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| March 5, 2002 |
| "And 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 unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20 As I read these verses, the message I received was one of "guilty silence." There are so many folks today who do not speak up for their Savior. In this unfriendly world, is our Christian deportment too fearful and cowardly? Are we guilty of the sin of silence? The Bible has much to say in praise of prudence, but it has nothing but condemnation for the coward! It is also plainly taught in the New Testament that the soul that is too timid to own and confess Christ before men will be denied before the Father in heaven. Christian's are not speaking out as they should when the enemy stalks them and even pollutes their own sanctuary's ~ the Holy place of God! Many churches around us are a place of fun (bingo comes to mind on this), and entertainment. And the clergymen allow this to take place! Seems like some churches will do just about anything to gain another dollar or add another member to their roster. The grieved Holy Spirit broods over the chaos but no light breaks forth! Too many of God's children, including some of the preacher's are guilty of sin against God by keeping silent. Those who speak up for the Truth and take their stand by it may pay a price for their boldness, but the end results will be out of this world! "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Well, folks, I believe we live in the uttermost part of the earth, and I'm quite sure you agree. And this commission holds true still for us today! This is a very personal command to each believer in Christ Jesus! It is a direct command for you and for me! It is our business to get the Word out to the world! "Ye shall be witnesses unto me." Our witness is to Christ! He is the center of attraction (or should be!). "In Jerusalem" applied to us, means our hometown; "All Judea" is equivalent to our community; while "Samaria" represents the other side of the tracks ~ the folks we don't know or associate with. We are to take the gospel to all these people! We, Christ's redeemed, have the privilege and the responsibility to get the Word of God out to the people! Have you gone to the ends of the earth as a witness to the gospel? Do you help in supporting missionaries or radio stations who do? Are you personally involved? Or are you "Guilty Of Silence" brothers and sisters? What is your witness to Christ? May God bless you with a wonderful day as you think about your involvement for the sake of Christ Jesus. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
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