Time for Boldness

The Apostolic early church proclaimed the uncompromising Word of God combined with demonstrations of the Spirit’s power in signs, wonders and miracles. In Acts 4 political and religious leaders were pierced with Holy Spirit conviction as the undiluted truth of the Kingdom of God was taught and preached along with Jesus resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2)

An undeniable, irrefutable miracle of healing had manifested in a lame man from birth who was over 40 years of age. (Acts 3:7) A band of religious leaders asked Peter and John by what power or name have you done this? Peter filled with the Holy Spirit responds with absolute clarity and boldness. Acts 4:8 – 12, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Believers have been promised that the Holy Spirit will teach us in the hour of testing what to say. (Luke 12:12) Jesus said I will give you a mouth of wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict and resist. (Luke 21:15) As a pastor the pulpit must be a place of moral clarity and kingdom truths according to revelation revealed in the Scriptures, for if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle. (I Cor. 14:8)

Boldness can be seen in us and experienced by those we respond to in firm love! It is cultivated by spending time with Jesus rather than by the accumulation of degrees or certificates. (Acts 4:13) Peter and John were threatened and commanded not to speak nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:18) We see Peter and John’s response in Acts 4:19 & 20, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Today in America, Pastors and Believers are facing spiritual forces of darkness working through some in the government and the church. They want us to compromise, be quiet and go away while our cities and nation is destroyed! Yet God is sending each of us into our unique spheres of influence to be salt and light, to contend for revival and disciple nations. Matthew 13:37 – 39, “He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.” The Lord Jesus is asking each of us a question. Psalm 94:16 – 17, “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence.”

Let’s pray Acts 4:29 -31 together in love and unity for our community, region and nation. “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” 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.”

In His Name,

Pastor Michael