But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:19,20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the Bible. The gospel of the resurrection of Christ is gaining popularity. To add fuel to the fire, the apostles healed a lame man that was seen daily at the gate of the temple. This undeniable wonder further incites the enemies of Christ, and thus leads to a confrontation.

We not only marvel at the courage of the apostles, but also at the nature of Divine truth. There is a sharp contrast between the character of truth, and the character of human error.

When those opposed to Jesus are presented with the facts, their only option is to discredit or neutralize those who teach God’s word. In this case, the Jews first try to simply threaten the apostles. (Acts 4:16,17) The Sanhedrin was a body of great influence and power, but their inability to answer the hard facts leaves them powerless.

To teach that Jesus is the only way to God (Acts 4:12),and to proclaim this Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 4:1,2) are daring claims. Such concessions greatly disturbed the religious elite in Jerusalem. However, these doctrines were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Divine truth is not speculative, but practical, and nothing has gained the attention of  skeptics like the resurrection of Christ. But, God has not left himself without witness. The testimony of early disciples challenged the authorities. Peter testified: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”. (Acts 2:22) Paul proclaimed: “For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Like all of other witnesses, Peter and John will say: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:20)

The historical events of early Christianity is marvelous proof of its Divine origin. Disciples of Christ of every generation must not be ashamed of their faith. Shout it from the house tops! Christ is risen!

By George Slover

A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.” (Isaiah 35:8) 

Under the reference of deliverance from Assyria and Babylon, the messianic age is foreshadowed. Here Isaiah speaks of a highway leading to God. In Isaiah 11:16, he speaks of a “highway for the remnant of God's people.” Please note some of the characteristics of this highway.

The Hebrew word for “highway” connotes a raised road. It refers to one that is leveled or prepared. The very ministry of John the Baptist was to “prepare the way of the Lord”. (Matthew 3:3) He came to raise the valleys and to level the mountains. Such is the way of Christ and salvation. All the hindrances have been removed and the path is clearly laid before us.

This highway is singular. It is called “a road” or “a way”.  There is only one way to God, not many ways. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The Lord's disciples were true to this way. Paul clearly taught that there was only one true way to serve God. (Acts 24:14) Those who were devoted to this way were persecuted (Acts 22:4),  and ostracized. (Acts 22:14)

Finally, this is a way of holiness. “The unclean shall not pass over it”. It is limited to the holy or redeemed. This is not to say that those who walk this path never sin. The rebellious, willful sinner will not walk this path. However, imperfect saints with hearts set on obeying the Lord will be found there.

God has been thinking of us for a long time. He has clearly marked the path. He has provided relief for those who stumble. He is calling us to join the remnant of his people as they tread the road to Zion.

George Slover
 

There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, And in His excellency on the clouds, the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:26,27) In Moses’ final address to Israel he bursts forth in admiration of Jehovah’s excellency and care for his people. Here, the leader of Israel uses imagery which vividly describes the power and providence of God. Without question Israel's source of greatness is God. It is through him they enjoy security, prosperity, and victory. Who is like the God of Jeshurun?  There is none like him. He is an eternal, self existing, unchanging God. There is no other to compare to him. Of all people of the world he has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel.  In the glory of his Majesty he is over all. Like a king in his chariot he rides upon the clouds watching over his people. What is true for Israel is true for every individual. His every decree and law has us in mind. He thinks and plans for no other reason than for our advantage; namely our redemption. This “Eternal Rock” provides safety and shelter from the storms of life. With his might he holds Israel in his everlasting arms. Jehovah never gets tired. He is always there for his people.  How incredible the thought that this eternal God would provide such care for weak and sinful people. Why is it so difficult for some to accept the reality of such a God? Perhaps it is because so many fail in habitually cultivating a relationship with him, and to remind themselves of his daily presence. The Bible is a story of an infinite, almighty, righteous, all- wise God who revealed himself to bring back to himself a people, and to save them from sin, and give them an everlasting fellowship. Do you know the God of Israel? Why not begin today? By George Slover

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" (1 Peter 1:13)

Peter has been speaking to these suffering saints of a wonderful future; of a living hope; of an incorruptible inheritance. Such confident aspirations fill them with an inexpressible joy. However, they must not lose sight of present duties if they are to finish strong.

The phrase "gird up" occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except perhaps in Luke 12:35. Other translations render it differently: "prepare your minds" (ESV); have a mind that is alert" (NIV).  Thus, "we must gird up the loins of our mind" and set out to fix our hearts on the business of the Lord.

A closer look at the phrase paints a picture of perhaps soldiers preparing for battle, or pilgrims preparing for travel. They were to tuck in the edges of the tunic and tighten the belt. They must pull themselves together. Peter is obviously concerned about the encumbrances and challenges along the way that may keep them from finishing the journey.

Among the distractions would be persecution. (1 Peter 4:19) Peter does not deceive them. Because they are connected to a rejected savior, they will also be rejected. (1 Peter 2:7) The need for human acceptance is a strong emotion and can easily divert the disciple from his mission. He must get tough mentally. He needs to stay focused!

Fleshly lusts can also become a hindrance. (1 Peter 2:11,12) Former friends will expect you to engage in their fleshly activities. (1 Peter 4:3,4) Such worldly pleasures have a strong allurement, and can easily cause the soldier to stumble. He must stay mentally alert.

Finally, there is the allurement of material things that will be the downfall of some disciples. (Matthew 6:33) The cares and riches of this world will prevent these soldiers from bearing fruit for God. (Luke 8:14) Therefore, they must gird up the loins of their mind and get focused on the treasures of heaven.

The people of God are pilgrims and strangers in this world. God has made high and lofty promises to his people. However, the journey is long and treacherous. They must gather up the robes and lay aside anything that may impede the progress, and one day the Savior will say, "well done".

By George Slover

 

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you."  (1 Corinthians 14:24,25) The primary focus of a local church assembly is to edify, exhort, and comfort the saints. This was accomplished by plain, understandable teaching or prophesying. Unfortunately, this function was disrupted by the disorderly use of the gift of tongues. Thus, the need for the words contained here. However, the power of plain preaching not only impacted the saints, but also the unbelieving and unlearned. Paul tells them that just sound is not worth much to either the believer or unbeliever. (1 Corinthians 14:7-9)  But when there is a distinction in the sound, such clear ideas may be able to reach the heart of the unlearned.  The gospel teacher is responsible to clearly declare the sinful state of man, of man's spiritual needs, and of God's mercy. Then, he must clearly spell out the terms of pardon and try to persuade the sinner to act on those terms. When there is a distinct message from God the true spiritual state of the unbeliever is revealed. Paul says he is "convinced of all", "he is judged of all", and the "secrets of his heart are made manifest". A sense of guilt is awakened. Becoming aware of his sinfulness, his aspirations for a better life offered by God are aroused. The result of this process is described in dramatic fashion. The unbeliever falls down on his knees, contrite and submissive, pleading for God's mercy and acknowledging God's presence. When the love of God becomes real to the unbeliever, he explodes with rejoicing and praise, for he who was lost is now saved. What are the effects of our service and work? Are we bringing the sinner in contact with a convicting word that will reach his heart, and cause them to come to Christ? If not, there may be something in amiss in our efforts. By George Slover