In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the council for proclaiming before the people the resurrection of Jesus and for healing of a lame beggar in Acts 3. When asked by what power they healed the man, Peter answered with the gospel (Acts 4:8-12). What boldness! After some debate among the Jewish leaders, they ordered the apostles not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). Basically, the Jewish leaders were trying to shut down the early Christian movement and the church because it grew through the preaching and teaching of the gospel. However, Peter once again replies with boldness.

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20, ESV).

Where is this boldness today in the church? The government, through unconstitutional mandates, shut down the church and the proclaiming of the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Where are the church leaders that will stand up against this form of totalitarianism? I know John MacArthur and the Grace Community Church has made a bold stance and refused to shut down services and I am sure there are a few others. However, by in large, the church has been compliant with the forsaking the assembly of the Saints. The church needs leaders who will stand up and say with boldness, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard!”

This morning I pray for boldness among the church leaders and Christ followers across the world. We must fight against these draconian measures of our governments and this will take boldness (Acts 4:23-31, ESV).

"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness" (Acts 4:29, ESV).

When was the last time your church gathered together and partook of the Lord's Supper?

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matt26:26-29, ESV).

We are to be in the world not of it

After the book of Job, Psalms and Proverbs, we find ourselves looking at all that is "meaningless". Or, to be specific, a book whose author may have been Solomon - the wisest man who ever lived! If he is not the author, some of the references are really goofy. That being said, the first verses set the stage for the rest of the book - Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 - "1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:
2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.”
Well, there! The first two chapters solidify the thought. It isn't until we get to chapter 3 that we find some real "meaning". 3:1 - "There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens...."
In what season do you find yourself? Take a deep breath and look at the "seasons" the author enumerates. No matter what "season" you find yourself experiencing, just keep in mind there is one more "season". Ecclesiastes 3:17 - "17 I said to myself,
“God will bring into judgment
both the righteous and the wicked,
for there will be a time for every activity,
a time to judge every deed.”
I ask myself each day - am I ready for the judgment day? When I answer, I know what I must do that day. May God bring you the comfort of knowing your hope is in Him.

Upcoming podcast:
The recovery of Biblical manhood and womanhood.

A book I encourage everyone to read is "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism."

The book is edited by John Piper (who I am not a fan of) and Wayne Grudem (who I love) and is composed of contributions by different authors like Douglas Moo, and D. A. Carson.

Each chapter builds on the Biblical picture of God's roles for men and women.

Evangelical feminism has blurred God's intent of what it means to be a man or a woman in His Kingdom.

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God" (1 Cor 11:3, ESV).

"It runs against human nature to reject an advantage once we have it, but that’s what Tolkien’s heroes do again and again. It seems natural to long to wield power and to have great authority, but Tolkien uses a Ring and a concept—wraithing—to warn us against the terrible, corrupting force of absolute power."

https://christandpopculture.co....m/bent-out-of-shape-

Check out a new page on CornerTable: The Biblical Church
https://cornertable.us/theBiblicalChurch

About the Page:
This page exists to promote the podcast "The Biblical Church." All communication regarding the podcast or this page may sent to thebiblicalchurch20@yahoo.com.

The page will provide information on upcoming weekly podcast and news pertaining to the church. Also, anything pertaining to God's Word and equipping of the saints.