Bold Confidence

Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭14

“With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.” They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that?”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭MSG‬‬

In our current cultural moment, many believers struggle with showing boldness. We hesitate to speak truth, stand firm, or live counter-culturally. But this translation here in the message I believe unpacks revolutionary insight that true spiritual courage isn't a personality trait, it's the natural fruit of authentic communion with Christ.

When we've been with Jesus, we walk differently, speak differently, and love differently. Don’t you want that to be what you are recognized for, that you have been with Jesus?

Peter and John are boldly proclaiming the gospel here in Acts 4:13. The Holy Spirit in us is that we exude, we reflect His character, His life. This is what a life of a believer of Jesus Christ should model.

It’s like you think about Moses back in Exodus, when he would meet with God, and he would come out, and there was a glow on his face. So, we’re seeing like a glow here. Something is different about Peter and John because they’ve been with Jesus because the spirit of Jesus is in them. May that be said of you and me.

It’s not what we do that makes people realize we are believers. People can be law-abiding citizens without God. People can help others without God. People can be philanthropists without God. The thing which sets us apart is the Presence of God because it changes us on the inside.

We can’t manufacture it or fake it. It comes from God because we have spent time with Jesus. It’s only when we allow God to fill our lives with His Presence that it will become obvious to others. This doesn’t happen when we are full of ourselves. It doesn’t become obvious until we have died to ourselves, our ambitions, our preferences, our desires!!!

Father thank You for this day and blessing of Your Word that sustains us. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow from Your throne over my friend and family today. Lord thank You for the bold witness of Peter and the other disciples who were filled with the Holy Spirit of truth. Lord thank You that when we are saved by grace through faith in You, we are immediately baptized into the Body of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord thank You that by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are enabled to be filled with Your power and Your sufficient grace. Lord may we walk in spirit and truth, and live and work to Your praise and glory, being continuously filled with Your power and grace for Your greater purposes. Lord use my friend to be the blessing someone needs today.

Father, we love You. Amen !