Bold Faith

 

    The original church leaders were not happy that Peter was picking up where Jesus left off. They did not want Jesus' resurrection being preached.  They thought that they had resolved their problem when they had Jesus killed, but now it appeared that their problem was growing.  They still wanted it over, so they arrested Peter and John for stirring up the crowd.  

    Just because two of the leaders of the church were in jail did not mean that people would lose their faith. Those that had heard added to the believers.  There were about 5,000 people that had faith in Jesus' resurrection.  

    The Holy Spirit gave Peter and John power and words to use while they were on trail.  They declared that the only way to salvation was through Jesus.  There is no other way.  The Holy Spirit will mold anyone giving them skills.  You don't have to have skills to be a Christian.  He will educate the uneducated, so you don't need to have all the answers.  You just need to have faith and it will bring greater things.

    The Jewish leaders had no choice but to let Peter and John go.  They commanded Peter and John to never speak of Jesus again, but that was never going to happen.  When man's laws interfere with God's laws, you need to obey God's laws.  It doesn't matter if people threaten your life or livelihood.  The truth is what matters because souls are at stake.  

    If you chose not to obey God's laws and cave to people, then God will go around you and find someone that is bold in their faith.  You will lose out in being part of something special (even if it doesn't feel like it at the time) and the blessings that would have come from being faithful. 

    Peter and John returned to their people giving them a full report.  The very large community worshipped God for taking care of their leaders.  Boldness gives you freedom of speech.  There is never a better time to proclaim the truth than when you have a captive audience.  Peter and John took advantage of their trial revealing their bold faith. 

    When you pray begin with acknowledging who God is.  Then go to him with your needs and heart's desires.  The more you pray and speak the truth the bolder you will become.  The more you live in faith, the more you will see miraculous things.  There really is power in prayer.  Faith and prayer can literally move things as the Holy Spirit works.  It can happen immediately when you are praying.

    The power of the Holy Spirit will shake you to your core and change your life as you work with other believers.  They all worked together, lived together, and worshipped together.  We need to work with people that have a like mind and heart.  It is powerful.  It is amazing to be a part of something where no one is in need.  

    We need to get away from the individualism that we know all too well.  It is not about you.  It is about the Christian community.  It will inspire other people.  However we need to be inspired to do good to do what is best, not to be acknowledged as doing good.  

Acts 4