The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 5:28-32, “’We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’
29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.
30 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.
31 “He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Have you ever been warned not to do something you knew without a doubt was the right thing to do? Perhaps, someone in authority warned you not to do it. Yes, we live in difficult times. But true Christians have always lived under difficult circumstances. What is important are not the circumstances, but the way we live in reaction to them.

The disciples of Jesus were teaching about Him in an open, public forum. Their teaching was strongly opposed by the Jews. In a formal session of the Council (the Sanhedrin) the Jews strictly warned the disciples not to teach about Jesus! Peter’s response was courageously clear: “We must obey God rather than men.” Peter backed up his courage with the Gospel message that he and the other disciples had personally experienced.

Having received the Holy Spirit, Peter and his companions spoke freely of Him. The Council, however, had no knowledge of any Holy Spirit. We don’t have to reveal the Holy Spirit to those without Christ. He will reveal Himself when they believe upon Jesus. Yet, in this instance, Peter saw fit to do so. All witnessing has some variation. How you were saved may be markedly different from how I was saved. The circumstances may differ, but the experience is the same.

Simon Peter’s courage should give us courage as well. What we don’t know is how eager others are to hear and receive the message of salvation. Like a military friend once said to me: “On the outside they look and act tough; but on the inside they are like a small boy hungering for what you have to offer.” Be courageous! Find someone who needs Jesus and share your faith with him today!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom