Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world aren’t the best coders or sales people, but instead, just really good at seizing great opportunities.
In life, the best opportunities are when you can truly help solve another’s problem.
Acts 4:1-14 (NLT)
1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the leading priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees came over to them.
2 They were very disturbed that Peter and John were claiming, on the authority of Jesus, that there is a resurrection of the dead.
3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, jailed them until morning.
4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000.
5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem.
6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest.
7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people,
9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?
10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’
12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.
Religion reaches up to God—Christianity is God reaching down to man.
There is something you must understand and know about religion and religious legalism:
When threatened, religion exercises intimidation.
Acts 4:5 (NLT) The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem.
When uncertain, religion emphasizes tradition.
Acts 4:6 (NLT) Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest.
When suspicious, religion employs interrogation.
Acts 4:7 (NLT) They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”
THE LIMITATIONS OF RELIGION
Limitation #1: Religion lacks the Spirit’s filling
Acts 4:8-11 (NLT)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Leaders and elders of our nation,
9 are we being questioned because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?
10 Let me clearly state to you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed in the name and power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead.
11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’
Limitation #2: Religion is blinded to Christ’s working
Limitation #3: Religion is unmoved by the Gospel message
Acts 4:12-14 (NLT)
12 There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men who had had no special training. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
14 But since the man who had been healed was standing right there among them, the council had nothing to say.
Limitation #4: Religion is silenced by transformed lives
Acts 4:14 (NLT)
14 But since the man who had been healed was standing right there among them, the council had nothing to say.
What’s the lesson we learn from the early church?
If we place our faith in a religious system, rather then in Christ, we may be moral churchgoers or even respected citizens, but we will never know of Christ’s power, His joy or His salvation!
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“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)
Let’s look specifically at the word, “steps.” One single word. This word is very important and intentional.
Continue reading “STEPS, NOT STEP”Share this:
Your children want to help with your care so you can stay in your home. But you worry about their lost income from time off work. How about a long-term care policy that pays them for taking care of you?
Here’s How It Works
You buy a long-term care policy that offers “informal caregiver” benefits.
Continue reading “Will Your Family Get Paid for Taking Care of You?”
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Mortgage protection life insurance is an important financial planning tool that allows families to stay in their home after a loved one dies.
Most homeowners understand having life insurance is important to protect the family when they are gone. Most homeowners also want to make sure their homes are safe should they die unexpectedly. Continue reading “What Is Mortgage Protection Insurance? Do I Need It?”
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The most important benefit of setting goals isn’t achieving your goal; it’s what you do and the person you become in order to achieve your goal that’s the real benefit.
Goal setting is powerful because it provides focus. It shapes our dreams. It gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to perform to achieve everything we desire in life. Goals are great because they cause us to stretch and grow in ways that we never have before. In order to reach our goals, we must become better. Continue reading “Four Steps To Help You Set Your Goals”
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Continue reading “Happy New Year”
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If you are a person of faith, then you truly know from reading the Bible that through His words and actions, Jesus was a powerful and influential leader. Through his words and actions he created leaders as a leader. Continue reading “True Servant Leadership”
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Church Insurance: 15 Important Things You Need To Cover
Continue reading “What Insurance Coverage Do You Need For Your Church?”
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Open Enrollment for 2019 Marketplace coverage starts in just a few short months. Here are some important enrollment dates to mark on your calendar:
Key 2019 Open Enrollment dates:
- The 2019 Open Enrollment Period runs from Thursday, November 1, 2018, to Saturday, December 15, 2018.
- If you don’t act by December 15, you can’t get 2019 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2019.
Have questions? Need assistance? Contact me!
Continue reading “When can I enroll in a 2019 Marketplace plan?”
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Not sure about which Medicare Supplement Plan is right for you?
Medicare still has deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Can you afford to pay these costs out of pocket?
Medicare supplement insurance pays for the things Medicare doesn’t. There are several plans to choose from, each with different rates and coverage levels. Continue reading “Do You Need Medicare Supplement Insurance?”
Jon L. Cannon 