Unstoppable Faith: How to Share the Good News of Jesus Boldly
Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith in Jesus because of fear or opposition? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with this, but the early followers of Jesus faced similar challenges and showed us a powerful example of boldness and conviction.
In Acts chapter four, we see Peter and John standing firm in their faith despite intense opposition from the political and religious leaders of their time. Their courage and unwavering commitment to spreading the good news of Jesus can inspire us to do the same today.
The Boldness of Peter and John
Peter and John were ordinary men, described as "uneducated and untrained" by the religious leaders. Yet, their boldness and the miraculous healing of a man who had been disabled since birth left the leaders speechless. The leaders couldn't deny the miracle, but they tried to silence Peter and John by threatening them not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John's response was clear and defiant: "Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Their conviction was so strong that they couldn't help but share the good news of Jesus, regardless of the threats they faced.
What Can We Learn from Their Example?
Be Bold in Your Faith: Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in our faith. This doesn't mean we have to be confrontational, but it does mean we should be confident and unashamed in sharing our experiences with Jesus.
Trust in the Holy Spirit: Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit, which gave them the courage and wisdom to speak boldly. We, too, can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say when we share our faith.
Recognise the Power of Your Testimony: The healed man standing with Peter and John was undeniable evidence of God's power. Our personal testimonies of how Jesus has transformed our lives can be powerful tools in sharing the gospel.
Taking the Next Step
So, what can you do to follow the example of Peter and John? Here are some practical steps:
Pray for Boldness: Ask God to give you the courage to share your faith, even in the face of opposition. Pray for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with those around you.
Share Your Testimony: Think about how Jesus has changed your life and be ready to share your story with others. Your personal experience can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of Jesus.
Invite Others to Church: According to surveys, a significant percentage of people are likely to attend church if invited. Take the initiative to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to join you at church.
Commit to Prayer: For the next 21 days, pray for one person you know who needs God. Ask God to open their heart to the gospel and give you the opportunity to share your faith with them.
Conclusion
The example of Peter and John challenges us to be bold and unwavering in our faith. They couldn't stop speaking about what they had seen and heard because they were so deeply transformed by their relationship with Jesus.
What about you? Are you so compelled by the good news of Jesus that you can't help but share it with others? This week, take a step of faith and share your testimony with someone who needs to hear it.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for the example of Peter and John and their boldness in sharing the good news of Jesus. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and give us the courage to share our faith with those around us. Help us to be so overwhelmed by Your love and grace that we can't help but speak about what we have seen and heard. In Jesus' name, Amen.