Coffee With The Lord

A “BOLD WITNESS” … do you desire to be one? I’m not talking about inappropriate obnoxiousness in the Lord’s name – I’m talking about unashamed, unapologetic, witness (and ministry) to others as a devoted, obedient follower of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit! I read about it today in my Bible reading during my time of “coffee with the Lord!”

You’ve got to follow the story line…

Jesus had been crucified, buried, and supernaturally risen from the dead. In His post-resurrection appearances He had “order his disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father” assuring them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth!” (Acts 1:4, and 

And on the “Day of Pentecost” it happened! “They were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance!” (Acts 2:1-4)

With that empowering experience came “BOLDNESS!” … The desire and willingness to share the wonderful gospel message with anyone as the Spirit led and there was opportunity.

As an example, Peter and John were going into the temple at the hour of prayer… They saw a “man lame from birth” who was there begging for “alms” … Peter looked at him, urged the man to look his way, and prompted by the Holy Spirit said to him, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!” Peter took him by the hand, helped the man up, and “immediately his feet and ankles were made strong! Leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and leap, and praise God!” (Acts 3:1-8)

People heard the commotion, a crowd quickly gathered, and Peter had a sudden opportunity to witness about the “risen Christ” and invite them to turn from their sin and put their faith Christ! Here’s some of what he said, “And Jesus’ name – by faith in His name – has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith this is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health inn the presence of you all! … Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may com from the presence of the Lord!” (From Acts 3:11-21)

This caused quite a stir! The religious leaders in Jerusalem were threatened by the response! “They were greatly annoyed because Peter and John “were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” So they arrested them… Next day a trial. They questioned them, “By what power or by shoes name did you do this?”

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them… “Let it be known to all of you…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! … There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved!” (From Acts 4:1-12)

Pretty tough to refute and deny an evident miracle! So they threatened them and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus! HOLY SPIRIT INSPIRED BOLDNESS SET IN… “Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge! We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard!” So after threatening them further, they let them go. (From Acts 4:13-21)

Just think about it all! What gave these two disciples of Jesus the power and THE BOLDNESS to act in Jesus’ name – to powerfully bear witness to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus – and to respond with GODLY BOLDNESS in the face of persecution and threat? The Holy Spirit who empowered them, guided them, and flowed through their lives!

Gotta tell you… I WANT THAT KIND OF BOLDNESS! And I’m convinced the power of the Holy Spirit will produce it in our lives! I know He’s done it (and is doing it) in mine!