Here is the heart of a true evangelist and disciple of Christ. It is a person, who when under persecution, asks God for more boldness to speak His Words. This is because, among the crowds of unbelievers, there are still a few people who are ready and waiting to receive Jesus. And speaking of true believers of Jesus, Peter and John were among these men. After a man was healed by the hands of God through them, they began to witness the truth of Jesus. It reads, “be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:10-13) This one teaching that salvation only comes through Jesus is so important and every person on earth needs to know this. Praise God that they proclaimed this truth. However, the high priest and elders of Israel did not like what they said one bit. But did this stop them? No. Amen.
It was the high priests and elders of Israel that “called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20) Now, some people would stop their preaching, but let’s see what Peter and John did. It reads, “and now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” (Acts 4:29-32) Wow! What took place is so true, and I know it also, for I am an evangelist for Christ. When we pray for more boldness, even under difficult circumstances is when the fire of the Holy Spirit does reign down upon people. I have seen crowds of teenagers all pray with me to receive Jesus when this has happened. So don’t give up and be bold for God.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, our God, I pray that You will give me and others more boldness to share the truths of Your Words and Yourself to others. That we will never back down when we are threatened or persecuted. And please give us the words to speak. We cannot do or say anything good unless You are with us. Keep our eyes fixed on what needs to be done and to look all around for people who are ready to receive You, Jesus. Don’t let us feel like there is nothing else we can say to people, for You always have something to say. So often do we let ourselves get discouraged when things don’t appear to be going our way, but give us even more boldness to witness Your truths when this happens. I know that more people can be saved even among the rudest crowds, but only You can give us eyes to see them. It has been these times that I have not given up the preaching, the passing out tracts, the praying for people, and helping the homeless, and doors have opened up in a big way. And I give You honor and praise for what took place in those days of the past. I just hope and pray that more days are ahead of me and for others in the faith also. I trust that You will continue to guide my path, and I pray that more people will be guided by the Holy Spirit also. I trust in You, Jesus. Continue to use each one of us for Your greater good. I trust in You. I believe in You. I love You so much, God. Amen.