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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We are reading the latter part of Acts 5 where the apostles had been imprisoned yet again. Crowds had been coming to receive help and healing from God, and the popularity of the apostles caused jealousy to fill the hearts of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
When you serve Jesus Christ, obediently and faithfully, do not be too surprised when you are misunderstood. Around our world today, serious sore and painful persecution is the experience of many disciples of Jesus.
In Acts Chapter 5, Gamaliel tries to subdue the fierce anger of the courtroom, thinking that this Jesus movement might fizzle out and disappear, and he cautions the court against putting the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ to death. That was their specific intention. Gamaliel persuades them not to go down that road.
Whatever situation you find yourself in today, look to God to help and strengthen you. These Bible studies must not be only historical or theoretical, but relevant and practical.
Irrespective of Gamaliel's persuasive speech, they still wanted to reprimand the leaders of the church of Jesus Christ. Why? They flogged them. It would be 39 lashes. This is the first time this had happened. Not only is the church growing numerically, but persecution develops too.
These apostles are commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. Do remember that there is power in the name of Jesus Christ. Use is wisely and reverently.
Verse 41. They left rejoicing, because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus. These leaders are now marked men, in more ways than one. They had been bullied, mistreated, beaten, threatened, and yet they were able to rejoice. There is not a word of complaint, and not a hint of self-pity or feeling sorry for themselves. On they went teaching the believers and preaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour - the One Who saves and rescues us from our sins.
And on it goes, and on we go, sharing Jesus, as we are led and guided, inspired and motivated by the Holy Spirit. Play your part wherever you are. Sharing and testifying that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour, the One, the only One, Who saves us from our sin and sins.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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