Why would our Father tell fathers to do something He is unwilling to do?
To some Christians, receiving divine direction is outside their level of relationship with God. They simply want to make their own decisions and are not really sure that God will speak to them or that they could hear Him if He did.
In your spirit
Spirit, soul, body – [1Th 5:23 NASB95]
Spirit is a candle – [Pro 20:27 NASB95]
[1Co 2:10-16 NASB95]
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In this special edition of Kingdom Now, John Carmichael takes up the topic of tithing. He gives his thoughts from Matthew 23:23 in response to Creflo Dollar’s recent statements on tithing. He also provides commentary on two opposing articles on tithing.
ACTS PT7—If It Is Of God, It Will Not Be Overthrown
[Act 5:38-39 NASB95] 38 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
· I call this book: Acts of the Holy Spirit in the world through the Church. ACTS for short.
· This series is exposing some incorrect mindsets on how the primitive church was so successful. It is also showing us how we can be victorious in this world.
· Here Gamaliel is speaking after the re-arrest of the apostles. The leaders are wanting to stop them. They are desperate. Yet, Gamaliel is giving them perspective.
· It is this perspective that we need to hear today.
· They were “of God” and they were not overthrown.
When we live lives that are “of God” we will not be overthrown.
What does a church/Christian that is “of God” look like according to Acts 4:32-5:42?
There are five characteristics of a church/Christian that are “of God” according to Acts 4:32-5:42.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will be a giver.
Acts 4:32-37
This kind of radical giving was not prescribed by God.
Yet, believers will have a heart to God.
[2Co 9:6-8 NASB95]
Make a decision to be a giver.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will operate in power.
Acts 4:33
Acts 5:12-16
God is calling us to walk in His power.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will fear the Lord.
Acts 5:1-11
The issue here was not giving. It was lying to the Holy Spirit.
[Mat 10:28 NASB95]
Ask God to help you walk in the fear of the Lord.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will value the church.
Acts 4:35, 37
The feet of the apostles signified their connection to established church leadership.
The next chapter shows how to handle complaints in church. Do not miss it.
Acts 5:11
“Ekklesia” – an assembly, congregation, and meeting of the Christian community.
How committed are you to the church? We are better together.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will understand the necessity of preaching.
· These leaders had long allowed their fire to go out, being quenched by the swirling winds of political ambition and secularism. Dr. Trevor Grizzle.
· Peter and John were now on trial with the miracle by those who do not believe for miracles nor are used by God for miracles. These types will always attack those who do believe for miracles and are used by God for miracles.
Peter and John were not silent. They responded. So should we.
How do we respond in defense of miracles/ministry that God is doing through us?
There are eight responses we need to be aware of in defense of what God has called us to do.
God wants us not to be shocked by the pushback of the enemy.
Acts 4:1-3
[Mar 13:9, 11 NASB95]
Know this: Satan never yields territory without a fight.
God wants us to stay full of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:8
One of the purposes of the attack is a distraction. Stay connected to Him.
God wants us not to comprise the message.
Acts 4:10-12
Jesus’ Name. His name connects us to His power. His name gets all the glory.
No other name. The Gospel is exclusive in that Jesus is the only source. No mixture.
God wants us to be confident in what Jesus has given to us.
Acts 4:13
The attack seeks to intimidate you. Make you self-conscious.
These men were trained and educated by the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
God wants us to refuse to give in to obstacles.
Acts 4:18-20
Christians are obliged to obey the government. [Rom 13:1 NASB95]
Yet, civil disobedience is necessary when the government counters God’s clear commands.
You will have to stand up against many excuses and oppositions to fulfill the call of God in your life.
God wants us to stay in community with others who encourage us.
Acts 4:23
Peter and John did have a company of people who supported them.
A quote: “You can go fast alone. You can go far with others.”
Who is your support group?
God wants us to pray.
Acts 4:24-30
Their prayer
Honored God’s power and sovereignty v. 24
Remembered God’s Word v. 25
Rehearsed recent victory v27
Asked for more power to counter current problem v 29-30
Ask God to help. From other Scriptures, it is appropriate to ask God to deliver you. It is also appropriate to ask God to empower you to endure and overcome.
God wants us to boldly do what God has called us to do.
Acts 4:31
Never stop doing what God has called you to do.
[Jer 20:8-9 NASB95]
· God wants us to weather the opposition of miracles and ministry with these seven responses.
· Opposition always comes. Reminder: Satan does not yield territory without a fight.
· Will you stand up to the opposition of what God is doing in your life or will you fold?
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