God Can If God Will

Boldness in the Lord

Introduction

We are going to begin a new series this morning. I have noticed that the world has become more bold in promoting values and ideas that are opposed to christian beliefs. I have also noticed that very few Christians are willing to say or do anything about it. Christians today lack boldness. We have heard so many times that Christians should be meek and we interpret that as weak. Meekness is not weakness! Meekness is power under control. Meek Christians can be bold Christians. To be bold does not mean being loud, obnoxious, and unruly. The word bold simply means courageous. Are you courageous in Christ? Do you stand up for what you believe?

Over the next several weeks we are going to look at the A-Z of boldness. We will see different people through out biblical history that were bold.

Today we will begin with just an introduction of being bold in Christ.

We will also learn how and why the modern christian must be bold.

We are going to look at the book of Acts chapter 4 and see an example of being bold in Christ.

In acts 4 we find Peter and John being brought before the Sanhedrin for healing a man born lame and for telling of Jesus.

1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

They are being questioned by the religious leaders of the Jews. It would be very easy to be intimidated in this circumstance, but listen to what happens. Keep in mind this is the same Peter who during Jesus' trial hid among the people, the same Peter who denied even knowing Jesus, the same Peter who cursed to try to prove he didn't know Him this is the same Peter standing before the Sanhedrin.

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

I would like to address two matters this morning considering Boldness.

First, where does it come from?

What was different about Peter now than before? I think the key is in verse 8 " Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,". He was bold because he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He was not bold in the flesh, he was not bold in his ability or knowledge, but because he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He had something that every believer is empowered with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-39 "37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. " When we become believers we receive Gods Holy spirit. We have the same power that Peter was given and yet we are not bold in our faith, why?