“Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; and said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”
Acts 5:34-42 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.5.34-42.KJV
Faith Begins By Hearing
Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” (NLT)
Everyone who follows Jesus first heard the Good News somewhere. At some point, in some way, the message of Jesus reached them.
The apostle Paul wrote these words in a letter to believers in Rome as he explained how people come to faith. Faith begins when the Good News about Jesus is heard. God uses the message of Christ to open the hearts of people everywhere with His beautiful invitation to new life.
But what makes this news so good?
Sometimes people hesitate to talk about faith because they have not fully discovered how good God truly is. Some imagine God as distant or angry, ready to judge. But that is not the God revealed through Jesus.
Jesus is compassionate. He knows every person, including you. He sees every story, including yours. He understands your fears, struggles, and burdens.
Jesus did not come to condemn the broken. He came to carry judgment on Himself, to ...