Category Archives: Wisdom

2019, Discernment, Gifts of the Spirit, Wisdom, Word's of Wisdom

Under Attack

As I was praying in the spirit and reading my Bible this week, the Lord revealed certain things to me about spiritual warfare. He put some words on my heart as a word of knowledge for all believers as I was spending time with Him. Here is what was put on my heart:

There has been a war brewing in America and in the world for years!
This is the greatest and most lethal war in the history of all creation.
It is not a war of flesh and blood; it is a war between the principalities and powers of good and evil.

There is so much going on today in cultures and current events.
But we want to blame our leaders for the problems.
Don’t you know Gods Word says this war is not flesh and blood?
It is against the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Sadly, many believers want to spend their time watching the news and voicing their opinions.
While as believers we need to voice our opinion for righteousness in this nation, but this war also needs to be fought.
But not many believers are willing to fully commit and put on the whole armor of God.

Sadly, many believers want to attempt to serve God, while still serving the devil full-time.
Jesus even told us that we cannot serve two masters. Make up your mind!
More believers follow witchcraft, mediums, and much more.
There are more witches out there today than ever before.

But why won’t His people put on the full armor of God, and do spiritual warfare?
Why aren’t we taking a stand in this war?
He called each believer to do more than just say the sinner’s prayer!

Believers are too scared to take a stance for the true Word of God.
We are too worried about offending someone or being politically correct.
God doesn’t care if His Word offends someone. His Word is a sharp two-edged sword!
He wants people who care about being Biblically correct.

He is sick of the carnality in the church today. Did you forget what Paul wrote in Corinthians?
Why aren’t more churches speaking the truth on marriage?
Why aren’t more churches condemning the war on gender?
Why are less and less ‘Christians’ not advocating for what He perfectly forms in the womb?
Why are you so scared? He doesn’t give believers a spirit of fear, but He gives us one of love, power, and a sound mind.

Why do many churches forget the power of the Helper He left us?
The Power of the Holy Spirit is what will equip us to do true spiritual warfare.
Put away your denominational eyes and read your Bible.
The only way we can do spiritual warfare is by praying the Holy Ghost.
The church today is dehydrated from the Holy Ghost!

If we want to fight this spiritual war, then we need to know and live Biblical truth.
If we want to fight this spiritual war, then we need to always be praying in the Holy Ghost!
Where is your personal time invested? In Him or the world?

2019, Book of Acts Series 2019, Discernment, Wisdom

A Word On Hinderances

In this blog post, I am going to wrap up Acts chapter 12. In my previous blog post, we saw an example of how powerful prayer can be. We saw that Peter was pulled out of prison by an angel because of a group of people who came together to pray for him. In this blog post, I am going to address the importance of removing hindrances from our lives.

Herod’s Anger

When Herod and the soldiers noticed Peter was missing from the prison, they searched for him and could not find him. Herod became angry and put to death the soldiers who were responsible for watching Peter. (Acts 12:18-19). In Acts 12:20-22 we see that Herod becomes angry with the people in Tyre and Sidon. The people came to him asking for peace. But Herod denied their request and wanted glory given to himself, rather than to God for the good things that have taken place.

The Death of Herod

In verses 23-24, we see that Herod was struck by an angel of the Lord, and then was eaten by worms. Herod was a hindrance to the spreading of the Gospel during the early years of the church. God sent an angel down to remove the hindrance. Before the angel even came down the people said in verse 22 “The voice of a god and not of a man!”. They were talking about Herod wanting praise from his people when the praise belonged to God. The people here recognized the hinderance. It is so important that we recognize hindrances in our own lives too and ask God to remove them.

Types of Hinderances

I want to talk a little bit more about hindrances because we will all deal with them. These hindrances can be distractions, sickness, financial constraints, and even other people in our lives. Now don’t get me wrong some of these hindrances can be self-inflicted, while at other times they can be the enemy trying to attack you. For example, distractions can be a result of one’s poor time management skills. We all are limited on our time, and we need to be sure we are using our time wisely and making time for the Lord. Maybe you have a financial constraint, it might be caused by poor circumstances that are out of your control, or it could be caused by one’s inability to make wise financial choices.

The Source of Hinderances

We must keep in mind that some of the hindrances in our lives might be the work of the enemy, but we must also be mindful of the fact that we can be our own worst enemy. Not only in our thoughts but in our actions. Dave Roberson once said that the Holy Spirit has one handicap and that is us. We can hinder the work of God in our own lives. Sometimes believers will want to blame everything that goes wrong in their life on the enemy when often it is us who is at fault.

Your Mindset

If you feel that you have a hindrance in your life, ask God to show you the source of the problem. Whether the source of your problem is your mindset, other people, or the work of the enemy. If the issue is your mindset, then you need to get in the Word more each day. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) tells us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”.

People Who Are Hinderances

If you have people in your life that are a hindrance to you, ask God to deal with them. God might remove all the contact you have with the person, or God might cause a change of heart on the person. I once was in a relationship with someone who was a hindrance to me in my walk with the Lord. After I got baptized in the Holy Spirit and started praying in tongues God quickly ended the relationship two weeks after I got baptized in the Holy Spirit!

The Enemy Can Hinder Us

Also, we must know that the enemy can hinder us. Paul even wrote about this in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV), “Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.”. When God has a calling on one’s life, the enemy will be scared as you step into that calling. The enemy will do everything he possibly can to stop you and distract you. We must know that the battle is already won with the enemy in the name of Jesus Christ.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you this week to ask God to reveal any hindrances in your life. If He reveals anything to you, ask Him to reveal the source and deal with it accordingly. This might include getting in the Word more, making changes in your schedule, or rebuking the works of the enemy. The more time we spend with God, the more we will be aware of His plans for us individually. Once we get to this place, we will see things in our life that are hindering Gods plans for us. So, I encourage you to spend more time with God, ask Him if you are on His path for your life or your self-made path. James 4:8 (NKJV) tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”.

2019, Bible Study, Christianity, Salvation, Testimony, Wisdom

How Do You Know?

Picture of John 3:16 in the Bible.

How do you know that you are truly saved? This is a very important question I felt led to address in this blog post. I was originally going to post another teaching from the Book of Acts, but God led me to post this. We all know that to be saved that you must call upon the Lord and ask for your sins to be forgiven and ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart. Many people call this is the sinner’s prayer. When someone truly says the sinner’s prayer it is a very important and special moment of their life. The sinner’s prayer results in one being born again, which is the only way that you can get to Heaven. John 3:3 tells us that we must be born again, otherwise you will not see the Kingdom of God.

The Truth About Water Baptism

Many people confuse the subject of being born again for something else when reading the Bible. John 3:5 (NKJV) says “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”. There is a large denomination of Christianity that believes the water in this scripture means that a person must be baptized in water when they are born, which results in them being born again. The practice of this is nothing but false doctrine straight from hell. If you take the time to study the Bible, you will see that the water it is referring to in this scripture is the amniotic fluids from birth. As we all should know water baptism is only symbolic after one says the sinner’s prayer. However, since water baptism is only symbolic it is not required to enter Heaven, but I strongly encourage it.

‘The Sinners Prayer’

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) tells us, “For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”. Many people will think that saying the sinner’s prayer one time is all you need, and you don’t need to go to church anymore, read your Bible, pray, fast, and worship God. Some people even think that saying the sinner’s prayer gives you a free pass to sin all you want. However, if you know what God’s Word says, when we become born again we should have a strong desire to go to church every week, read the Bible daily, pray daily, worship daily, and even fast (if you can). How can you expect God to work in your life if you only pray to God when there is a problem? We should be praying to God daily regardless if life is going good or bad. If the only time you read your Bible is when you are following along with your pastor in church, then how will you be prepared to proclaim God’s promises over your life when the enemy comes to attack. The sad truth is many people are claiming to be Christian, but the way they live their life is like unbelievers.

The Old Man vs. The New Man

It is time we know truly how Christians ought to be. Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV) tells us, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”. When we become born again, our sinful habits should begin to dwindle. Our sinful habits won’t go away instantly, but as we seek God continually, they will. Therefore, we need to get the Word in us daily, along with prayer and worship. I accepted Jesus at a young age, however, I lacked getting in the Word. I thought reading through a devotional that had scripture in it and reading Books of the Bible inconsistently was good enough. It wasn’t! Until over a year ago I started getting more deeper into the Word of God, and then God started speaking to me and revealing things to me. I wish at a younger age I would have put down those devotions and would have read the Bible more in its entirety and consistently. Don’t get me wrong devotionals can be great, but you will get closer with God when you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Don’t just read it once, read it as many times as you can.

Ask God to Search Your Heart

So, my question to you is how do you know you are truly born again? Is it just because you said the sinner’s prayer, or is it because of the transformation that has taken place in your life since you said the sinner’s prayer? This is something we all need to think about because sometimes we can fall into many traps that will hinder us from getting closer to God. I encourage you to take some time this week and ask God to help search your heart and reveal to you what areas in your life that need to be put away for the new creation you are in Jesus Christ.  

2019, Christianity, Inspiration, Wisdom, Word from God

God’s Ways

walking path with sun shining on it in wooded area.

Here is something that God put on my heart to share with you! This is a very short message that was put on my heart from the Lord, but I feel strongly that many people need to hear this!

Often in life when we are asking God for a breakthrough, we are asking it with our human standards. We might want it to happen in a certain way, order, or time. Maybe you are asking for a financial breakthrough, and nothing has happened yet. Maybe God has a different plan for your breakthrough than what you are specifically asking for. Maybe He wants to teach you to better manage your finances first before the breakthrough comes.

Maybe you are asking for healing to take place. You might think it needs to happen instantly or in a certain way based off how the doctors explained your condition. Instead of asking God to heal you a certain way, ask Him to heal you in His way. The healing might not come instantly as we all would like it to. But it might take some time, and over that period God will reveal certain areas of your life that need correcting or even emotions that need healing first. Then as you are seeking Him you will see the healing manifest more and more.

It is time we stop asking God to meet our needs with human standards but in His ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) tells us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”.  As we are praying for a breakthrough, we must remember that our ways are not God’s ways. Gods ways are always better than our ways. In this life, we are so focused on everything happening instantly and in a certain way.

I encourage you to ask God to reveal to you any distractions in your life that need to be removed.  Distractions on this earth come to us in many forms from poor habits, negative people, and poor time management. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) tells us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”. So, is your mindset more focused on the things of this earth or the things of God? If we want to see God working in our lives, we must set our minds on Him and Heaven and not this world.

God Bless!

Zachary Murphy
Evangelical Blogger

2019, Christianity, Healing, Testimony, Wisdom

A Word on Perseverance

mountains with snow on top

Instead of making a post on the Book of Acts, I felt led to discuss the subject of perseverance. We must admit that life will never be easy, whether you are a believer or unbeliever. At some point, we will deal with a situation that will catch us off guard. Whether that would be an illness, job loss, or loss of a loved one. A life-changing situation can either make or break us personally, the choice is up to us.

Cast Your Cares to God

Often in life when we are in times of trouble, we can become so invested both mentally and physically in our circumstances and forget to truly seek God full-heartedly in the middle of our situation. Are you going through something in life that you have become so invested in and haven’t truly given the situation to God? Psalms 55:22 (NKJV) tells us, “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”. The Amplified Bible translates it as, “Cast your burden on the Lord [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).”. Have you truly cast your burden(s) to God? We should always know our God, can do what is considered impossible in man’s eyes. As we are here on Earth for a short period of time, we spend most of our time in the natural realm. God operates in the supernatural realm. That is why Romans 12:2 (NKJV) instructs us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”.

My Own Struggle

So, are you spending more time concerned about your circumstances in the natural realm, or are you spending more time in God’s presences and seeking Him to do the supernatural? I myself was in a situation when I could have sought God more seriously on a situation that is going on in my life. Four years ago, right before my nineteenth birthday, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My body’s immune system was perversely attacking the insulin-making cells of my pancreas.  The doctors told me I would need several insulin injections daily for the rest of my life, and I would have to check my blood sugar levels four to eight times a day, along with eating my meals at certain times and counting carbs. I grew up in the faith, I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior at a young age at a Spirit-filled church. However, I became more focused on learning how to manage my disease, rather than seeking God to baffle the doctors. At the time I was also a full-time college student and working full time, I had a lot on my plate. Type 1 Diabetes is a very time-consuming disease. I take currently four to five insulin injections daily. Insulin injections are nothing to be taken lightly, it has a very narrow therapeutic range. You could do one thing today and have great blood sugar readings, then do the same exact thing the next day and have totally different results. Not only can it be a very time-consuming disease, but it can also be a very frustrating disease. When you have Type 1 Diabetes you not only think about your blood sugar levels for today but what will your future be like with the disease, because there are many complications that can take place no matter how well you manage your blood sugars. Type 1 Diabetes is also known as a silent killer, people can experience low blood sugars that can be deadly if not dealt with. This is something that is very serious at nighttime when one is asleep, I have read of several people who had died from low blood sugars overnight.

Is Breakthrough Always Instant?

With as horrible as this disease sounds, do I give up on my faith in the Lord? With as much that is involved with the disease, I could easily pull that as my excuse. I have been prayed over many times by many great ministers, and I have yet to be told by the doctors I am in total remission of Type 1 Diabetes. Do I give up on God? No! Some people would do that. Some people think when you get prayed for you should be healed instantly. The Bible never tells us that we will be healed instantly, but that we will be healed. Sometimes healing is a process. In my personal time with the Lord he revealed to me an example of gradual healing that was done by Jesus in Mark 8:22-25 (NKJV) “Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.”.  The first time Jesus laid hands on this blind man, he could only partially see, then the second time he was totally healed. Sometimes a miracle won’t take place the first time we pray, sometimes it will be a process. Maybe God wants to focus on some emotional healing first before your physical healing. It is often said that emotional problems can lead to physical problems. Therefore, we all need intimate time with the Lord and to soak in His presence. We need to come to Him empty-handed and fully surrendered to Him. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NKJV) tells us, “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!”.

Currently in my Struggle

Since I have pressed on in my faith with the Lord for total healing of Type 1 Diabetes, I have seen a substantial and consistent decrease in my insulin doses. I have also been blessed with great people of likeminded faith in my life, who are continuing to agree with me for full healing.  I am trusting in the Lord for the full healing to be manifested. The testimony will be for Gods glory!

Persevere and Fully Surrender

No matter what it is you are going through in life right now, cast your cares to the Lord, seek Him full-heartedly, and fully surrender to Him. One last scripture I would like to leave you with is Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV) tells us, “And not only that but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”. We are to persevere during our trials, which means to do something despite difficulty or opposition. I encourage you to take some time this week and fully seek the Lord and fully surrender your situation to Him. Whatever you need a breakthrough for, come to Him full-heartedly, and don’t let your own understanding get in the way, let God do His work in the supernatural. Whether the results are instantly or slowly, the glory is always given to God. Do not become discouraged if nothing happens right away, persevere! Sometimes things might get worse after doing some serious prayer, often that can be opposition from the enemy, and we need to keep pressing on. No matter what keep on pressing on in faith in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever!

2019, Christianity, Discernment, Old Testament, Wisdom

Why Seek Wisdom and Knowledge?

guy looking at sunrise near lake

I felt led to teach about seeking God for wisdom and knowledge. As followers of Christ, we need to constantly be seeking God for wisdom and knowledge in every part of our lives. We also need to seek God for wisdom and knowledge as we read His Word. When you ask God for wisdom and knowledge when reading His Word, the Holy Spirit will teach you all things, Jesus said in John 14:26 (ESV) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”.

Defining Wisdom and Knowledge

So, what do wisdom and knowledge mean? Let’s look at knowledge first, The Webster’s Dictionary defines knowledge as facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education. Some synonyms for the word knowledge are understanding, comprehension, grasp, and mastery. Now let’s look at what the word wisdom means, The Webster’s Dictionary defines wisdom as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Some synonyms for the word wisdom are intelligence, understanding, insight, perception, and discernment. Now let’s look at both wisdom and knowledge together. Knowledge is when one has a bunch of facts and data that has been learned or experienced. On the other hand, wisdom is the ability to discern from the knowledge you have gained to make good decisions.

King Solomon’s Request

So now that we understand the meaning of the words wisdom and knowledge let’s look at someone in the Bible who sought God for wisdom and knowledge. King Solomon became king after his father David passed away. God revealed Himself to Solomon one night and gave him the opportunity to ask for whatever he would like God to give him. 2 Chronicles 1:7 (NKJV) tells us, “On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”. Right here Solomon can ask God for anything he desires. As we read on, we find out that Solomon asked for one of the best things, in my opinion, you could possibly ask from God. 2 Chronicles 1:8-10 (NKJV) continues and says, “And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father and have made me king in his place.  Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.  Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”.  Solomon could have asked God for riches and fame, but he simply asked God for wisdom and knowledge to perform his duties as King.

God’s Response to King Solomon

We will find out God’s response to Solomon’s request in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (NKJV), “Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—  wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.””.  God sees Solomon’s true heart in his request for wisdom and knowledge. We know that God will search our hearts and He will truly know our desires. Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV) tells us, “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”. So as God sees the heart of Solomon from his request, He grants him wisdom and knowledge, but He also gives him riches and wealth that no king before him ever had received. This also serves as a reminder to us that God can go above and beyond what we expect when we go to Him with a need.

A Biblical Approach to Knowledge

So now that we have a Biblical example of someone who asked God for wisdom and knowledge, let’s see what the Bible tells us about knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 (AMP) tells us, “The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.”. A wise person always seeks knowledge, if you want to be a wise person of God then you need to seek knowledge and spend time in the Word. Additionally Proverbs 1:7 (AMP) tells us, “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”. As believers we need to truly worship God, tell others of His greatness, seek the Holy Spirit for teaching, and spend time in the Word each day, this will give us knowledge and that will result into wisdom.

A Biblical Approach to Wisdom

So, what does the Bible say about the word wisdom? Proverbs 4:6 (AMP) tells us, “Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you.”. We not only need wisdom as we go through our daily tasks, but we need spiritual wisdom.  People might have a hard time understanding what spiritual wisdom is because it is not natural, it is from God. Discernment and spiritual wisdom go hand in hand.  One of the synonyms for the word wisdom is discernment, The Webster’s Dictionary defines discernment as to the ability to judge well. Some synonyms for discernment are judgment, taste, enlightenment, and sensitivity. We are living in a period where there are many false minsters out in the world proclaiming the Word of God. There are many people who are demon possessed that we encounter daily. There are many people who might be oppressed by the enemy. The enemy is out there to kill, steal, and destroy, his objective is to get as many people to hell as he possibly can. Therefore, every Christian needs to seek God for discernment, because you may never know when the enemy is trying to get you to fall for one of his many traps without having discernment. Psalm 119:66 (AMP) tells us, “Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge, For I have believed and trusted and relied on Your commandments.”. Also 1 John 4:1 instructs us, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world.”.

Final Thoughts and Reflection

I encourage you to take some time and ask God to open your spiritual eyes and give you a discerning spirit. Seek God for wisdom and knowledge in everything you do and ask Him for revelation knowledge as you read and study His word. Philippians 1:9-10 (NKJV) tells us, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,  that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,”. I also encourage you to spend more time than what you currently are spending in God’s Word. I feel God is wanting more people to invest more time in His Word, than in the things of this world. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”. Lastly, I would like to challenge you to a couple of questions:

1.    Do you make decisions off instinct or do you step back and seek God?

2.    Do you trust every piece of Christian literature and music just because it is labeled Christian, or do you discern what is really of God and what is of the devil?

3.    Are you letting any of the works of the enemy into your life? (secular music, secular talk shows, secular literature, witchcraft, Harry Potter, horoscopes, pornography, or any type of addiction)

As you seek God for a discerning spirit and stay in His Word, let Him reveal to you any open demonic doors in your life that the enemy could enter into or may have already entered into and deal with it accordingly in the name of Jesus. 

2019, Book of Acts Series 2019, Christianity, Fruit of Spirit, Inspiration, love, Wisdom

Back to the Basics: An Example of Generosity

bowl of tomatoes being handed to a person with gloves on.

As I continue in my series on the Book of Acts, I would like to teach from the last few verses of chapter four. Even though these are a small number of scriptures out of chapter four, they provide us an example of how the church should function with helping people in need. There are many people today who might be going through a difficult time, whether that be financially, emotionally, or physically. Regardless of what one’s circumstances might be, nothing is impossible with God. I would like to raise a question to you before I go into this teaching, what is your church doing to reach out to those in your community or even inside your church who are in need? This is something we all need to ask whether we are involved in church leadership or not.

Acts 4:32-33: Sharing and Like Minded

Let’s begin with Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV) which says, “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.”.  The group of believers in the church of Acts were a group of people who were like-minded with the same beliefs in Jesus Christ through the Apostles were teaching them. Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV) tells us, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,  that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”. Additionally, Philippians 2:2 (NKJV) tells us, “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”.  Aside from being like-minded, the people in the church of Acts shared what they had individually with each other, only because of the great grace through Jesus Christ that they had.

Acts 4:34-37: Examples of Generosity

Acts 4:34-35 (NKJV) continues and tells us, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”. The early Christians shared their possessions to others who were in need, they are leading by example with their generosity. This generosity was not of their own works but a work of God through them because of grace. Continuing on Acts 4:36-37 (NKJV) tells us, “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,  having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”. Joses led by example by selling his land and donating all the profits from the sale to the church.  Joses act of generosity should inspire us Christians to strive to be as generous as we possibly can.

What Else Does the Bible Say About Generosity?

So aside from the Book of Acts, what do other verses in the Bible tell us about generosity? Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV), says “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.”. God will repay those who help the needy out. We shouldn’t give to expect something back; we should give because it is the right thing to do and it is instructed to us by God. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (NKJV)  tells us “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother,  but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.”. Too often in today’s world, people want to live a self-centered life where they are more concerned about their bank account than the needs of others around them. If you are more concerned about your bank account and investments than having a giving heart, then you’re taking pride in yourself and in your finances. 1 John 2:16 (NKJV) says “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”. God doesn’t want us to be prideful He wants us to be humble, James 4:10 (ESV) tells us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”. 

The Gospel of Prosperity?

Many people don’t like to talk about this but there are many ministers who live in mansions and proclaim the Word of God. Some people will only follow their teachings because they will teach you prosperity on Sundays or in their books. I understand ministers need to make a living to support themselves and their families, but if you are living in a mansion, I feel your megachurch needs to do more to serve the people of the community. It’s not about living our ‘Best Life Now’, it is about being sure that we are 100 percent ready for eternity. 1 John 3:17 (NKJV) reminds us, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”.

Final Thoughts

So now that we have an example of generosity from the Book of Acts, could your church be doing more outreach to others? I am sure we could all pull together as the Body of Christ and find ways to show our generosity to people in our churches who are in need, along with unbelievers who are in need. Outreaching to unbelievers who are in need is a great way to minister to them. So, I challenge you to take some time and reflect on how you can better show generosity as God’s Word instructs us to. I would like to end with giving you a list of the nine fruits of the Spirit that should show through in all believers, I recently wrote a devotional on this so please be sure to order that! The nine fruits of the Spirit are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) which says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”. There will come times when we might be lacking in one of these nine fruits if that is the case for you then seek God to help you in your weakness. In my next teaching, I will continue to chapter five in the Book of Acts.

2019, Book of Acts Series 2019, Christianity, Gifts of the Spirit, Inspiration, Salvation, Sin, Wisdom

Persecuted with Jesus

jail window on outside of stone building

As I continue my series on the Book of Acts, I would like to teach from Chapter 4 and how it applies to us Christians today. Previously I talked about the healing of the lame man done by the Apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today I would like to discuss something that we all need to realize and that is the persecuted church. There are many Christians around the world who become imprisoned, tortured, or even killed for proclaiming the name of Jesus. I myself live in the United States of America where we are blessed to have freedom of religion in 2019. However, I would like to give a warning, our freedoms will be coming to an end one day, Christians in the United States will begin to be persecuted and killed for proclaiming the name of Jesus. My question for you is, are you ready to take a true stand for Jesus or are you just going to go with the flow? Jesus took a stand for us sinners on the cross, so we should all be ready for the day of persecution. I have heard many prophetic words on the persecution of Christians coming to America, and I feel strongly in my spirit that the enemy is planning to get some Christian blood in America. In this teaching I will discuss the imprisonment of John and Peter, and what we need to do to be ready for not just persecution but ongoing spiritual warfare that is going on right now.

Let’s look at Acts 4:1-3 (NKJV), “Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,  being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.”. John and Peter were arrested for teaching on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Sadducees were the ones who were predominately behind this because they did not believe in the resurrection. Matthew 22:23 (NKJV) tells us, “The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection…”. The followed the Pentateuch which is the portion of the Hebrew Bible they deemed true. Regardless of what the Sadducees thought, we find out many who heard the teachings about Jesus from Peter believed. Acts 4:4 (NKJV) confirms this, “However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.”.  We also see the number of believers grow because of the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we continue on Acts 4:7 (NKJV) tells us the leaders of the Sadducees began to question John and Peter on the next day, “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?””. With this questioned asked, we can expect a great teaching from Peter. Acts 4:8-10 (NKJV) continues, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:  If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,  let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.”. Peter spoke boldly to these rulers and explains they did a good deed in the mighty name of Jesus that resulted in a lame man to be completely healed, this will be something these rulers will not be able to deny. Acts 4:11-12 (NKJV) goes on to say, “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”. Peter tells the leaders that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, this was prophesized in Psalm 118:22 (NKJV), “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.”. Peter also tells them that salvation is only through Jesus Christ, John 14:6 (NKJV) tells us “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”. This was another great teaching given by Peter because he spoke with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also foretold of this very event happening in Luke 12:11-12 (NKJV) when He said, ““Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.  For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”. We will also see that Mark gave an account of this in his gospel as well in Mark 13:11 (NKJV) where Jesus said, “But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”. When we are dealing with spiritual warfare, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us and guide us just like the apostles did.

The rulers see the boldness of Peter and John. Acts 4:13 (NKJV) continues, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus”. They claim that John and Peter are uneducated and untrained in ministry. Let me tell you something you don’t need a degree from a highly ranked university or college to become a great minister. Don’t get me wrong coursework and training will help to prepare you, but not everyone is able to go to earn a full degree to step into ministry. There are many churches that offer small programs both accredited and non-accredited and they do successfully prepare people for ministry. A true minister will deliver a message only from the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. God can call anyone into ministry at any point in their life. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV) tells us “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,  till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”. Additionally, 2 Timothy 1:6-8 (NKJV) tells us, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God”. We should not be afraid of sharing the Gospel nor ashamed of sharing it. I feel in my spirit that there are too many secret disciples today too many people who publicly don’t want to admit they are a follower of Jesus Christ. This is something we can all be guilty of, but we must remember we need to share the Gospel at every opportunity we possibly can. We will also need to realize that people of this world will not always favor us because of our faith. People of the world would rather see Christians be more politically correct than Biblically correct. The only way to be a true Christian is to be Biblically correct, then politics can come second according to what is right in the Word of God. There are many Christians who are not voting accordingly to what the Word of God says is correct, and God is angry right now with America. It is time Christians take a stand and vote on values according to the Word of God, rather than what the mainstream media is brainwashing us with. Jesus told us in John 15:18-21 (NKJV), “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.  But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake because they do not know Him who sent Me.”. 

Continuing Acts 4:14 (NKJV) says, “And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”. The religious rulers cannot say anything against the miracle of the lame man. Acts 4:15-22 (NKJV) goes on to say, “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, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.  But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So 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 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.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.  For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.”. The religious rulers are going to try to put a stop to the spread of Christianity, however, we will find out that Christianity will continue to spread. There is no power of the enemy that can stand up against the power of the Holy Spirit, therefore we must pray with authority.

After John and Peter are let go, they go back to their group of believers and inform them of what happened. We will find out that they pray together as they face this giant. Acts 4:23-26 (NKJV) tells us, “And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,  who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’”. We see that part of what they prayed comes from Psalms 2:1-3 (NKJV), “Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.””. Persecution because of faith in Jesus Christ was prophesized in the Book of Psalms. We will see when they asked for boldness the Holy Spirit gave them boldness. Acts 4:27-31 (NKJV) continues and tells us, ““For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.  Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”.

Peter leads by example and shows us how we need to seek God in both our personal trials and in spiritual warfare. When we are in a trial or dealing with spiritual warfare we need to put on the Whole Armor of God as it is told to us in Ephesians 6:10-20 (NKJV), “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”. So, my question to you is have you truly put on the whole Armor of God? Are you ready to face spiritual warfare? How is your prayer life right now? Are you only praying to just bless your meal? Are you only praying when a problem is coming your way? Or are you praying at every opportunity you can get in the valuable time the Lord has blessed you with? The truth is we all need to spend more time praying and more importantly praying in the Spirit. I just gave you a teaching on the gift of tongues, if you have not received that gift, I encourage you to seek God and ask Him for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and for the gift of tongues. The devil hates when someone who is truly baptized in the Holy Spirit prays in the Spirit. I promise you the more time you spend praying in tongues the greater amount of change you will see take place to the spiritual warfare going on around you and in your own trails and weaknesses. If you need a deeper explanation on the gift of tongues, I encourage you to look back on that teaching I recently gave on my blog or YouTube Channel. I encourage you again to put on the full armor of God and do spiritual warfare and seek God on where you need to improve in your prayer life.

2019, Book of Acts Series 2019, Christianity, Gifts of the Spirit, Healing, Inspiration, Salvation, Testimony, Wisdom

A Healing Followed by a Message

I would like to teach on chapter three from the Book of Acts as I continue my series on this powerful book of the Bible. Let’s look at Acts 3:1 (NKJV) which says, “Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.”. There are a few things to take away here to help us get a good picture of the setting. First John and Peter are going to the temple, anytime a passage takes place at the temple you can expect for there to be crowds of people. Next, we will see this is taking place at the ninth hour of the day which is the hour of prayer. Now the ninth hour of the day according to the Jews would be 3 pm on our clock.

Acts 3:2 (NKJV) goes on to tell us, “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 from those who entered the temple;”.  There was a lame man left at the gate of the temple, and he was asking people for alms which is money, food or donations for the poor. I looked further into the word alms and found it comes from the Greek word eleemosyne which means compassion or pity. Acts 3:3-4 (NKJV) continues on and says, “who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.””.  The lame man sees Peter and John coming and he asks them for alms, well we are going to find out he will get something much greater than alms.

Acts 3:5-7 (NKJV) tells us, “So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: 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.”. Peter and John did not have anything to give this man, except a miracle through the healing power of Jesus Christ. This man expected to receive something from Peter and John, even though he was expecting a donation he was in the right attitude to receive a healing. When we come to Jesus in prayer, we need to come expecting for Him to do the supernatural through the promises found in the Word of God. Also, notice how Peter did not pray a long prayer, he simply commanded healing in the name of Jesus Christ. John 14:13 (NKJV) tells us, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”. This type of miracle was one of the ones prophesized to be done through the power of Jesus Christ by Isaiah in Isaiah 35:6 (NKJV), “Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.”. Acts 3:8-9 (NKJV) continues, “So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.”. The man gave praise to God for his healing, this is a reminder for us to praise God when He does the supernatural for us. Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) tells us, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,”.  This miracle caught the attention of the crowd of people who were at the temple, Acts 3:10 (NKJV) tells us, “Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”.

We will now look at Peters second sermon that we will find in the Book of Acts. If you have been following my series on the Book of Acts, you will see Peter’s first great sermon that is recorded in the Book of Acts. Peter sets the example of what sermons should be like today. Too often we have a watered-down gospel infiltrating our churches, especially the ones on mainstream media. I like to look at Peter’s sermons as ones that bring people to the conviction seat, which many churches today are lacking. The ministers of today’s churches need to get back to the basics of salvation and true conviction, we have too many unconverted people in the church today. Salvation is more than just saying the sinner’s prayer,
there should be evidence in someone who is truly saved that they are a new creation through salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) reminds us, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”.

Acts 3:12-13 (NKJV) continues and says, “So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let Him go.”. Peter is taking the opportunity to talk about the Power of God to the crowd. Peter also goes onto say in Acts 3:14-15 (NKJV), “But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,  and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”. Peter takes the time to also remind the Jews that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, that they crucified. Peter also tells them about the power in the name of Jesus in Acts 3:16 (NKJV), “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”. We need to always be reminded that we have power and authority in the name of Jesus. As we read on in this passage, we will find out why the Jews rejected Jesus. Acts 3:17 (NKJV) tells us, “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.”. The Jews rejected Jesus because of their tradition and love of sin, this caused spiritual blindness. People will often have difficulty understanding the Bible because of spiritual blindness, we need to look at the Bible with spiritual eyes rather than intellectual eyes.

Let’s look at how Peter reminds the Jews that Jesus is mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Acts 3:18 (NKJV) tells us, “But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.”.  The prophets in the Old Testament foretold of Jesus precisely. Isaiah 53:10 (NKJV) tells us, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.”. Continuing Acts 3:19 (NKJV) tells us, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”. Peter is calling for the Jews to come to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, he also mentions for them to be converted. This reminds us to get back to the basics of salvation when we lead people to Christ. We need to stop focusing on not only on how many people we can get to repeat the sinner’s prayer but, also how many people are truly converted from their old ways for Jesus Christ.

Peter continues speaking about how the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ. Acts 3:22-23 (NKJV) tells us, “For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’”. Moses foretold of a rising prophet, we will find this written out in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 (NKJV) which tells us, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ “And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good.  I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.  And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.”.

Let’s now look at the seed through Abraham. Acts 3:24-26 (NKJV) says, “Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days.  You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’  To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”. If you know the Old Testament well enough you will find out that God’s covenant with Abraham points us to Jesus.  It is critical to understand the seed that is mentioned in this Blood Covenant between God and Abraham. Genesis 26:4 tells us, “And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;”. Now if we go to the New Testament and look at Galatians 3:26-29 it says, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”. So, the seed that will bless many nations is pointing to Jesus, isn’t that amazing to know this is one of the many ways the Old Testament points us to Jesus!

I covered a lot in this teaching from the first healing in the Book of Acts to how the Old Testament points us to Jesus. I would encourage you when you pray to expect God to do the supernatural for your situation according to His word. Just remember your prayers don’t need to be very long, you just need to pray with authority in the name of Jesus Christ. Also, many people view the Old Testament as unnecessary to read, this is incorrect thinking. We need to read the Bible in its entirety multiple times through our walk with the Lord. I encourage you to fully read the Old Testament and then go back through and study it slowly and you will begin to see how it points to Jesus. In my next teaching, I will continue onto Acts chapter four which will talk about the imprisonment of Peter and John.

2019, Book of Acts Series 2019, Christianity, Inspiration, Salvation, Sin, Wisdom

What Now?

If you have been following along with my current teaching series on the Book of Acts, I previously talked taught on Peter’s explanation of Pentecost to the Jews. Today I would like to teach on Acts 2:37-47 which continues mainly on the Jews response to Peter.  Peter just got done telling the Jews that Jesus, who they crucified is the Lord and Christ. Acts 2:37 (NKJV) tells us how the Jews reacted, which says “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?””. I would like to dissect this scripture a little bit. If you read Peter’s teaching to the Jews, you will see why his teaching cut to their hearts. Peter along with the other disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only by the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit was he able to deliver a great message to the Jews that cut through their hearts. This is a perfect example where an audience of people in the Bible were sitting in the conviction seat. When someone is truly convicted it will lead to salvation. The Holy Spirit is what convicts us; therefore, we need the Holy Spirit in our churches today. Jesus not only promised the Holy Spirit, But He also promised that the Holy Spirit would bring conviction. Jesus said in John 16:7-8 (NKJV), “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.  And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”. This promise was not only fulfilled in Acts 2 when the Jews said to Peter ‘what shall we do?’, this promised is fulfilled when every true believer becomes saved because of true conviction. I am not talking about someone who says the sinner’s prayer to give them an excuse to go out and sin all they want; I am talking about the true believer who got on their knees and cried out and accepted Jesus as Lord of their life. Romans 10:13 (NKJV) tells us, “For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.””.

So, the Jews who were truly convicted by what Peter told them, what do they do? Acts 2:38 (NKJV) tells us, “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” When we are truly convicted, we are to repent of our sins, so that we can be forgiven. We are forgiven because of the blood of Jesus Christ. We must remember that our spirit and flesh are two separate things. John 3:6 (NKJV) tells us, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”. When we become born again, we are born of a new spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) confirms, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”.  When we become born again, we need to constantly be walking in the Spirit, because following the desires of the flesh will work against our newborn spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV) instructs us, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”. Additionally, Romans 8:6 (NKJV) tells us, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”. Another word for carnally is fleshly, on the other hand, an antonym for the word carnal is spiritual. In today’s age, there is too much of the world invading the church, many churches have begun using carnal means to attract carnal people (unbelievers). If churches draw in carnal people with carnal means, then how do you keep these people attending church? Most likely you will have to use carnal means to maintain their attendance. This poses a real danger, if a church is using carnal means to attract people, then it is encouraging the works of the flesh and going against the works of the Spirit. Therefore, so many people today have become self-deceived rather than truly saved. So, after Peter told the Jews that they need to repent and receive Jesus as their savior, what happened? Acts 2:41 (NKJV) tells us, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”. Great 3,000 people were saved because of Peter? No, they were saved because the Holy Spirit brought conviction through Peter’s teaching. I would like to encourage you when you witness to an unbeliever, ask God to give you the words to speak.

If we continue reading to the end of Acts chapter two, we will see some of the early church practices. Acts 2:42 (NKJV) says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”. This scripture sets an example of how churches today should function. We need the Word of God to teach us, discipline us, and train us. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”. Also Acts 2:42 tells us about prayer and fellowship in the church. We not only need to be praying for each other during church service but during our own prayer time. Pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Just because someone looks like they have their life together when you see them on Sundays, does not mean everything is truly okay. They might need healing in their body, a financial breakthrough, comfort, or strength. Also, we should always be encouraging one another as Christians, this will help keep the Body of Christ strong. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV) instructs us, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”.

As the Body of Christ, we also need to believe together. If someone is getting prayed for, the whole church needs to pray in agreement for that person. There should not be any doubt if we all believe together, if there is doubt it can hinder the work of God. Acts 2:44 (NKJV) tells us, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,”. This is also another example of how the Body of Christ needs to encourage one another, by believing together. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”. Lastly, as the Body of Christ, we need to praise the Lord for what we have, and God will add people to the Body of Christ. Acts 2:47 (NKJV) tells us, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”. This verse is very important because too often many churches can forget to give thanks for the members it does have because churches can get too distracted trying to grow. This is also the same with us individually, we need to take time to thank God for what He has given us. To any church that is trying to grow, first, give thanks to God for what you have, and seek Him for guidance on how to grow.

Originally when I studied Acts 2, I was hoping to only have one teaching on this chapter. However, with as many notes as I got out of it, I ended up having to divide it up into three teachings. I would encourage you to read over Acts 2 and dig deep into it. There is so much more in this chapter that God can reveal to you. I would like to encourage you to take some time and reflect on Acts 2, and what you can take from it and apply over your life. In my next teaching, I will begin Acts 3, I cannot say how many teachings I will get out of that chapter. I will leave that up to God.