Heralds Digest

“And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.9.5-6.nkjv Ultimate fulfilment in life is derived from an unreserved submission to the silent call of duty in the heart of man. Even those whose heads have been unknowingly brainwashed are preyed by a solemn call of duty, based on coordinated indoctrination. These devotees are undoubtedly reliable subjects and uncompromising servants of their master or perceived Lord. And like most terrorists, Saul persecuted and killed believers in Christ on a perceived devotion to an unknown Lord. It was a definite response to a call of duty without a relationship with the Master of duty - a sudden submission. Unfortunately, this type of submi...

“Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:29-30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.8.29-30.nkjv Mission work demands a little more effort than the distribution of gospel materials and messages, especially when dealing with people of divers cream, colours and cultures. Most times, there are significant restrictions on outreach efforts when an appreciable sense of humour, sensibility and significant interest in the affairs of the target audience are absent. Phillip asked the eunuch of Ethiopia " Do you understand what you are reading? " as if he was fully abreast of his own situation or what he himself was reading. Finding himself suddenly in the desert, away as an evangelist from accomplished testimonies of outreach events, should have generated some sort of misunderstanding. Yet, he chose to be interested in what the e...

“And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.8.18-19.nkjv The desire for the gifts of the Spirit is consistent with the promise of the Father and one of the vital requirements for the fulfillment of the great commission. However, Simon's desire for the Holy Spirit represents an out-of-place expression of bitterness and a wicked desire for displacement of fellow worker, rather than a devotion for fellow service. Apparently, he had earlier responded to a call for salvation during the ministration of Phillip through a forceful recognition of superiority. But given the possibility of a bargain for Holy Spirit, he probably aim to recover the desired superiority over Phillip, whereby regaining the spiritual control of Samaria. Whereas, the gifts of the Spirit are...

“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...