October 16, 2015:  SOAP #2143:

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 5:18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out… 27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.  28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!”

Observation:  Whom should they obey?  –the ones who had them arrested and locked in jail OR the One who opened the jail doors in the night without arousing the guards, set them free, and told them “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” (vs 19-20).  They were quick to respond; it did not take a lot of thinking!  They did not have to request a moment to discuss what they should do.  Without question, they had to obey God!

Application:  Whom should I obey?  Whom should I believe?  The more I know Him, the longer I serve Him, the more I understand how much He loves me—it does not take too much thought to answer that question!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me put my commitment to you into action.  May my love for you be seen in my commitment to do your will!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!