The apostles testimony

The apostles testimony

The book of Acts records Peter and the other apostle standing before Jewish leaders (the Sanhedrin) and saying,

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:30-32.

When they said this some in the Sanhedrin wanted to put them to death. It was a bold statement for Peter and the Apostles to make. They I’m sure were not unaware that they could be put to death. Yet still they did what God had told them to do.

Fortunately cooler heads prevailed a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people stood up and gave the members of the Sanhedrin a brief history lesson of how others had arisen claiming to be the Messiah only to have those who followed them to scatter when their leader died.

Gamaliel concluded, 

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38,39.

The result was the Apostles were flogged and let go. The book of Acts interestingly recording,

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.(of Jesus)" Acts 5:41.

I firmly believe that what the apostles and the New Testament teaches is true. That it’s message is from God. That nothing, governments, terrorist groups, or others can stop the spread of the gospel message because it is from God.

Thus the question I have for you is, do you believe what the New Testament teaches and the apostles believed. That Jesus is the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind?

Please think about it. 

Are you salt and light?

Are you Salt and Light?
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” 
                           Matthew 5:13-16.
I’ve seen many over the years who claim to be Christians. Yet a quick look at their life shows them to be far from. They are merely copies of the world with Christian prefix.
Billy Graham said,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”
                                                                                                         Billy Graham.
He also said,
“The men who followed Him(Jesus), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.”
     Billy Graham.
We need to be like Christ. We need to live a life that attracts people to Christ.
All too many calling themselves Christians have a “holier than thou” attitude or are judging people because of their way of life or lifestyle. They are presenting the gospel message as a lot of do’s and do not’s. This should not be so.
The Pharisees of Jesus’ day put a lot of rules and regulations on the people to follow. Rules I’m sure they thought were intended for good, but were burdensome and turned people away from God.
God intends us to follow His commands but God never places harsh rules on us. Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                         Matthew 11:28-30.
As Christians we should be living a life that shows love. Love for God. Love for our neighbour whoever they may be. Even Love for our enemy. That is the way God intended us to be toward others.
We need to live a good and honest life that reflects the love of God.
What is known as the prayer of St. Francis tells how Christians should be. It states,

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

                                                                                                Francis of Assisi.
I know Francis was not an apostle but he from what I understand lived a good Christian life that reflected God.
This is the kind of life we should be living.
In order to be light and salt to this generation we need to be living a selfless life dedicated to God. Presenting the gospel not just in word but in deed.
We should never have to tell people we are Christians our life and lifestyle should do that.
Please think about it.