Peter, John and the healed cripple stood before the court. They were threatened. The command to them? Never speak the name of Jesus again in Jerusalem! Despite the perilous threats, when released they joined other Christians in one United prayer of Praise. Why?
The priests included the same who paid the Roman Guards to lie and say Jesus body was stolen. Knowing the truth, they paid for a lie and persisted in denying Christ. Now this miracle, evidence of the power of Jesus they wanted to squelch before people believed. After all, their reputations and political power were at stake. Peter boldly accused them of killing the long-awaited Messiah. Even though, He offered a means of salvation, their arrogant pride forbids the acknowledgement of truth. The crowd who were witness to this newest miracle and all the new converts frightened them. So, once more they doubled down on their threats but let Peter, John and the man go. Joyously praising God, they joined other Christians.
They could have just said, ok. After all next time could mean imprisonment and death. If fact, we find that to be the case as we move through the history of the early church. They knew full well the danger ahead of them. It was possible to go into hiding, avoid the priests. However, for them it was not an option they considered. After all, they knew the truth. They realized that the gospel message was the only treasure worth having on this earth and throughout eternity. Joy could only be found in knowing Jesus Christ. Whatever the perilous threats, their hearts compelled them to tell the world before it was too late. So, in one United Prayer of Praise they lifted their voice to God, asking for boldness to continue spreading the gospel message.
Facing Perilous Threats
Around the world there are many facing perilous threats. Some are imprisoned, beaten or killed for daring to speak the name of Jesus. Here in the United States we have more freedom to speak His name. However, if we dare to suggest that He is the only way of salvation we are called hate mongers. We are ostracized for standing firm on Biblical truth. While the “left” proclaim a moral high ground and diversity, they have no tolerance for anyone who won’t embrace their ideology completely. Their tolerance being intolerance masquerading with fancy words of hate spewing from them. Much like the Priests who threatened Peter and John, they deny truth even when it is evident before them and would rather pay others to lie.
For that reason, we must learn from Peter, John and the early church who did not cower into silence. Rather, with love and boldness they continued to proclaim the truth. Regardless of the consequence, they praised God for His faithfulness and asked Him to give them the faith to make them bold enough to speak even when facing perilous threats.
One United Prayer
Notice that they united in prayer. Listen to the words of that prayer, for it is one we all need to pray. United in prayer, we can joyously lift our voices in praise to God for all He has done and all He can accomplish. We need to pray for His will to be accomplished. Love compels us not to be silent in all this. Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life. No man can be saved apart from accepting Him as Lord and Savior of their life, acknowledging that He is God Incarnate, Creator of the Universe, the only begotten Son of the Father who died to pay the price for our sins. Then on the third day He rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. So, let us join in with this prayer.
Acts 4:24-30
They lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is. Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, “Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
God’s response?
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. The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul. (Acts 31:32).
Oh, we do need a special anointing of the Holy Spirit in our country. A revival greater than any other! Can we join together today in one united prayer of praise, regardless of the perilous threats that call us to be silent?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Study of ACTS
What if You Were Forbidden to Speak of Jesus
How to Really Speak the Truth Boldly
Miracle of God, His Timing, and the Faith to Stand
Do We really Have Singleness of Heart?
What is our Greatest Opportunity at Hand?
The Remarkable Communication of the Holy Spirit in Revival
Is Being Filled with the Spirit a Different Experience?
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
How to Wait with Cautious Discernment
How to Hold Fast to the True Gospel Message
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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