Acts 5:12-42 Serving Christ and Not Fearing man.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Good Morning .. Pause

I welcome you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Out Scripture meditation is from 16:1-2

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2  I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;I have no good apart from you.”

PRELUDE — Use these moments to prayerfully consider the Scripture meditation above, so you may properly give God the glory due to His name.

THE LORD CALLS US TO WORSHIP HIM

*God’s Word of Greeting

Call to Worship 17:6-7

English Standard Version (Psalm 17)

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my words.7  Wondrously show your steadfast love,O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

*Psalm of Praise Psalm 16B Preserve Me,O God

INVOCATION:

Father we now call upon you to be with us and be in our presence.

And illuminate our minds by your Spirit and Word.

We thank you Father in all things in Christ name Amen.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S CALL

Responsive Reading

Psalm 17 pgs. 788-789 Trinity Hymnal

Hear, O Lord my righteous plea; listen to my cry.

Give ear to my prayer — it does not rise from deceitful lips.

May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

As for the deeds of men — by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

I call on you, O God, for you will answer we; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Show the wonder of great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.

Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by the sword.

O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life.

You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

And I — in righteousness I will see your face; when I wake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

*LET US PRAY

Prayer of Confession and Repentance

Grant, Almighty God, that, since you have until now so kindly invited us to yourself, and daily invite us,

and often interpose also your threatenings to rouse our inattention,

and since we have been inattentive to your reproofs,

as well as to your Kindness to us your children

Help us to not proceed in our wickedness, and thus provoke the vengeance that we deserve

Help us to anticipate your wrath by true repentance,

and be humbled under your hand,

even by your Word,

that you may receive us into favor,

and nourish us and continue to draw us unto yourself,

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Assurance of Pardon……………...……..……………...….. Hebrews 9:11-14 “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

LET US RISE FOR THE SINGING OF GODS WORD

Hymn of Thanksgiving

TPH 17 O Hear My Righteous Plea

LET US PRAY

Congregational Prayer

Lord, teach us to be resigned to your will; teach us to delight in your law;

teach us to have no will but your will; teach us to be sure that everything you do is good

and is the very best that can be done.

Help us to leave our concerns in your divine hands, being persuaded that you have sway even over evil; that out of it you bring good,

till your high purposes shall develop in your own perfect glory,

and in the perfect bliss of all those who put their trust in you.

Prayer request from Good Shepherd

On Feb 5, a Saturday, there will be a mini-retreat. The mission is meeting for a half day to discuss and assess volunteerism— people seeing where the Lord might have them serve, taking a look at the needs of the mission work, and thinking about member-service and people employing their gifts. We will take up the question: “how can we best serve together, to more faithfully manage our work?”

Prayer request from Crosby where Ben Petersen is stated supply:

Please pray that the Lord would sustain Ben as he does the work of preaching and teaching here. Please also pray that the Lord would add more to their numbers - they have 25-30 each evening service

Pray for the Faulkner’s sickness and illness

Pray for the rest of the list

bates traveling mercies

blanks house closing and illness in the family

kristen Harrison recovering from heart attack

Keilbarths adjusting to new baby Ben and new assignment

Father we Pray for _____________ and we ask for all these things in the powerful, glorious, majestic, and wonderful name of Jesus Christ Amen.

YOU MAY BE SEATED

THE LORD FEEDS US FROM HIS WORD

OLD Testament Reading

TURN IN YOUR COPY OF GODS WORD TO Daniel 3:1-30

Hear Now the Word of the Lord

Daniel 3:1-30

English Standard Version Chapter 3

3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

The Fiery Furnace

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

May the Lord add his Blessing to this reading of His Word

TURN IN YOUR COPY OF GODS WORD TO Acts 5:12-42

Hear now the Word of God

Acts 5:12–42 ESV

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “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.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

The Grass withers the Flower Fades But the Word of Our God Will Stand Forever.

HP Serving Christ and Not Fearing Man

Vs. 12-16 Serving Christ through Good Works

English Standard Version Chapter 5

12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Something amazing is happening many signs and wonders are continuing to happen.

Even though Ananias and Sapphira were just killed for their deception to the church

by lying to the apostles over the sale of their property to gain honor in the church.

God’s work of Grace continues to work in the lives of those here in Jerusalem who would call on Christs name as their savior.

The Signs and Wonders phrase and actions that are happening by God might make us think back to the time of Moses in Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Which says

Deuteronomy 34:10–12 (ESV)

And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

So two things seem to be happening when God is at work among his people in Moses time and in Shadrack Meeshack and Abendigo’s time and hear now in the time of the apostles.

Gods people are being healed and delivered.

And Gods enemies are either being brought into the church or being killed by God to protect his people from the evil suppression of the people of God and the Word of God.

Moses said to Pharoh that Gods people must come and worship the true and living God.

Shad-rack Meeshack and Abendigo said we can’t bow down to your false Gods. The true and living God forbids it and calls us to only worship him.

And the Apostles now will face some of the same conflict.

Becasue they want to Serve Christ through Good Works.

but Serving Christ through Good works Sometimes will cause you discomfort or even death in this life.

And what are they doing ?

In verse 13 are we told that none of the rest dared to join them but the people held them in great esteem.

These were probably Jews that had come to faith and were not wanting to take the risk of being the objects of the High Priests and the Sadducees persecution.

The text doesn’t tell us who these people are.

but we can put things together from the information we are given.

The apostles were meeting in Solomons Portico.

this seemed to be a regular gathering place by the apostles since it was mentioned earlier in the book of Acts.

Either way they feared to join them publically because of the persecution or out of the fear of being struck down dead like Ananias and SaPhil’s.

I think it could even be both of these reasons that people are keeping their distance.

And what the apostles are doing now would draw attention if this was happening in anyones town our neighborhood.

Believers are being added to their number men and women according to verse 14

People are laying their sick in the streets because they are being healed by the apostles

People who are possessed with demons or unclean spirits

Yes they do exist. there is an unseen realm of Angels and fallen angels demons unclean spirits that were obviously possessing people.

And people are coming from all over.

the text says that people are coming from the towns surrounding Jerusalem.

So this is big.

I mean when the Shadow of Peter would heal someone.

God is doing awesome and wonderful things to the people around Jerusalem.

Not only getting healed but more importantly coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

people are being saved and healed of

sickness, demon possession, and who knows what else.

Cancers, Tumors, you name it or think of it.

God is the one who created you and he can definitely heal you and sustain you and awaken your sin darkened mind and breath life into your soul and body.

And what do the apostles receive for doing Good Works in the name of Christ?

What is to await them?

Lets look at verses 17-26

Vs. 17-26 Serving Christ by Obeying His Commands

English Standard Version Chapter 5

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 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.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

So the High priests and the Sadducees are filled with jealousy.

Jealousy is just an outworking of being covetous.

Wanting something that someone else has or posses.

These supposed men of God the Saduccees and the high priest want the honor of the people looking to them for spiritual knowledge.

They want to be the go to Guys.

So they are going to try and eliminate the competition.

So they arrest the apostles and throw them in the Public Prison.

the place where they put criminals.

And this is an Honor Shame culture .

Think of the shame they are trying to bring upon the name of the apostles.

They want them to shut up

So lets send them to jail.

So the people in the community won’t listen to these shameful men.

They want people to think the apostles did something wrong and thats why they were arrested by the High Priest and his henchman.

More specifically they want them to quit preaching this Gospel that Jesus Christ is the the only way to God.

But God is not going to have any of it.

He will not have his mouthpiece the apostles stopped.

So God sends and Angel to spring the apostles from jail.

and what does he say in verses 20-21

, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

The Apostles go and do just that.

They are Serving Christ by Obeying his Commands.

Serving Christ by obeying his Commands.

They go to the Temple And speak the Words that will give life.

And the Words that Jesus Christ saves sinners was offensive to the Sadducees.

It was offensive to the High priest

And it would unfortunately be offensive too many clergy today.

Becasue everyone thinks there not sinful in this group of Sadducees and the High-priest.

everyone thinks they are not as bad as their neighbor.

it’s from our sinful nature that this comes from.

But we know the Sadducee’s have sin in there heart From the text.

they were filled with Jealousy.

They were like the rich young ruler that Christ confronted in Mark 10:17-22

Becasue these men thought in their minds like the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22 “And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

So many today don’t realize that they are sinners

And that they are in need of Christ.

Becasue Christ didn't come to save clean people.

People who have everything together already.

But people who would cry out to God

Christ help me I am an unclean man with unclean lips.

And I need those Words of life.

The Word of God can bring a dead man a sinner who denies his sin and wake him up

Bring him to life.

And bring him to his Knees.

And then and only then are you ready to follow out great King Jesus.

Our King, Our Mediator, Our High Priest.

The one who has the Words of Life.

And the one who also has the power to send you to Hell.

But what is the response of these Sadducees

They say go bring these men before us guards.

Go fetch them from jail.

And they are not there.

They have escaped. and what is their reaction according to verse 24

English Standard Version Chapter 5

24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to

You bet they were perplexed.

Now the guys that they locked up to shame.

God has shamed them.

the prisoners they locked up for speaking about the resurrection of Christ.

Vanish

We don’t know where they are?

and now they look like fools.

We have someone from the town come to them and say aren’t those the guys that you locked up in prison.

Who are standing in the Temple teaching the people.

God sent his Angel to free his men and spread the gospel.

And now at least they proceed with a little more caution

but still not out of fear of God but out of fear of men. Verse 26 says

English Standard Version Chapter 5

Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

So they feared men

and that’s what unbelief breeds.

fear of men

fear of will I be able to pay my bills.

fear of will this disease kill me.

Rather we should follow the example of the apostles

and trust in God for everything in this life.

so the apostles continued

Serving Christ and not Fearing men by doing what?

Obeying God!

Next in Verses 27-32 we will see the apostles proclaiming the truth to those who oppose the Gospel.

Lets read verses 27-32

Vs. 27-32 Proclaiming the Truth to those who Oppose the Gospel.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “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.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The name they are speaking of is Christ

They are saying you want to bring his blood on us.

But we are not guilty of anything.

Rather you are the ones who are disobeying the orders of the temple officers.

Because we have the authority

We have the power

And we strictly told you not to Teach about this Jesus.

Not to fill the city with his and your doctrine of resurrection.

But you went and did it anyway.

What do you have to say for yourself Peter?

What does Peter say oh please forgive me

You are right and I was wrong.

No Peter and the apostles say as Shadrack Meeshack and Abendigo said but with the full Gospel now understood.

“We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

God the Father really did raise Jesus from the grave.

And Christ blood really is on your hands.

You killed him by crucifying him.

Hanging him on a tree.

But even through all this it was Gods plan.

Becasue Christ is at the Right hand of God the father.

Christ is our leader

Christ is our Savior

Christ gives repentance to Israel

Christ can forgive sins.

because Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

And we are his witnesses of what has happened.

And as Witnesses we must testify to what has happened.

And not only are we witnesses.

The Holy Spirit is a witness to mens souls that this is true.

But here is the catch.

The Spirit is only given to those who obey him,

To those the father chooses to give the spirit.

And you are not obeying him High Priest.

You are not obeying him Sadducees.

Rather you are opposing him and opposing the King of the universe.

Jesus Christ.

So the apostles must Proclaim the Truth to those who Oppose the Gospel.

Next in verses 33-44 we see how people respond when they Hear the Word of God.

Starting at Verse 33 lets read

Vs. 33-42 How people Respond when they Hear the Word of God.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

So they went from coveting which is being Jealous of the apostles to wanting to Kill them.

Isn't that what the Gospel does it softens some when Gods grace is given.

And it hardens those who are the wolves, who are the goats,

who are not Christs Elect chosen before the foundation of the World.

These Sadducees were still unbelievers.

The High Priest is still an unbeliever.

But someone with some sence a Pharisee named Gamaliel a teacher of the law gives these angry men some counsel.

He says many have come before Jesus

Someone named Thedas had a big following then he died and his movement went away.

Next he mentions Judas the Galilean who had a following as well and it went away with his death

So Gamaliel’s advice was perfect when he said

38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

Its going to fail if its not of God

But if it is of God I would not want to be opposing these men.

Becasue if so your opposing God.

But in his very testimony something should have been ringing in their ears.

Thedas died

Judas the Galilean died.

Their followings dispersed or went away.

Jesus Died and was resurrected.

Jesus is no longer on earth.

But his following is growing and all of Jerusalem and neighboring cities are becoming infected with their message

They are following the words of this Jesus Christ.

This was the Savior they murdered and hung on a tree.

This was the mediator Jesus Christ.

So they let the apostles go but not before beating them.

And charging them to not do the same thing again.

Don’t speak in the name of Jesus.

And what was the result

what was the apostles response

did they say this is just not worth it.

No

they Rejoice

English Standard Version Chapter 5

41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

They were not feeling shame they were grateful for the beating because they were following Christ.

They experienced dishonor for the name of Christ.

Dishonor is this society which honor and shame meant everything.

But now they could identify with Christ in being beaten for the faith.

And what is there response to rejoice

And what is their actions

The text says that

. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

They went to their neighbors house to house telling them about the resurrection.They went to the temple every day talking about the resurrection of Jesus.

Christ is Jesus was their chant

Christ is our Lord and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And they Served Christ by not fearing Men,

but by doing Good works,

Obeying Christs Commands,

And Proclaiming the truth to those who opposed the Gospel,

and praised God through all their trials.

Becasue for me brothers and Sisters

to have Christ is life

To have Christ is everything

To have Christ is joy

Through the Good times and the seemingly bad.

Cling to Christ the author and finisher of your faith.

Amen.

Lets Pray

CLOSING PRAYER

Father I pray that today your people have heard you speaking to them this morning.

Help us to apply this in our walk with you and with our brothers and Sisters in Christ And those around us who are unbelievers.

Help us to show the Love of Christ to others in sharing your Word and Gospel Call to Salvation with this lost and this dying world.

Help us to be generous with our abundance with those who are truly in need.

Help us to be witness for you Lord here in Wichita Falls and good disciples.

Help us to have comfort in the knowledge that we will live forever with you.

And help us to look forward to that day when you will say well done you good and faithful servant enter into the rest of your Lord.

And we pray in Jesus Christ name.

Amen

LET US RISE

*Psalm of Response

Psalm 18A I Love You, Lord My Strength

WE ARE DISMISSED WITH GOD’S BLESSING

Let us Pray

Father in heaven be with and keep this your people throughout the week.

Father in heaven encourage these your people to discuss with their families the sermon and how they can apply this to the people who they run into through the week.

And father help them through your spirit to have a stronger walk with you and to make this word preached effectual in their lives.

In Christ name

Amen

Closing Hymn TPH 567 Doxology

Praise God from whom all Blessing Flow; praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above ye heavenly host praise Father Son ands Holy Ghost Amen.