THE GOLDEN ARCH

"He Whom God has exalted at His right hand as Ruler and Savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him." —Acts 5:31-32

To have Easter, we must have Pentecost. Only by the Holy Spirit can we recognize the risen Christ. To receive the Holy Spirit and to live our new life in the Spirit, we must obey God (Acts 5:32).

The Greek word translated "obey" in Acts 5:29, 32 is not the common Greek word for obedience. It includes the prefix "arch," connoting "first" and "authority." In English, we use this prefix in the words "archbishop" and "archangel." Thus, to receive the Holy Spirit we need "arch-obedience." We need more than a utilitarian or even begrudging obedience. We need obedience in which we are consciously submissive to God-given authority. We also need an obedience in which God is put first, and all authorities contrary to Him are disobeyed (Acts 5:29). In "arch-obedience," we are humble before God and rebellious against all authorities rebelling against God. Therefore, "arch-obedience" is confrontational and dangerous. All martyrs had "arch-obedience" and therefore had the Holy Spirit.

Be "arch-obedient." Receive the Holy Spirit. Meet the risen Christ.

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I am willing to risk my life for You.

Promise: "Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God." —Jn 3:36

Praise: Janet had never fasted a whole day before, but did fast for the first time on a Friday, the day her Lord died.

Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Obedience School.)