These days, I read in quite a few articles that "…we are in a spiritual war…" Most of the time, there is little or no specific instruction on how we are to conduct this war. There are generic religious suggestions, like praying, studying the Bible, attending meetings and such. All these suggestion are OK, but there is nothing about the indwelling gift of holy spirit, or how to hit the enemy with the greatest impact. How can we have the greatest impact against the demonic enemy? So, this essay has testimony from the enemy about what we do that he hates the most, and testimony from the apostles in response.
In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John healed a well-known lame man who was at the entrance to the temple, asking to be healed (that was the alms he was asking for). Imparting this miraculous healing generated a lot of attention from the people in the temple. Since Peter and John had the attention of the audience, they proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
In Acts chapter 4, Peter and John were arrested. Why, what disturbed the authorities so much? Was it the healing? Was it because the Apostles did a lot of studying and praying? No, none of those things.
Acts 4:1–2
[1] And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, [2] greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (ESV)
The next day, the rulers held a council to determine what to do about Peter and John.
Acts 4:16–18
[16] (those in the council) saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [17] But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” [18] So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (ESV)
How did Peter and John reply to these commands and threats from the rulers?
Acts 4:19–20
[19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, [20] for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (ESV)
First, these Apostles declared that they will listen to God and obey Him. Second, they declared what they would continue to do - "…speak of what we have seen and heard…"
This is what any believer, walking by the spirit can do - speak what you have SEEN AND HEARD. All of us are witnesses, speaking what we have seen and heard. How simple is that? This is exactly what the enemy DOES NOT want you to do!
In Acts 5, the Apostles were arrested again and were locked up until the next day. However, God had other plans for them, regardless what the rulers wanted.
Acts 5:19–21
[19] But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, [20] “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” [21a] And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. (ESV)
The council had them brought from the temple and said "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Speaking and teaching in Jesus is what enraged the enemy, this is what has the greatest impact upon the enemy!
Peter and John boldly replied: "WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN", "…we are witnesses of these things, and so is the (gift of) holy spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. "
Those who are guided, inspired by the gift of holy spirit are no less than those disciples in the first century. Any of us can speak as witnesses of "what we have seen and heard" in our homes, in the street, in the shops, factories or offices.
Conclusion
The other day, I had a dentist appointment. My wife went shopping while I was at the appointment. After I was done, I went to find her at the store. There I found her, speaking with a clerk, teaching her about the new birth (salvation) and instructing her about the indwelling of the gift of holy spirit. It is so simple!
This is what God desires, witnesses who will GO, STAND, AND SPEAK!
Thanks Keith , the Pharisees believed in a resurrection. They didn’t believe in the raising that Christ and His apostles taught, eonian life, the Kingship of Christ. The spiritually dead were raised to the life Christ provides to those that love Him. The world and its religion/governments hate the Kingship of Christ.
Thank you for the simplicity of this message. I heard a sermon about restoration of the “church” back to Jesus the other day, from a denomination leader. God is indeed moving. The more bold we become, the more He wins. Faith is an action word.
Thank you for reading and responding! They prayed for ALL BOLDNESS!
Acts 4:29–30
[29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (ESV)
Thanks Keith , the Pharisees believed in a resurrection. They didn’t believe in the raising that Christ and His apostles taught, eonian life, the Kingship of Christ. The spiritually dead were raised to the life Christ provides to those that love Him. The world and its religion/governments hate the Kingship of Christ.
Yes they do! Especially since he defeated & overcame the world.
Keith, you got my attention. I first will stand, then go and speak of the warnings, prophecies, and blessings of the Living God. Amen?
Amen! This (writing) is speaking, too!
Thank you for the simplicity of this message. I heard a sermon about restoration of the “church” back to Jesus the other day, from a denomination leader. God is indeed moving. The more bold we become, the more He wins. Faith is an action word.
Thank you for reading and responding! They prayed for ALL BOLDNESS!
Acts 4:29–30
[29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (ESV)