How can we boldly speak what we have "seen and heard" about Jesus? Setting the Scene - Acts 4 records Peter and John hauled before the Sanhedrin after healing a lame man (Acts 3:1-10). - When threatened, they respond: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20). - Their words flow from eyewitness certainty and Holy Spirit empowerment. What Fueled the Apostles’ Boldness 1. Eyewitness Reality • They had literally walked, talked, and eaten with the risen Jesus (Acts 1:3). • “This Jesus God has raised up, to which we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32). 2. Spirit-given Power • Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8). • After prayer, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31). 3. Unshakable Conviction in Scripture • Psalm 118:22 fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 4:11). • The apostles trusted every word God had spoken; that confidence produced courage. Foundations for Our Bold Speech Today - Same Gospel: Jesus’ death and resurrection remain historical fact (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). - Same Spirit: The indwelling Spirit empowers every believer, not just first-century apostles (Romans 8:11). - Same Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). - Same Assurance: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Practical Steps to Speak Boldly 1. Abide in Christ • Daily Scripture intake anchors confidence (John 15:7). • Memorize core gospel verses for ready use. 2. Pray for Boldness • Follow the early church’s pattern (Acts 4:29-31). • Ask specifically for open doors and clear words (Colossians 4:3-4). 3. Rely on the Spirit • “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Step out; He supplies words in the moment (Luke 12:11-12). 4. Share Personal Testimony • Like Peter and John, tell what you have “seen and heard” in your life—answered prayer, deliverance from sin, changed desires. • Authentic stories cut through skepticism. 5. Keep the Message Simple • God’s holiness, human sin, Christ’s cross, resurrection, call to repent and believe—these essentials carry power (Romans 1:16). 6. Practice Faithful Presence • Consistent character backs up bold words (Philippians 2:15-16). • Serve, listen, and love; then speak. Living Examples from Scripture - Stephen: Spoke truth even when it cost his life (Acts 7:51-60). - Paul: From prisons to palaces, “I believed, therefore I have spoken.” (2 Corinthians 4:13). - John the Baptist: Pointed unwaveringly to “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). Common Hindrances and How to Overcome Them • Fear of Rejection → Remember eternal stakes and God’s approval (Galatians 1:10). • Feeling Inadequate → Trust God’s sufficiency; He uses weak vessels (2 Corinthians 3:5). • Cultural Pressure → Anchor identity in Christ, not public opinion (1 Peter 2:9). • Doubt in Effectiveness → God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). The Fruit of Bold Witness - Salvation of souls (Acts 2:41). - Growth in personal faith; speaking strengthens believing (Philemon 1:6). - Glory to God as His Son is exalted (Philippians 1:20). Closing Encouragement “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Keep proclaiming what you have seen and heard; heaven is listening, and a watching world needs the truth. |
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