Acts 4.1-22

Peter and John encounter their first challenge to the gospel. Sadly it comes from the religious leaders, the very ones who should have been the most excited about the good news. But their response is not too surprising because they are the same folks who asked Pilate to spare Barabas and crucify Jesus.

Why were the folks in charge of the Temple that day greatly disturbed? Why were they so unwilling to embrace Jesus as their Messiah…the One that God had exalted…the One that God had raised up from the dead…the Stone that they had rejected? Because Jesus threatened their way of life. They didn’t want to forfeit the kingdom they had built for themselves. They would rather be slaves of Rome than servants of the Most High God. They would rather be slaves of sin, than servants of righteousness. Sound familiar?

Jesus changes everything. Peter and John were no longer lost and afraid…they were bold and confident. The lame man was no longer sitting on the outside begging…he was walking and leaping and praising God. Jesus came to bring life to the dead, hope to the hopeless, help to the helpless…He came to save us. And only He can. “For there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

I love the boldness of Peter and John. Standing before the very men who condemned Jesus, the most powerful Jewish men in Jerusalem, they bolding proclaim the good news that Jesus has been raised from the dead. The man who was formerly lame, but now completely healed…both physically and spiritually…is proof positive. I wonder if we are that bold…are we willing to share the gospel, to tell our story of how Jesus has rescued us, with our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, etc.?

Has Jesus changed your life? Have you trusted in Him? If not, what’s holding you back?

If you have trusted in Jesus, how has He changed your life? What’s your story? Who are you sharing it with?

Until next time…stay salty.

This post is based on a sermon from our Acts series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @ccclancaster