Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
The Holy Spirit was leading Peter and John. He was telling them what to do and giving them the words to speak. The Sanhedrin had sentenced them to silence, but the Holy Spirit said: PREACH THE GOSPEL! What were they to do, follow the Guidance of the Holy Spirit or submit to the law of man?
They questioned the Sanhedrin and said, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:19-20) Basically, what they responded to the high court was that they had no intention of obeying them. They knew it was right in the sight of God to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit and they intended to do just that! The statement, For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. means that they can’t help but talk about Jesus and the Miracles they had seen and are still seeing. The little word “but” in the middle of the sentence makes all the difference.
The structure of the sentence may seem backward to us today but when you analyze it the meaning comes bolting out clearly. They said, We can’t help it. We WILL talk about what we know to be true and you are not going to stop us!
Would you be willing to do that today if the government sentenced you to silence? If the Supreme Court issued a gag order on you about sharing the Gospel, would you comply? Would you? This is what Peter and John were faced with and there was no question or hesitation on their part. They simply said, NO, we are not going to comply or conform to your words. We listen to the Holy Spirit of God and we obey HIM and Him alone.
My friends, this is exactly where we’re at today. The government is telling us we have to accept and agree with things that the Word of God calls sin. Are we going to obey them? Are we going to kowtow to their dictates?
This is a decision every Christian must make for themselves. Everything about our relationship with Christ is personal. It’s between Jesus and us. No one else has anything to do with your personal relationship with God. You must make the decisions for yourself. You must decide with whom you will stand and to whom you will obey.
In the times in which we now live it is getting easier and easier to see the evil all around us. The question is, how much of it are we (individually) willing to accept and agree with? Are we going to obey the law of the land or will we have the fortitude to stand on the Word of God and defend His Kingdom?
Unfortunately, much of the “Church” today is caving to the ways of man. Whole denominations of Christianity are treating homosexuality as an accepted lifestyle. They are even ordaining homosexuals as ministers of the Gospel! This is a travesty and these people will answer for their actions one day.
If you don’t know where you stand on an issue, turn off the television and open the Word of God. Stop listening to other people and listen to the Holy Spirit. He will lead you into all Truth and when He does I would suggest you follow it.
Don’t wait another day. God is about to ……….turn the tide
Thank you Holy Spirit, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
