Universal Utterings
for April 16, 2026
A Godcast
UniversalUtterings.Com
04-16-2026 Acts 5 v2739 But If It Comes From God
The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 5 Verse 27 thru 39
27 When they had brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28 “We gave you strict orders [did we not?] to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the men to be put outside for a short time, 35 and said to them, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. 37 After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. 38 So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. 39 But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.
Acts 5:27-39 recounts a pivotal moment in the early church when the apostles faced the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, for preaching the gospel despite being ordered to cease their activities. When brought before the council, the apostles boldly declared their commitment to obey God rather than human authorities, affirming that their mission was to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This confrontation underscores a profound truth: with God on your side, you are empowered to stand firm against opposition.
The council’s anger demonstrated the world’s resistance to truth, but it was Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, who intervened with wisdom. He urged caution, suggesting that if the apostles’ movement was of human origin, it would fail on its own. However, if it was from God, no one would be able to overthrow it. This pivotal moment illustrates that divine truth cannot be destroyed by human efforts; when God ordains a mission, it will prevail against all odds.
For believers today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that when we align ourselves with Christ, embodying His truth and love, we are not alone. The world may confront us with skepticism or hostility, but our cornerstone is the assurance that God’s purpose cannot be thwarted. Just as the apostles were emboldened by their faith, we too can navigate challenges with courage, secure in the promise that the Lord stands beside us.
In our journey of faith, let us remember that with God, we represent an unshakeable truth. No opposition can undermine our mission or silenced the message of Christ. As we share our faith, let us do so with confidence, knowing we are backed by the ultimate Authority OF GOD HIMSELF. Amen.
Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.
At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.
I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20
04-16-2026 Acts 5 v2739
**But If It Comes From God**
In the heart of a city, where shadows conspire,
Stood a council of men, in their hearts, a fierce fire.
They questioned the apostles with fury and dread,
“Why preach of this Jesus? Why raise the dead?”
Bold Peter stood forth, unyielding and strong,
“Must we heed your commands, or follow HIS Song?
We speak of the One whom you tried to remove,
In Him lies the power, the message of Truth.”
With courage ignited, he shared the great tale,
Of grace and redemption that would never go pale.
In chains they had been, but the Spirit set free,
To witness of life and the path to decree.
As anger rose high, Gamaliel spoke,
With wisdom and caution, like a seasoned oak:
“Consider their purpose, reflect on their fight,
If it’s of mankind, it will fade from our sight.
But if this is of God, you cannot withstand;
You’d find yourselves fighting with the Maker’s own hand.
So let them continue, let their voices ring true,
For what can prevail when God’s in the view?”
Thus wisdom prevailed, amidst chaos and fear,
A lesson was learned, the truth crystal clear.
For faith cannot shackle, nor zeal be contained,
In hearts made of fire, His power remains.
So let us remember, as we wander our ways,
The courage of those who ignited the blaze.
In every resistance, His spirit we find,
Boldly speaking the truth, with love intertwined. Amen.
© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins
April 16, 2026 @ 04:47 AM EST
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**† God First Ministries, Inc. is a Roman Catholic Lay Ministry not sponsored by The Church but is accepted by the IRS as a Religious Charitable Org. and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through PayPal using GodFirstforJesus@gmail.com, or given to GFM are tax deductible. †**
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