The Incredible Human Potential PDF - Church of God Faithful Flock

THE INCREDIBLE HUMAN POTENTIAL 115The Old Testament sacrificial laws and ceremonial ritualswere a mere temporary substitute for Christ and the Holy Spirit.When the reality carne, the substitute was ended - but the basicSPIRITUAL LAW- the law of LOVE, codified in the Ten Commandments- continued. But the CHURCH was required, having theHoly Spirit, to obey them not merely according to the strictness ofthe letter but according to the spirit - or principal, or obvious intent,of the law (11 Cor. 3:6).Now we cometo the purpose and function of the Church ofGod.Immediately after the foundation of the Church, the apostlesPeter and John performed a sensational healing of a well-knowncripple - after which Peter preached to the crowd that was attracted(Acts 3: 1-26). But immediately the priests, captains of thetemple, and Sadducees threw the apostles into prison overnight(Acts 4: 1-3). And the next morning the apostles were brought beforethe high priest and his family beside other rulers and dignitaries.They were severely THREA TENED and commanded to ceasepreaching in the name of Christ.These apostles were human. This experience was unnerving!They went immediately to a company of CHURCH MEMBERS forencouragement, prayer and morale strengthening (Acts 4:23).These loyal Church brethren "lifted up their voice to God"(Acts 4:24), in united prayer, petitioning God for inspiration anddivine power, that the apostles might continue boldly proclaimingthe Message.Notice here an important function of the Church. TheChurch Iay members did not go forth with the Message - theybacked up, unitedly, the apostles who were charged with THEGREAT COMMISSION. Notice: "And when they had prayed, theplace was shaken where they were assembled together" (Acts4:31).These Church brethren were able to stand solidly and loyallyback of the apostles, beca use they "were of one heart and of onesoul [mind]" (verse 32).Later, when the savage persecution had set in, the apostleJames was martyred, King Herod also had Peter cast into prison,with the intent probably of killing him also (Acts 12: 1-4).