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LEARN & GROW
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Week of February 15, 2009
KEY VERSE
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness." (Acts 4:29)
CENTRAL TRUTH
When faced with challenges, particularly when there is potential for great oppression, ridicule, or loss of reputation, instead of trying to avoid such adversity, we are to pray and ask God for strength and encouragement to meet the challenge head-on.
DEVOTION
Peter and John had just come back to their friends after spending a night in jail for having spoken a controversial message about Jesus and the resurrection. They were called before the religious leaders to give account. Boldly proclaiming the Gospel, they did not back down, but told the truth. Unable to refute the validity of the actions or words of Peter and John, the elders could only warn them to be quiet. Undeterred, the disciples returned to report to their fellow believers what they had just experienced. As one, the group prayed and asked God for boldness. Taking a public stand for God may require decisive action on our part. Most of us have never been punished for our beliefs or for publicly telling people about Jesus Christ. It is an experience, however, that the earliest disciples had, and one that some of our Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world are experiencing today. We have the blessing of religious liberty in the United States. That does not always mean the Gospel is a popular message. At its core, the Gospel declares that only through faith in Jesus can we find salvation. (Acts 4:12) That was exactly the point on which Peter and John found themselves in conflict with the authorities. In a society that values religious "tolerance," it's not popular to say that Jesus is the only way. However, the Christian, though narrow in focus, is not intolerant of anyone because anyone can come to God through Jesus Christ. These apostles asked God for bold empowerment to speak the plain truth of His Word. They did not ask for protection in order to retreat. Rather, they asked for courage, strength and the words to speak so that they could win the day. Can you imagine the combination of peace and assurance they must have felt from such a prayer? It can be difficult sometimes to share Christ. We might wonder what people might think or how they might respond. Ask God for that same boldness to speak His truth in Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Can you remember a time when you had an opportunity to speak out for God but failed to do so?
- Describe an occasion when either you or someone else made a stand that encouraged others to do the same?
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