The Holy Spirit- An Entity All His Own

Yesterday we agreed that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth prior to His birth into flesh in Bethlehem, was SPIRIT.  God with God in the beginning, God declared to be the Son, God begotten uniquely into flesh becoming Son.

We continue with the study...

'This SPIRIT exceeds that of angels for they are only "ministering spirits." (Heb. 1:14) This SPIRIT is immortal, eternal, and indestructible.'

This Spirit, the Spirit that is God with God, the Spirit which became Flesh- exceeds that of angels-  the Spirit that is God is IMMORTAL, ETERNAL, and INDESTRUCTIBLE. Angels are NOT immortal, eternal, and indestructible.

Heb 1:13  But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Heb 1:14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

'In noting each reference in the New Testament which referred to the Holy Spirit, we arranged the books of the New Testament in the chronological order in which they were written. [This review will not necessarily follow that format] This was done for two reasons:   1)   The revelation which God gives is progressive; and   2)   God in giving revelation limits Himself and the fullness of that revelation to the perceptive capacity of the human instrument who is willing to be the medium of revelation.

We asked ourselves why so little is known of the "nature" of the Holy Spirit? Then we asked ourselves why so little was perceived as to whom Jesus was until after the coming of the Holy Spirit? The answer to the second question helped us to perceive the answer to the first. Jesus came not to do His own will, but the will of God. (John 6:38)

Joh 6:38  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

 He came to glorify the Father. (John 17:4)

Joh 17:4  I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

He did not even come in His own name. (John 5:43)

Joh 5:43  I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

His was a life of selfless projection of the Father's glory - grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Joh 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Likewise the ministry of the Holy Spirit - He would not speak of Himself. He would glorify Jesus and the work which Jesus accomplished. (John 16:13-14)

Joh 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.

Joh 16:14  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The very first New Testament reference written in regard to the Holy Spirit clearly declares the Holy Spirit as distinct from a "power," per se. It reads:   -   For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit. (I Thess. 1:5)

This same distinction is also seen in I Cor. 2:4.

1Co 2:4  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power

[We shall use the word "Spirit" in place of "Ghost" in all quotes from the Bible.]

Many references in the New Testament which mention the Holy Spirit speak of His work in making effective for the believer the salvation provided alone in Jesus Christ. Examples of this can be found in II Thess. 2:13; I Cor. 6:11 and Titus 3:5.

2Th 2:13  But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth

1Co 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost

Further the Holy Spirit is set forth as a Teacher who searches the deep things of God. (I Cor. 2:10, 13)

1Co 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

He bestows "gifts" as "He wills." (I Cor. 12:4, 11)

1Co 12:4  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:11  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will

He is the builder of the Church. (Eph. 2:22)

Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit

 He speaks. (I Tim. 4:1)

1Ti 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils

He can be grieved. (Eph. 4:30)

Eph 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

He can be insulted. (Heb. 10:29)

Heb 10:29  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

He can be lied to. (Act, 5:3)

Act 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?

 All of these statements in regard to the Holy Spirit indicate not a power, nor a mere influence, but rather a Person.

('Another Comforter -- A study on the Holy Spirit' -- by W. H. Grotheer)

This is TRUTH!

Realizing the truth of the Holy Spirit as a REAL Person, not a mere figment, not a shadowy being, but a REAL BEING.  You can't lie, insult, grieve someone that doesn't really exist.

This is TRUTH, let us REALIZE this as TRUTH!

Please, Lord, please Father, please Holy Spirit let us have open eyes to all of the truth You All have to give to us. Bless us in YOU, Through YOU, all from YOUR LOVE!

The form of Jesus before Bethlehem...

'Another Comforter -- A study on the Holy Spirit -- by W. H. Grotheer

The designation of the Spirit of truth as "Another Comforter" reveals as no other name could, His relationship with Deity, and His work and ministry in the Plan of Redemption. But much study must precede the significance of this name since this designation was not given the Holy Spirit till one of the last books of the New Testament was written.

After having read every text in the New Testament where the word, "spirit" or "Holy Spirit" is found, we determined that "spirit" is applied to different beings and forces at work in the world, and within man. Angels are designated as "ministering spirits." (Heb. 1:14) Demons are noted as "unclean spirits." (Rev. 16:13-14) A deep human emotion is based in what is termed, "spirit." (Mark 8:12)

The perception of one's presence, though the person is not present, is noted as being present in "spirit." (I Cor. 5:4)

This study was approached with one vital presupposition:     The "form of God" in which Jesus existed PRIOR to Bethlehem was SPIRIT for God is Spirit. (John 4:24)

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Let's think about that for a moment.  The study we are reading has ONE VITAL PRESUPPOSITION -  So let's be clear about this presupposition.  They state- the "FORM OF GOD" in which Jesus EXISTED…. PRIOR…. To Bethlehem, prior to when He took on flesh, the flesh of a baby. The form he existed in before he took on that flesh was the form of SPIRIT. He wasn't flesh in heaven, he wasn't human in heaven. We picture flesh because we are flesh and only flesh. We imagine what we call 'ghosts' as beings that are minus their flesh. Humans minus their flesh and bones, a floating misty thing able to disappear and reappear at will. The truth is, throughout the Bible we read about Angels who help mankind, or perform acts for God, we read about many things that make it a reality that a spirit can be invisible and it can also appear as a solid form. We know spirits can enter a man's body, spirits can enter an animal's body (remember the donkey that spoke?) We know a lot about spirit beings and we know that this is TRUTH-

Joh 4:24  God a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

God a spirit.

Jesus was with God, God with God in the beginning.  And Jesus wasn't in human form when He was with God in the beginning.  Do we believe this truth? Do we believe this one vital presupposition that the form of God in which Jesus existed prior to Bethlehem was SPIRIT?

We do believe it if we believe truth.  He could not have been anything but spirit, not before Bethlehem.  Spirit able to do all that spirits can do. After Bethlehem He was forever and ever no longer JUST spirit.

Let's continue with this study tomorrow, by the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In HIS LOVE.

In His Name We Must Speak

'And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

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.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.'

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Miracles done in the NAME of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, He who was crucified and then brought back to life, He who is the only One who can save us. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus Christ of Nazareth the HEAD of the cornerstone upon which God builds His people. All who are a part of this building which stands solely upon Jesus Christ cannot help but glorify Him and speak of Him, teach of Him.

Salvation from the evil that corrupts this world, evil that permeates every aspect of life as we know it, leaving nothing untouched, nothing unstained.

Peter and John could NOT tell those who had locked them up and detained them overnight, those who had that authority, they could not tell them what they wanted to hear.  All too often we want to do anything we can to get out of trouble, to keep ourselves free. All too often we sacrifice so much that truly MATTERS because we want temporary relief, temporary success, temporary comfort. Peter and John didn't know what would happen to them if they didn't comply but they didn't hesitate. They told those in charge of their fate in that moment that they could NOT keep quiet. They would NOT shut up! They would NOT be silent!  They would listen to GOD not man.  God was the one they answered to, not man, not any man.

Still they were threatened but not detained. They were sent on their way and so many believed in the Lord as their Savior because they spoke the name of Jesus Christ and through that Name a lame man of forty years was able to walk. None could deny it, none could dispute the healing, and the power came from Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Peter did NOT heal that man. John did NOT heal that man. Jesus Christ HEALED that man!

We may use HIS Name, HIS HOLY NAME and the power that is HIS will be used according to HIS will, not anyone who speaks it, not their will but HIS.

Always we must pray in the name of JESUS, always we must pray for HIS WILL, always we much put our hope far outside of ourselves and solely in our GOD and HIS LOVE!

Please, Lord, please help us to USE YOUR NAME as YOU would have us USE YOUR NAME. Help us to realize that You WANT us to USE YOUR NAME. Help us LORD, help us. For we truly do not know how to pray as we should.

Thank you Heavenly Father, thank you! All praise, all glory, all honor unto YOU! In the NAME of Your Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

Amen!

A Lame Man Walks and Five Thousand Believe In Jesus Christ

For forty years he was lame. For forty years he watched as those around him moved about on feet. For forty years he learned to live his life disabled. I imagine for a long time he grew up being cared for as anyone born with a disability probably is. They are cared for while you try to teach them to adapt as you learn to adapt to their needs.  This man had learned to beg for his needs. He relied upon others fully to help him.  So when he could suddenly, miraculously walk you have to take a few moments to realize what that had to be like.

He had to be ESTATIC!  

He wasn't quiet about his joy either...

'And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. '

How would YOU have reacted?  You knew this lame man. You'd watched him grow up and live without ever walking and there he was walking, dancing, leaping!  

'And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.'

How did he walk?! What miracle caused this?!  These two men! These two did this, they healed him!  It had to be them!  You saw those men with the miraculously cured lame man and he was holding them, it had to be those two!  No sooner than those thoughts crossed the minds of the people than Peter was talking to them…

' And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.   Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.   Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.'

You listened to EVERY word! You listened because you couldn't deny what your own eyes were seeing. You had to believe what was being said, because you believed these men, their  God- their Savior had done this miracle! And such things, such words being spoken they caused a fire to burn within you, a fire of truth! But others came and listened and they did NOT like what they were hearing.

'And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.'

These priests, these captains of the temple, the Sadducees, all of them knew well of what Peter was saying, they'd had Jesus crucified and they did so hoping that everything about Him would just go away.  Now not only hadn't He gone away news of Him and His resurrection, His power, His love, His hope was being shared with others! They couldn't let this go on!

'And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.'

Thrown in jail for the night by the leaders, the very men Peter said had killed the One who had healed the lame man, the people watched it all happen and with their hearts still burning in them with the truth, they BELIEVED all that Peter and John had told them. Five thousand men BELIEVED!  FIVE THOUSAND!

More on this tomorrow, by the grace of our LORD and SAVIOR. All through HIS LOVE!

AMEN!

How would you have reacted?

Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

(((Can you picture this scene? Take a moment. Two apostles of the crucified Christ walked to the temple when it was the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. There at gate was a forty some year old man laying on the ground, his useless legs covered. Quickly looking up at these two men just about to enter the temple the man cries out for an alms.  "Help a lame man, sirs? Please, have pity upon me." He was pleading his cause, the reality being this was his only means of supporting himself, of earning monies. He wasn't dressed elegantly or even averagely, but rather shabbily kept, he couldn't afford to spend what little bit he could get from the temple goers on his clothes.  People helped him, those that could but some times they couldn't help him as much as they might have in the past. There was no set income to count on here, just the charitable heart of those who sometimes saw him daily upon his mat seeking help.  Peter and John had lived with their Savior for three years and knew that He would want them to help this man. Their Savior had helped many men in such condition, He didn't turn them away but His heart went out to them.  To ignore the lame man's pleas would go against all they'd learned from their Lord and Savior.))))

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

(((You can visualize it, you can. The men were going to help him, not ignore him as so many did. All they wanted was his eyes upon them. He'd downcast them after calling out to them, begging, showing the deep contrition he felt over having to ask for a handout. These men didn't want him looking away, they wanted his gaze upon them. Quickly he raised his eyes to their faces, expectation of hope alive in his sad eyes.))))

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

(((Before the lame man had a chance to react to the words spoken- that they would not be giving him gold or silver- the only things he was expecting- he felt the hand of Peter slide into his. The fingers squeeze his hand and immediately his feet and ankles healed! Where before there was absolutely no real bones like we know bones to be, the useless bones that held no strength at all, that could never even allow this man as a baby to stand were given all the strength they needed! Just imagine how that had to feel! Peter lifted the lame man up by one hand, and expecting to crumble the man found he could stand! He could STAND! He leaped up upon his legs for the very first time! He walked! And he entered the temple! He didn't walk quietly into the temple but he walked, leaped all the while praising God!  You and I can ONLY imagine what he was feeling, this most marvelous of miracles.

How would YOU have reacted?

All of you have chronic pain, or know others who do. All you who live with ailments, defects and injuries, every one is in this situation either experiencing it or knowing someone who is and I want you to take just a moment to imagine yourself or someone else being healed this way.

It's all but unfathomable that it is reality, but it is! It was! And the SAME GOD who performed that miracle, the SAME POWER FROM GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, EXISTS TODAY!

By the grace of our most precious LORD, more on this tomorrow!

All in HIS LOVE!

Shadow Healing

Act 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.

Act 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Another's view…

'The Disciples of Christ

With mighty power the disciples preached a crucified and risen Saviour. Signs and wonders were wrought by them in the name of Jesus; the sick were healed; and a man who had been lame from his birth was restored to perfect soundness and entered with Peter and John into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God in the sight of all the people. The news spread, and the people began to press around the disciples. Many ran together, greatly astonished at the cure that had been wrought.

When Jesus died, the priests thought that no more miracles would be performed among them, that the excitement would die out and the people would again turn to the traditions of men. But lo! right among them the disciples were working miracles, and the people were filled with amazement. Jesus had been crucified, and they wondered where His followers had obtained this power. When He was alive, they thought that He imparted power to them; but when He died, they expected the miracles to cease. Peter understood their perplexity and said to them, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know." (Acts 3:12-16)

The chief priests and elders could not bear these words, and at their command Peter and John were seized and put in prison. But thousands had been converted and led to believe in the resurrection and ascension of Christ by hearing only one discourse from the disciples. The priests and elders were troubled. They had slain Jesus that the minds of the people might be turned to themselves; but the matter was now worse than before. They were openly accused by the disciples of being the murderers of the Son of God, and they could not determine to what extent these things might grow or how they themselves would be regarded by the people. They would gladly have put Peter and John to death, but dared not, for fear of the people.

On the following day the apostles were brought before the council. The very men who had eagerly cried for the blood of the Just One were there. They had heard Peter deny his Lord with cursing and swearing when charged with being one of His disciples, and they hoped again to intimidate him. But Peter had been converted, and he now saw an opportunity to remove the stain of that hasty, cowardly denial and to exalt the name which he had dishonoured. With holy boldness, and in the power of the Spirit, he fearlessly declared unto them, "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:10-12)

The people were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John and took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus; for their noble, fearless conduct was like that of Jesus when before His enemies. Jesus, by one look of pity and sorrow, reproved Peter when he had denied Him, and now as he boldly acknowledged his Lord, Peter was approved and blessed. As a token of the approbation of Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

The priests dared not manifest the hatred which they felt toward the disciples. They commanded them to go aside out of the council, and then conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it." (Acts 4:16)They were afraid to have the report of this good deed spread among the people. Should it become generally known, the priests felt that their own power would be lost, and they would be looked upon as the murderers of Jesus. Yet all that they dared to do was to threaten the apostles and command them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, lest they die. But Peter declared boldly that they could but speak the things which they had seen and heard.

By the power of Jesus the disciples continued to heal the afflicted and the sick who were brought to them. Hundreds enlisted daily under the banner of a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. The priests and elders, and those particularly engaged with them, were alarmed. Again they put the apostles in prison, hoping that the excitement would subside. Satan and his angels exulted; but the angels of God opened the prison doors, and, contrary to the command of the high priests and elders, bade the apostles, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." (Acts 5:20)

The council assembled and sent for their prisoners. The officers unclosed the prison doors; but those whom they sought were not there. They returned to the priests and elders and said, "The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within." (Acts 5:23)  "Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." (Acts 5:25-28)

Those Jewish leaders were hypocrites; they loved the praise of men more than they loved God. Their hearts had become so hardened that the most mighty works wrought by the apostles only enraged them. They knew that if the disciples preached Jesus, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, it would fasten guilt upon them as His murderers. They were not as willing to receive the blood of Jesus as when they vehemently cried, "His blood be on us, and on our children." (Matt. 27:25)

The apostles boldly declared that they ought to obey God rather than men. Said Peter, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." (Acts 5:30-32) At these fearless words those murderers were enraged, and determined to imbrue their hands again in blood by slaying the apostles. They were planning to do this, when an angel from God moved upon the heart of Gamaliel to counsel the priests and rulers: "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." (Acts 5:38,39) Evil angels were moving upon the priests and elders to put the apostles to death; but God sent His angel to prevent it by raising up among the Jewish leaders themselves a voice in favour of His servants. The work of the apostles was not finished. They were to be brought before kings to witness to the name of Jesus and to testify of the things which they had seen and heard.

The priests unwillingly released their prisoners, after beating them and commanding them to speak no more in the name of Jesus. "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:40-42) Thus the word of God grew and multiplied. The disciples boldly testified to the things which they had seen and heard, and through the name of Jesus they performed mighty miracles. They fearlessly charged the blood of Jesus upon those who had been so willing to receive it when they were permitted to have power over the Son of God.

I saw that angels of God were commissioned to guard with special care the sacred, important truths which were to serve as an anchor to the disciples of Christ through every generation.

The Holy Spirit especially rested upon the apostles, who were witnesses of our Lord's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension-- important truths which were to be the hope of Israel. All were to look to the Saviour of the world as their only hope, and walk in the way which He had opened by the sacrifice of His own life, and keep God's law and live. I saw the wisdom and goodness of Jesus in giving power to the disciples to carry on the same work for which He had been hated and slain by the Jews. In His name they had power over the works of Satan. A halo of light and glory centred about the time of Jesus' death and resurrection, immortalising the sacred truth that He was the Saviour of the world.'

Early Writings- EGW.

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More tomorrow by the grace and mercy, the love of our SAVIOR, all in HIS NAME!

AMEN!

Unable to walk since birth... 40 years later... a miracle

Please read the following all the way through-  Remember we're picking up from our discussion on healing from yesterday.

Act 3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Act 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Act 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

Act 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

Act 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Act 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Act 3:9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

Act 3:10  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Act 3:11  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Act 3:12  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Act 3:13  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

Act 3:14  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Act 3:15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Act 3:16  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Act 3:17  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

Act 3:18  But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Act 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Act 3:20  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Act 3:21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Act 3:22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Act 3:23  And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Act 3:24  Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Act 3:25  Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Act 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Act 4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Act 4:2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Act 4:3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Act 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Act 4:5  And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

Act 4:6  And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

Act 4:7  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Act 4:8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Act 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

Act 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Act 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.

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

Act 4:14  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Act 4:15  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

Act 4:16  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Act 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

Act 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Act 4:19  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.

Act 4:20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Act 4:21  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Act 4:22  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

Act 4:23  And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

*******

Lame from his mother's womb.

The man was above forty years old.

Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

He leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

This man had NEVER walked, not a single step had he ever taken! He was BORN unable to walk. The bones in his feet and ankles were not normal, they could NOT support him, not ever!

For over forty years not one step.

Because of his affliction the man was a beggar, living off the generosity of others. We've all seen beggars, haven't we? We've seen those down on their luck seeking a bit of charity, they stand on corners sometimes. They walk beside your car- sign in view, hand held out. This man was a handicapped beggar and when he saw two men walking by he asked them to help him out, he wanted monies, because surely there was nothing else anyone could offer him, right? What could two men walking by give him besides money, or something of substance for him to trade with? Nothing.  They would either help him with a handout of some sort or tell him they had nothing to give. He had nothing to lose by asking them for help and something to gain if they were receptive. This man, lame since birth, had absolutely NO expectation of what was to come.

Peter and John had nothing to give to this man, nothing physical, nothing to hand to him. What they did have was FAITH in their SAVIOR.

Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

What did Peter have? THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH!  He had the name of His Savior!

Guess what? WE HAVE THE SAME NAME! WE DO! If we are Christ's we have His Name, we are HIS!

Don't make the mistake that some make though… this mistake…

Act 19:13  Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Act 19:14  And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

Act 19:15  And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

Act 19:16  And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

They spoke in the name of Jesus but they did NOT have His name, they were NOT Jesus', they did NOT belong to Jesus!

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Joh 15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Joh 15:7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

The did NOT abide in Jesus.

He did NOT abide in them.

His words did NOT abide in them. 

We MUST abide in Jesus, His words MUST abide in us!  It is then we can ask in His NAME and His will be done.

It was by speaking the NAME of their Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that they could heal the man forty some years old, lame since his mother's womb. It was the POWER of Jesus' name! A name they believed in! A God they believed in! A Savior they believed in! A Savior they knew, a Savior's whose word lived in them!

More tomorrow, all by the GRACE and MERCY, the LOVE of our SAVIOR, JESUS CHIRST OF NAZARETH!