Filled With the Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE

Confession of Peter
Acts 4:8-13 (NRSV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is
'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;
it has become the cornerstone.'
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.


DEVOTION

I love today's scripture reading! As someone who cares deeply about evangelism (e.g., sharing the good news with others), I am extremely proud of Peter's bold witness before the religious leaders of his day.

Although he knew, good and well, that his testimony might be ridiculed or dismissed, he spoke passionately, giving glory to God, and sharing the good news that although Jesus died on the cross, he was resurrected on the third day!

I don't know about you, but there have been many times in my life when I have had to choose whether to be silent, or bold, about my testimony. I would imagine that you know what I am talking about because Christians all over the country have shared with me how much courage it takes them to share Jesus on the job or with family, friends, and neighbors.

As human beings, it is natural for us to want people to like, respect, and admire us. That is why it is easy to stand up in church and give our testimony there. We know that we are before friends who will encourage and support our witness for Christ.

Unfortunately, it is this same desire to be liked which makes it so hard for us to stand in front of a stranger, or a non-Christian friend or neighbor and declare to them the Good News Message, "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!" We simply don't know how they will respond!

It is at times like these that we must call upon the power of the Holy Spirit which equips, enables, and inspires us to be bold witness for Jesus no matter what the cost!

Today's scripture passage says, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them..."

In the United States of America, we are celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whilst he was a gifted speaker and courageous freedom fighter, we must never forget that first and foremost he was a follower of Christ!

It was his relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, that gave him the Holy Ghost boldness to speak truth to power, to face dogs and hoses, and to march for miles and miles in order to secure basic human rights for people of color in the United States.

Rev. King was great because he served one who was greater than himself.

Let us always remember that in order to share good news--and be good news--we must first be filled with the Holy Spirit of God! When we allow ourselves to be filled up with all the love, joy, and peace of Jesus, we will find that it is quite easy to share our faith stories with others and to speak up for the cause of mercy and justice everywhere.

Sometimes, I think that we make things too hard. We are not afraid to talk to strangers about the weather, news, or local gym. So, why should we be fearful of telling them about our friend, Jesus, and/or inviting them to our local church?

On today, I want to invite you to be bold in your testimony. As you pass through your home, work place, and community, please look for opportunities to tell somebody that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

You'll be glad that you did...


Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, please fill me up with your Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in sharing the good news. Please forgive me for those times that I have remained silent, when I should have spoken up for you. God, I know and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin and gifting me with eternal life. Please empower, enable, embolden, and inspire me to be a witness for you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!