Heralds Digest

“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭7:55‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.7.55.nkjv Position seeking would be an unattractive aspiration in life if there is no guarantee of honour and opportunities of special privileges. However being recently appointed as one of the Deacons in the early church, Stephen appeared set for a search for honour beyond the terrestrial realm. In fact, the opportunities for auditorium presentation would have been hijacked by reasonable disciples of the Lord for political reconciliation and social fence mending. But he, being rather empty of earthly sentiments and fleshly considerations, ignored the gales of bitterness in the audience for a sacred romance with the Prince of peace. Likewise, believers are called to daily set their eyes upon Jesus, even while their bodies are drawn to mingle with the necessities of this life. The consequent expressions of bi...

“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke...And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭6:10, 15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.6.10,15.nkjv In the world of political correctness, wise words rather appeal to the generality of people's religious and social sentiments than the audience's settlement. These words are basically targeted at winning the support and acceptance of the people. In addition to the privilege of a platform for the presentation of wise words, Stephen held an attractive office that could be abused for personal image laundry. Notwithstanding, his political incorrect words attracted the wrath of the religious leaders. This implies that winsome words are not necessarily wise words. They actually appeal to the soul and the spirit of man, rather than the body. And like in the case of Stephen, the price of winsome words may cost the destruction of the body and a...

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business...Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭6:3, 7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.6.3,7.nkjv Distractions, like complaints, murmurings, etc, hinder the strength and effectiveness of God's Word in the heart. The negative impacts of an anticipated distraction to the influence of the Word of God was spotted by the Apostle, leading the appointment of deacons 'whom we may appoint over this business'. The business of distribution of necessities to meet the needs of people represents a significant oversight function of the body of believers. Negligence in this duty attracts unnecessary perforation of God's Word with worthless activities, in place of prayer that will connect earth's story with heaven...

“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life... And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts‬ ‭5:20, 42‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.5.20,42.nkjv Given the accolades and accompanying privileges of the public ministry, many people often envy ministers when they stand on the pulpit to preach. Without ruling out the proliferation of the altars by those who are imposters, those who are called into public speaking must have succeeded in their commitment to private ministrations. Peter and the rest of the apostles were highly esteemed by the people, not because of their public preaching, but due to the influence of their private honour of the Lord and His Spirit. When Christ is fully lifted up in believer's private life, he is endeared to public preaching for the expansion of God's kingdom. Even though the weights against public speaking can come in terms of indignation fr...

“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?” Acts‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.5.3.nkjv Devotion represents a normal and voluntary dedication of believers time, treasure and talents to the service of the Lord. Although the quantity of our devotion is most attractive to a fellow man, God is always concerned about the quality of our devotion. He is not interested in how long is spent, how much is given, and how impressive is the service. God is honoured by the honesty in believer's sacrifice on His altar. Ananias and his wife voluntarily, but dishonestly gave their treasure in exchange for God's disapproval and untimely death. The cause of God's wrath was not the reservation of Ananias' treasure for personal use, but the deceptive sacrifice of God's honour in search of personal glory and honour. God knows our needs and He is committed to the supply of all ou...

“And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭ASV‬‬ http://bible.us/12/act.4.29.asv Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the basis of detractors' intimidation when there are convincing evidences of an abiding presence of the Lord in life's pursuits. Rather than getting intimated by the righteous' breakthrough and achievement, the enemy's focus on injecting distractions often turn the table of intimidation around. The Pharisees and the leaders in Jerusalem play the smart devil's advocate in threatening Peter and John, despite of their irrefutable conviction in the power to save, heal, and deliver those who believe in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the enemy's distractions always succeed as long as the strategy find the righteous' attention. However, the response of the early church shows that an honest looking unto Jesus leaves no room for the enemy's distraction. Devoti...

“Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.3.6-7.nkjv The common expectation from meeting with personalities in the world is mostly hoped for a definite receipt of value for living. For the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, there was nothing better than the receipt of alms from the hands of passersby, like Peter and John. When the disappointment of the man from the first statement from Peter was not far fetched, it was obvious that he needed a lift in order to give a better look - a look of faith in Jesus, instead of a look of material substance from man. Networking with men of substance provides the needed platform to access information and useful resources in life. However, a look at men for their substance instead of waiti...