In what ways can we boldly proclaim salvation in Jesus' name today? The Unbreakable Foundation: One Name, One Way • Acts 4:12 sets the tone: “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” • Jesus Himself affirmed the same exclusivity (John 14:6). • Paul echoed it (1 Timothy 2:5). • Bold proclamation begins with confidence that Jesus alone saves; compromise here drains courage. Spirit-Fueled Courage • Peter’s boldness flowed from being “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8). • Jesus promised that same help when we face pressure (Luke 12:11-12). • Our words need Spirit power, not slick arguments (1 Corinthians 2:4). Practical steps: – Pray for fresh filling before conversations. – Depend on Scripture; the Spirit authored it. – Expect divine appointments and speak when prompted. Stories Worth Telling • The council “saw the boldness of Peter and John” and recognized they had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). • Jesus told the delivered man: “Go home… and tell” (Mark 5:19). • Your testimony is irrefutable; share: – Who you were. – What Jesus did. – Who you are becoming. Keep it Christ-centered—He is the hero. Everyday Conversations • “Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time… gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:5-6). • “Always be prepared to give a defense… with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Ideas: – Look for natural segues (gratitude, current events, personal challenges). – Use questions to uncover spiritual hunger. – Offer to pray on the spot; prayer often opens the gospel door. Visible Love That Validates the Message • “Let your light shine… that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). • Integrity at work “makes the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10). Ways to shine: – Meet tangible needs—food, rides, babysitting, repairs. – Serve in community projects while naming Jesus as your motivation. – Practice radical forgiveness; it’s a loud sermon. Open-Air, Pulpits, and Platforms • “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). • “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). Modern outlets: – Street evangelism, campus outreach, workplace Bible studies. – Digital witness: blogs, podcasts, short-form video, social media posts saturated with Scripture. – Community events: concerts, testimony nights, holiday services. Sending Light to the Nations • Psalm 96:3 calls us to “Declare His glory among the nations.” • Mission sending fulfills Romans 10:14-15. How to participate: – Pray regularly for unreached peoples. – Give generously to mission partners. – Go on short-term or long-term trips as God leads. – Welcome internationals locally; the nations are often next door. When Courage Costs • The apostles refused to be silenced (Acts 4:17-20). • “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed” (1 Peter 4:14-16). Strength for resistance: – Remember the reward: eternal joy far outweighs present scorn. – Lean on the church family; isolation weakens witness. – Keep proclaiming; opposition often amplifies the gospel’s reach. Putting It All Together Bold proclamation today happens when believers, anchored in the exclusive salvation of Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit, share personal stories, weave the gospel into daily life, back words with deeds, use every available platform, support global missions, and stand firm under fire. The name that saved us is the name we cannot keep to ourselves. |
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