November 17, 2017. Acts 4-6.

Be Brave-Be Bold-Be You!!!

Peter is our bold example today who proclaims in Jesus’ name His resurrection. He stands before the questioning Jewish leaders in a new strength! There is power in Jesus’ name! And we can’t forget that Peter, as promised is filled with the Holy Spirit! And because of their message, thousands who heard the word spoken in boldness believed that day!

(Acts 4:7b) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

Peter and John were not considered educated and were thought just ordinary to many. But despite their lack of schooling status, look how the court is amazed at Peter’s words, as the Spirit of the Lord filled his words with logic and truth, of which they couldn’t deny he had been influenced by Jesus!

So like God to use the ordinary and the simple, to be that Jesus influence to a lost world!

Where there is belief, and evidence, and clarity of what has changed for good in a life, it is easy to be bold in sharing, when we are praying with and for boldness:

• Pray and speak your belief.
• Be specific.
• Fight against doubt.
• Pray with others.
• Share in the boldness of who Jesus is and what He has and will do.

(Acts 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

We will not live bolder than when we pray. –Beth Moore

As followers of the trinity we need to guard against deceit and selfishness. There is no fooling the Holy Spirit! God shows here in chapter 5:1-11 that God does not allow deliberate dishonesty in His relationship with His disciples. A committed heart following Jesus will shine in darkness with integrity!

The disciples chose to be bold and preached Christ, not themselves. Their mission was to glorify His name and to bring Him praise! 

Satan will use such trivial things of this life to try and begin strife and division among believers. We are wise to be bold in responding to the need and to not be distracted from the tasks at hand. Handle these things with a sensitive heart and wisdom.

Jesus will ever be praised!

Ask for His wisdom, and strength, as this life can seem complicated, and confusing, when the focus is taken off the reason for the journey. Where there is trust, and belief in God’s word, and Who He has shown to be, doubt and fear can be dismissed with His help.

(Joshua 1:9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Be the brave and be the bold for His glory, as He completes the work He has already begun!