September 22, 2024 Recap

Happy Monday!! Fall is here but the weekend felt like summer, for sure!

Yesterday's scripture contained many nuggets. One that stood out was the BOLDNESS of Peter.

He was filled with the Holy Spirit and saw thousands respond to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He healed a man at the Temple in the Name of Jesus and he was thrown in prison and then released; yet, he prayed in Acts 4:29 that they would be filled with BOLDNESS to speak the Word. He already sounds pretty BOLD to me. However, the Church and her servants would need BOLDNESS from the Holy Spirit in order to continue with the ministry of Jesus.

The Pharisees, High Priest, Sanhedrin, and the Sadducees had given strict orders to Peter, and those with him, that they could not preach or heal in the Name of Jesus. However, in Acts 5:12-16, we see the result of their disobedience. Many signs and wonders were taking place, believers were being added to the LORD, and the sick and demon possessed were being healed by just the shadow of Peter. That's the result of speaking and acting in Jesus' Name. He is the power and we know that BOLDNESS in His Name can change a situation. Sometimes speaking the truth can have consequences. Why is it that we know that Jesus can change a situation and yet we do not speak with BOLDNESS? We are afraid of the consequences!

Peter and the apostles were thrown in prison. But, because they obeyed God rather than men, an angel came and released them and commanded them to go to the Temple and speak the Words of Life. Continually standing up to the Priests and the Council most assuredly required BOLDNESS. Peter said, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Given the opportunity to stand before the religious leaders and priests that crucified Jesus, Peter did not back down or change the message. He spoke the Words of this Life!

The Bible says in Acts 5:33 that the leaders were cut to the heart, and took council to slay them! When we exercise BOLDNESS and speak the Words of Life, there can be consequences. We may step into a situation where we are ridiculed or mocked. Someone may challenge or disagree with the message. There may be the chance that we will be shunned or ostracized. But, we need to pray to be filled with the BOLDNESS of the Spirit because we have the Words of Life. BOLDNESS to pray for the sick, BOLDNESS to share the Gospel with an unbeliever, BOLDNESS to reconcile and heal hurts, BOLDNESS to confront sin.

May you all be blessed!