"Judge For Yourselves, Whether It Is Right In GOD's Eyes, For Us To Obey You, Rather Than GOD. We Cannot Stop Speaking About What We Have Seen And Heard."

 "They were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated  and untrained men.  They recognized, also, that they had been with JESUS, but, as the man who had been cured stood beside them, they could make no reply.

So they ordered them to leave the council room while they consulted with one another.  They asked, 'What shall we do with these men?  Everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows, that a remarkable sign has been given through them, and we cannot deny it.  But to stop this from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them never again to speak to anyone in the name of JESUS.'  So they called them back and charged them not to speak, or teach at all, in the name of JESUS.

But Peter and John answered them, 'Judge for yourselves, whether it is right in GOD's eyes, for us to obey you, rather than GOD.  We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'  Then the council threatened them once more and let them go.  They could find no way of punishing them because of the people, who glorified GOD for what had happened;..." - Acts 4:13-21 

(What we have seen and heard.  It is John speaking: John will not speak about miracles, or revelations, or secrets jealously kept by some members.  The truth that he relates to us is both simpler and more divine than all this: GOD, the Eternal Life, has come to live with us.

Life became visible.  Do not look for miracles or miraculous powers.  Do not expect fantastic revelations about the beyond.  Life was revealed as the gift of the FATHER, the rebirth of a humanity without hope, the divine smile, the unexpected visit of the one seeking to share HIS life with humans [Proverbs 8:31].  We will not find life merely in books, but through communion with those who have seen and experienced it before us, and who became HIS Church.)

On-Site

JESUS Is The Stone Rejected By You, The Builders, Which Has Become The Cornerstone

 "While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them.  They were greatly disturbed, because the apostles were teaching the people, and proclaiming that resurrection from the dead had been proved, in the case of JESUS.  Since it was already evening, they arrested them and put them in custody until the following day.  But despite this, many of those who heard the Message, believed; and their number increased to about five thousand.

The next day, the Jewish leaders, elders and teachers of the law assembled in Jerusalem.  Annas, the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly class were there.  They brought Peter and John before them; and began to question them, 'How did you do this?  Whose name did you use?'

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke up, 'Leaders of the people!  Elders!  It is a fact, that we are being examined today for a good deed done to a cripple.  How was he healed?  You, and all the people of Israel, must know, that this man stands before you cured, through the name of JESUS CHRIST, the Nazorean.  You had HIM crucified.  But GOD raised HIM from the dead.  JESUS is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  

There is no salvation in anyone else; for there is no other Name given to humankind, all over the world, by which we may be saved.'" - Acts 4:1-12 

(The Jewish leaders judge Peter and John.  The Holy Spirit judges the leaders of the Jews.

These leaders believe they posses the truth because they are learned and have authority.  It is impossible for them to back down before ordinary men who refute their statements.  Meanwhile Peter points out how strange it is to be arrested for having healed a sick man.

These leaders were Sadducees and they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead: Acts 23:6.

This text suggests that all of us can be witnesses of CHRIST and of the truth, if  we are determined to be involved.  Oftentimes, because we only rely on our own strength instead of counting on the Spirit of CHRIST, we remain silent before our co-workers or our leaders.)

On-Site

Humanity Is On Its Way To The Coming Of CHRIST And The Restoration Of The World

 "While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, struck with astonishment, came running to them in Solomon's Porch, as it was called.  When Peter saw the people, he said to them,

'Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this?  Why do you stare at us, as if it was by some power or holiness  of our own, that we made this man walk?  The GOD of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the GOD of our ancestors has glorified HIS servant JESUS, whom you handed over to death and denied before Pilate; when even Pilate had decided to release HIM.  You rejected the Holy and Just One; and you insisted that a murderer be released to you. You killed the Master of life, but GOD raised HIM from the dead; and we are witnesses to this.  It is HIS Name, and faith in HIS Name, that has healed this man, whom you see and recognize.  The faith that comes through JESUS has given him wholeness in the presence of all of you.

Yet, I know that you acted out of ignorance, as did your leaders.  GOD has fulfilled, in this way, what HE had foretold through all the prophets, that HIS Messiah would suffer.

Repent, then, and turn to GOD so that your sins may be wiped out; and the time of refreshment may come by the mercy of GOD, when HE sends the Messiah appointed for you, JESUS.  For HE must remain in heaven, until the time of the universal restoration, which GOD spoke of long ago, through HIS holy prophets.

Moses foretold this, when he said: The LORD GOD will raise up for you a prophet, like me, from among your own people; you shall listen to HIM in all that HE says to you.  Whoever does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from among HIS people. 

In fact, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel onward, have announced the events of these days.  You are the children of the prophets, and heirs of the Covenant that GOD gave to your ancestors, when HE said to Abraham: All the families of the earth will  be blessed through your descendant.  It is to you, first, that GOD sends HIS Servant; HE raised HIM to life, to  bless you, by turning each of you from your wicked ways.'" - Acts 3:11-26 

(Why are you amazed at this?  The miracle was done in the Name of JESUS, that is, by the Power over every creature that JESUS received from the FATHER at the time of HIS resurrection.  JESUS was in their midst as the servant of the LORD [Isaiah 42:1; 52:13], but speaking of HIS name was a way of stating HIS divinity [Mark 16:17; Philippians 2:9].

I know that you acted out of ignorance.  Yet Peter demands that they admit their guilt.  All of us must confess a similar guilt in the injustices and crimes of our times.

HE must remain in heaven.  The coming of JESUS inaugurated the "last days" in which the Gospel reconciles humanity with GOD, and changes human consciousness thus speeding up the course of history which, in the end, forces humankind to solve their problems together.  Humanity is on its way to the coming of CHRIST and the restoration of the world, namely, the Resurrection.

HE sends HIM to bless.  This blessing comes to those who accept reconciliation with GOD upon seeing the love HE revealed to us in JESUS.  The blessing is not for us alone, rather, through us--the people of GOD--it reaches all the families of the earth.)

On-Site  

Peter And John Cure A Lame Man

 "Once when Peter and John were going up to the temple, at three in the afternoon, the hour for prayer, a man, crippled from birth, was being carried in.  Every day, they would bring him and put him at the temple gate called 'Beautiful;' there, he begged from those who entered the temple.

When he saw Peter and John on their way into the temple, he asked for alms.  Then Peter, with John at his side, looked straight at him and said, 'Look at us.'  So he looked at them, expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said, 'I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you: In the name of JESUS of Nazareth, the Messiah, walk!'

Then, he took the beggar by his right hand and helped him up.  At once, his feet and ankles became firm, and, jumping up, he stood on his feet and began to walk.  And he went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising GOD.

All the people saw him walking and praising GOD; they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were all astonished and amazed at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:1-10 

(We might sometimes think that JESUS cured all the sick.  This is not true, since HE did not heal this cripple who was in the temple every day.  This new sign brings about another proclamation.)

On-Site

What Shall We Do?

 "Let Israel, then, know for sure, that GOD has made LORD and CHRIST this JESUS, whom you crucified.

When they heard this, they were deeply troubled.  And they asked Peter and the other apostles, 'What shall we do, brothers?

Peter answered, 'Each of you must repent and be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, so that your sins may be forgiven.  Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise of GOD was made to you and your children, and to all those from afar, whom our GOD may call.'

With many other words Peter gave the message; and appealed to them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation.'  So, those who accepted HIS word were baptized; some three thousand persons were added to their number that day. - Acts 2:36-41 

(What shall we do?...  Repent.  In those days, to repent and to be converted meant to share the life of the infant Church which showed to the nation the way of salvation taught by JESUS.  The Church did not appear as a new religion opposed to Judaism, but as a center of more authentic life.

Save yourselves from this crooked generation.  This means that the entire generation was missing the unique opportunity they were given.  For GOD asked them to take the most decisive step in Sacred History; even Roman oppression could be overcome by a people able to put the Gospel into practice.  At the same time JESUS made them discover the love of GOD the FATHER for which the entire Scripture prepared them.

Some three thousand persons were added to their number.  They already knew of JESUS, but were not committed to HIM.  They were converted by the common action of the Holy Spirit and the apostles.  A church in which signs of the Spirit acting could not be seen could not say that JESUS lives in her midst.)

On-Site  

GOD Raised HIM To Life

 "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven and, with a loud voice, addressed them, 'Fellow Jews and all foreigners now staying in Jerusalem, listen to what I have to say.

Fellow Israelites, listen to what I am going to tell you about JESUS of Nazareth.  GOD accredited HIM and through HIM did powerful deeds and wonders and signs in your midst, as you well know.  You delivered HIM to sinners to be crucified and killed, and, in this way, the purpose of GOD, from all times, was fulfilled.  But GOD raised HIM to life and released HIM from the pain of death; because it was impossible for HIM to be held in the power of death.  David spoke of HIM when he said: I saw the LORD before me at all times; HE is by my side, that I may not be shaken.  Therefore, my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced; my body, too, will live in hope.  Because YOU will not forsake me in the abode of the dead, nor allow YOUR Holy One to experience corruption.  YOU have made known to me the paths of life, and YOUR presence will fill me with joy.

Friends, I don't need to prove that the patriarch David died and was buried; his tomb is with us to this day.  But he knew, that GOD had sworn to him, that one of his descendants would sit upon his throne and, as he was a prophet, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah.  So he said, that he would not be left in the region of the dead, nor would his body experience corruption.

This Messiah is JESUS; and we are all witnesses that GOD raised HIM to life.  HE has been exalted at GOD's right side; and the FATHER has entrusted the Holy Spirit to HIM; this Spirit, HE has just poured upon us, as you now see and hear.'" - Acts 2:14. 22-33 

(This is the first proclamation of JESUS' resurrection.  Peter, once again, aware of his responsibility in the group of the Twelve, speaks on behalf of all.  He cites the texts of the Old Testament: Joel, the Psalms, etc. and demonstrates their fulfillment in JESUS and in the nascent Church.

GOD raised HIM to life.  Peter recalls how JESUS showed many signs of love during HIS public life: in spite of that, or more precisely, because of that, HE was delivered into the hands of pagans: how mysterious it is that people reject GOD's love.  More than 700 years before the coming of JESUS, the prophet Hosea was already familiar with this rejection of GOD's love [Hosea 11:1-4] and JESUS, HIMSELF, announces it in the parable of the murderous vineyard tenants [Matthew 21:33-39].  However, GOD, whose love is more powerful than our sins [Romans 5:20], raised HIM from the dead and made HIM the source of salvation for all.)

On-Site 

Seek The Things That Are Above

 "So then, if you are risen with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is seated at the right hand of GOD.  Set your mind on the things that are above, not on earthly things.  For you have died and your life is now hidden with CHRIST in GOD.  When CHRIST, who is your life, reveals HIMSELF, you also will be revealed with HIM in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 

(Here we have what was said about baptism [2:12] which joins us to CHRIST and makes us share in all HIS wealth.  Since CHRIST left this earth, we leave it too: what is best in our lives, what motivates us to do things is neither visible, nor is it of the earth.  GOD alone knows the riches of the believer's heart, even when her life seems tarnished by various faults and weaknesses: one day GOD will manifest the goodness, the "glory" which we do not yet see [see Matthew 25:31-46].)

On-Site  

JESUS Has Been Raised From The Dead

 "When the Sabbath was over, Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint the body.  And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they came to the tomb.

They were saying to one another, 'Who will roll  back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?'  But, as they looked up, they noticed that the stone had already been rolled away.  It was a very big stone.

As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man in a white robe seated on the right, and they were amazed.  But he said to them, 'Don't be alarmed; you are looking for JESUS of Nazareth who was crucified; HE has been raised and is not here.  This is, however, the place where they laid HIM.  Now go, and tell HIS disciples and Peter: JESUS is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see HIM there, just as HE told you.'" - Mark 16:1-7 

(JESUS' history comes to an end with the discovery of the empty tomb.  In the last pages of the Gospel we find a brief account of the most important apparitions of JESUS after HIS death.  HE is no longer the earthly JESUS but the resurrected one, born again of the FATHER and never to die again, as Psalm 2 says: "YOU are MY son.  This day I have begotten YOU."

JESUS has risen.  The Gospel narrates events that took place after HIS death and mentions the names of those who saw the resurrected JESUS.  Can we believe them?  We would like more details to support our faith, but if even thousands of interviews with eyewitnesses were published, with pictures in full color to support the statements, there would always be room for doubt.  We do not see HIM, we cannot find HIM.  Where is HE?

Actually it is not important whether there are few or many witnesses.  This is a matter of faith and faith is something personal.

We doubt, not because there is not enough evidence, but because the event overwhelms us.  How can we believe in a resurrection?  The evidence, nevertheless, is there and has withstood recurring criticisms and even modern studies.

Finally, who will believe?  Those whose own experience has prepared them to accept the most fundamental truth: the living GOD loves people and restores them to life.  Some persons are predisposed to believe because they have experienced that GOD HIMSELF walks with them in their trials and gives them hope when everything seems lost.  Because of this, they recognize in CHRIST the ideal human being and understand that HE had to suffer before reaching HIS glory.  They have learned the ways of GOD and that is why they believe the witnesses of the resurrected CHRIST.

It is not more difficult to believe in CHRIST's resurrection than to believe in HIS words, for both go together.  "Those who believe have overcome the world," John the apostle says [1 John 5:5].  This means overcoming the false meaning that most people give to their existence due to their ignorance of GOD.  Whoever believes has overcome the fears each of us has when we have to pass through uncharted paths, when we have to set reason aside and entrust ourselves to GOD's hands.)

On-Site   

HE Makes HIMSELF An Offering For Sin

 "Yet it was the will of YAHWEH to crush HIM with grief.

When HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin,

HE will have a long life and see HIS descendants.

Through HIM the will of YAHWEH is done.

For the anguish HE suffered,

HE will see the light and obtain perfect knowledge.

MY just servant will justify the multitude;

HE will bear and take away their guilt.

Therefore I will give HIM HIS portion among the great,

and HE will divide the spoils with the strong.

For HE surrendered HIMSELF to death

and was even counted among the wicked,

bearing the sins of the multitude

and interceding for sinners."

- Isaiah 53:10-12

(HE makes HIMSELF an offering for sin.  In several passages of the Scriptures we are invited to adopt this same attitude when we suffer unjustly [1 Peter 1:20; 4:13].  CHRIST alone has perfectly fulfilled this redemptive mission from the beginning to the end of HIS life [Hebrews 10; John 2:29; Romans 5:6].

MY just servant will justify the multitude: that is to say, HE will make them just and holy.  The Hebrew text reads "the many", which means the multitude.  JESUS refers to this text at the Last Supper: "MY blood poured out for many," or for everyone [Mark 14:24].  There JESUS clearly says that HIS death is the free and perfect sacrifice foretold in this song.)

On-Site 

"I AM The Alpha And The Omega."

 "... and from JESUS CHRIST, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To HIM who loves us, and has washed away our sins with HIS own blood, making us a kingdom, and priests for GOD, HIS FATHER,

to HIM, be the glory and power, for ever and ever.  Amen.

See, HE comes with the clouds, and everyone will see HIM, even those who pierced HIM; on HIS account, all the nations of the earth will beat their breast.  Yes.  It will be so.

'I AM the Alpha and the Omega,' says the LORD GOD, 'the one who is, and who was, and who is to come: the Master of the universe.'"

- Revelation 1:5-8

 

(The one who is and who was, and who is to come.  This way of naming GOD expands what was revealed to Moses: "I AM who AM' [Exodus 3].  The living GOD is a GOD who is coming.

Then CHRIST is presented as the Messiah and Judge hoped for by the Jews.  HE comes with the clouds.  In HIS trial, JESUS also referred to this text of the prophet Daniel [7:13].

All the nations of the earth will lament HIM.  See this prophecy of the murdered Messiah: "the one they pierced" in Zechariah 12:10.

The Alpha and the Omega [that is A to Z].  This suggests that GOD embraces all time.

Revelation is addressed to Christians who are beginning to suffer for their faith, and shows CHRIST to them, as the model they are imitating.  CHRIST is the "servant and the witness of GOD the FATHER."  Let us not forget that martyr means witness.)

On-Site