Will They Recognize that You Have Been with Jesus?*

     This message is given as a challenge to the Body of Christ. The challenge to us comes in the words of Jesus: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." (Jn. 14:12-14). This is a powerful promise from Jesus to those who believe on Him. It is a promise to any and all who believe on Him.

     The Book of Acts gives us many examples of those who believed on Jesus being used by the Lord to work miracles in His name. In Acts 3, Peter and John had gone to the temple in Jerusalem at the hour of prayer. There was a man who had been lame from birth seeking alms from those coming to the temple: "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lift him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength, and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God." (Acts 3:1-9).

     Peter began to explain to the people about Jesus, the Prince of life, whom they denied and killed and who was raised from the dead, of which they were witnesses: "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all...Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you." (v. 14-20, see also Isa. 1:26-27 and Mal. 3:2-6). The prophets wrote that the LORD would redeem and convert His people to righteousness. He would purify and refine them because who can endure the Day of His appearing? The Lord's coming is near. This is not a game. The promise to Abraham was that all families of the earth would be blessed. For this reason, God sent His Son, Jesus. (Acts 3:22-26).

     As Peter and John spoke of these things to the people, the religious rulers of the temple came. They did not want the two apostles teaching the people about Jesus. The apostles were arrested and the next day they were brought before the religious council. They asked the apostles: "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" (Acts 4:1-7). Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, answered: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4: 8-12, see also Ps. 118:22-24 and Isa. 28:16-17). The leaders saw that Peter and John spoke with boldness (parresia - boldness, confidence, openly, plainly, freedom in speaking without ambiguity), and that the apostles were unlearned (meaning of common speech, unlettered), and they marveled, "and took knowledge (perceived, recognized) of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it." (v. 13-14).

     The religious leaders, who could not deny the miracle done in the name of Jesus, commanded Peter and John that they could not speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (v. 15-18). Peter and John, however, said to the council: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot help but speak the things which we have seen and heard. The council of the religious rulers of the temple had to let them go, because of the people who had witnessed the miracle n the temple: "...for all men glorified God for that which was done." (v. 19-22).

     As Peter and John returned to the other disciples, they told them what had happened in the council. The other disciples rejoiced with one accord, saying: "Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: "...and now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness...And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." (v. 23-33, excerpt).

     Would others be able to recognize or take knowledge of the fact that you have been with Jesus, as the apostles had shown before the council? Jesus said that these signs shall follow believers. We have seen these signs and miracles in our ministry, not done through our own strength, but all accomplished in the name of Jesus. Above, Jesus said that greater works would we do. In Acts 5:12-16, people were lined up to be healed under Peter's shadow as he was passing by them! 

     Even under threat, the apostles rejoiced in Christ and prayed for all boldness and signs and wonders be done by the speaking of the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit was poured out upon them, and they saw that great power of Jesus that bore witness to their testimony.

     Seriously consider what it means to be united as one, without letting doctrines of men or devils divide us. Let us start acting as if we know that we have been with Jesus, and that we have that promised treasure in these earthen vessels.

*Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson, Jr.'s 4/12/26 message to the church. If you would like to hear the complete message, you can find it on the Facebook page of Kenneth E. Stevenson Jr. Dr. Stevenson's video messages are also found on You Tube at the Kenneth Stevenson channel. To contact or support this ministry, or to request prayer, you can write to PO Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705. To find out more about the Shroud of Turin, which is evidence of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, and to receive a free e-book now available in several languages, go to http://www.theshroudofturin.org/freebook. Also the book NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling, written by Dr. Stevenson, is available on Amazon.