What steps can we take to boldly testify about God's works? The scene in Acts 4:16—undeniable evidence before skeptical leaders “ ‘What shall we do with these men?’ they asked. ‘For it is clear to all who live in Jerusalem that a remarkable sign has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.’ ” (Acts 4:16) The council could not refute the physical healing God had just performed through Peter and John. Their dilemma shows how powerful a clear, observable work of God can be—and it models how we, too, can testify boldly. Step 1: Treasure and rehearse God’s undeniable acts • Keep a written record of answered prayers, healings, provision, conversions, and personal transformations. • Regularly recount these works with family, friends, and church (Psalm 105:1). • Let the memory of the miracle stir fresh courage, just as the healed man standing beside Peter and John silenced every critic (Acts 4:14). Step 2: Depend on the Holy Spirit for courage and clarity • Jesus promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). • The Spirit filled Peter before he addressed the council (Acts 4:8). • Invite His filling daily; He supplies both words and boldness (Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:7). Step 3: Speak from personal sight and sound • Peter and John insisted, “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). • Share eyewitness details: how you prayed, what changed, who noticed. • Use Scripture to frame the experience (Acts 2:16–21; Isaiah 55:11). Step 4: Live a life that matches the message • The healed man’s restored legs backed up the apostles’ claims; your integrity does the same. • Let good works shine so that others “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Repent quickly when you fall to keep testimony unhindered (1 John 1:9). Step 5: Pray together for ongoing boldness • After their release, the believers “raised their voices together to God” (Acts 4:24) and asked explicitly for bold speech (v. 29). • Corporate prayer aligns hearts, multiplies faith, and invites fresh fillings of the Spirit (v. 31). • Make boldness a standing request in every gathering. Step 6: Choose obedience to God over fear of people • Peter declared, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God” (Acts 4:19). • When human commands conflict with divine ones, side with Scripture—gently, respectfully, firmly (Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 3:15–16). • Trust that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Step 7: Expect resistance yet rest in God’s sovereignty • The council threatened but could not silence the apostles (Acts 4:21). • Opposition often confirms you are striking kingdom targets (John 15:18–20). • God turns even hostility into new gospel opportunities (Philippians 1:12–14). Quick-action checklist 1. Record God’s works. 2. Ask daily for the Spirit’s filling. 3. Tell what you have seen and heard, anchored in Scripture. 4. Guard personal integrity. 5. Pray with others for fresh courage. 6. Obey God above human pressure. 7. View pushback as proof you’re on mission. Take these steps, and like Peter and John, you will find yourself “speaking the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31), leaving onlookers with miracles they simply “cannot deny.” |
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