BOLDNESS

                        “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken,                                                  and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously.”               Acts 4:31

TO BE BOLD FOR CHRIST REQUIRES COURAGE

What do you think of when you read the above statement?

How do you envision being bold for Christ?

THE COUNCIL                                                                                                                                                                        What will they lose?

When Peter and John were arrested for telling others about Jesus (in Acts 3-4), a fear was rising in those who arrested them. The council members so called, relationship with God, was on the back burner, because their reputations were at stake. They had a special influence. They gained financially by cooperating with the Romans. How was this going to impact the lives of the Council?

The council wanted to know by what power they had healed the man.

They demanded to have an answer. The council did not believe the resurrection happened, so they could not understand how so many people could be following these men who had no formal education.

These men, disciples they called themselves, were trying to tell people this “Jesus” rose from the dead.                        “We must stop this mockery!”

Yes, they will lose everything.

THE DISCIPLES                                                                                                                                                                          What will they gain?

Peter explained who the Messiah was that God sent. Jesus was a servant not a great ruler king.

As the disciples taught the people about sin, how to be forgiven, how to acknowledge personal sin and turn from it, they were met with resistance, much like today.

Yes, the only way to have eternal life with God is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, admit you are a sinner, and ask for forgiveness.  Some say it’s just too easy. There must be more to it. Well, there is not. Once you have taken the BOLD step to accept Christ, well then Jesus takes His step with you. He is always there, helping you, guiding you, loving you.

Yes, what will they gain? Everything.

TAKE THE STEP                                                                                                                                                                          What will you gain?

Are you ready to witness for Christ – to stand when there is rejection, or persecution?

Can you just imagine leading five thousand people to know Christ, then are arrested for doing so, then stand BOLDLY before the council to claim in victory who Jesus, the Christ, truly is?

They could have been imprisoned longer, possibly even death, but they were obedient. Even so there was the question, “are we not doing what You want us to, Lord?”

Acts 4:29 “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holly Servant Jesus.”

Yes, what will you gain?  Everything!

SHAKE THE GROUND, LORD

So just imagine, here you are, downtrodden, you are at a fork in the road. Which way, Lord, which way?

Our mission here on earth may not be at notable at the Disciples, but we are all called to be disciples. We are all called to stand boldly, whether it be by voice, or by prayer, God has provided us with the necessary power and strength to bring His kingdom to those who need it.

If you listen for Him, wait for Him, talk to Him, read His Word, you may be surprised at how your world may shake with the answers you never thought possible. Allow God to shake the ground under you.

Thank You, God, for the Word. Let it penetrate our hearts so we can feel and know when You are shaking the ground under us. Help us to be bold for You. Thank You, Jesus. Amen