The Glory Of This Latter House Shall Be Greater Than Of The Former," Saith The Lord Of Hosts, "And In This Place Will I Give Peace." - Part 1949

"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," saith the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. We see a lot of the latter within our modern culture today, wherein one accusation (whether founded or not) can sway the public opinion.

Nevertheless, while the unbelieving Jews continued to make accusations, the disciples -- filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost never forgot their mission. In fact, these followers of Jesus abode there for a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord. In so doing, the apostles gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and signs and wonders were done by their hands. And they did so, even though the multitude of the city was divided, with part siding with the Jews and the other part with the apostles.

So, when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully and to stone them, they were made aware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of the Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about. Did their good news gospel message change? No, these disciples continued to preach the Name of Jesus and the Kingdom of God -- the Holy Ghost -- wherever they went.

In fact, everywhere the apostles went, the gospel was preached, and signs and wonders, and with diverse miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost performed. (Hebrews 2:4)

Moreover, the apostles reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, intent on persuading the Jews and the Greeks. We also see that Paul was pressed in the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:4-5) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ... and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women, 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 them. And the sick folks and them which were vexed with unclean spirits; "and they were healed every one!" (Acts 5:12-16)

But there is more. We who believe are instructed to do everything that we set out to do, in both word or deed, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This includes water baptism -- in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we do so because, as Peter standing with the eleven said, "This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ!" (Acts 2:36-38)

And, as we see throughout the book of Acts, beginning in the upper room, the Word of God grew and multiplied. This is why we who believe are called to continue in the things which we have learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom we have learned them. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 3:14-15)

So much to learn and understand herein, but as the apostles were charged to move forward and preach the Word, so are we who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith. Therefore, be instant in season and out of season, reprove and rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine, even when we know that the time will come (and may already be here) when the people will no longer endure sound doctrine, but rather after their own lusts, shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.

Even so, continue to fight the good fight of faith. Keep looking upward for the salvation that draws nigh, and finish the course keeping the faith so that we will receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give unto us at that day. In the interim, waver not in your faith, but become even more grounded in the Word. And stand firmly attached to the Rock which is Christ, for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Stand in the offering plate.