Being a Church with a Bold Spirit

Being a Church with a Bold Spirit ACTS 4:13-22 In the first part of Acts 4, we saw Peter in the face of opposition, preaching a very narrow message regarding the way of eternal salvation (Acts 4:12). There was an obvious boldness in the early church that came as a gift of the Holy Spirit upon them. The early church was, by modern standards, simple -uncomplicated. But they were focused on one person - The Lord Jesus Christ. - There is one way of salvation - Acts 4:12 - ''There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.''- There is one Lord of the Church - Eph. 1:22 - ''And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,''- There is one hope of the Church - Titus 2:13 - ''Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ.'' They were under the compulsion and influence of the Holy Spirit. They were not being coerced into witnessing! When you have challenges as the apostles did, you are daily reminded of your need for the Holy Spirit's power. The result of the powerful preaching and the boldness of the disciples was that men glorified God (vs. 21). Our desire and are strong in our beliefs, we will be bold in the Spirit as we witness and walk daily in the world. I. Because They Had Been with Jesus (vs. 13) II. They Had Battled the Enemy (vs. 14-17) III. They Had Believed God's Promises (vs. 19- 22) Despite the threats made against them, the apostles were more afraid of disobeying and displeasing God than they were of being thrown into prison or even killed for their faith.