Acts 5

“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life” (v20).  The community of believers in Jerusalem, the new-birthed Church, faced both external and internal challenges.  First, the church’s spiritual authority was challenged by Ananias and Sapphira lying about their donations. Then, the religious and secular authorities tried to shut down the apostles’ preaching by imprisoning them, but an angel freed them during the night. Nothing could stop this new Life.

“They did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus” (v42). Neither our internal nor external challenges, at the personal or public level, are greater than Jesus’ power. He is still forgiving, healing, and restoring lives.