OMBS7/ The Heart of the King

PRAYER - "Lord, Lay Not This Sin To Their Charge" Stephen preached so powerfully to the high priest and council that "they were cut to the heart, and gnashed on him with their teeth." They yelled, stopped their ears, cast him out of the city, and killed him. Still, as he was dying, Stephen echoed Jesus' prayer that God would forgive them. We must forgive our tormentors. Acts 7:59-60 - "They stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." PRINCIPAL - "Ministers Full Of The Holy Ghost" The Apostles saw the need for ministers to tend to the daily chores of the Church. They required three things: 1. Of honest report; 2. Full of the Holy Ghost; 3. Full of wisdom. Even those who served tables were required to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. Nowadays, "Christianity" is being run by men who have never had the Holy Ghost, and fervently preach against it. The Apostles would reject them. Acts 6:3 - "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." PRINCIPLE - "We Ought To Obey God Rather Than Men" The Temple priests learned that the Apostles they had put in prison were out, and preaching in the Temple. A captain took officers and immediately arrested them. In council chambers, the high priest asked, "Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But the Apostles had a divine mandate. Divine authority is higher than human authority. Acts 5:29 - "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." PROPHECY - "The Son Of Man Stood Beside The Throne" As the council assaulted Stephen, he had a heavenly vision. "He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." This was the first revelation anyone received after Jesus' ascension. The Son of Man was standing beside the throne of the invisible Spirit of God. Later, John saw Him seated on that throne (Revelation 4:2; 22:3). Jesus is the only body God has. Acts 7:56 - "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."  The Heart of the King

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. - Proverbs 21:1

Think about that for a moment! God has reserved the right to override the will of a nation's leader, if need be, to see that His people are governed according to His will. What's more, God will hear the prayer of any government leader. Even if he's the worst reprobate in the whole world. He heard the prayer of old King Nebuchadnezzar. Believe me, that means He'll listen to any leader! You see, Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon. He was an ungodly ruler of an ungodly nation. However, he'd taken captives from the land of Judah. He had some of God's people under his authority. So, God began to deal with him. Again and again, God warned him, Nebuchadnezzar, you're going to lose your mind if you don't straighten up. And, sure enough, he went just as crazy as could be. He stayed that way for years too. Then one day he cried out to God and God heard him. Despite his status as a heathen king of a heathen nation, God intervened repeatedly in Nebuchadnezzar's life and heard him when he finally cried out for help. Why? Because he had God's people under his control! That same principle still holds true today. If we'll open the way through prayer, God will deal with our leaders! If we will humble ourselves in unity and pray, God can change the injustice and corruption that exist in our country, or any country for that matter. He'll change the hearts of everyone from the White House on down to make sure His children are governed justly. Make it a point to pray for our leaders today!

Plan of Salvation read acts 2:38