Acts8,1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

*It is hard to understand, that when a group of people is doing so much good to the fellow men and they realize it all - the miracles, the love, the joy - every thing for what this group of people stands for. They hear about Ananias&Saphira and need to realize how holy this group of people most be. And against all of this, they start to persecute them!/the same with Jesus! Why would we like to kill the only person who really helped - ever? / If i am choosing Sin - i choose killing Jesus over following him / i can drive out all what i learned from Jesus - out of my thinking.pray for a willing heart and that i want to obey!

*and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. The Apostles only stayed in Jerusalem. This is very interesting. Maybe because Jesus told them they should wait in Jerusalem. Do not know why. This means, that the disciples left Jerusalem without their leaders, preachers, teachers. The disciples are on their own now -what will they do? How do i life, if no one is watching me? Praying - need to seek God in prayer!

*But Saul... Saul immediately started with horrible work. In the chapter before, at the moment of Stoning Stephen, he is descirbed as a young man. He was this young man, who was destroing the church. He was teached by Gamaliel. Gamaliel sad in Acts5:(...)39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. I guess Gamaliel was not aproving what his student Paul was doing. Some times i want something so much, that i do not listen to what ever advise i get - even it is good advise. What is on my hart today? I need to pray.

Acts6,54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep.
After all the good things he did - they kill him. It is the same with Jesus - only that after his first sermon he did not let him self be killed but walked just through the angry crowd.
Stephen just get stoned.
Some do not want to listen to who ever will talk to them. Even he has a face like a angle.
GOD HELP ME TO BE SOFTHEARTED ALWAYS!

1 Then the high priest asked him, Are these charges true? Interesting question / does he really ask ore  is  it part of the trial? 2 To this he replied: Brothers and fathers, listen to me! It was a family-thing The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3 'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.'4 So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. 5 He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. 6 God spoke to him in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated for four hundred years. 7 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterwards they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.' 8 Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. 9 Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace. 11 Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. 14 After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. 15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16 Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money. 17 As the time drew near for God to fulfil his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. 18 Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt. 19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die. 20 At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house. 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. 23 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. 24 He saw one of them being ill-treated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defence and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25 Moses thought that his own people would realise that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?' 27 But the man who was ill- treating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. 30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.' 35 This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert. 37 This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your ownpeople.' 38 He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us. 39 But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt- we don't know what has happened to him!' 41 That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honour of what their hands had made. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:'Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings for forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? 43 You have lifted up the shrine of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile' beyond Babylon. 44 Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, 46 who enjoyed God's favour and asked that he might provide a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for him. 48 However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 49 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?' 51 You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.

>>>He quotes a lot of Bible <> Do i know Bible as well? Some points are information outside of the Bible - research! David Bercot

>>>He talks about a history of rejection and that God is not living in a Temple <> He has 2points / For this he is able to paint a picture out of the history of the Bible. I can not see any opinion he is talking about.

Can i clearly see the Bible speaking to a point? 

Can i paint a picture out from the story of the Bible which makes the point as clear as the Bible is making it?

>>>He is super direct : You stiff-necked ... <> 

I think there is so much more to say about the art of the sermon from Stephen. It is the longest recorded sermon in the Bible after the Sermon on the mount by Jesus.

Stephen is not holding back in description of the heart and mind of his listeners. No fear. Can i see where my listeners are? Can i make it as clear as it is? Do i call Sin Sin? Ore do i make excuse for them in my sermon in order, that they do not feel so bad? For what is a man responsible? Is he a victim of his past and surrounding? Where is the sin? What do they need to hear? What helps? 

Acts6,
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)- Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. 11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God. 12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us. 15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen:
*a man full of God's grace and power
*did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 
*but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
*they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
This is a description of Stephen.
This is what he was able to do.
It is an incredible description of a man


Can i ever be full of Grace? Yes
Can i ever be full of power? Yes
Can i do great wonders? Yes
Can i do miraculous sings? Yes
Can i have wisdom? Yes
Can i speak by the Spirit? Yes
Can i have a face like an angel? Yes


Can i have all together? Yes - God can give it.
I guess it is all about how i am seeking him.
Even i am not an Apostle but just a servant in the kingdom - i can be this for God!

Acts6,1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
*Grecian Jews:Hebraic Jews complained / Groups - some had no food. Some felt left behind. First time, that i can see some not good comment about the fellowship[their widows were being overlooked *in the daily distribution of food. >>> Some have been forgotten / INTENSE: IT WAS ABOUT EATING!]
*the Twelve / This was the leadership group?!
*all / All came together ~5000Man+ What a big group. How seriously they have taken this problem!
*It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Where is a church ore a group of churches ore a movement who does imitate this?
*who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. / Am i full of the Spirit & Wisdom? ... GOD PLEASE FILL ME UP WITH THE SPIRIT!
*and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word / 
Where is a church ore a group of churches ore a movement who does imitate this?
*This proposal pleased the whole group / This is interesting - how would that be today?Who would like to have a church leadership who is just praying and reading the bible and not doing anything else?
*They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also / Stephen is chosen now!
*They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. / The apostles had the final word... - interesting!
*So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. / SO is written here. Like because they had no group who could not eat - and 7brother(for ~5000+ disciples who served now and the apostles who just prayed and red the Bible) THE NUMBER OF DISCIPLES IN JERUSALEM RAPIDLY GREW. and LARDGE NUMBER OF PRIESTS BECAME DISCIPLES.
>>>OK i make it simple - because i do not understand really: BUT  - am i praying and reading - most of my days? Am i looking for the needs in the church(my groups?) - am i helping out there?
>>>I do not pray as much as i read. I do not read as much as i meet people and help and organize.

>>>How can i pray more and read more? what will happen to the needs?

i think, this is my real question in organisation - not just get things done / but have day full of reading and praying and serve in between! - ?

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

they were furious and wanted to put them to death. The Apostles again mad them very mad! NO FEAR OF THE REACTION OF THIS MEN. NO FEAR OF ANGER!>Be fearless of Men! Christoph

 Men of Israel, consider...only find yourselves fighting against God 40 His speech persuaded them.

flogged >>> All Apostles were flogged! What a scenario!

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing  because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. What a ambition - This seemed to be the highest point of them following Christ. To follow Christ into his suffering! >>> Where do i stop following? 

point of frustration, in fear, tiredness, insecurity, shame, 

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, They did not change their preaching and teaching habits a little bit - they just continued. >>> Why do i change my habits of preaching and teaching? Fear, insecurity, Sin, living far from God, __

they never stopped(...)>>> i was stopped many times! I write 'i was stopped many times'. But in the Bible here is written 'they never stopped' <> i need friends who do the same! PROCLAIMING, TEACHING THE GOOD NEWS THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST!

&

Here is written what is the good news: (...)that Jesus is the Christ! this is the good news!

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood. 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead - whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

not to teach: This is not how it feels here in Europe - i can talk to anyone - if i would be brilliant people would come an listen. I have the Holly Spirit - i do not need to be brilliant  - I AM - GOD IS IN ME!

have filled Jerusalem: My dream - to fill Berlin with Jesus-Teaching!

are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood: All are guilty - but the people i am talking to are guilty as well. This is part of the good news - even they are guilty they could be forgiven.

We must obey God rather than men!: DO I?

and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.:DO I? - Obeying / Obeying / Obeying

Am I obedient ore not?

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin- the full assembly of the elders of Israel- and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,  23 We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no-one inside. 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.  25 Then someone came and said, Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people. 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. 27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood. 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead- whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

They realized, that the prison was empty - even no one outside  knew that!

How crazy!

Then they see them standing outside in the temple preaching and teaching the crowd.

The crowd so much loved this Apostles, that they go for them BUT not with force - because of the loving crowd.

As the captain i would stop do anything against this Apostles - it is obvious supernatural things are happening in order to protect them!

>Empty prison

>People healed all over the region

>They do not stop preaching even they are hated so much by the leadership - they show no fear!!!

What is obvious in my life?

How obvious is GOD in my life?

Is hatred stopping me being a example for the loving, forgiving God? - Many times

Is fear stopping me being a example for the strong, all powerful God? - Many times

I can not life being focused on people

I can life being focused on God - WHAT IS GOD DOING

John5,19 Jesus gave them this answer: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 

Acts5,
17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 Go, stand in the temple courts, he said, and tell the people the full message of this new life. 21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin- the full assembly of the elders of Israel- and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no-one inside. 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this. 25 Then someone came and said, Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people. 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. 27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood. 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead- whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.35 Then he addressed them: Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Now you can se, that all this miracles could not just continue for the leaders.

They just continued crucifying Jesus.

Then they put all the Apostles in jail. Then an Angle brings them out.

The Angle tells them:Go, stand in the temple courts, he said, and tell the people the full message of this new life. 

This really made my think - after in prison and danger of live - GO AGAIN & put your life in danger. Just continue to give your life away!!!

So challenging - am i ready for this? Today? Have a such serving heart, have such loving heart, that i risk my life again - even i will be hated for it and maybe God is the only one thanking me ....? WOW. tomorrow more ... i need to pray now!

12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No-one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

<>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>  <>

The apostels produced many:

Miraculous sings

Wonders - What a amazing thing, when you  hear every day about a miracle - healing, Sings, Wonder. As a person living in Jerusalem - what would be my main interest in the morning - I WOULD GO AND SEE IF SOME MIRACLE HAPPENED / I WOULD TALK ABOUT THE DISCIPLES. They did not needed to share faith anymore? Their light was shining so amazingly bright! ...?

All believers used to meet together - Still no separation - Just fellowship - in the Temple! More then 3000 met every day their. How was that  for unbelievers to see? No sharing was necessary! 

No-one else dare join them - even though they were highly regarded by the people - BUT - more & more believed in the Lord & were added to their number. - Intersting - no-one joinet them - but still they grew - If you wanted to be part of this group - you knew, after Annanias and Safira: you have to be careful >>> really honest - Then it will be awesome to become part of it all

People laid their sick into the streets - so the shadow of Peter might fall on some of them! - It is now crazy - how did the leaders feel about this? The hole town belioeved

From outside Jerusalem people brought their sick, their tormented by evil spirits - Everybody knew what was going on - they al came - !

&

ALL OF THEM WERE HEALED.

All were healed - but not all became Christians - We like the blessings, but not the commitment. We like the power of Jesus but not Jesus as Lord. God help me to OBEY YOU!

Curiosity

>Philip 2,4/19-30 - Genuine Interest

>Judge a man by his questions rather by is answers

>Judgment & Curiosity - Is there more to ask about???

Maturity and Standing AloneGenesis:2,18

IT IS NOT GOD FOR THE MAN TO BE ALONE

- BUT HE WAS ALONE WITH GOD

HE NEEDS A OTHER RELATIONSHIPS

How important is it for me to have FRIENDS!

How look my friendships?

How do i feel in friendships?

GOD WANT FOR ME TO HAVE FRIENDS

I am in Switzerland - a village over Lac Lemon. Very nice. Listening to teaching about discipleship.


I heard that in this days we actually can measure energy of my brain outside of my brain. How incredible. The Aura of a person is actually a real thing!


Jesus sais "Love each other" <> My Aura becomes LOVE YOU when i am connected to Jesus.
Awesome 

ACTS5,1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God. 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land? Yes, she said, that is the price. 9 Peter said to her, How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Great power

Great fear seized the whole church - and all who heard about these events.

A GREAT FEAR WAS PART OF THE BEGINNING OF GODs MOVEMENT.

We should have a great respect for the fellowship.

We should wonder about our family of God, we are part of.

Our father is a holy God!

God used this event in which fear was produced in the disciples. What is different today? What do i need to do and be, that the same experience can take place for my group and for me personally?

It was all in all a very powerful and amazing time! It was not normal and common at all! It was extraordinary to be around this group!

How different would i look to Peter, if i would see him the next day praying in the temple!

How different would i look to every body else still living ....

They are all holy

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind.

With whom do i feel one in heart and mind? X

No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,

With whom do i have a relationship in which i think every thing what is mine is his? ~

but they shared everything they had.

With whom do i share every thing? ~
33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,

With did i last time testify the resurrection of the Lord WITH GREAT POWER? ~

and much grace was upon them all.

About us - would they say: MUCH GRACE IS UPON THEM ALL? ?34 There were no needy persons among them.

The question would be: in our riche surrounding - what is needy, is no one in need? ?

For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales

This is not even a question - I JUST NEVER SAW THIS? X35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Interesting Detail - the feet of the Apostles: It was talked about physical needs - how attractive for every one around! What are the needs today? ??
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),

A Son of Encouragement - Encourage each other daily - 

I NEED SOME ONE LIKE THIS DAILY!
37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

He is actually doing it!

My Computer broke down.

We had a amazing baptism saturday 9. of Jun 2012

Great Campus DEVO - just encouraging each other!

Awesoem

GOD IS WITH US!

THANK YOU GOD!

The Believers Pray for Boldness
23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said,

“Sovereign Lord,

who made the heaven

and the earth

and the sea

and everything in them,
25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers were gathered together,

against

the Lord and

against

his Anointed’5—
27 for truly in this city

there were gathered together

against

your holy servant Jesus,

whom you anointed,

both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

29 And now,Lord,look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

30 while you stretch out your hand
to heal,and signsand wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 And

when they had prayed,

the place in which they were gathered together was shaken,

and

they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

and

continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

What did they pray for?

They were in fear of their live because of preaching the gospel:

- They prayed for BEING BOLD, SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!

"look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,"

Many times things coming across into my live and i feel like giving up preaching ore i just talk about it but not with boldness!

I learned here, from this first Christians. Even i would have the emotion of being afraid of my life, i can keep the focus of PREACHING WITH BOLDNESS. Because i can ask God to grant me to speak your word with all boldness

> Preaching

>> with boldness

Preaching in it self is more authority then just sharing

But preaching with boldness makes it even more powerful

God wants to be proclaimed with all boldness

God will give me all boldness to proclaim him

I can ask him for

Ac 20:35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Yes - this i can even feel now - AMEN GOD, THANK YOU!!! - You always show unexpected ways out!

Acts4,15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,
16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
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.”
21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.
22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

“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.”

They saw and heard  -  it was real: They experienced the Gospel/Jesus // Would i say today. Yes when i think about yesterday, i experienced Jesus, i saw him, was listening to him?

Today i must say it is hard

God help me to repent and see - it is not about me but about God's glory! Please God give me energy, faith, lots of love, and vision!

so that i can say: I CANNOT BUT SPEAK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN IN JESUS AND HEARD FROM JESUS!

Tim1,1-6

Jesus our savior

our hope

For Timothey - FOR ME:

Grace / Mercy / Peace FROM GOD the father & Christ Jesus OUR LORD

Father gives me: Grace / Mercy / Peace

My Lord gives me: Grace / Mercy / Peace

I am under GRACE - God has MERCY with me - and i am in PEACE because God gives me peace!

not only God but also my Lord!

THAT IS THE ATMOSPHARE I AM WORKING IN

IN GRACE/IN MERCY/IN PEACE

BUT THEN - BUT NOW - the task

Start with difficult things!

He urged Thimothey

Thimothey needs to commend certain men! <> PAUL WAS VERY SURE ABOUT THIS!

against false doctrine

against myths

against endless genealogies

> fruit is controversies

WE WANT TO INSPIRE TO GOD'S WORK - BY FAITH!

The goal = LOVE <> COMES FROM A PURE HEART / GOOD CONSCIENCE / SINCERE FAITH

Do i have a pure heart? <> AM I AWARE OF THE GRACE I AM LIVING IN? / flying

Do i have a good conscience? <> AM I AWARE OF THE MERCY GIVEN BY GOD TO ME? / thankful

Do i have a sincere faith? <> DO I HAVE PEACE TO DREAM AND BELIEVE ABOUT GODS POWER? / passionate

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,

and perceived that they were uneducated, common men,

they were astonished.

And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them,

they had nothing to say in opposition.

> the effectiveness of this 2 disciples was obvious - the cured men standing next to them!

> the boldness was not just empty and blind - it was effective in helping others in need

> so it was astonishing for the leaders to see that this guys were uneducated, common men - & - they immediately thought about Jesus.

Jesus was still in all this mens head.

They could not forget his impact, his smile, his fearlessness, his energy, his passion, his loving charisma ...

[It is cool to write down characteristics of Jesus]

> They had 3 years Jesus - every day 24hours

This alone did not make the difference - the Holly Spirit did!

 They were FILLED UP WITH THE SPIRIT - THIS IS IT! Without Holly Spirit i can not show Christ -                                                              

God - please fill me up with the spirit TODAY  !!!