27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
02 Acts 05 12-16 MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS IN HIS CHURCH 03 Acts 05 12 The world must see His church and give Him glory
📖 Acts 05:12-16
03 – 12Apr2023 – *The world must see His church and give Him glory* - _Acts 05:12-16_ - MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS IN HIS CHURCH - Bible reading: _Matthew 05:14-16_
“Lord Jesus, teach us to be a church, that is out in open, for all to see Your glory. In Your name, we pray. Amen.”
_Acts 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord *in Solomon's Porch*._
We will take some time today to consider Solomon’s Porch. (This is some additional reading regarding Solomon’s porch. https://insolomonsporch.com/why-in-solomons-porch/)
The disciples were all in one accord on Solomon’s porch. What was the significance?
Solomon’s porch was the public space in the temple. This was where temple discourses would take place and this was also the place where the Gentiles could also come and listen to teachings from the Old Testament.
Jesus walked, talked and taught on Solomon’s porch on several occasions. This was where the religious leaders publicly challenged Jesus to declare if He was the Messiah, for whom they were all waiting.
_John 10:23-30 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. (24) Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." (25) Jesus answered them, "*I told you, and you do not believe.* The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. (26) But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. (27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (28) And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. (30) I and My Father are one."_
The Lord made it plain to them that He was the Christ. Therefore, when they went against Jesus, it was not in ignorance, but they deliberately chose to reject the Messiah, who walked and taught among them on Solomon’s porch.
Just as the ministry of Jesus was in public, in the same way, the church of Jesus was also in public. Their life and their message were clearly seen and heard by everyone.
This is how it must be. We as His church, are not a secret society.
Our life and teaching are plain for everyone to see. We stand up to public scrutiny.
*_Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven._*
Our lives and our worship of our God cannot be separated. Therefore, wherever we are, we are His church, and we bring light into a dark place. *_Luke 11:33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light._*
We were once part of the darkness of our world but now we are light in the Lord. We must demonstrate the distinct change that has come in us since we have moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Jesus, which is light. *_Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light_*
We are to be both blameless as well as harmless, children of God in the midst of a perverse world. *_Philippians 2:15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,_*
We are to declare the good works of God in all that we do. *_Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.-*
Our good works, that are open before the world, must bring glory to God. _I Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, (12) *having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation*._
Our life is such that we give a defence for the hope of Jesus, who lives in us. _I Peter 3:15-16 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed._
Ultimately, we are to reveal the glory of God through our lives. *_I Thessalonians 2:12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory._*
As the early church met on Solomon’s Porch, in full view of the public, let us also be light in the midst of the darkness.