Hosanna Restoration Church

On one occasion, Jesus asked the disciples about what people were saying about who He was. Then He asked the disciples who they thought that He was. When Peter responded that He was the Christ, the son of the living God, Jesus told Him that God had revealed this to Him, and that upon this truth, He would build His church.(Matt. 16:13-19)

This was why Peter and John said that they had to speak what they had seen and heard. In another instance Jesus had said that what He spoke in their ear they were to preach from the housetops.(Matthew 10:27) There are other instances in the Word of God where we told to be salt and light, and to go into all the world and the tell the good news. But still, we must come to our own heart’s decision about what is right!!

We are called upon by God to testify or tell what good things God has done for us. We cannot be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nor should we be ashamed of others as they share their good news. God is in the business of doing notable miracles for the very purpose of giving us something to tell about. When the demon possessed man was delivered, Jesus told him to go home and tell everyone what God had done for Him. This would encourage them and draw them to the truth. We know that not everyone liked what Jesus did, because after the pigs ran into the sea they asked Him to leave. Still, a miracle had been done. And it was to be told about till the end of time and beyond.

God gives us all a choice when it comes to doing what we feel is right. If we are compelled by anything or anyone other than the Holy Spirit, we will be doing things for the wrong reason. But, we must be cautious that we do not quench the Holy Spirit.

In the case of Peter and John, it would have seemed most reasonable for them to obey and quit preaching. Or at least to do it more quietly and less publicly. But that was not what God wanted. We must be cautious that we do not let what people think or say stop us from what is right, and thus stop the truth from going forth.

If Jesus had quit because people did not like what He said and did, none of us would now be acceptable to God. If the disciples had quit, how would the Truth have continued. If all the believers since them, had allowed the resistance of unbelievers, or the accusations of those who did not choose to believe in a certain way stop them, there would be no personal relationship with Christ preached, there would be no miracles, and there would be only a form of godliness but no power.

So then, what is right? What will we do? What will we say? May we all say, as Joshua said long ago, “AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD…no matter what anyone thinks or says…