Thursday, May 10, 2012

They Know Where You've Been


Pharisees (authoritarians, legalists, religionists), then and today, always look to the carnal, fleshly, base, earthly, natural, and sensory oriented attributes of a person when drawing conclusions about them. They will weigh a persons looks, the style of their clothing, the way they speak, the way they act, how many degrees they have, what kind of title they have before and after their name, and maybe even what kind of car they drive. 

Now granted, if the person being scrutinized is after a secular job then certainly one has to expect to be put under a microscope.

However, I'm not talking about a job interview here. I'm talking about how the brethren is treated within the confines of the Church.

Take a look this morning at how Peter and John were being perceived, keeping in mind that they were on the spot for DOING SOMETHING RIGHT AND GOOD!

Acts 4:13 - "Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

The rich, powerful, and educated Pharisee could not comprehend how common uneducated fishermen could speak as well as they did, could rally a crowd like they did, or could handle themselves in a desperate situation like they did. 

It didn't make sense in their carnally controlled natural minds. It is a clear example of the natural being confronted by the supernatural. The supernaturalness of God will always confound the natural state of those living apart from the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Holy boldness which comes from Spirit-filled believers will always change the minds and attitudes of those who are being exposed to it. 

I said it would change perceptions, but sometimes it could swing either way. "They" are either going to love you or want to kill you, but one thing's for certain, they won't be able to ignore you!

You will find acceptance or resistance, even within the walls of the Church, the Body of Christ!

You will be loved and appreciated, or you will be reviled even by those you consider the "brethren".

Don't forget, you who are blood washed and Spirit-filled, sin and evil comes in subtle forms. Be wary of strong opinions that charge you openly with false and non-biblical accusations. Your boldness may be changing perceptions. Remember that gate swings both ways.

Again, your Holy Spirit filled boldness will change perceptions both positively and negatively.

Stay the course. The Holy Spirit knows what He is doing. Stand strong in faith that you are right where God wants you and stay the course.

The bottom line is that whatever the situation, whether in or out of the Church, is that you would be known for having been with Jesus.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><
www.reallifect.com

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