The book of Acts is a history book. In it, Luke gives a factual account of the progression of the Christian faith after Christ’s ascension. From these early beginnings a small group of scared believers committed themselves to spreading the gospel of Christ to an empire. What a story!
History is a continual struggle between God and man and this present day is no exception. For example, just recently (July 24) our supreme court voted to uphold a Nevada ruling that put a cap of 50 persons to attend church but allowed 50% capacity of casinos, gyms, restaurants, and other businesses. The gaming industry of Nevada obviously has a lot of power. So much so, that it reaches all the way to the supreme court of the land. The devil is alive and well.
Let’s go back, though, to Acts 5:17-32. It’s another story of a small group before a high court. This time it’s the apostles. They’ve been thrown into prison. An angel of the Lord releases them and tells them to go back to the temple and preach. In the meantime, the high priest sees them and notifies the high court.
The high court notifies the prison and wants to know what has happened. The officers of the prison report that the place is locked up tight but that there were no men inside. The court immediately rounds up the apostles and tells them they’ve already been warned not to preach in the name of Christ and spread their doctrine that the blood of this man is on the court’s heads. (Acts 5:28)
Peter steps forward and makes a simple statement, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” He also says that God raised up Jesus and the court hanged him. The court was angry and got ready to kill them. There’s more to the story but it wasn’t part of the sermon. Those interested can find the outcome in Acts 5:33-42.
“Be for Jesus and against sin. Today we’re protesting sin. Don’t let man tell you what to do in matters of religion.” said Pastor Josh early in the sermon. “Be careful if you get filled with indignation. There is righteous indignation but this (Acts 5:18, 33) is plain old hatred—that won’t get your feet off the ground.”
“If we say ‘obey God’ then go do it. They (the apostles) obeyed God. They didn’t wait, they went right now. Our days are appointed, serve God now.” continued our pastor. We are reminded that we will all stand in judgment someday. “When push comes to shove, you obey God.”
History is a continual struggle between God and man and this present day is no exception. For example, just recently (July 24) our supreme court voted to uphold a Nevada ruling that put a cap of 50 persons to attend church but allowed 50% capacity of casinos, gyms, restaurants, and other businesses. The gaming industry of Nevada obviously has a lot of power. So much so, that it reaches all the way to the supreme court of the land. The devil is alive and well.
Let’s go back, though, to Acts 5:17-32. It’s another story of a small group before a high court. This time it’s the apostles. They’ve been thrown into prison. An angel of the Lord releases them and tells them to go back to the temple and preach. In the meantime, the high priest sees them and notifies the high court.
The high court notifies the prison and wants to know what has happened. The officers of the prison report that the place is locked up tight but that there were no men inside. The court immediately rounds up the apostles and tells them they’ve already been warned not to preach in the name of Christ and spread their doctrine that the blood of this man is on the court’s heads. (Acts 5:28)
Peter steps forward and makes a simple statement, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” He also says that God raised up Jesus and the court hanged him. The court was angry and got ready to kill them. There’s more to the story but it wasn’t part of the sermon. Those interested can find the outcome in Acts 5:33-42.
“Be for Jesus and against sin. Today we’re protesting sin. Don’t let man tell you what to do in matters of religion.” said Pastor Josh early in the sermon. “Be careful if you get filled with indignation. There is righteous indignation but this (Acts 5:18, 33) is plain old hatred—that won’t get your feet off the ground.”
“If we say ‘obey God’ then go do it. They (the apostles) obeyed God. They didn’t wait, they went right now. Our days are appointed, serve God now.” continued our pastor. We are reminded that we will all stand in judgment someday. “When push comes to shove, you obey God.”
