Sams Place

 “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22 Consistency in reading the Word yields invaluable results in increasing one’s faith.  We have seen the cripple walk, blind see, mute speak and the dead rise.  Storms are stilled, thousands are fed, fish pay taxes and demons take flight. Jesus has established His authority over sickness, nature, demons, disabilities and death.  He fulfills Old Testament prophecy as he enters Jerusalem with the authority of a different kind of King.  Why should it surprise us when he curses a fig tree and it dies?  Yet the disciples are amazed.  What is really amazing is that Jesus tells them (and us) that if we have faith without doubting, we too can move mountains with our...

I am struck with awe every time I read the book of Acts.  The power of the Holy Spirit has given the apostles unstoppable boldness in preaching the gospel, healing the sick and performing miracles in the name of Jesus. When situations seem hopeless angels come to the rescue so the Holy Spirit “firepower” continues.  In all these circumstances all the glory is given to God.  As we watch the drama unfold we are given a classic line, reiterated by Peter from the prior chapter (4:19) “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29)  When we feel like the world we live in is trying its best to eradicate the name of Jesus – let us not fall prey to the ways of the world but continue “the race” knowing that we must obey God rather than men.