Quote of the day

"But Scripture is clear: There is no legitimate conquering of sin without a pursuit of Christ in its place (2 Timothy 2:22; Romans 13:14; John 6:35). Jesus is a good meal for our soul. The battle for purity is really a battle to delight in God." Jimmy Needham

What a reminder that repentance is not merely "turning away" from sin, but married to "turning toward" Christ. 

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13 ESV

http://bible.com/59/act.4.13.esv

Mere lip service to Jesus compares nothing to experiencing an intimate walk with Jesus. Those not in the family can distinguish the imposter from the genuine. Many are educated; however, few resonate with His beauty & glory. I desire to be the latter. 

“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.”

Acts 4:1-4 ESV

http://bible.com/59/act.4.1-4.esv

I find a few details interesting & encouraging in this text:

1) the reason for the arrest - they were preaching Jesus. The proclamation of Jesus as the good news to mankind is annoying to those who delight in their own fancies or pursue high places of ruler ship & authority. 

2) the fruit of gospel preaching - many believe the Word thus, by implication, were birthed into the family of God. Followers of Jesus who experience persecution due to preaching need be reminded of the fruit that such bears.