They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31
The Gospel of Christ is becoming less accepted in America partly due to the view that whatever you want to believe is true. Though it’s important to be free to hold the conviction that whatever you think to be authentic is, just because you believe it doesn’t make it so. Then, who has a right to say what is true and what isn’t? God does and He has revealed Himself in the Bible, by His Spirit, confirming His Word with fulfilling prophecies, performing miracles, and raising His Son from the dead. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
In Acts 4:12, the apostle Peter proclaimed of Jesus, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” For those who believe, salvation is wonderful news, a sweet aroma, but for those who don’t believe, it is a stench (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). As Americans fall more for the “anything goes” philosophy without regard for God or His Word, Christians are set in a precarious position.
Nevertheless, the Gospel needs to be preached. Preachers aren’t privy to who will receive it and who won’t. The Word needs to be preached to all. As freedoms to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ is suppressed, boldness is needed. That boldness comes from the Holy Spirit. Seek the Holy Spirit and His boldness to share Jesus with others. Pray for religious freedom to remain intact in this country. Pray for open eyes and ears to the Gospel among all government leaders and citizens of the United States.
Today’s Verse: Acts 4:31
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 3:8-17
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 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, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
