TO GOOD TO LAST?
"So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified" (Acts 9:31 AMP). "About that time Herod the King stretched forth his hands to afflict and oppress and torment some who belonged to the church (assembly)" (Acts 12:1 AMP).
When men love evil more than God, they begin to hate anyone who pricks their conscience with conviction. The Herodian kings historically loved the plaudits of men and desired to be worshipped as gods. Out of that sinful attitude they did all sorts of heinous acts to their subjects and fellow man. This Herod (mentioned in the above quote) killed James the brother of John. When he saw it pleased the Jewish leaders, he went ahead and arrested Peter with the same murderous intention. The peace that the fledgling church enjoyed was under attack. What would these disciples do in the face of it? "but fervent prayer for him (Peter) was persistently made to God by the church (assembly)" (Acts 12:5). And the Lord delivered Peter "out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting to do" (Acts 12:11). The Lord smote Herod for his wickedness. "But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread" (Acts 12:24).
The Gospel is too good and will, not only last but, will endure forever! Think about it.
"So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified" (Acts 9:31 AMP). "About that time Herod the King stretched forth his hands to afflict and oppress and torment some who belonged to the church (assembly)" (Acts 12:1 AMP).
When men love evil more than God, they begin to hate anyone who pricks their conscience with conviction. The Herodian kings historically loved the plaudits of men and desired to be worshipped as gods. Out of that sinful attitude they did all sorts of heinous acts to their subjects and fellow man. This Herod (mentioned in the above quote) killed James the brother of John. When he saw it pleased the Jewish leaders, he went ahead and arrested Peter with the same murderous intention. The peace that the fledgling church enjoyed was under attack. What would these disciples do in the face of it? "but fervent prayer for him (Peter) was persistently made to God by the church (assembly)" (Acts 12:5). And the Lord delivered Peter "out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting to do" (Acts 12:11). The Lord smote Herod for his wickedness. "But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread" (Acts 12:24).
The Gospel is too good and will, not only last but, will endure forever! Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
