The Wisdom Of Gamaliel

THE WISDOM OF GAMALIEL
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Acts 5:34-39 [Geneva Version]
34 Then stood there up in the Council a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, honored of all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space,

35 And said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do touching these men.

36 For before these times, rose up Theudas boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, who was slain: and they all which obeyed him were scattered, and brought to naught.

37 After this man, arose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the tribute, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain yourselves from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to naught:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest ye be found even fighters against God.
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If Christianity was to fail, it would have failed shortly after the death of Jesus Christ. After all, Theudas and Judas of Galilee both died and their followers were dispersed. Their movements died with them.

No one knows about those two today. But how come Jesus Christ's followers did not disband?
How come the Church of Jesus Christ is so wide spread today?

One simple answer: Jesus rose from the dead. He did what Theudas couldn`t do. He did what Judas of Galilee could not do.

He broke the mold of Jewish history, and human history in general. All the leaders that arose before Christ eventually died or were slain. But Jesus rose from the dead and this is historically verified because the church grew stronger rather than fading out.
Think about it. Who would be willing to risk Roman torture for a dead man, who is still dead in the grave?
There was something VERY different about Jesus. Namely, His grave is empty and He is ALIVE!

The church was willing to endure intense persecution and flogging and even martyrdom for the name and gospel of Jesus.
Why? Because Jesus brought a new hope, the hope of resurrection from the dead. That is something no other leader can offer. NO other person has demonstated this Resurrection power - only Jesus has. He was clinically and completely dead. Then on the third day, He rose from the grave,and people did not even recognize Him right away. He was in a glorified physical form and He did NOT look poor and beaten as He did on the cross.
He was and is glorious. He instilled bravery and courage and faith and hope in His followers. That is why Christianity breaks the mold.
That is why Gamaliel was correct. God gave that Pharisee some wisdom, and he was able to convince his fellow Jewish council members not to kill the Apostles.
Why? Because Gamaliel knew his facts. He knew history. He said that if this new "Jesus" movement, the followers of the "Way", was only a human effort, then it will not last.
BUT if it is of God, then not even Religious groups, governments, or demons will be able to stop it.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, forever (Heb 13:8). Let us be bold and spread the Gospel!
Believe in Jesus, repent from your sins. He paid for your sins and if you believe, you will be saved from God's wrath and punishment.
Confess Jesus as your Leader, God, and Lord. Believe He rose from the dead, and you WILL be saved! By doing this, by accepting His free gift, you will NOT spend eternity in hell, but rather,
you will spend all eternity in heaven with JESUS, and share in His joy and peace! You do not work to get to heaven. Indeed, you cannot work to get to heaven. Instead you simply believe in His Grace, or unearned favour. Jesus IS your one way to Heaven! (John 14:6) He wants a personal relationship with you.

Be encouraged! History is made by Jesus and it truly is His-story! He was unlike any other leader, and He continues His resurrection power, work, and healings to this day! Just as Gamaliel said, you cannot destroy the work of God! Rather than fighting God, we should join Him!

Blessings,
Pastor Curtis

Mon Aug 3 2015 7:11pm EST