This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

As I think about the encounter that Peter and John had with the most powerful people in the land, I keep asking myself if I could have/would have done the same thing? The answer is a resounding NO! But then I read again about how it was that they had such boldness and I am filled with hope that I too will be able to stand in the face of adversity and proclaim the name of Christ and the truth of His gospel. It isn’t about being brave, it is about being empowered through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:5-8: The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them...

The key to living out our faith in Christ, particularly in the face of adversity, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Of course a person is filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment they put their faith in Christ, but to allow the enabling of the Holy Spirit is something that we can ignore or shut down if we choose to allow fear to control us. Peter and John were not bold because they were brave, they were bold because they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and chose to allow Him to lead them.

Acts 4:29-30: And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Where are you today with being able to make this your prayer? In your heart do you desire boldness that goes beyond bravery? Do you desire to allow your relationship with God to be more than a theology, and to see Him work powerfully in and through your life? It is all about the power of the Holy Spirit.