Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this Name.

 

The trial was over. The Sanhedrin had questioned Peter and John. The evidence of the healed man stood before them as proof positive that the Power of the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ Healed him. The men of the high court retired to their chambers to discuss the matter and how to proceed.

 

The evidence was overwhelming and it was clear that Peter and John had done nothing wrong. That was not the problem. The problem was that if they were allowed to continue in their ministry the men in leadership positions of the Synagogue would be lowered. They would lose their control over the people. They simply could not allow this to happen. They had to make a determination that would satisfy the people and allow themselves to remain in power.

 

The Sanhedrin emerged from their deliberation and spoke to Peter and John. They sternly threatened them and commanded them to stop their ministry. From that day forward they would no longer be allowed to preach to the people about Jesus or perform any Miracles in His Name!

 

Control, control, control! That was the name of the game for the religious hierarchy. They had to maintain their control over the people or their position of status would be reduced to nothing. They had built a personal empire by telling the people what they wanted them to hear instead of the Truth of the Word of God, which by the way, they knew very well. They knew EXACTLY what they were doing and had been doing for generations.

 

The early Catholic Church is a perfect example of this in modern times. The Pope made the decisions for the entire church body. His word was stronger than the Word of God. The people were not allowed to read the Bible for themselves because the leaders did not want them to think for themselves. They knew what the Bible said and they also knew that if the people read it, they would move away from their dictatorship. If that happened they would lose their position of power over the huge Catholic community.

 

This is still happening today BUT the people are waking up! With the advent of Christian television and the internet Catholics around the world are coming to the understanding that they have been duped for centuries and are searching for the Truth of the Gospel of Christ for themselves. Jesus said, Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

 

My friends, it’s time to start reading the Bible for yourself. Don’t resort to hearing the Preacher’s rendition once or twice a week. The Holy Spirit is your teacher. He has something to tell you. Read the Word of God and listen for the Voice of the Holy Spirit and follow His leading. He will guide you into all Truth.

 

God made the following statement through the Prophet Isaiah: So shall My Word be that goes forth from My Mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

 

 

 

The Word of God will……….turn the tide……..around the world.

 

Seeking more every day,         Doreen

 

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