A litmust test for Jesus is Lord. Photo-davidrossdale.files
A Message from Gamaliel
Acts Chapter 5
Human Resources departments look for truth-tellers in their inventories and interviews. They want to know if the person that they are hiring not only has the education and experience, but has the ability and motivation to do the job better than all the other candidates. Years ago, the Marine Corps came up with a truth-teller for whether or not a recruit would complete boot camp. That truth teller was high school graduation. If the young man or woman stuck it out and finished high school, they had a very good chance of completing boot camp. When you find a truth telling indicator such as this, you work it for all that it is worth.
Gamaliel, a very intelligent and respected man among the ruling council and the people, offered this truth-teller when followers of Jesus were being tried for declaring that Jesus is Lord—crucified and risen and Lord!
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:33-39 NIV
We know that their cause did not fail. We know that there was an explosion of faith like none seen before on the planet. We know that Jesus is Lord!
This survey explores and confirms that this is a very viable thread throughout the gospels, epistles, and eschatology of the New Testament. Decide for yourself if you agree with Dr. Rustenhaven and myself, that the message of the New Testament is JESUS IS LORD!
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Here are some articles that look at the very challenging book of James.
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How about something from the Gospel of Matthew
About being a servant in a society that says, that dog don't hunt.
What do you call a guy with degrees in Political Science and Biblical Studies? What do you call someone that served as a Marine Officer for over 20 years and now pastors a church? What do you call someone with this unique perspective of the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God?
Most folks just call me Tom.
Take a look on the political side, try A Good Read.
Check out a leadership mix of Pastor, Parent, Marine, and American in Forward Deployed.
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