02.14.2021 | HOLY BOLDNESS
HOLY BOLDNESS
Acts 4:13 – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
Even though, deep in my heart, I longed for what he had, I was too prideful to admit it.
Acts 4:1 – “Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them.”
Acts 4:2 – “Being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”
Acts 4:3 – “And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.”
Acts 4:4 – “However, many of those who heard the Word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.”
Matthew 16:18 – “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
“There could have been as many as 15,000 believers in Jerusalem at this point.” – Peter Wagner
“By the end of the first century, one fifth of the Roman Empire was converted. 24 million people.” – Peter Wagner
The number of believers in China is now over 100 million.
How should we, as believers, respond to the increasing hostility and opposition to the Christian Faith in the United States of America?
1. RESPOND WITH THE GOSPEL
Acts 4:7 – “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’”
Luke 21:12 – “But before all these things, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My Name’s sake.”
Luke 21:13 – “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
Peter first responds with respect and honor.
Peter then responds with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Romans 10:13 – “For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Ephesians 4:15a – “Speaking the truth in love...”
2. RESPOND WITH A CHANGED LIFE
Acts 4:13 – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
Spending time with Jesus in worship, prayer, and the Word is life changing.
A changed life is difficult to refute.
Acts 6:10 – “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
Acts 6:15 – “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”
3. RESPOND WITH PRAYER
Acts 4:18 – “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the Name of Jesus.”
Acts 4:20 – “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:24a – “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord.”
Acts 4:29 – “Now, Lord, look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your Word.”
Acts 4:30 – “By stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.”
4. MORE BOLDNESS AND MORE MIRACLES IN JESUS’ NAME
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.”
Discussion Questions:
Have you personally experienced hostility and opposition to the Gospel?
How did you respond?
As you see the response of Peter and John to persecution, what seems challenging to you?
How does our flesh want to respond to opposition and hostility?
What steps does the Holy Spirit want you to take to prepare to face persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ?