November 13, 2011
Morning Service

We have studying the life of Peter:

1. Peter and Andrew were the first called of the Apostles.
2. Peter was a fisherman by trade.
3. In Matt. 16:18 where Jesus said He would build His church, and the gates of hell should not prevail against it, we find Peter making the statement of faith, “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus was very satisfied with that answer, and told Peter that He would give unto him the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
4. Jesus gives Peter this authority knowing that in just a short period of time Peter will deny Him 3 times.
5. Jesus also knew that there would be this experience in the upper room on the day of Pentecost that would change the life of Peter from a wishy washy person, to one of steadfastness, and faithfulness.  It would not only change Peter’s life, but the whole world.
6. After being filled miraculously with the Holy Ghost, Peter begins to take charge.  He is the leader of the Apostles, and does most of the speaking for them.
7. His first sermon produced 3,000 converts, the second 5,000.  As I mentioned last week this becomes a great responsibility for the Apostles, especially Peter who is in charge.  Along with leadership, and great responsibilities, there are tough decisions that have to be made. 

 

This morning we will see how God continues to build His church, and to guide the multitudes of disciples.

 

As we concluded chapter 4 we saw the church begin some habits that would eventually cease.  In the beginning the church was a socialistic group, listen:

Act 4:32-37 KJVR  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.  (33)  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  (34)  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  (35)  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.  (36)  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  (37)  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

 

In my opinion this system would be perfect, if the people in it were perfect, but they are not, and neither is the system.

 

Right off the bat we see the corruption.  Ananias, and Sapphira.  Acts 5:1-11;  Tell the story.

1.   This story shows that they did not have to sell their land, but once they did, they lied concerning the amount they received for it.

2.   Peter tells them, and in front of everyone that they haven’t lied to him, but to God.

3.   The punishment dealt out here is as severe as you can get, death.  The severe punishment did what God wanted it to do;  Act 5:11 KJVR  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

 

This is the God we serve today.  This event happened in the N.T. dispensation.  It is to be a lesson for the whole church even up to today.  DON’T LIE TO GOD.

 

Then we see the results of this event:

Act 5:12-16 KJVR  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.  (13)  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  (14)  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  (15)  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  (16)  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

 

THE LORD JESUS BUILDING HIS CHURCH!

 

Acts 5:17-28;

These scriptures tell us that the Apostles are again put in jail, but God delivers them miraculously, and instructs them to go into the temple and preach all the words of this life.

So again, they are brought before the magistrates, and are told;  Act 5:28 KJVR  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

 

Notice the guilt they are feeling, and also Peter’s answer.

Act 5:29-32 KJVR  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  (30)  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  (31)  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  (32)  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

• We ought to obey God rather than men.
• The God of our fathers;  Jehovah, the eternal Spirit, who chose to come and fill the body of Jesus of Nazareth the Christ, and to die for mankind’s sin.  You are the ones who killed Him, and hanged Him on a tree.
• This Jesus, God, the Eternal Spirit Father, has exalted to the position of Prince, and Savior, to forgive you, if you want forgiveness.
• We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Ghost, WHOM GOD HATH GIVEN TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM.
• Christian, you should know that as long as you walk in obedience to God, you have the abiding presence of the Holy Ghost.

You see, by the answer given by Gamaliel;

Act 5:38-39 KJVR  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:  (39)  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

 

They don’t know, or accept that this work is from God.  It is not given to them to receive it.  But intead:

Act 5:40 KJVR  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

 

THE APOSTLE’S REACTION?

 

Act 5:41-42 KJVR  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.  (42)  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 

1. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA, WE LEARN NOT TO LIE, ESPECIALLY TO GOD.
2. AGAIN WE SEE PETER STANDING IN THE PLACE OF AUTHORITY, AND LEADING A NOW VERY LARGE GROUP OF CHRISTIANS.  HAVING TO MAKE VERY IMPORTANT DECISIONS.
3. AND ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT LESSON;  WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD, RATHER THAN MAN.
4. AND BY DOING THIS WE HAVE THE ADIDING PRESENCE OF THE HOLY GHOST IN OUR LIVES.

 

 

ALMIGHY GOD, GIVE US THE ABILITY TO WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO YOUR WILL, AND GIVE US THE BOLDNESS TO DO THIS IN A WORLD FILLED WITH HATE, AND GREED.  AMEN.