Bible Study - Give Thanks - Anyway - 2 Chronicles 20:10-12, 14-17, 2022, 29-30 - November 27, 2016

Bible Study – Give Thanks – Anyway – November 27, 2016

This is a special Thanksgiving Lesson.

Focus scripture is 2 Chronicles 20:10-12, 14-17, 20-22, 29-30.

We can give thanks in every situation.

This is an appropriate study for our celebration of Thanksgiving. We are thankful for GOD’S grace toward us as humans. John 3:16-18 reflects GOD’S love and concern for every human who has been or will ever be born upon earth:

16 "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.

Do you think that you are upon earth by random probability and chance? No! It is by design. This is your time to be redeemed from sin and its consequence, eternal death. At the end of your life you will go into eternity. You will either be reconciled with GOD through faith in JESUS or forever cut off from GOD, Who loves you by rejecting JESUS as your Savior. The choice is yours to make.

Those who accept JESUS as their Savior are most thankful to GOD because HE provided redemption and salvation through HIS love for each human by sending HIS only Son, JESUS, to earth to provide the way of salvation/redemption from sin and its consequence of eternal death.

Accept GOD’S gift now by asking JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart and experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. The miracle of rebirth means that you are born in your spirit into GOD’S family as HIS Son or HIS Daughter, and receive eternal life and citizenship into Heaven.

Be thankful for a loving GOD Who goes to all lengths to redeem you from eternal death which is Hell.

Our scripture focuses upon a physical event that helps us to understand GOD’S care for us in the Spiritual realm. Let’s explore!

King Jehoshaphat (jih HAHSH uh fat) reined over Judah for 25 years. He was a faithful ruler and worshiper of Yahweh, the LORD. Our focus scripture is part of Jehoshaphat’s prayer which begins in verse six.

Let’s read 2 Chronicles 20:5-9: (Lead-in)

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard

6 and said: “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?

8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying,

9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

Jehoshaphat reconfirmed their relationship with GOD and HIS relationship to them. Often, in times of trouble we need to rethink our relationship with GOD. It is a time to review our relationship and our faithfulness with HIM. If in that process of review issues are revealed, where we have sinned and we need to confess them and ask for forgiveness, then we must respond. Afterwards, we are in a position to move forward with our request and seek GOD’S help in times of need or trouble.

Let’s read 2 Chronicles 20:10-12:

10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and [the inhabitants of] Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them.

GOD had prevented Israel from attacking the very enemies that were now poised to invade Judah.

11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance.

Jehoshaphat did not have to remind GOD that they were exactly where GOD wanted them to be but he and the Israelites needed to be reminded. Often in times of distress or trouble we need to reflect upon why we are where we are. 

Are we where we are because of GOD’S design or our desires? In this case, they were exactly where GOD wanted them to be.

12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast multitude that comes [to fight] against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.

In essence, since we are where YOU want us to be “Will YOU not judge them?” That was a question with a positive and confident response in mind. 

Simply, we are where YOU desire for us to be and we are powerless to defend ourselves. We are helpless to defend ourselves but GOD YOU are all powerful and we confidently look to YOU and YOU alone for our protection.

There are times in our lives when all of our efforts are useless to solve the issues in life that we face. Only GOD can come to our rescue as we look to HIM for help.

Our recent presidential election is a case and point to consider.

Let’s read 2 Chronicles 20:13-17:

God's Answer

13 All Judah was standing before the Lord with their infants, their wives, and their children.

Jehoshaphat was praying but all of Judah was standing before the LORD including their infants, wives and children. Such an assembly reflects the heart of the nation.

Do we reflect that same dependent attitude toward GOD for our nation? Do we have a sense of relief that we think we have a leader we think will lead us? We cannot back off from our desire to be a nation who lifts up JESUS as our Savior and LORD. Having a nation where people mouth the name of JESUS without their hearts being changed is of little to no value. JESUS said it best in Matthew 7:21-23:

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’

23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

I say of little value because mouthing the name of JESUS can always lead to a realization that the person mouthing HIS name needs a personal relationship with JESUS. Do not play the game of trying to fool GOD by playing like a Christian because GOD knows your heart.

GOD is giving America a second opportunity to get it right. Will we as HIS people serve HIM or attempt to amass wealth for ourselves?

14 In the midst of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph's descendants),

There was unity and harmony as the people gathered seeking help from GOD and guess WHO responded through Jahaziel, GOD.

15 and he said, "Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Jahaziel spoke the words GOD revealed to him. GOD assured the Judahites that victory was theirs because this was GOD’S battle. When Christians come up against the issues of life, they need to seek the wisdom of the LORD. Whose battle are we facing? What is our part and what is GOD’S part? Are we in a situation because of sin or following our own desires or are we in a situation because GOD’S desire for us to see HIS hand at work? HIS working could be for our benefit, the benefit of others or both. Life is walking with GOD through faith in JESUS or to find JESUS if we do not already know HIM.

16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.

The people had to put into action what GOD revealed to them. They had to take a step of faith. The people had a choice: Do we respond or do we sit back and see if GOD will defend us without us having to do anything. NO! GOD commanded them to ----

17 You do not have to fight this [battle]. Position yourselves, standstill, and see the salvation of the Lord. [He is] with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.' "

Faith in action is what GOD desires from HIS children. This is as true today as it was in the Old Testament days. The key is for GOD to reveal and for us to take the revealed action. We must be careful not to respond when GOD has not revealed how HE desires for us to respond.

So what will the people do? Let’s read on.

Let’s read 2 Chronicles 20:20-22, 29-30:

Victory and Plunder

20 In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. 

As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed."

King Jehoshaphat reminded the people that their faith in GOD and HIS power as revealed in the scriptures through HIS prophets equals success. Now, they would experience GOD’S care for them. That is faith in action.

21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of [His] holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.

Judah had an army but greater than their army was their faith in GOD. King Jehoshaphat was a Godly king and he consulted with the people. Was he soliciting volunteers? The key is that he appointed some to go before their army and sing for the LORD and praise HIS holiness. This was a confident display of their confidence and dependence upon GOD. It sent a powerful message to the enemies of Judah.

22 The moment they began [their] shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and [the inhabitants of] Mount Seir who came [to fight] against Judah, and they were defeated.

The instant the Judahites who were marching ahead of their army began to shout and praise the LORD, the LORD took action.

GOD reveals to us what HE desires for HIS children to do but HE does not act until we obediently respond.

What is an ambush?

We read that GOD set an ambush against the enemies of Judah. What did GOD do? Let’s read verses 23-28:

23 The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.

GOD turned the enemies of Judah against each other and they destroyed themselves. WOW! GOD is faithful. HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are above our thoughts. Who would have ever believed what GOD had in mind to defeat the enemies of Judah? Our part is to be faithful to HIM as we, HIS Children, march ahead of our power as we go into battle each day.

Are we secure in our faith such that our LORD is at work in places where we have no clue about what HE is doing in our behalf?  

Romans 8:28 comes to mind: (GOD works on behalf of HIS Children or HIS Children to be.)

28 We know that (GOD is in) all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

When the people of Judah approached the battle field, what did they see?

24 When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and there were corpses lying on the ground; nobody had escaped.

25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to gather the plunder. They found among them an abundance of goods on the bodies and valuable items. So they stripped them until nobody could carry any more. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.

26 They assembled in the Valley of Beracah on the fourth day, for there they praised the Lord. Therefore, that place is still called the Valley of Beracah today.

They gave GOD the credit. They knew that GOD came to their rescue in a mighty way. When GOD comes to our aid, we must not neglect to praise HIM and keep in mind HIS care for us. But sadly many of us forget and return to life as usual and relegate GOD to the back burner of our lives. But what did the people of Judah do? Let’s read on.

27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem turned back with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord enabled them to rejoice over their enemies.

28 So they came into Jerusalem to the Lord's temple with harps, lyres, and trumpets.

The people returned not to bathe themselves in their success but to worship because of the faithfulness of GOD. Is our relationship with GOD such that we praise and honor HIM when victory comes in our lives? Does HIS care for us result in us standing in awe of HIM? If not, why not? If that is our nature, we need to go before GOD and ask HIM to reveal our hearts and help us to be changed through the renewing of our minds to obedient serve HIM. Life is all about having the right relationship with GOD through active faith.

Let’s read 2 Chronicles 20:29-30:

29 The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.

The obedience of the Judahites under the leadership of King Jehoshaphat resulted in sending a powerful message to surrounding kingdoms. The message was that the GOD of Judah is all powerful and fights in their behalf.

Guess what? GOD still fights for HIS Children every day today.

30 Then Jehoshaphat's kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.

Only our faith and confidence in GOD through our faith in JESUS can give us peace during the storms that are sure to come into our lives as Christians. Christians are not exempt from troubles, just as Judah faced a multitude of enemies.

We as Christians face a multitude of enemies each day. In whom do we place our trust and confidence through an intimate, loving relationship? GOD loves you and has a plan for your life. Place your trust in JESUS, GOD’S only SON and receive salvation. Experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit to be born anew into GOD’S family as HIS Son or Daughter and receive eternal life. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Unstoppable (6) - Unstoppable Impact - Acts 17:16-18, 22-23, 30-31 - November 20, 2016

Bible Study – Unstoppable (6) – Unstoppable Impact – November 20, 2016

This is lesson six (6) and the final lesson in our series entitled “Unstoppable Gospel.”

Our focus scripture is Acts 17:16-18, 22-23, 30-31.

The gospel of JESUS CHRIST can impact any culture.

In this lesson, we fast forward to the Apostle Paul in Athens. It is interesting how GOD guides HIS servants to where HE desires for them to preach HIS message. Let’s read Acts 17:1-15:

A Short Ministry in Thessalonica

1 Then they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

2 As usual, Paul went to them, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

3 explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying: "This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you."

4 Then some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a great number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women.

The term “GOD-fearing” applies to those who have not fully converted to Judaism. They have not been circumcised but they believe in one GOD and accept the moral and ethical teachings of Judaism. 

The Assault on Jason's House

5 But the Jews became jealous, and when they had brought together some scoundrels from the marketplace and formed a mob, they set the city in an uproar. Attacking Jason's house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly.

I thought this was interesting, that thugs were enlisted to form a mob to disrupt. Does that remind you of anything going on in America today? Satan does not want unity but disruption.

6 When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too,

7 and Jason has received them as guests! They are all acting contrary to Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king-Jesus!"

8 The Jews stirred up the crowd and the city officials who heard these things.

9 So taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them.

The Beroeans (Bereaian’s) Search the Scriptures

10 As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea (Berea). On arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Notice that Paul and Silas were not intimidated because as soon as they arrived in Berea, they went straight to the synagogue.

11 The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

12 Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men.

13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that God's message had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and disturbing the crowds.

14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there.

The Apostle Paul was the lightening rod.

15 Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

The Apostle Paul was escorted to Athens and left there with instructions that Silas and Timothy will join in as quickly as possible. So what did Paul do while he was waiting? He was taking in the culture in Athens and getting an impression of those who either lived or visited Athens.

Athens was known for its literature, art, pagan religion, philosophers and intellectuals. As Paul was taking in all the sites, what impression did he have of Athens? Let’s read on.

Let’s read Acts 17:16-18:

Paul in Athens

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was troubled within him when he saw that the city was full of idols. 

Paul was troubled in his Spirit because of all the idols. Paul knew they needed to hear about JESUS. Paul was GOD’S man of action. When we are disturbed what do we do? Do we complain or do we do something about it and get involved? What should we do? He concluded that these poor people were seeking truth in all the wrong places and he knew the truth and was compelled to share it.

We, as Christians, know the truth, but are we willing to share it with those who are in Spiritual darkness? This was Paul’s cue to go to work.

17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 

Paul began with those who were seeking truth by going to the local synagogue. 

He met with the Jews and those who worshipped GOD. He then expanded into the marketplace and spoke to those there. Paul “reasoned” with those who were interested in spiritual matters. The use of the word “reasoned” carries the idea of discussion or conversation marked by an exchange of ideas. This implies speaking and listening in order to have a dialogue.

18 Then also, some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some said, "What is this pseudo-intellectual trying to say?" Others replied, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities"-because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

Paul encountered Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.

The Epicurean philosophers followed the philosophy espoused by the Greek philosopher Epicurus who lived from 341 BC to 270 BC. Epicureans’ believed that the chief aim of life was to pursue happiness, pleasure and tranquility by living in simplicity and in freedom from pain, passion and fear. 

They had given up on the gods of the culture. They were convinced that these gods did not care about humans. They also did not believe in life after death. In essence, eat, drink and be merry because tomorrow you will die. They identified atoms as the basic material in the universe.

The Stoics or Stoicism was founded by Zeno who live from 490 BC to 430 BC. Stoicism was likely the most influential philosophy in the Greco-Roman world. The Stoics were disciplined in their behavior. They believed that GOD was a spirit to be found in all of creation. They believed they could discover truth through human reasoning. Life was governed by fate rather than by faith.

So what did these followers of these philosophies think of Paul? They referred to him as a “pseudo-intellectual” which means “picking up seeds.” It referred to a person who did not have the intellectual base to form his or her own ideas. They would go around and talk to those who were intellectuals, gathering idea seeds; to give the impression he or she knew what they were talking about. Bottom line these people were considered “empty talkers” or “babblers.” They thought Paul was such a person and likely invited him to speak before a group of true intellectuals to embarrass him and shut him up.

Notice the later part of verse 18 “Others replied, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities"-because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.” The intellectuals made some assumptions. They thought Paul was going to lecture on “foreign deities” and to help them determine if they had overlooked a deity. They thought that JESUS, masculine, was one deity and they thought “the resurrection,” which is a feminine noun in Greek, referred to a female deity such as Anastasia. They wanted to hear Paul speak.

GOD is at work using the curiosity of the Athenians to get them to gather to hear HIS message to them through HIS servant Paul.

19 They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, "May we learn about this new teaching you're speaking of? 

The Areopagus (Ar e op a gus) was also known as “Mars Hill.” It was dedicated to Ares, the Greek god of war, who also known as “Mars” in Latin.

20 For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean." 

21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new.

This gathering of “intellectuals” loved to hear new ideas and thoughts. So they were eager to listen to what Paul had to say.

Let’s read Acts 17:22-23:

The Areopagus Address

22 Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. 

Paul stood, as was common for the speaker and began speaking with a left-handed compliment. The term “religious” could mean superstitious in that they wanted to make certain that they did not leave out any deity. The Greek word could be interpreted as “religious,” which would be acceptable to these intellectuals. 

23 For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD 

Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 

In case they had omitted a deity they had an altar to “An unknown GOD.” Paul used this as the basis of his message to them. This must have peaked their interest and cause them to listen very carefully to his message. Paul’s message focused on God as theos, the supreme Divinity. He would bring his audience around to JESUS but in the beginning he needed for his audience to listen. If he had been speaking to a Jewish audience, he would have referred to GOD, as the Jews knew HIM.

When we speak, our audience helps us to set the tone for our message as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

24 The God who made the world and everything in it-He is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in shrines made by hands. 

There was general agreement that God or a higher power existed and HE created the world. But there was little to no definition of that GOD, God or god.

25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. 

Paul pointed out that GOD is self-sufficient but we as humans are dependent upon HIM. Paul knew to whom he was referring and his audience had their definition of who they thought he was referring. So they listened. The Holy Spirit was at work in each listener bringing about understanding and establishing a foothold for further seeking of the truth. GOD’S desire is for all to accept JESUS The CHRIST as their Savior.

26 From one man He has made every nation of men to live all over the earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live, 

Paul begins with GOD making man, Adam, without getting into scriptural history.

27 so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 

GOD made man with a natural desire to seek HIM. GOD is not far from any of us and reachable. Consider this ---

28 For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Gk poet. 

Paul reminded his audience that the Greek poets had written regarding the beginning of the human race being an offspring of GOD.

29 Being God's offspring, then, we shouldn't think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination. 

Paul used logic to get his audience to open their eyes and hearts to truth. Since humans are GOD’S offspring and GOD is divine shouldn’t we consider that? 

If GOD is divine, then why do we attempt to fashion some image of GOD using material things, art and/or imagination? Paul narrowed the concept of GOD from broad to narrow.

Let’s read Acts 17:30-31:

30 "Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, 

Paul told them that, the GOD to Whom I am referring has compassion and HE overlooked the ignorance of humans but that had changed. HE demands all people everywhere to repent. Repent is to stop, turn around and go in the direction of seeking HIM in view of this new understanding.

31 because He has set a day on which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." 

Paul now gets to the heart of his message. The Man GOD appointed was JESUS. By referring to “the Man” GOD appointed should generate questions, e.g.well who is this Man and tell us more about this Man?

32 When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him. But others said, "We will hear you about this again." 

Keep in mind that most did not believe in the resurrection. When Paul made the statement regarding the resurrection of this Man (JESUS), some began to ridicule Paul. The noise of the crowd squelched further discussion. People do not want to be considered a fool by others. When things get out of control, it is time to stop.

33 So Paul went out from their presence. 

So Paul retreated. He had delivered the message GOD desired for him to deliver. GOD takes over, where we leave off. GOD’S Spirit strives with all mankind. GOD’S desire is for all to come to a saving knowledge of HIM through faith in HIS only Son, JESUS. But was all lost? Let’s read on.

34 However, some men joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

GOD’S Word never returns void. HIS Word is powerful and produces a result. Here we learn that Dionysius (de o nu se os), the Areopagite (a re o pa ge tas). Dionysius was a member of the Areopagus which referred to a council, an assembly of Greek leaders or possibly a formal court. So a person of stature accepted Paul’s gospel message and became a Christian.

There was a second person, a lady named Damaris (da ma res) and others who accepted Paul’s gospel message of JESUS and became Christians.

So what can we learn from Paul’s experience? GOD provides opportunity and gives us HIS message through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When we are in uncharted territory we can begin by seeking common ground. Paul addressed their interest in knowing about some deity they might have overlooked so he zeroed in on a local inscription “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” That statement likely caught their attention.

The key to speaking is for those to whom you speak listen. Paul held their attention until he spoke of the resurrection of the “Man.” Some rejected the idea of resurrection but others did not, thus some accepted JESUS as their Savior. Those who rejected the gospel message at that moment had a base upon which GOD’S Spirit could work within each of those who heard. Only eternity will reveal who accepted JESUS later but for sure, GOD’S Word always works within. It is up to each individual to either accept or reject JESUS as his or her Savior.

HAVE YOU MADE THAT DECISION IN YOUR LIFE? If not, why not now? Eternity is but a heartbeat away. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Unstoppable (5) - Unstoppable Courage - Acts 4:1-4, 8-12, 19-20 - November 13, 2016

Bible Study – Unstoppable (5) – Unstoppable Courage – November 13, 2016

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Unstoppable Gospel.”

Our focus scripture is Acts 4:1-4, 8-12, 19-20.

GOD gives us courage to speak boldly for CHRIST.

Last week’s lesson ended with Acts 3:10. Let’s read Acts 3:11-26 with special attention to verse 11:

Preaching in Solomon's Colonnade

11 While he (the man lame since birth) was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon's Colonnade. 

Solomon’s Colonnade or porch was constructed by King Solomon’s workers. It became a popular gathering place in the temple complex for Christians in Jerusalem. It had a raised porch which was covered. 

My speculation is that it was constructed so the acoustics were such that the person speaking could be heard by those gathered in that area.

Peter, John and the man JESUS healed were at Solomon’s Colonnade. Those in the temple complex ran toward them. The people were eager to see and to hear about this miracle.

12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 

Don’t look at us but look at JESUS Who healed this man. How often do we like to get the credit for marvelous things that GOD does through us? That is one of Satan’s lies that he tries to get GOD’S chosen to embrace. Beware! Peter made it clear Who healed this man as we read on.

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked to have a murderer given to you. 

15 And you killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. 

16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you. 

17 "And now, brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did. 

18 But what God predicted through the mouth of all the prophets-that His Messiah would suffer-He has fulfilled in this way. 

19 Therefore repent and turn back, that your sins may be wiped out so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 

20 and He may send Jesus, who has been appointed Messiah for you. 

21 Heaven must welcome Him until the times of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about by the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning. 

22 Moses said: The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He will say to you.

23 And it will be that everyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from the people. 

24 "In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also announced these days. 

25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your forefathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 

26 God raised up His Servant and sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways."

This was the Apostle Peter’s message to those gathered after witnessing the healing the lame man in the name of JESUS.

This leads us into our focus scripture.

Let’s read Acts 4:1-4:

Peter and John Arrested

1 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them,

2 because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in the person of Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Political correctness was alive and well even in the times of JESUS. 

The Sadducee's did not believe in the resurrection that is why they were sad-u-see. This group of religious leaders came upon those gathered to witness this miracle suddenly but apparently they had been listening.

The Sadducee's were wealthy aristocrats from the high priestly families. They were very religious but very much involved in politics and supported the ruling authority which was Roman. They would go after any authority which threatened their position or wealth. That is why they went after JESUS.   

Peter and John were teaching that JESUS, whom they knew was killed and buried but was raised from the dead. A person being raised from the dead was out-of-the-question according to the Sadducee's. When a person died he or she did not come back to life. 

So the religious leaders were provoked. It is hard to go against the establishment but Peter and John did. But going against the establishment has consequences.

But notice, not only were the people listening but so were the priests, the commander of the temple guard and the Sadducee's. Did any of them become followers of JESUS? Only eternity will reveal it.

3 So they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening.

Bad things happen to good people. But in GOD’S hands HE can make lemonade out of lemons.

Peter and John were arrested. Doing the will of GOD does not prevent you from experiencing problems upon earth even by those who say they are serving GOD. It was evening so they held Peter and John in custody until the next day. It was a show of power by the Sadducee's.

4 But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000.

What was more important trying to be politically correct or being obedient to the will and purpose of GOD? About 5,000 souls were born into GOD’S family up to that period. What rejoicing there was in heaven for each one who became Christian’s!

Those with self-imposed pseudo authority get upset when they are threatened. Their lust for power blinded them to the truth of what had taken place under their very noses.

Let’s read Acts 4:8-12:

Peter and John Face the Jewish Leadership

5 The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem

6 with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.

The religious leaders called in any one with clout. What a blessing it is to be able to present truth to those who need to hear truth and see the evidence of that truth.

The Jewish ruling body was called the Sanhedrin which consisted of 71 members which included 70 elders and the high priest as the one who presided. In this case, it would have been Annas.

Here we get to see the hand of GOD and HIS love for this group who were either involved in or instigated the crucifixion of JESUS. HE gave them a second opportunity to hear and witness truth. The truth is that JESUS is truly the promised Messiah, sent by GOD as the Savior of the world for all who will place their faith in HIM.

This was an august body assembled to hear Peter give a message in the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as the healing of the man lame since birth was not an accident but by design, so was this special occasion ordained by GOD. If any group should have been able to put these facts about JESUS together it was this group. They knew the scriptures but their self-righteousness blinded them from seeing the truth.  

7 After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: "By what power or in what name have you done this?"

This must have been music to the ears of Peter and John. “By what power or in what name have you done this?” WOW! Do you think they looked at each other and said did I hear that question right? GOD always leads and prepares the way for HIS chosen to present what needs to be presented. GOD works in the innermost part of our being and those being gathered needed to hear the message of the resurrected JESUS.

8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders:

Peter did not have time to prepare a sermon. He did not need to prepare one because he knew the truth. When GOD provides the opportunity, HE also gives us HIS message and it was delivered in the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter opened with a pleasant opening statement.

9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man-by what means he was healed-

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene-whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead-by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.

11 This [Jesus] is The stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.

JESUS is the cornerstone for building GOD’S kingdom upon earth. Peter quoted from Psalm 118:22:

22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

The “cornerstone” is the stone which is used at the base of a corner where two walls meet. The cornerstone provides stability and establishes the point from which the walls will be aligned.

GOD is so amazing. I picture the two walls coming together. One wall is Judaism and the other wall is Christianity. 

GOD made Himself known to the Israelite's. HIS only Son was born via the Virgin Mary, a young Jewish peasant girl. JESUS is the Chief Cornerstone and brings the two together upon which Christianity is built and upon which GOD builds HIS kingdom and Spiritual body of believers.

12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved."

These religious leaders thought, if anyone would go to heaven it would be them because they were so good. Peter pointed out that faith in JESUS was the only way to GOD.

Let’s read Acts 4:13-20:

The Name Forbidden

13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.

The religious leaders and rulers knew that they had been with JESUS. How did they know that? Would others know that we were Christians by the way we talk?

14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response.

They had a man who had been born lame and was healed standing with them. It was powerful evidence that a miracle had taken place. 

This evidence caused them to pause and consider their potential actions further.

15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves,

The religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, had Peter, John and the healed man to leave their presence so they could ponder this situation further.

16 saying, "What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!

The religious leaders found themselves in a pickle. Standing in their midst was the man they knew had been lame since birth. They knew the man was over 40 years old. They could not deny what had happened because the evidence was overwhelming. Okay, they had to nip this in the bud.

17 But so this does not spread any further among the people, let's threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again."

So they would threaten them. Isn’t it interesting that those in authority think they are the ultimate authority.

18 So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

WOW! They came up with a solution. What was Peter and John’s response?

19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it's right in the sight of God [for us] to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;

20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."

When you know truth and have experienced truth you cannot put a lid on it. Those who have never experienced truth DO NOT COMPREHEND OR UNDERSTAND.

21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;

22 for the man was over 40 years old on whom this sign of healing had been performed.

Were Peter and John trembling in their sandals? NO! But the ground upon which they stand would shake, as we read further.

Let’s read Acts 4:29-31:

29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, 

30 while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." 

31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God's message with boldness.

Are we, as Christians, willing to speak boldly for GOD?

Blessings!!!