Verse of the Day 4/24

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 12-14, Luke 20:27-47

Good morning,
In last Friday's Verse of the Day was Matt 9:37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." ESV
The ESV says to pray "earnestly" you might also use the word fervently. We should be crying out to God for the community for the nation, mobilizing our small groups, Bible study groups, our whole churches to go to out "into the harvest". It is not only the crying out that is important it is the going out. Prayer leads to action.
Today's verse comes from Acts 5:
Acts 5:28 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!"

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:"We ought to obey God rather than men. NKJV
Peter and the disciples were facing opposition as they ministered the gospel. The opposition, the Pharisees noticed that they were having an impact.
John Piper had this to say regarding this verse and how it applied to his congregation to the city of Minneapolis:
"When the apostles were put on trial in Jerusalem the high priest said, “You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching” (Acts 5:28). That is what I dream for the churches of the Twin Cities. If all the Christians were talking about Christ, and giving out literature about Christ, and sending emails about Christ, and inviting people to church for Christ, and being lavishly generous to others for Christ, then someone might say, “Those Christians have filled the Twin Cities with their teaching.” May it be so. "
Wouldn't you like to have that said of St. Mark, of your church by someone of another denomination, another religion, or an atheist who wants to criticize or possibly put down your church but can't help but see the impact?
Continue to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers. In a few weeks St. Marks will have another "Inside Out" weekend where people from the church will be going out into the community in service projects. In what other ways are "laborers" being sent out?
What is the "doctrine" mentioned in verse 28 if not the "good news" about the love of Jesus Christ? How will it be displayed?
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Acts 5:26-40

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 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!"
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:"We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 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."

Gamaliel's Advice

33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 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. 35 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."