Do Not Fear!

Going back thousands of years we read of false prophets seeking to gain a following for themselves. Even in Deuteronomy Moses recorded an easy method for telling if a prophet were from God or speaking on their own. If what they said did not come to pass then they were a false prophet who had spoken presumptuously. ( Deuteronomy 18:22) These were not to be feared. Jesus even warned His disciples that "false christs and false prophets" would arise and attempt to lead astray. ( Matthew 24:24) Praise God we have the Scriptures to look to for comparing to see if the claims or teachings of others are from God's message or from themselves.

As the church had begun -- following our Lord's ascension back to Heaven -- the Jewish leaders attempted again and again to stop the Apostles from preaching in the name of Jesus. ( Acts 4) Even being imprisoned did not stop them. ( Acts 5) As the Jewish counsel discussed what to do about the situation, Gamaliel -- who was a Pharisee and teacher of the law ( Acts 5:34), as well as being one from whom even the Apostle Paul had learned much ( Acts 22:3) -- spoke of several (namely Theudas and a Galilean called Judas) who had recent to that time risen up, developed a following, but whose movements had died when they did. ( Acts 5:36-37) The work these had presumptively undertaken came to nothing! Gamaliel then went on to state something that ought to encourage us greatly.

We read. . .
"(38) So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; (39) BUT IF IT IS OF GOD, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OVERTHROW THEM. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice," ( Acts 5:38-39 ESV)

The Apostles were then beaten, again told to quit their preaching, and released. However, rather than fearing the threats, they rejoiced in being found worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. Everywhere they went "they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." ( Acts 5:42 ESV) The Apostles kept right on teaching, the church kept on growing, Saul was eventually converted and as Paul, God continued to spread the truth of Jesus.

Even today, the fact we believe the Gospel of Jesus reveals that work has yet to be overthrown! Though it sometimes appears the world under the power of the devil is winning, people are still responding to the Good News of salvation in Jesus. GOD'S WORK WILL CONTINUE because He is still the power behind it and all will someday see that His purpose still stands. ( Proverbs 19:21) May we continue to be involved in GOD'S WORK, sharing GOD'S MESSAGE, and being encouraged that the result of such will last into eternity. Regardless of the opposition, rejoice that we are a part of something that will not fail!

Have a great day KNOWING WE ARE ON THE WINNER'S SIDE!
Carl

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