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We can read how the Apostles were forced to say these words to the senate of the Jews, when they gave forth the instruction that they should not teach in the name of Jesus Christ. That senate today, we see represented by the pressure being executed upon us in the form of supposed social justice, and the fact that all should have the right to decide for themselves, what is O.K. and socially acceptable. The Apostles of that day should represent all Christians of today, who discerned that, the instruction given them was against God’s word and will, and declared that, not only in word, but by their actions, that they ought to obey God rather than men.

They did not revolt, or march, or make an issue, or take up arms against those giving the instruction, but rather declared the truth, taught the people the way of the Lord, and then became doers of His words. Many saw this, and then realised that it was the right way, and then began to live by those teachings themselves.

Not many years ago, the laws of most Christian countries, were modeled on God’s commandments and Christ’s teachings, and this brought about a complacency amongst the people. It is a sad thing that this does not now apply, as the laws change to recognise socially accepted practices. The message of our text must go out as a constant warning to us all, that we must now assess all things that are placed before us as lawful, to be sure that it is also in unison with God’s word.  If it is not, we must then remember, “We ought to obey God, rather than men.”

If parents, we must then explain this to our children and young people, so that they see clearly, so there is less chance of them revolting against a decision to stay with God’s word and not that of men. Most of these laws are not such that if we do not join in, that we are breaking the law, but for those that do not join in, the worst that can happen is usually to come under peer pressure, initially from those that see nothing wrong with it. As in the days of our text, as more and more see others not joining in, and then give the matter thought, we will find the numbers will grow. This is proof that our light is shining before men.

We see men’s ways coming into our lives more and more. We are told by men, that parents should not chastise their children, and children are not obliged to obey parents and can take action against them. In Eph. 6:1, we read God’s word on the matter “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Young people are told by men, at 18 years, they can do what they like, but Verse 2-3, tells us of God’s way. “Honour thy father and mother: which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” Parents are told by men they need not worry as they are not responsible, but God’s word found in 1Tim. 5-8 “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”    

Men tell us it’s good to trade and manufacture seven days a week. God’s word tells us of the need to observe the Lord’s day. The list goes on and on, covering drug use, alcohol use, abortion, co-habiting, equal rights, marriage, censorship, etc., etc. All Christians are once again at that time experienced in the infant Church, where we all have to measure everything given to us by man, as instructions on how we should lead our lives, by keeping our text firmly in our minds at all times. “We ought to obey God, rather than men”, and try to live our lives by this rule.