September 21, 2023 - Acts 3-5

Another thought (So many come to mind as I read about the expansion of the church.): 4:29 – “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” Peter and John had been arrested, required to answer questions, and were then released. But Peter had already boldly proclaimed the gospel on the day of Pentecost. And before the rulers, elders, and scribes, along with the high priest and other priests, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and he 'splained to them that the Jesus through whom healing had come to the lame beggar was “the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone” (4:11). Wow, sounds pretty bold already! Just sayin'.

Well, they became even bolder! Their response to the Sanhedrin and the high priest? “We must obey God rather than men” (5:29).

Go to the world! Go into all the earth.

Go preach the cross where Christ renews life’s worth.

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth.

Go to the world! Go into every place.

Go live the Word of God’s redeeming grace.

Go seek God’s presence in each time and space.

Go to the world! Go struggle, bless and pray;

the nights of tears give way to joyous day,

As servant church, you follow God’s own way.

Go to the world! Go as the ones I send,

for I am with you ‘til the age shall end.

When all the hosts of glory cry, “Amen!” -- Sylvia G. Dunstan (1994)