Speak Your Witness Boldly: Acts 4:1-31

Intro: Fad's come and go - latest -spinners - other times health fads - beauty fads - mud on your face, cucumbers on your eyes - some endorsed by a celebrity ie. Oprah "the Secret" - people so into it that the phrase is they will "swear by it" - highest authority , greatest thing -

Let's say something making such a disturbance that Health Canada has to come down - investigate issue a news bulletin - that's what this great official delegation doing in the temple courts -

Why - after healing a man born crippled from birth, over 40 years -

jesus resurrection - the next day after a nigh in the slammer - even more official meeting for inquiry

A. The Context of Witness: 'Lollygagging' the Word (1-12)

Beginning and End People devoted to Apostles' Teaching = Boldly Speaking the word! v.1, prayer of v.29 continue to speak your word with all boldness, and why Spirit shaking their house, filling them, = speak Word of God with boldness!

Ie. Loligaggning -vacation, shooting the breeze- a good type of heavenly gossip… did you hear about …

Vv.1-2 speaking to the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

object is the Laos = in gospel neutral then hostile, but in Acts! = one of Luke's favourite words = in all the people saw him walking and praising God = who the gospel is for - the crowd out there!

Acts 4:1 ESV

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

Ie. Loligaggning -vacation, shooting the breeze- a good type of heavenly gossip… did you hear about …

Vs. the ruling class (who feared the laos) - hol poli…

object is the Laos = in gospel neutral then hostile, but in Acts! = one of Luke's favourite words = in all the people saw him walking and praising God = who the gospel is for - the crowd out there!

Manner of speaking of believers has been changed: reflects part of the ethical life of early Christianity. καταλαλεῖν is taken for granted in the pagan world (; ), but it must be put off by the regenerate (.), not just on moral grounds, but for the sake of the new life in God (: εἰ ἐγεύσασθε ὅτι χρηστὸς ὁ κύριος). καταλαλεῖν is not just an offence against one’s neighbour. It is also a violation of the Law of God and hence a sin against God ()

Reusrrection - two words - from laying down dead, to standing up alive - just did this figuratively - sign wonder .back up message now teaching (didasko) the people and proclaiming (katangelion = to announce broadly, to report announce; Peter just said in what all prophets did about this day of Christ…what did in Salamis, what Paul and Barnabas did iin every city Procl Word of God, proclaim, goddnews the way of salvation ) ) good newsing!

Vs. the ruling class (who feared the laos) - hol poli… hear in 4:4 many heard, believed - imagine a friend or family member - hearing about your experience with Jesus - coming to believe?

But frame is like Pentecost - all these disciples just speaking the word of God , speaking to the people with all boldness…

Manner of speaking of believers has been changed: reflects part of the ethical life of early Christianity. καταλαλεῖν is taken for granted in the pagan world (; ), but it must be put off by the regenerate (.), not just on moral grounds, but for the sake of the new life in God (: εἰ ἐγεύσασθε ὅτι χρηστὸς ὁ κύριος). καταλαλεῖν is not just an offence against one’s neighbour. It is also a violation of the Law of God and hence a sin against God ()

The day before when healing occrured wiord that they believed - all about God's OT promises to Moses raise up a prophet greater, whoever listen s shall live, whoever doesn't shall perish! even before to Abrhaam a seed, offspring bless all the families of the earth - shows in the prophets how this is the calling to get God's forgiveness - and then to repent - turn everyone of you from your wickedness! Because Christ has suffereed been dcrucified for us - now alive starting new kingdom - declare His Word!

Content:

Reusrrection - two words - from laying down dead, to standing up alive - just did this figuratively - sign wonder .back up message now teaching (didasko) the people and proclaiming (katangelion = to announce broadly, to report announce; Peter just said in what all prophets did about this day of Christ…what did in Salamis, what Paul and Barnabas did iin every city Procl Word of God, proclaim, goddnews the way of salvation ) ) good newsing!

Now how many of you have experienced something from this Christ, raised up, forgiven, peace w God, joined to lie a new life - band together make a difference in this world

-Like some of our teens on Serve this week? in his name his kingdom =

But frame is like Pentecost - all these disciples just speaking the word of God , speaking to the people with all boldness…

Believers, and those becoming believers = they listen and they speak in Jesus Name!

The day before when healing occrured wiord that they believed - all about God's OT promises to Moses raise up a prophet greater, whoever listen s shall live, whoever doesn't shall perish! even before to Abrhaam a seed, offspring bless all the families of the earth - shows in the prophets how this is the calling to get God's forgiveness - and then to repent - turn everyone of you from your wickedness! Because Christ has suffereed been dcrucified for us - now alive starting new kingdom - declare His Word!

Do you do that in your house, with a friend, a family member?

Now how many of you have experienced something from this Christ, raised up, forgiven, peace w God, joined to lie a new life - band together make a difference in this world

-Like some of our teens on Serve this week? in his name his kingdom =

Rulers, elders, scribes in anti- "gather-together" key question by what authority?= what power dynamite/ name?

Believers, and those becoming believers = they listen and they speak in Jesus Name!

Nazareth - Crucified ; whom God raised from the dead ,, by that name of Jesus Christ stnading before you

Do you do that in your house, with a friend, a family member?

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

This is the lithos/stone = , but in Gk Lithou same as = became a great mountain and filled the whole earth!!

Rulers, elders, scribes in anti- "gather-together" key question by what authority?= what power dynamite/ name?

Nazareth - Crucified ; whom God raised from the dead ,, by that name of Jesus Christ stnading before you

Has this name become the corner stone of your life, with bro, sister building mountain dwelling place, filling whole earth…

We live in a day and age - when the buildres of lives that you and me, think we don't need a corner stone from heaven. We think we can be our own corner stone, or we make some other mere human our cornerstone; all those who think marriage compelte their lives, or their children - cursed is the one who trusts in man ; others trusting morality , own self-righteousness - whatever their system or philosophy - find out by workso f law none will be , codemend unsataisfied, justified, punished! Still others - exchange living God Creator, the Redeemer - for somehting in creation -whether that is sex, food, sport, entertainment… worship and glorify that - sad news =you become what you worship!

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

Acts 4:11 ESV

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

But what Peter is declaring, the Word he proclaims thru the events and miracle, and trial -is that Jesus Christ - the one rejected in his crucifixion - by suffering love, by power of the Spirit coming back to live =- to rebuild your life and mine - He is our cornerstone! My all in all - holds my life together!

This is the lithos/stone = , but in Gk Lithou same as = became a great mountain and filled the whole earth!!

This Jesus is the new start God promised, He is the new strength , new life!

Has this name become the corner stone of your life, with bro, sister building mountain dwelling place, filling whole earth…

Do people see that more than whether healed or not - that Christ at the center of your life -true ande verlastin peace - holds you together - and yes he has the power to heal in this life or the next? DO people see that not spinners, gadgets, and vacations ,a nd money, and work accomplishments that drive your life - BUT Jesus the King of Righteouness!

We live in a day and age - when the buildres of lives that you and me, think we don't need a corner stone from heaven. We think we can be our own corner stone, or we make some other mere human our cornerstone; all those who think marriage compelte their lives, or their children - cursed is the one who trusts in man ; others trusting morality , own self-righteousness - whatever their system or philosophy - find out by workso f law none will be , codemend unsataisfied, justified, punished! Still others - exchange living God Creator, the Redeemer - for somehting in creation -whether that is sex, food, sport, entertainment… worship and glorify that - sad news =you become what you worship!

And here is the heart of the apostolic message that the early Chrsitians were abuzz about:

But what Peter is declaring, the Word he proclaims thru the events and miracle, and trial -is that Jesus Christ - the one rejected in his crucifixion - by suffering love, by power of the Spirit coming back to live =- to rebuild your life and mine - He is our cornerstone! My all in all - holds my life together!

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

This Jesus is the new start God promised, He is the new strength , new life!

Do people see that more than whether healed or not - that Christ at the center of your life -true ande verlastin peace - holds you together - and yes he has the power to heal in this life or the next? DO people see that not spinners, gadgets, and vacations ,a nd money, and work accomplishments that drive your life - BUT Jesus the King of Righteouness!

We live ina world of death, sin, frustration - misery - touch your life now, but destroy it later - live as sinners under the wrath of God - sin builtin curse, but also active rebellion to God, active separation ; God's mercy and ggrace come in this person - perfectly suited to your life and mine to bring slavation, to cover sin and shame - no other

And here is the heart of the apostolic message that the early Chrsitians were abuzz about:

Expect Opposition & Answer with Witness

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Annoyed (greatly fret, distressing pain), to be irked!,

We live ina world of death, sin, frustration - misery - touch your life now, but destroy it later - live as sinners under the wrath of God - sin builtin curse, but also active rebellion to God, active separation ; God's mercy and ggrace come in this person - perfectly suited to your life and mine to bring slavation, to cover sin and shame - no other

Inquired - with intergoative is absolute sense, - judicial senses, examine them - v.9 if being examined JUDGED, anakrinw, --- good deed done = part of raising of dead of Jesus - raised to stand well

If they persecuted our Lord in this world, opposition to his servants always bubbling, even if not in

B. Expect Opposition & Answer with Witness

Annoyed (greatly fret, distressing pain), to be irked!,

outright persecution! They inquire, interrogate, and that is what gives Peter the oppporunity to give an answer for his faith! At camp, in parenting, at university, with neighbours - some of those with biggest question,s objections, most ali

Inquired - with intergoative is absolute sense, - judicial senses, examine them - v.9 if being examined JUDGED, anakrinw, --- good deed done = part of raising of dead of Jesus - raised to stand well

Later Peter would right to all Christians saying:

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, That is for all of us to do!

If they persecuted our Lord in this world, opposition to his servants always bubbling, even if not in

outright persecution! They inquire, interrogate, and that is what gives Peter the oppporunity to give an answer for his faith! At camp, in parenting, at university, with neighbours - some of those with biggest question,s objections, most ali

Summed up in rejected = Jesus the crucified, the rejected, the Key to All of Life!

Ie. radium - madame currie - rejected rocks in desk - lying there - overlooked; not realizing power to fuel millions of household, power to blow up the world - all these rejected little rocks! It is a power right under their noses all this time in Word, in life of Jesus!

Later Peter would right to all Christians saying:

It is a power right under your noses today! Or Magnetism…

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, That is for all of us to do!

Inspired words of David -

Summed up in rejected = Jesus the crucified, the rejected, the Key to All of Life!

Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

Ie. radium - madame currie - rejected rocks in desk - lying there - overlooked; not realizing power to fuel millions of household, power to blow up the world - all these rejected little rocks! It is a power right under their noses all this time in Word, in life of Jesus!

Now of course there is a fulfillmenti nthe lastdaysin jersuaelm of this prophesy = Herod, Pontius Pilate,a long with the Gentiles and the people of Israel…

It is a power right under your noses today! Or Magnetism…

But broader prpohesy that covers the whoel battle between the Messiah and the anti-Christ - played out in yoru life too!

Inspired words of David -

Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

Gentiles rage, peoples - plot = meet together; and v.26 rulers plot / gathered together = nation of Israel included - what are gathered together by ,, reality or really spirit of your daily life is more like a flat earth society - no mirqacles, no resurrection, no Truth that sets you free, no Holy Spirit, no heavenly kingdom -everything allways conitnues as it has - muddle through!

Acts 4:26 ESV

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

Now of course there is a fulfillmenti nthe lastdaysin jersuaelm of this prophesy = Herod, Pontius Pilate,a long with the Gentiles and the people of Israel…

What an encouragement to receive an email this week - after rerturning from camping - believer just moving into Barrie, from other city , other nation before that - words:

But broader prpohesy that covers the whoel battle between the Messiah and the anti-Christ - played out in yoru life too!

Therefore I can have a strong heart and I would like to learn from you the words of the pastor there and enjoy the joy of true religious life through fellowship with other people in the church.

Gentiles rage, peoples - plot = meet together; and v.26 rulers plot / gathered together = nation of Israel included - what are gathered together by ,, reality or really spirit of your daily life is more like a flat earth society - no mirqacles, no resurrection, no Truth that sets you free, no Holy Spirit, no heavenly kingdom -everything allways conitnues as it has - muddle through!

What it means that the believers were devoted to the apostlic teaching - to Word of God explained through gospel of jesus - join together in living it out - sharing it. You are all part of a plot - either palnning life without Jesus or with Him!

You feel that opposition within you - to make life about self, other things - but Peterr declares at heart of this battle:

What an encouragement to receive an email this week - after rerturning from camping - believer just moving into Barrie, from other city , other nation before that - words:

Therefore I can have a strong heart and I would like to learn from you the words of the pastor there and enjoy the joy of true religious life through fellowship with other people in the church.

v.10 Let it be known (ginosko) gnosticisim = special knowledge = Jesus came to reveal name/character of God the Father … mystery hidden for ages now revealed = wellness/wholeness in Prince Jesus name!

What it means that the believers were devoted to the apostlic teaching - to Word of God explained through gospel of jesus - join together in living it out - sharing it. You are all part of a plot - either palnning life without Jesus or with Him!

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well (whole/saved).

Name of Jesus - in your little drawer, maybe take it out once a week - realize power in that Person, Name - imageine if the whole world was supposed to run on radon, if relationships died without it, if justice couldn't be done properly without, if health.. Eternal life = JESUS

You feel that opposition within you - to make life about self, other things - but Peterr declares at heart of this battle:

v.12 started out threat of resurrection, a quibbling theological question about what happens after die; with Saducees … but now so much deeper = need to be saved = very core of what religion is about = rituals, tradition, muddle through this world as moral person, superior to "sinners", clean

v.10 Let it be known (ginosko) gnosticisim = special knowledge = Jesus came to reveal name/character of God the Father … mystery hidden for ages now revealed = wellness/wholeness in Prince Jesus name!

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well (whole/saved).

VS divine help from God, a new life from Above … ie radon!

Name of Jesus - in your little drawer, maybe take it out once a week - realize power in that Person, Name - imageine if the whole world was supposed to run on radon, if relationships died without it, if justice couldn't be done properly without, if health.. Eternal life = JESUS

if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed (made whole/saved)

Remarkable statement v.9 healed = saved (OT helped by God) with v.12 the salvation - all human help useless only one type of salvation - inwardly, outwardly, in life and death - in the eschaton =

v.12 started out threat of resurrection, a quibbling theological question about what happens after die; with Saducees … but now so much deeper = need to be saved = very core of what religion is about = rituals, tradition, muddle through this world as moral person, superior to "sinners", clean

Threat, must be saved in this name!

VS divine help from God, a new life from Above … ie radon!

And there is the salvation (whole/saved) in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (whole/saved).”

if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed (made whole/saved)

Acts 4:9 ESV

if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,

Narrow sense - bulls eye - right with God through Christ, adopted by Him, filled with His new life, as filled with His Spirit - but from that issues all the other wholeness - whether in this life or life to come - anyone whole yet? Need ononign slavation, deliverwance, ever fuller - wholeness - lonely, unreconciled, living with regret, captive to lust, greed - harder for you to be saved than camel eye of needle, but what is impossible with man is possble with God - turn in name of Jesus for full savlation!

Remarkable statement v.9 healed = saved (OT helped by God) with v.12 the salvation - all human help useless only one type of salvation - inwardly, outwardly, in life and death - in the eschaton =

Speak boldly in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Threat, must be saved in this name!

Charged, arrested, in custody for a night, verdict - like the little children on day of entry of King of Kings into His City to establish His New Covenant , Inaugurate the Kingdom OF God on earth - can't you keep those children quiet

And there is the salvation (whole/saved) in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (whole/saved).”

Acts 4:12 ESV

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Narrow sense - bulls eye - right with God through Christ, adopted by Him, filled with His new life, as filled with His Spirit - but from that issues all the other wholeness - whether in this life or life to come - anyone whole yet? Need ononign slavation, deliverwance, ever fuller - wholeness - lonely, unreconciled, living with regret, captive to lust, greed - harder for you to be saved than camel eye of needle, but what is impossible with man is possble with God - turn in name of Jesus for full savlation!

Like older lady in Exeter - children in church - race - LET THEM RUN… didn't expect that - excited full of life - for the LORD!

C. Speak boldly in the Power of the Holy Spirit

for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

-not all called to be preachers, ordained evangelist - but all are called to witness - both whtat we are experiencing from LORD = what we have seen, but also what we have heard - what Lord has taught you from his word,

Charged, arrested, in custody for a night, verdict - like the little children on day of entry of King of Kings into His City to establish His New Covenant , Inaugurate the Kingdom OF God on earth - can't you keep those children quiet

Not by gimmicks, not by education, people truly changed by jesus will speak of Jesus -

Like older lady in Exeter - children in church - race - LET THEM RUN… didn't expect that - excited full of life - for the LORD!

for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:20 ESV

for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

-not all called to be preachers, ordained evangelist - but all are called to witness - both whtat we are experiencing from LORD = what we have seen, but also what we have heard - what Lord has taught you from his word,

I love this verse -

Not by gimmicks, not by education, people truly changed by jesus will speak of Jesus -

v.13 uneducated, common men (idiota) = nothing extradoranoding in them , but in the message! = astonished… ie. Into it baseball commentator -etiher you have or not - can't be taught by another… that "into it" - perceived they had been with Jesus!

mother raising 6 kids, like Wesley mother - 19 - my mom had a quiet spot to go, read day book Corrie tenBoom - people who spend time with Jesus - different tone, … long for that!

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 ESV

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

I love this verse -

When you see the opportunity, the need - share it with others - pray to God with others?

They had just prayed God would hear their cries, grant them boldness, and God's miraculous power would be evident! - in face of opposition, difficulties, they are praying - what queen feared most about John Knox, preaching ye,s but his prayers - Give me Scotland, or I die!

v.13 uneducated, common men (idiota) = nothing extradoranoding in them , but in the message! = astonished… ie. Into it baseball commentator -etiher you have or not - can't be taught by another… that "into it" - perceived they had been with Jesus!

Speak boldly to the LORD together… still asking prayer chain - website request… lift up here Tues AM./home

mother raising 6 kids, like Wesley mother - 19 - my mom had a quiet spot to go, read day book Corrie tenBoom - people who spend time with Jesus - different tone, … long for that!

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, …

When you see the opportunity, the need - share it with others - pray to God with others?

Sharing the wonder from Scripture of who Jesus is what he is doing - they seee the divine progrma of the Psalms - the Son of David, Prince who will come galloping out of the sky -see it in their lives - sharing it with Scirptuere!

They had just prayed God would hear their cries, grant them boldness, and God's miraculous power would be evident! - in face of opposition, difficulties, they are praying - what queen feared most about John Knox, preaching ye,s but his prayers - Give me Scotland, or I die!

Speak boldly to the LORD together… still asking prayer chain - website request… lift up here Tues AM./home

Each of us should have a verse to share of our experience , of our church's experience with the LORD right now -

Way of revelation - Act of the Lord, interpreting word, what I am called to do from this pulpit

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, …

Acts 4:24 ESV

And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,

Sharing the wonder from Scripture of who Jesus is what he is doing - they seee the divine progrma of the Psalms - the Son of David, Prince who will come galloping out of the sky -see it in their lives - sharing it with Scirptuere!

Do you get that - it is not just a lecture about words in Bible - it is the living significance in our lives - proclaimed as word of God - what it means to speak word to each other …to those around us!

what promises, threats, commands and invitations, what has \the LORD been revealing to you - witness that to each other, to this world!

Each of us should have a verse to share of our experience , of our church's experience with the LORD right now -

Way of revelation - Act of the Lord, interpreting word, what I am called to do from this pulpit

How can you learn to pray in Spirit, with Wscripture, for your family, friends, nations?

If not by education how?

Do you get that - it is not just a lecture about words in Bible - it is the living significance in our lives - proclaimed as word of God - what it means to speak word to each other …to those around us!

what promises, threats, commands and invitations, what has \the LORD been revealing to you - witness that to each other, to this world!

For these apostles - wonderful fulfillment of what Jesus had promised - imagine as jesus sent them out - wonder of performing a sign - streching out hand, thrill in Peter's -it's true power of wholeness injesue sname -

How can you learn to pray in Spirit, with Wscripture, for your family, friends, nations?

But now seeing its trtue to- summoned before kings and authroities - don't worry what say - Holy Spirit will give you the words! Certainly that is what happened with Peter here - 4:8 He was filled with the Holy Spirit and then he spoke! Kid courage speak word to parent… ground shakes - change comes!

Thrill. But for all of us who are not apostles - its ours to pray that servants of the Word raised up , ordained speak Word of Jesus - but notice as they pray - whole place shaken as filled with the Spirit -

If not by education how?

John Wesley onces said: Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the Kingdom of heaven upon Earth." - we need to be in prayer for each other, challenges like that!

For these apostles - wonderful fulfillment of what Jesus had promised - imagine as jesus sent them out - wonder of performing a sign - streching out hand, thrill in Peter's -it's true power of wholeness injesue sname -

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

But now seeing its trtue to- summoned before kings and authroities - don't worry what say - Holy Spirit will give you the words! Certainly that is what happened with Peter here - 4:8 He was filled with the Holy Spirit and then he spoke! Kid courage speak word to parent… ground shakes - change comes!

Thrill. But for all of us who are not apostles - its ours to pray that servants of the Word raised up , ordained speak Word of Jesus - but notice as they pray - whole place shaken as filled with the Spirit -

Do you see it? Heaven came down - powers of the world to come filled God's people now!

John Wesley onces said: Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the Kingdom of heaven upon Earth." - we need to be in prayer for each other, challenges like that!

God was saying, I have heard you, my dear children, and I want you to know something of the power you asked for! Like Sinai shaken, like day of Pentecost - this time not tongues, but boldness -fresh fullness of Spirit bringing!

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Someone asked me two weeks ago - when does the baptism of the Holy Spirit occur, coming to see all believers baptized in Sprit when born again - not a second blessing - like whole church - all who regenerate - but listen carefully just like in the OT special servants, filled in special way for acts of service, sometimes grieved Spirit, hindered that work - sometimes dry seasons., receive fulness but must be maintained, and can grieve the Spirit, regain fulness, Fulness is a repeatable event,

Acts 4:31 ESV

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Now, though this official proclamation and teaching must continue through preachers… - all these believers have become special servants… had received the Spirit - but this time of need and opportunity before chased out of Jerusalem - pleading for Spirit's equipping as whole church - all filled, and all continued to speak the word of God with boldness!

Do you see it? Heaven came down - powers of the world to come filled God's people now!

The Holy Spirit shook their lives with God's word and promise - and they became unshakable in boldly sharing the word!

God was saying, I have heard you, my dear children, and I want you to know something of the power you asked for! Like Sinai shaken, like day of Pentecost - this time not tongues, but boldness -fresh fullness of Spirit bringing!

Either you go through life unmoved by the Spirit and never able to speak an unshakeable word,

Someone asked me two weeks ago - when does the baptism of the Holy Spirit occur, coming to see all believers baptized in Sprit when born again - not a second blessing - like whole church - all who regenerate - but listen carefully just like in the OT special servants, filled in special way for acts of service, sometimes grieved Spirit, hindered that work - sometimes dry seasons., receive fulness but must be maintained, and can grieve the Spirit, regain fulness, Fulness is a repeatable event,

or the Spirit shakes you with His word, and you become able to speak his unshakeable word to others!

Now, though this official proclamation and teaching must continue through preachers… - all these believers have become special servants… had received the Spirit - but this time of need and opportunity before chased out of Jerusalem - pleading for Spirit's equipping as whole church - all filled, and all continued to speak the word of God with boldness!

The Holy Spirit shook their lives with God's word and promise - and they became unshakable in boldly sharing the word!

That is the Lord's promise for all of us today.

He calls us to a holy boldness and he will equip all who pray with that holy boldness!

Either you go through life unmoved by the Spirit and never able to speak an unshakeable word,

or the Spirit shakes you with His word, and you become able to speak his unshakeable word to others!

You have a time of need in relationships, here and out there. You step out in faith to speak - and God won't leave you without resources - with Word and Spirit able to speak a word in season…

That is the Lord's promise for all of us today.

-fellowship we need hear - Side by Side - = holy fellowship, koinonia in action!

He calls us to a holy boldness and he will equip all who pray with that holy boldness!

You have a time of need in relationships, here and out there. You step out in faith to speak - and God won't leave you without resources - with Word and Spirit able to speak a word in season…

-fellowship we need hear - Side by Side - = holy fellowship, koinonia in action!