But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20 ESV
The Church has become a hide out for the fearful, the weak, and the immature! Imagine being in the early days of the church, standing before the authorities, and having to give account of your faith. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?" Casey Bernall proudly declared "Yes" in a statement of faith that would forever mark her as a martyr. You remember Columbine High School. It's been nearly 13 years ago now. The apostles and early Church faced this same opposition and their answers were all too similar, and amazing!!! Unfortunately, believers today are too concerned with their earthly status, popularity, relationships, wealth, etc. to speak out and boldly about the name of Jesus Christ! Oh Church, if the blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed your sin, redeemed you, restored you, and brought both mercy and grace into your life..... speak up! Be assertive in your faith!
How can I be a bold witness today? What did the early church do? They prayed. In Acts 4:23-31 the early Church gathered and prayed against those in opposition of the Cross and those that stand as enemies of God. They simply prayed!
Prayer is a lost passion. Unfortunately, we only relegate prayer to meal times, church services, hardships, and holidays. Yet, the Bible clearly says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Constant prayer is an intimate conversation with God at every moment of your day. It's a walking intimacy. It's an attitude of being connected the Lord God to draw from His power, His direction, and His wisdom. Jesus modeled it for us! In fact, when Jesus was at His most popular moments, He withdrew to pray. In one of the most intense moments of His life, He took refuge to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane where the Bible says that He prayed so fervently that His sweat drops became as blood. That's another blog in and of itself! James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (NIV) Fervent prayer will always lead to confidence and boldness in your Christian faith and testimony! When was the last time that you sincerely spent meaningful time in a prayer CONVERSATION, both talking and listening, with your Heavenly God? It's about intimacy!
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
The world we live in needs the Truth of Jesus Christ now more than ever! We must be bold witnesses of the Gospel message! Pray today for the Church to become a mighty army of faith again! Great Awakening fires fall down! Let it begin in us!
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