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29. We ought to obey God rather than men.Acts 5:29, KJV. The religious leaders called for the apostles to be brought from prison. They are told that the apostles are not in prison, but the doors were locked and the guards were in place. A man comes saying, "Those whom you put in prison are in the temple teaching the people." So Peter and John are brought before the council. And they ask, "Did we not tell you not to teach in the name of Jesus?"We come to today's verse, about obeying God, adding that the religious leaders murdered Jesus, who was innocent, and that God raised Him up to be King and Savior for the forgiveness of sins. When they heard this, they sought to slay Peter and John. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, speaks up, saying, "Be careful what you do to these men. Let them alone; if this work is of men, it will not prosper.But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop it, and you will be found fighting against Almighty God." The lesson: obey God's authority, focus on Jesus. Real faith in Jesus will not collapse under pressure. Jesus is the message. The Gospel is not a self-help program; it is about Jesus, who lived without sin, was crucified, and rose from death. And all who repent from sin will receive a pardon, and forgiveness, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.