Acts 5:17-42 "Fighting Against God"

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Today: Immediately after church… Summer Picnic in lieu of our Fellowship Lunch

Center Lake | Bixler Park

Bring your favorite yard games, and enjoy some great fellowship.

Youth Group will meet at the park July 3rd 6pm.

Women’s Bible Study begins Wed, July 13 to Aug 17… 6:30pm… meeting at Lisa Klaiber’s home (where we had the recent Bonfire).

Men… we would like to gauge interest in starting a men’s bible study, so please see me or Pete Klaiber if you are interested.

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Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 5. Acts 5:17-42 today.

Last week we looked at VSS 1-16 of Acts 5, where…

The enemy failed in attacking the church from without in Acts 4, so in Acts 5 Satan attacks from within by filling the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to God.

They claimed full devotion to God by stating they were giving all the proceeds of a land sale, but they kept back a portion for themselves.

The church was exhibiting great power and experiencing great grace, but after this lie… great fear.

God struck them both dead, much like He did in the OT when sin entered the camp.

After God removed Ananias and Sapphira… many signs and wonders were done through the Apostles.

Multitudes were healed.

Multitudes were saved.

And, that was the high note we left off on last week.

But, our enemy doesn’t just lie down defeated… our adversary is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Once again the Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Council) will come against the Apostles.

And, once again their efforts will be futile… as it is for anyone “Fighting Against God”… which is our sermon title for today.

Let’s Pray!

Acts 5:17-18 “Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison [the public jail].”

The Apostles have gotten themselves in serious trouble here…

Just reading the words “Then the high priest rose up…”

You know that’s not good. He didn’t rise up in joy… he’s irate.

This is likely Annas who was the true High Priest of Israel… immensely wealthy… immensely powerful.

Not a guy you mess with.

His son-in-law was Caiphas who was appointed by Rome as the high priest, but he was just a puppet.

In Acts 4:6, Luke identified the High Priest at Annas, so likely still the same here in V17.

And, Annas is with his posse… the Sadduccees… the ruling class.

If you recall, in Acts Chapter 4, Peter and John were arrested and placed in prison also by the Sadducees.

Luke notes the presence of the Sadduccees to let his reader know which sect of Jews was principally responsible for this persecution…

AND… knowing these are Sadduccees… helps us understand why they become furious with murderous intents in V33… the Sadduccees denied Jesus… the resurrection… Spirits…

And the Apostles speak on all of these!

And, remember… in Acts 4… for Peter and John’s first offense… they got off with a warning.

Here in Acts 5, they’re gonna get a beating…

We read about the warning in Acts 4:17-18, “But so that it spreads no further among the people [news about the miraculous healing and preaching in Jesus’ name], let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name. 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

But, Peter and John… filled with the Holy Spirit… boldly told them, “… we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

And, that’s what they did… they silenced the Sanhedrin… and then they prayed that God would give them boldness to speak His word…

And, Acts 4:29 read, “… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

And, multitudes were saved and healed… none of which the Sadduccees appreciated… because they also denied miracles.

What a contrast between the Apostles and the Sadducees!

The Apostles: “…filled with the Holy Spirit...”

The Sanhedrin: V17 “…filled with indignation...”

Everyone is filled with something… and if you’re not a filled with the Holy Spirit…

What are you filled with? Kinda scary.

The Sanhedrin was filled with indignation… not a word we use often.

At least I don’t… maybe you do.

Though according to my wife, I do use words somewhat out of time…

Amanda and I recently stayed at a hotel and upon check out I said, “I have a commendation for the staff.”

I got a funny look from the clerk… until I began complementing how great the staff had been.

In the car, my wife teased me for using the word “commendation” and said sometimes I use biblical words that people don’t use today.

I felt like Paul before Festus in Acts 26:24 “Paul... Much learning is driving you mad!”

Maybe that’s true.

Anyhow… indignation…

The English definition is “anger or annoyance,” but it seems a bit deeper in Gk. …

In Gk. the word is zēlŏs. You could speak it into english.... Zeal… which means “to have warmth of feeling for or against.”

Definitely against here in Acts 5:17… fig. “wrath or jealousy” fit best… and shine light on the intent of the Sadducees.

“Well, which is it? Wrath or jealousy?”

Both. They are intertwined emotions.

Pro 27:4 “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent [like a flood], But who is able to stand before jealousy?”

Jealousy is even more dangerous.

Knowing the Apostles disobeyed their demand for silence… wrath makes sense.

Also knowing the people are flocking to the Apostles… jealousy makes sense.

And, the Sadducees… they are not just indignant… the are “FILLED with indignation.”

Filled means “to be under full influence.”

Full of jealous rage. They were only seeing red.

So… in V18… they arrest and imprison the Apostles… all Twelve of them.

They were enraged at the Apostles, but truly they were fighting against God.

And, there are many wolves in sheep's clothing today who claim Christianity… who act Religious… and who are enraged… at people like us who stand for biblical truth.

They too are fighting against God, but GOD WILL PREVAIL…

Just as He prevails for the Apostles here in Acts… look at V19…

Acts 5:19-21a “But [I love the word “but” in the Bible. Here… despite all the efforts to silence the Apostles… God frees them…] “But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, [this is the first, but not the last supernatural jail break in Acts] and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” 21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught.”

Stop right there at the first part of V21.

Marvelous scene… the Apostles get pulled from a revival in Israel… doing God’s work… innocent of wrong… and are arrested and placed in the public jail…because of a Sadducean temper-tantrum.

I just wish the Sadduccees could have witnessed the angel…jail-breaking the Apostles?

That would have rocked their theology… because they didn’t believe in Angels!

But, scripture promises that angels serve saved believers. Heb 1:14 “Are they [speaking about angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”

I like that God has appointed guardian angels over us… don’t you?

I’m pretty sure some of you have more than one! And, you’re working them hard!

I think I’ve put a few into retirement.

Angels are an extension of God’s power… working behind the scenes… protecting us in ways we won’t know until heaven.

I hope to see some kind of movie of how we’ve been protected. My film will be long.

Now the word “angel” means ‘messenger’… and what a message he had for them…

“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

Go back and do what got you here! Not… run for the hills… or flee for your lives.

No… God wants them right back in the temple courts to speak to the people… His message- “…all the words of this life.”

I love how the angel describes the good news of Jesus Christ… “all the words of this life.”

There are no words spoken more important than the message of the Gospel in this lifetime.

In pride… people love to talk… especially people who take Social Media too far.

People who live for the spot light on them… “Look at me… look at my dog… look at my breakfast…” WHO CARES?!?

Pro 10:19 “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”

Much talking often results in hollow words… and can get one into trouble… especially words with no eternal significance.

Here in V20… it’s as if this message from the angel compares the Gospel to every idle word of man… and dismisses those idle words as having no life giving eternal value.

Jesus said in Matt 12:36-37 “But I say to you that for every idle [careless… useless] word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

If you don’t profess Jesus Christ as your Lord in this lifetime.... all your words will be useless EXCEPT to stand as evidence against you in the day of judgment.

Your words will reflect the overflow of your heart… as Jesus said just 2 verses prior in Matthew... “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

The Apostles… here in Acts… their mouths carried “all the words of this life.”

So, they boldly obeyed the angel… V21 “And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught.”

Keep in mind… God loved the Apostles, but also knew they would become martyrs.

From an eternal perspective… their death to deliver “… all the words of this life” to the multitudes who were perishing… well worth it.

They apostles were saved… justified… eternally secure. John 10:28 Jesus said, “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

Like Jesus, they would lose their physical lives, but they were already alive eternally.

in Mark 8:35, Jesus said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Many in Jerusalem were not saved… so in love God sent His Apostles with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus.

The Apostles lived up to their title.

“Apostle” Gk. apŏstŏlŏs means “one sent as a messenger -or- on a mission.”

And, freed from prison… they went straight back into the heart of Jerusalem… they stood right in the Temple in obedience to God and love for the people.

In Rom 10:14-15, Paul wrote... “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Well, in contrast to the glorious Gospel message… V21b… which not surprisingly begins with “But”…

Acts 5:21b-24 “But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, [court is in order] and sent to the prison to have them brought.” [And, boy are they going to be surprised by who they don’t find]. But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, [Uhhhh… ] “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.”

V21 states it’s early in the morning… consistent with the time the Sanhedrin gathered for court…

In contrast to Jesus’ first trials at night… which were illegal trials.

As the guards attempt to fetch the Apostles… they weren’t there… despite all the protocols… prison shut… guards in check… but, no prisoners.

Thus the interesting statement in V24… “Now when the high priest [#1 in power], the captain of the temple [#2 in power], and the chief priests [The Sanhedrin] heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.”

They wondered- by def. “to be greatly perplexed or at a loss.”

I imagine a sinking feeling in their gut… perhaps a bit of fear as to how this happened?

What did they wonder?

Did they wonder if they were betrayed in their own ranks? Did someone secretly help them escape?

Did they wonder as this movement grew, could they stop it?

Did they worry about losing their stranglehold on power?

And, just then… look at V25…

Acts 5:25-28 “So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

At this point… I can’t help but to envision these Sadducees as a bunch of Yosemite Sams… with steam coming out of their ears!

V26 “Then the captain went with the officers [No more playing around… the #2 big dog now personally oversees this sideshow] and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.”

Now… while I believe the Apostles went into custody peaceably… like Jesus did when he was arrested…

This verse is not reflecting the Apostles refraining from violence, but that the Jewish Temple Police did not use violence.

They likely wanted to use violence, but they didn’t because they feared the people would turn on them… and stone them (their means of capital punishment).

Forbidden by Rome, but the Jews would sneak one in here and there… like Stephen in Acts 7.

V27 “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

A trial with only a rhetorical question and a statement…

Was this court session just a formality?

Was the sentence already decided?

Notice that the high priest does not say the name of Jesus. Why is that?

Was it contempt? Fearful superstition?

Impossible to know for sure… but this I know… there is power in Jesus’ name.

Rom 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Eph 1:21 “... far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

Phil 2:9-11 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

I could keep going… the name of Jesus is powerful, and for some reason… the high priest does not say His name.

Sometimes we observe the same phenomena with unbelievers… they avoid the name of Jesus.

People know the truth… with their lips they may deny Jesus, but deep inside… they know the truth.

They may cauterize their conscience to silence the gentle tug of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

But, they still know Jesus is the truth…

Rom 1:18-21 testifies of this “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

If you continue reading that chapter, you see those fools seek idolatry, homosexuality, and dismiss acknowledging God…

Sadly, as a result… God will give them up to their lusts… vile passions… and the end result… a debased mind.

Listen… if you deny God long enough… if you sear your conscience… it’s foolish, but God will grant you what you want… your heart will be darkened.

And, this is in part what I think we are observing in the second half of V28 where the high priest makes two more comments…

First, “And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine...

An unintentional compliment.

The high priest now rejects the doctrine of Jesus.

He says, “your doctrine.” He wants nothing to do with it… a step towards a debased mind.

If ever I get arrested for the sake of the Gospel… I hope this is my charge… Marc Transparenti charged with ‘filling Warsaw & Winona Lake with the doctrine of Jesus Christ.’

Let me be charged… it’s an awesome charge… and let me be convicted.

Something to ponder… if Christianity became illegal and you were charged for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

If not, pray for boldness.

The second comment… at the end of V28… you “...intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

This refers back to Acts 4:10 where Peter charged them with crucifying Jesus. Which they now deny.

But, if you look back at the evidence… in Matt 27:20 the chief priests stirred the multitude before Pilate…

“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.”

Pilate wants to release Jesus… they cry “Crucify Him!”… Pilate fears a mob, so he washes his hands claiming innocence… and then…

Matt 27:25 “And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

All of Israel accepted fault for Jesus’ blood.

But now… in V28… the Sanhedrin wants nothing to do with that charge.

In response… Peter seizes the opportunity to address and preach the Gospel to the Sanhedrin…

Acts 5:29 “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

In V28, the Sanhedrin ask a rhetorical question, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?”

The answer is obviously ‘yes,’ … and, they did give this command back in Acts 4:18.

And, Peter responded in Acts 4:19 “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.”

Boldly, Peter proclaims they will not cease preaching the Gospel.

In V29… as the Sanhedrin increases the pressure, Peter further clarifies the authority they will obey…which is NOT the Sanhedrin.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Obey means “to obey authority.”

For us today… it’s vital we keep our eyes on God… who leads and guides our lives and ministry… don’t look to man… look to God.

I like how Paul defended his ministry and message. Listen to this…

Gal 1:11–12 “ But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Paul knew the source of the gospel message… not man, but Jesus Christ.

A few verses later, Paul explains his calling was all about Jesus…

And then in Gal 1:16-17 Paul states, “… I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.”

Paul’s first three years of ministry were independent of man. Likely a season of preparation in seclusion.

Later he coordinated with the apostles, but still followed the calling by God to go to the Gentiles.

My Pastor cited this verse when a missions sending organization was telling us to wait before going to the Philippines, but we felt like God was telling us to go.

Had we listened to sending organization, we never would have made it to the Philippines.

Instead, ‘We obeyed God rather than men.’

And, you may call me your Pastor, but I cannot tell you God’s plan for your life… look to God in prayer, waiting and what doors the Holy Spirit opens for you.

Obey God, not man.

Question: Why would God send an angel to release the Apostles from prison… just for them to be arrested the following day?

Two things stand out to me… the instructions by the angel in V20 likely the primary reason…return to the temple and preach the Gospel to the people.

Who knows how many got saved from those messages?

But, also the miracle of their release authenticates this second Gospel sharing message Peter delivers to the Sanhedrin.

He preached about the death, resurrection, and life giving power of Jesus in Acts 4:10 to the Sanhedrin.

And, even more explicitly does Peter preach the Gospel here in Acts 5:30-31.

Look at VSS 30-31...

Acts 5:30-31 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. [Peter is not letting them off the hook… His blood was on them!] 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension, and glorification… seated on His throne in royal honor next to the Father in heaven.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace… the one and only Savior by whom all must turn to (repent) and believe in for forgiveness of sins.

This is the Gospel in it’s fullness.

Sadly, there are many in the church today who stopped preaching the Gospel. Their message is all about love, inclusivity or social justice… but they omit the need for repentance for the forgiveness of sins…

Repentance doesn’t tickle ears… but, without repentance and the forgiveness of sins… the Gospel IS NOT preached.

And, then V32, as a final emphasis… and closing argument, Peter states…

Acts 5:32 “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Well this really twists the knife in the hearts of the Sadduccees… who remember... deny the Holy Spirit.

Acts 23:8 states, “For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit…”

In V32, the Apostles state they and the Holy Spirit are Jesus’ witnesses… of the complete Gospel message…

And that God gives the Holy Spirit exclusively to those who obey Him.

And, how do you “obey Him?”

Jn 6:29 states, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

“Believe in Him” a phrase that appears in the Bible 23x… 20x in the Gospel of John

That’s why John’s Gospel is great for someone new to the faith.

In John 7:37-39, Jesus proclaimed, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive...”

And now in Act 5:32… Peter’s message… God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him…

The message cuts the Sadduccees to the heart… look at V33…

Acts 5:33 “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.”

The word furious lit. means “to saw asunder.”

Fig. “to grate the teeth in a rage; to be cut to the heart, to be enraged.”

During Peter & John’s first trial in Acts 4:15, the Sanhedrin maintained composure and dismissed the Apostles to talk amongst themselves about the sentence.

But now… they loose all composure… plotting to kill the Apostles right in their presence.

Except for Gamaliel… look at V34…

Acts 5:34-39 “Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.

So, Gamaliel takes charge… reigns in some semblance of order.

He has the Apostles removed from the court… the Chamber of Hewn Stone… so he can address the Sanhedrin privately.

Understand this about Gamaliel… he was also a big dog.

A Pharisee that even the Sadduccees respected… a rarity.

He was the Grandson of the famous Rabbi Hillel. And, he was Paul’s teacher according to Acts 22:3.

Both Josephus and the Jewish Talmud write of him.

Repeatedly, Gamaliel is quoted in the Talmud with tremendous reverence, and he is referred to as “Rabban” versus “Rabbi.”

A Rabban was a higher rank than a Rabbi… they were the Presidents of the Sanhedrin.

So when Gamaliel talked… well it was kind of like this… cue the commercial…

EF Hutton… founded in 1904 and still around today… not without a scandal or two, but great commercials…

Like EF Hutton… when Gamaliel talked, people listened… and here’s what he had to say…

Acts 5:35-39 “And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

Gamaliel’s advice… not all true ... some good… some bad.

V35…Gamaliel says, ‘take heed what you intend to do’… Good advice.

If the God of the universe and His angels have your back… persecutors beware.

Advice they do not fully heed… for in V40 they beat the Apostles.

V36-37, Gamaliel compares Jesus to Jewish fanatics who led failed revolutions. That’s just wrong.

Jesus is the God-Man. Not a revolutionary.

In Josephus’ historical books… Wars of the Jews and Antiquities of the Jews… he wrote about the seditions of Judas of Galilee… possibly also of Theudas.

I love how history verifies Biblical accounts.

V38, Gamaliel said, ‘if this plan or work is of men… it will come to nothing…?’ Is that true? Not necessarily.

There are many Godless institutions that are flourishing today. Mormons & JDubs for example…

They are global, but they deny Jesus is God, and deny the Trinity… which is just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact… scripture teaches there will be false teachers in the last days. Jesus, James, Paul, John… they all taught this truth.

I like the notion that Godless institutions will fail, but it’s not necessarily true.

It’s interesting that Gamaliel takes this “wait and see if it fails” attitude… because his student… Saul of Tarsus certainly didn’t agree as he rounded up many Christians for slaughter.

But, what is very true is V39 Gamaliel said, “…  but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

God is sovereignly on the throne… no one can stop what God will do.

And, if you try… you’re not fighting against man… you’re fighting against God.

And, that’s exactly what the Sanhedrin was doing.

And, about 40 years later… in 70 A.D.... their fight is over. They lose… just as Jesus predicted as He wept over the city.

Wrapping up… VSS 40-42…

Acts 5:40 “And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”

V40 is baffling… they agree with Gamaliel to take heed what they will do to the Apostles, but then then they beat them anyway.

Beaten by def. means “to skin, to thrash, to flog.” Probably 40 strips minus 1. 39 lashes.

I guess they felt this was lighter since initially they wanted to kill the Apostles…

So, the Apostles are whipped to the point they lose skin… commanded again to be silent… and released.

Acts 5:41 “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”

I would have LOVED to have seen the looks on the faces of the Sanhedrin.

What do you do with guys like this???

Arrested… intimidated… threatened... beaten badly…

And they skip out of there IN JOY…

They were excited that their efforts to honor the name of Jesus would cause them to be persecuted.

And, that’s why Peter could write… years later… 1 Pet 4:14 “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”

And... in V16 “… if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”

Peter could write this because he lived this.

Difficult to say if any of us are there… if you were beaten and threatened… would you respond in joy?

I hope to never find out.

But, what’s more is what they do next… our closing verse…

Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

Bold continuance in preaching the Gospel despite very real persecution against them.

I like the simple words of William MacDonald, “So once again Satan outwitted himself.”

For Satan too has been ‘fighting against God.’ A war he cannot win.

Let’s Pray!

Communion Reading:

1 Cor 11:23-29 “...the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

Please distribute the elements...

Communion is a time for us to look three directions…

We look back remembering Jesus’ sacrifice… His broken body and shed blood for the remission of our sins.

His new covenant. Salvation by faith and in grace.

Look forward in hope of His imminent return… we proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. He is coming.

And, looking inward to examine yourself…and take communion in a worthy manner.

Time to do business with God.

Once you have prayed… take the communion elements individually.

Our worship team will play one worship song, and then close us in prayer.

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If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord...

...either let the cup pass and do not partake in communion -or- the better option...

...accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior today.

Pray to God and tell Him you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and ask for forgiveness.

...then take communion. And, be sure to let us know. Salvation is something to celebrate!