross, he looks toward heaven and cries, “It is finished.”

These words were used often and for different reasons. Whenever there was a contract between two parties, and the debt was finally paid, at the bottom of the contract would be the words "It is finished." The debt had been paid.

Whenever there was a birth taking place, the mother would be in one room while the family waited in another. Once the birth had taken place, someone would stand in the doorway and announce the birth and say "It is finished." New life had begun.

Whenever a king would go off to war, he would return with the defeated king walking in front of the victorious King. Once they arrived back to their city, they would stop at the city gate. The victor king would place his foot on the neck of the defeated foe, and announce to the crowd, "It is finished." The enemy has been defeated and the victory has been won.

When Jesus announced "It is finished", He announced to the angels, devils, and to every generation, the debt has been paid, new birth has now been provided, and the enemy has been defeated and Christ is the King victorious! It is finished for time and eternity.

May 9, 2008

John 20:29 "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Thomas has always been know as the doubter. He would not believe the message of the disciples that Christ had resurrected, unless he see the prints and touch the pierced side of the Savior.

The next week, Christ appears to the disciples again, this time with Thomas present. Once Thomas saw Him, he cried "My Lord, and my God." Thomas had seen and Thomas had believed.

Jesus said that blessed are those who would believe on him, yet never see him. One must be reminded from time to time that this is a walk of faith. We do not walk by sight. We did not see the resurrected Christ. I was not there at the cross or the tomb. I was not there when he ascended back to the Father. I did not walk with him for forty days after he resurrected, yet I believe.

We have the record of the Word of God. This book is given by God and is an accurate record of the events that bring us to this day in time. All that God had planned for us, he told us in this Book. All that Christ came to do, he told us in this Book. Everything that we must trust in and believe in is in this Book. Although it is all by faith, yet we have a record of truth. This Book records the events that took place, backed by the eyewitnesses that saw and heard. John said in I John, concerning the gospel, "the things which we have seen, and heard, and our hands have handled." These men were there. They say him die, and they saw him in resurrection power.

Now we may never see with our eyes, until we see him face to face in that day, yet we believe. That is what faith is. Taking God at his Word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word!

May 10, 2008

John 21:3 "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee."

Peter had to have been so ashamed following the crucifixion of Christ. He had watched the Son of God die on the cross. All the disciples but John, had forsaken him. And worst of all, Peter, at his weakest moment, denied that he had even known Christ.

Now the Lord had risen and Peter had seen him for himself. He heard his voice and saw the prints in his hands. Yet the sight of him could not take away the guilt that he experienced. He had denied the man with whom he had believed, trusted, and followed for over three years. He had seen the miracles and heard his teachings. He had even

confessed that he would never leave his side. And in one dark moment, he denied the Lord not only once, but three times.

Now Peter's only option, he thought, was to go back to fishing. We all from time to time consider going back to the old life. We feel as if we failed the Lord, or we fall into some trap Satan has set for us. We try to brush it off, but at last, we just want to go away and hide.

This always sounds good at the time but there is never anything good that comes out of back-sliding. And as in this passage, we see that our decisions often times effects others. Peter was not the only one who got on board that ship. Counting Peter, there were seven who went back on their commitment that day. Seven of the eleven went fishing and one traitor was dead. How could so many have been so disappointing to the king. Yet, this trip would not lead them farther away from God, but it would lead them right back to where they needed to be: in fellowship with Christ.

Be careful not to become a bad influence on others around you that may be watching your Christian walk. You may be discouraged and consider quitting. Just remember, when you walk away and "go back to fishing", you may cause some others to walk away also. Bad decisions always affect more than just you.

And if you do walk away, listen close. When you have fished all night and caught nothing, you may just hear that still small voice cry out from the seashore with some fish on the coals. He will invite you once again to return to his side and enjoy the fellowship that only he can give.

May 11, 2008

John 21:25 "And there are also may 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."

Jesus was born in a little town and was relatively quiet and went unrecognized for the first 12 years. Then you see him in the synagogues astonishing the doctors and lawyers. Then again, you do not hear from him again until he turns 30. That is when his public ministry began.

From the age of 30 until his death, covers approximately about three and one-half years. During this time, he heals the sick, raises the dead, and goes throughout the country side and cities and villages, preaching and teaching his message of hope. From the hillside of Judea, to the Sea of Galilee, he went about doing good and touching people. He opened blinded eyes and unstopped deaf ears. He cast out demons and set those in bondage free. He changed the life of one Mary Magdalene, who was possessed with seven devils. He raised Peter's mother-in-law from the dead. He walked into the tombs of the man of Gadara and for the first time, made him to sit in calmness and peace.

We could go on and list numbers of other things he did while on Earth. Beside the miracles he performed, he came to redeem fallen man by giving himself as a ransom for

sin. His death on the cross paid the sin death for every man. No greater work has ever been done than the work done at Calvary. Yet with all that Jesus did that we know about, the Bible says here in John, that the "world could not contain the books if all the works he did were recorded."

Imagine, a world full of books with nothing but the works of Christ. This illustrates just how marvelous our Savior is and how blessed we are to be a part of his great plan. I am amazed at what I know about the Savior. I am more amazed at the fact that we only have just a small window into the works of Christ. In heaven, we will have full knowledge and will for the first time really begin to understand just how great our Lord really is. I close out this devotion the way John closed his book: "Amen!"

May 12, 2008

At the time of this writing, I am in my third consecutive Missions Conference in two weeks. These are always special times to me, to be able to challenge the local church with the command to "go into the whole world and preach the gospel."

There is nothing that excites my soul more than winning people to Christ. And there is nothing that accomplishes that more than missions.

Christ challenged the disciples before he ascended back to the Father, with what we have referred to for centuries as the "Great Commission." This is the command to reach every creature with the message of the crucified and resurrected Christ. According to God's plan, we are to start first at Jerusalem. The early church was in Jerusalem and was basically a Jewish church. After the persecution in Acts 8 took place, there was a scattering of God's Church that sent disciples in every direction. As a result, missions began with churches beginning in homes, and later by preachers like Paul, Silas, and Barnabas, going into countries and preaching and establishing and encouraging new works.

I never cease to be amazed at this marvelous plan of God. We are able through His power and ability, to go into the whole world and preach Jesus and plant churches everywhere. We testify in our own "Jerusalem" door to door, and we testify to regions beyond by joining our forces together with men and women who have given their lives to reach people in other places. We can pray for God to raise up "laborers" and send them into the harvest. We can also support them with our money and help to provide for their needs go they can give themselves to the ministry.

Think about how God has allowed you to be a part of reaching the whole world. Amazing, isn't it? It is mind-boggling! I could never do it alone, but we are "laborers together" and there in lies the secret. Together with God, we can reach the whole from our Jerusalem.

Ask God today to allow you to fulfill your responsibility to world evangelism. Let God speak to you and reveal His will for you. Once you know what he wants you to do, do it. You are suppose to pray, so pray. You are suppose to give, so give. You are suppose to go, so go. Maybe not to some far away land, but down the street, or across the isle at work. Nevertheless, Go!

This is the command of Acts 1:8. He has given you the power (Authority in His name, Matthew 28:28), and he has given you the power (Ability in His Spirit, Acts 1:8). Just Do IT!

May 13, 2008

Acts 1:11 "Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he spent 40 days with the disciples teaching them and revealing to them what was about to happen and what they were about to experience.

No doubt, all this information caused them to go into overload mode. Imagine having Jesus going through the Scriptures and in a forty day period revealing the fulfilled prophecies and the future events.

Then it came to the day that Christ would ascend back to the Father. As the disciples stood by watching, Jesus was taken up from them. While they looked on, two angels appeared and spoke to them these words: "Why stand ye here gazing, this same Jesus which is taken up will so come in like manner." The promise of his return is one of the greatest comforts to the child of God. We are in a sin cursed world with trouble on every side. If all we had to look forward to was this life, then we would surely be miserable. But we that are saved, can look toward heaven with hope and anticipation that one day, some day, maybe today, Jesus will come again!

That is not a fairy tale, not a fantasy. It is a promise. For every one prophecy and Scripture that testified to his first Coming in Bethlehem as a baby, there are 20 or more references to his Second Coming. Brethren, he is coming again! We do not know when. We do not know the hour. But we know it has to be soon.

All the prophecies are fulfilled. The stage is being set. In just a few hours, the Lord is going to return to receive the Church into heaven. We shall be with him forever and all sorrow, death, pain, and suffering shall be done away with. But you must be ready. If you are not, you will be left behind. Get ready, Jesus is coming!

May 14, 2008

Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

The Disciples had just watched Jesus ascend into heaven. They had listened to him instruct them for the last forty days. Now that he has gone, they are obeying his last words to "tarry in Jerusalem until they be endued with power."

The Disciples have now gathered in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Father. No doubt, they are experiencing sadness because Jesus had gone away. No doubt, some of them were experiencing fear because of the hatred of those who had just crucified Christ. Would they come after his followers now? They surely were concerned, at the least. They also felt powerless, for the Holy Spirit had now yet come and the promised power was still yet future. With all of those different emotions and concerns, they had gathered in the upper room.

One preacher described their situation similar to ours today. They were 120 disciples, behind closed doors, full of fear, and without power. That surely describes today's church. We have been intimidated for so long by the world and this ungodly generation, and we have lost our power, that many have returned to the circumstances of the early disciples.

Yet, in spite of these obvious truths, the Bible records that they "continued in one accord and prayer." Herein lies some of the secret to the success of the local church. First is Unity. The phrase "one accord" reveals an attitude of oneness and unity. Oh that the church today could drop all the division and come together in one accord. We do not mean we have to compromise, but all this fussing and fighting is not what God had in mind. Then, the second thing that is necessary is prayer. We have neglected the prayer closet. We have become a prayer-less people and the result is no power. The Church is at it's strongest when it is on its knees. God give us a church again in one place, in one accord, doing one thing: praying. We need a Revival of Unity and Prayer. That would surely produce the results that we need and that is a Revival of Power!

May 15, 2008

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Peter had promised the Lord that even if all other forsook him, he would never leave his side. Yet not many days later, Peter denied that he even know Jesus. And like Christ does so many times, he restored Peter and put him back into his sweet fellowship. Jesus told him that if he loved me, "you will feed my sheep."

Jesus walked with Peter and the disciples for forty days preparing them for the day he would go away. Now he has ascended back to the Father. They had gathered in the upper room until the day of Pentecost. When that day arrived, they were all together in one place, in one accord when the Holy Ghost came upon them and filled them.

Peter, now full of the Holy Ghost, no longer denies that he knows Jesus. He no longer fears the retribution of Rome. He no longer is hiding behind closed doors. Instead, this Peter rises in front of Jews from seventeen different countries and begins to preach Jesus.

He declares that God had made this same Jesus, which they had crucified, to be risen Savior, and exalted Lord. This is the message that the Jews heard on that historic day. They were told that this man Jesus, whom they had rejected as their king, was in fact the Son of God. This man they had accused of blasphemy and hung him upon the cross and crucified him, did in fact raise from the dead just as he said he would.

This message declared everything that Jesus had said to be true. And the crowning point was the fact of the resurrection. He came out of the grave to prove he was more than just a man. He was more than just a carpenter's son. He was God's son, sent down to earth, beaten and bruised beyond recognition, yet raised in power and glory and now ascended back to the Father's right hand to make intercession for them all.

And the next verse tells it all. "When they heard this, they were all pricked in their hearts." The truth will bring conviction, and repentance will bring salvation. That's what they did and that's what happened. There were three thousand saved on that glorious day. This same Peter who denied he know Christ, now is testifying to his saving power to those he once feared. That is just like Jesus! Thank God for second chances!

May 16, 2008

Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

This has probably been one of the most misinterpreted and misunderstood verses in the Word of God. When Peter stood up and preached to the multitude on the day of Pentecost, he told them that this man Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both the Son of God and Savior of mankind. He declared to them his crucifixion and his resurrection.

After their hearts were brought under conviction by the preaching of the gospel, Peter told them what they could do to become Christians. Here is the message that has been preached for centuries and has been corrupted as well. Peter's message first of all dealt with "repentance." Repentance means to "turn around, or go in the opposite direction." The Jews were bound by the laws and ordinances of Judaism and for them to be saved, they must see themselves as sinners and repent. They were the ones who rejected Jesus as Savior and therefore they must believe that he was who he said he was. To do that, they must repent.

The next part of the message included baptism. Now many have misinterpreted this as meaning that baptism was a part of salvation and was necessary for salvation. Neither is true. Baptism is not required to be saved. Peter understood that for these Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah, they would need publicly to be ready to accept what came with it and that is persecution. Christ established baptism as an outward memorial that identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, which by the way is the message of the gospel.

The Jews, as well as all men, must believe that Jesus died for their sins, repent of their sins, and receive him as Savior. After that decision, they are to follow him as his disciples and part of our decision that reveals our willingness to identify with him is baptism. This was a big thing for a Jew and it should be important to us. But in no wise does salvation come because of baptism.

Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works. Baptism is just out an outward testimony of obedience that we have received Christ and are not ashamed of being his disciple.

Anyone who adds anything to faith, including baptism, communion, or any works, is teaching false doctrine. Salvation is totally by grace and faith.

Believe on him today! Repent and be saved! Then as a testimony of your faith, follow the Lord in believer's baptism in a local New Testament Church. That is the Bible way.

May 17, 2008

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

The name of Jesus is powerful. Just speak his name, and it draws a conversation. Speak his name in certain places and an argument will arise. Speak his name in other places, and tears, praise, singing and gratitude will be present. It is obvious that the name of Jesus has great power.

In his name, our prayers are offered. Through his name, we are able to petition God and because of his promise toward us, we can receive those things that we desire and need. His name becomes the "password" to the throne of God.

In his name, devils tremble. The mention of his name in the midst of demon possessed men in the Bible, cause fear and raised responses from demons to the Son of God themselves, begging him not to cast them away before their time (referring to judgment day).

In his name, hearts are calmed, fears are removed, peace comes to the storm, the waves lie down, the clouds disappear, and the hope rises in the soul. There is power in his name!

But the greatest power of all is the power his name possesses in the area of salvation. Men could use the names of saints, leaders of religions, names of the wealthy and wise, but no name can bring salvation but the name of Jesus! God has provided salvation in his name and his name only.

Some say this is narrow mindedness or unreasonable. But there is no one who has ever lived who can provide salvation but Christ. He is the only one who is qualified to purchase our redemption. No man but Jesus Christ was sinless. No man but Jesus Christ was eternal. No man but Jesus Christ had the power over death, hell and the grave. No man but Jesus Christ could be both God and man and do the work necessary. As God, he was impeccable and could not sin. As man, he was holy and being perfect, was able to resist sin and give us the means whereby we could follow in his footsteps.

Jesus Christ, the God-man, was everything that God demanded, and everything that man needed and through his name, we can have eternal life. OH the Power of His Name! His name is wonderful! His name is Wonderful! His name is Wonderful! Jesus My Lord!

May 18, 2008

Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

The world should never have a problem identifying one of God's children. There should be something so different about us that we stand out in the crowd.

The disciples were that different. One thing that caused men to take notice was their boldness. Now do not confuse "boldness" with "arrogance." There are many in religion that demonstrate an arrogance about them as though they are better and above everyone else. But this is not what Peter and John were about. They were bold in their faith. They did not run and hide though they were hated and despised. God help us to be bold for Christ as we live in this sinful world.

They also were different in the fact that they were not trained as the lawyers and doctors of the day, but yet the doctors and lawyers marveled at their speech and their answers to all the questions and accusations. We should be like the disciples and through the power of God working in us, cause the world to marvel, that just simple, average people, could give answers that even the most intelligent among us can not explain. The work of God is supernatural and beyond man's comprehension.

The last thing that everyone noticed is that the men had been with Jesus. There was just something about them that identified their association with Christ. May men never have to wonder or question, but may our faith and loyalty to Christ be ever so evident that everyone we meet will too say "They have been with Jesus." It does make a difference!

May 19, 2008

Acts 4:19-20 "But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

There has always been a question concerning what is often referred to as "Civil Disobedience." It is whether or not it is ever right to disobey those in authority, particularly those in government.

Down through the centuries, civil authorities have tried to place restrictions on religion and religious activities. That is what was going on in Peter's day. After the crucifixion of Christ, the disciples began to turn the world upside down. Thousands were coming to Christ and believing on him for salvation. The Roman government was afraid that the loyalty expressed toward Christ and his disciples could lead to chaos and civil uprising. So they began to persecute the disciples and tried to stop them from preaching in his name.

Here the Apostle Peter makes a bold stand and asked the leaders to decide for themselves as to whether or not it was right to listen to them rather than God. He makes the case that even though their rules and laws may cost him his freedom, he could not help but speak the things that God had commanded him.

There will be times where the laws of man and the laws of God are in conflict. As Christians, we are commanded to "render unto Caesar." But when Caesar goes contrary to God, our loyalty to God super-cedes our loyalty to Caesar. We must obey God even if it means disobeying man.

Now that is not popular and may be dangerous and costly. But if we are to be true disciples, we have no other choice. It is about time, the Church stand up again for what is right. We do not promote anarchy, but we do preach truth. And God's law will be right always and God's Word will stand when the world is on fire!

May 20, 2008

Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness."

After the disciples had suffered persecution for their faith, they sought strength through prayer. When they had prayed, the Bible says, "the place was shaken." It was a reminder of what had taken place on the day of Pentecost. Here, the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now you ask, "how can they be filled with the Holy Ghost in Chapter 4, when they were filled with the Holy Ghost in Chapter 2?" Well, the answer is very simple.

There are many misconceptions about the filling of the Holy Spirit. There is only one baptism of the Spirit. That takes place when a person is born again. The Spirit of God moves in to take up permanent residence in his body. This is what happened to the disciples when Pentecost came. The birth of the Church was the fulfillment of prophecy when Christ had foretold them that the Holy Ghost had been with them and shall be "in" them. This took place in Acts 2. Here, they are "filled with the Spirit." This is no more than a working of the Holy Spirit to empower us for service. Note this little phrase: "There is only one baptism, but many fillings." You can only be saved once and therefore only one baptism whereby the Spirit of God baptizes you into the body of Christ. But there are many "fillings", where the Holy Spirit takes full control of your life, and uses you in mighty ways in God's service. We are commanded to "be filled with the Spirit." This is not an option. It is a daily filling. It is not that we get more of the Spirit. We have all of him we will ever have. But it is that he gets more of us! Oh God, fill us with they power!

May 21, 2008

Acts 5:3 "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?"

In my early childhood, I remember my daddy saying often that there were two things he could not stand. One was a thief, and the other was a liar. After many years and watching and working with people, my feelings are not far from my dad's.

God's word has much to say about lying and God's hatred for it. Here in the passage, the early Church was experiencing an unusual move of God where most of the people were selling their properties and goods, and giving the money to the work of the Lord. There two people, husband and wife, had promised Peter the money from the sell of a piece of land. When it came time to present the money to the disciples, Ananias, the husband, kept back part of it for himself. God was so angry that he judged him severely, even death. And the sad thing is that shortly after that event, without his wife knowing what had happened, she did the same thing, and God killed her also.

It was severe judgment for a severe crime. It was not the money that God was upset about. It was not the selfishness, or greed but it was the fact that they "lied to the Holy Ghost." They made a big show about their promise before all the congregation, and then when they wanted to put on a front, appearing to have kept their promise, but in truth, lying the whole time.

God is very serious about our keeping our promises. God does not take lightly the vows that people make and break. It is dangerous to lie to anyone about anything, but it is really dangerous to lie to the Holy Ghost. Don't make promises for show and then not follow through. It would be better for you not to make a promise, than to make one and break it.

May 22, 2008

Acts 5:11 "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things."

One of the lacking characteristics in the Church today is the fear of God. For too long, we have lost our respect for the power of God and the retribution for sin, and because of that, our lives have become loose and out of control.

Here in the early Church, many miracles were taking place. The power of God was evident in the lives of the disciples. People were making sacrifices to the cause of Christ.

These two married folk had promised to give the money from the sale of their property. When the time came, they kept back part of the money and robbed God of his part. The Apostle Peter accused them of "lying to the Holy Ghost" and God judged them both with death.

Because of this event, the Bible says that "great fear came upon the church." No doubt this awakened some lazy, sleepy Christians. Imagine how you would feel if the lady or gentleman sitting beside you in Church had made some promises to the Church, and went back on his commitment, only to end up with a funeral service the next day. This is what happened.

Now today, we don't see that happen as often. God's mercy and longsuffering no doubt keeps him from "judging" us all. If we all got what we deserved, no doubt we would all be in trouble. Yet one thing we need to keep in mind. God takes very seriously the vows we make to him. We cannot just run our mouths about all the things we are going to do, and then not do them and expect to not have any consequences. We may not be struck with death immediately, but we will surely suffer down the road for our disobedience and lying. It is a serious thing to lie to anyone, especially the Holy Ghost. Don't be so quick to speak unless you intend to follow through on your promises.

May 23, 2008

Acts 5:15 "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them."

There is no question that the disciples were men filled with the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, the power of the Spirit no longer just "came upon them," but instead he "lived within them." Now they were to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. What a miracle of grace and what an honor to serve the King of Kings!

In the transition that took place following Pentecost, the disciples still possessed the power to heal the sick. It appears to have diminished during the time of the Apostle Paul.

Note in this text, that the power of God was so strong, that just the "shadow" of Peter caused some to be touched with the power of God.

I thought about this "shadow" and even though I do not possess "healing" power, nevertheless my "shadow" does influence those I come in contact with. We should walk so close to God and be so filled with the Spirit of God, that even our presence in a room or our "shadow" of influence, causes men to take notice that there is something different about us. We should have that effect on lost people. They should sense the influence of God in our lives. The same effect should be toward the brethren. They too should sense that we have a close walk with God and their lives should and could be blessed by ours.

Does your "shadow" influence those you come in contact with? Do those you meet take knowledge that there is something different about you?

May 24, 2008

Acts 5:29 "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."

Here again, the topic of "civil disobedience" comes up again. The disciples were warned not to teach and preach in the name of Jesus. Yet the disciples must fulfill the commission Christ gave before he returned to heaven.

Whenever the law of man goes contrary to the law of God, what is one to do? This has been a question that has challenged many Christians throughout the centuries. And to be truthful, the answer may vary based on the particular law. Such as, if government passes a law that says you cannot pray to God, as in Daniel's day, then are you to quit praying?

Like Daniel of old, he prayed as he had days before, and not only that, he opened up the windows and made sure everyone heard him. Now I must say, that is bold, but nonetheless, it cost him a night in the lion's den.

What is the right answer? Here, the apostles respond according to the will of God and that is: if the law of man goes contrary to the law of God, we are to obey God rather than man.

Now understand, it may cost you freedoms, penalties, etc. You have to determine your situation and decide how you will handle your faith and walk with God. I think it wise not to try to provoke the powers that be or try to anger them with your "rebellion." Yet quietly and with calmness and reserve, make up your mind that you will obey God and suffer the consequences.

I am afraid this is where you separate the men from the boys. Most will not put their lives and freedoms in jeopardy just to obey God. But if you are a real disciple, you will not be willing to disobey the law of God, just to please Caesar.

May 25, 2008

Acts 5:38-39 "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

The wisdom of these religious leaders mixed with fear, was the basis for these suggestions from a Pharisee named Gamaliel. This man, a doctor of the law, had heard of all that was going on in relation to the disciples. It seemed that everything they tried had failed. They could not seem to convince these men to stop preaching in the name of Jesus.

It is good to note that men who are committed to the cause of Christ, cannot be threatened into quitting their work. They know what God has called them to do and no man can stop them. How refreshing it is to read about their love for Christ in light of so many today who are ready to turn and run with the slightest of resistance.

Gamaliel suggested something that is wise for us to put into practice. We so often judge "ministries, and men" and take stands and even attack some who are on the surface, in the wrong. It would be good for us in certain situations, to put this principle into practice. If it is not of God, it will come to nought. If by chance, it is of God, we do not want to fight against that which God approves of. Now sometimes it may be difficult for us to sit back and wait. But what so ever is not of God, will soon come to nought. Remember, God is in control. He has more at stake than we do. He will do what He needs to do, and we just need to let Him have his way. Patience is the key and don't become everybody's judge.

May 26, 2008

Acts 5:41 "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

The disciples in the early church constantly faced persecution and suffering. They were often beaten, and were commanded not to preach in Jesus' name.

In Acts 5, after they had been beaten, they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ. Imagine, becoming so faithful a disciple, that you actually are thankful that you are allowed to suffer for his name.

Peter wrote about it in his epistles. He often said that the Christian was to "rejoice" when he suffer for righteousness. He also said we were to "think it not strange" when we were caused to suffer. All of this is a part of Christianity.

Now, for the 21st century Church, we know very little about suffering. We are in the midst of "prosperity" and are basically at "ease in Zion." It is also fairly obvious, that if we did suffer for his name, most Christians would certainly not "rejoice" about it, nor be thankful for the opportunity to suffer in his name.

We have become a generation of weak, anemic, Christians, who are living the life of the Laodicean Church. We are "increased with goods, and have need of nothing." We know nothing about sacrifice, surrender or even suffering. Yet, to be a true Christian, take a stand for Christ, and walk in righteousness, one cannot help but experience some "suffering."

How do you respond to suffering? Do you easily get discouraged when faced with opposition? Would you still stand for Christ, if it meant true persecution? I am afraid we cannot answer that while we are living in prosperity and ease. God wake us up and make us to realize how blessed we are. We better stay close to him, for if the pressure does come, and the suffering truly happens, we are going to need more than just a "Sunday morning religion" to help us remain true to Him.

May 27, 2008

In the early days of the Church at Jerusalem, there was such an explosion of growth, that problems were sure to arise and arise they did.

There were some widows who had been neglected in the "daily ministration" and were very upset. The early church did not have a manual or seminar notes to refer to, so they had to seek direction and answers to problems on their knees.

The disciples knew the load of the ministry was going to continue to become more difficult for them to carry, so they suggested that they look out among themselves, seven men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," that could handle some of these responsibilities.

Seven men were selected and they were called deacons. They would take care of the widows' tables and other duties as required by the disciples and the disciples were going to concentrate on "prayer and the ministry of the word."

The main responsibility of the man of God is to pray and study the Word, and be ready to "feed the sheep." With so many other duties placed upon the men of God, this has become more difficult. The Pastor wears so many hats and cannot fulfill God's will in the prayer closet and study.

As a Christian, you should make sure that the leaders of your church, the deacons, should not let anything interfere with the man of God's prayer life. Prayer is essential to the success of the Pastor and the success of the Church.

As a Church Member, you can try not to make unnecessary demands on your Pastor. You can pray for him. You can tell him how much his ministry means to you, thereby encouraging him. You can voice your opinion to church leaders that they do all that is possible to allow privacy and freedom to the man of God. It is for their good. It will aid him in being prepared every service to feed them with the Word, and all will benefit.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for all of us to not let anything interfere with our prayer life. It is essential to the Christian life, as well as the study of the Word of God.

May 28, 2008

Acts 7:51 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."

Stephen was deacon in the early church. His testimony was one of faith and full of the Holy Ghost. He had found himself being accused by the council of his day with many false witnesses brought against him. They could not let him continue to create chaos with his miracles and message, so he was brought before them to be judged.

For the next entire chapter, Stephen preaches to the council and basically charges them with rebellion against God and persecuting the prophets. His final accusation was that they were "stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears." To a Jew, this was an insult.

He also accused them of resisting the Holy Spirit of God, just like their fathers. When they heard this, they were "cut to the heart" and "gnashed on them with their teeth." The outcome of course, was that they stoned him outside the city, as the man named Saul, (soon to be Paul) looked on.

This was such a pivotal time in Church history. This forever changed the early church. This also began the process of Paul's conversion. Stephen's death also moved heaven, for Jesus was standing at God's right hand ready to receive Stephen into paradise.

But I want to deal with the phrase "ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." There is nothing more dangerous than resisting God's Spirit. We can put ourselves in danger for time and eternity if we refuse to obey the Spirit. He is so careful to work with us patiently, taking time for us to be made tender. Yet man is so often hardened by sin and Satan, that instead of us giving in to his call, we just resist and turn him away.

That is not just true for sinners and unbelievers, but also for some Christians who get their priorities out of place. He must be first in everything. The Spirit is to have full control of our lives. Be careful that you never allow your heart to get to the place of "resistance" and "rebellion" against the Holy Spirit. He is so sensitive and we certainly do not want to wound him or grieve him.

May 29, 2008

Acts 8:29-31 "Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

And Philip ran thither to him and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?"

Philip was a deacon in the church at Jerusalem and he was also an evangelist. He preached in Samaria and God stirred the entire city with the power of God. Now he has been commissioned of God to go meet up with this Ethiopian man in his chariot. When he arrived on the scene, this man was reading from the prophet Isaiah about the one who was "led as a sheep to the slaughter," and "was wounded for our transgressions."

Philip asked the man if he understood what he read? The answer was "how can I, except someone guide me."

We are given the command to go into the whole world and "preach the gospel to every creature." What a blessing is ours to be able to take the Scriptures and explain them to a seeking sinner.

The Spirit had led him and now Philip would show him. We are laborers together with the Spirit. Under his leadership and power, we are given the opportunities and the ability to share the gospel and lead men to Christ. It is up to us to respond to the leadership of the Spirit and be "ready always to give an answer of the reason of the hope that is within us." Philip did just that and the Ethiopian was saved and baptized.

Let God's Spirit lead you today. As you go about your daily activities, look for that man "in the chariot" who just needs someone to help him to understand the gospel. There are many who are searching and in need of someone to help. Be a Philip who is willing to go and ready to speak for Jesus.

May 30, 2008

Acts 9:6 "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Saul was a great persecutor of the church. He was the one who stood by and watched as Stephen was stoned. The church was afraid of Saul and all of Jerusalem was in turmoil because of his threatenings.

While on the road to Damascus, Saul was confronted by a shining light and a voice saying "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? In fear and trembling, he fell to the ground and cried out to God and these great words have influenced men for centuries in their search for the will of God. "What will thou have me to do?"

No doubt, this is the question of the ages. Sinful man encountering God and asking what he would have them to do. There is nothing like man's encounter with God and he for the first time sees himself as God does. There is nothing like this humbling process that brings man to his knees, breaks his will, and tenders his heart to surrender to whatever God would demand.

So often, it is our hard hearts that keep us out of God's will. We refuse to humble our hearts and bow our will to his. But if we are to please him and become what he would have us to be, we too, like Saul will have to have that "Damascus Road" experience. We may never see shining lights or may never hear loud voices. But one thing is for sure, we will know it is God that we have met and from that day forward, we will never be the same.

May 31, 2008

Acts 11:24 "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."

There are many characters that are introduced to us in the Book of Acts. Some of them played a very important part in the early days of the formation of the Church. One of course was a man named Barnabas. He was very active in the Church at Jerusalem and later traveled with Paul after his conversion. Here, Barnabas is described as a good man. Our name and reputation is very important. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." As Christians, it is very important that the world see us as "good" men, not shady characters, dishonest, lying, and deceiving those we come in contact with. Of course there is nothing in our flesh that makes us good. What gives us the ability to have such a reputation is due to the Holy Ghost that is in us.

Barnabas was more than just good. He was "a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost." We are to be people of faith. Not doubters and worriers, but believers. We are built on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And when we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to live in our bodies. As we yield our lives into his control, we become candidates to be "filled with the Holy Spirit."

God also said that because of Barnabas, "many were added to the church." He was a soul-winner. He shared his faith and because of that, the church grew. Is there anyone in your church because of you? Do you have influence with those around you that would cause them to want to be saved?

God help us to be like Barnabas. We should have a good reputation, be full of faith, controlled by the Holy Spirit, and actively bring people into the kingdom of God. That is a reputation that any of us would like to have. I hope when I die, my record looks half that good!