I've been camped out in the book of Acts these post-Easter days. Marveling at the boldness of the apostles so soon after we left them cowering behind locked doors.
Dispute it if you will but these same men would not be so bold, would not die, for a stolen or an otherwise "missing" body. What gave them their boldness was seeing the risen Savior in the flesh and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
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But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Act 3:6-8)
Though the Jewish authorities sought to stop Peter and the apostles they could not deny their boldness nor the evidence of the miracle standing before them.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (Act 4:13-15)
We might not be able to say we've seen the risen Lord, or produce a body that's been healed . . . or wait, maybe we can.
If you're a believer then you have been healed, changed, made new! You have witnessed, experienced the power of the risen Savior in your life!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)
Maybe you're like me and don't think your testimony is particularly exciting or relevant.
When I accepted Christ and received the Holy Spirit, there wasn't an outward manifestation, such as speaking in tongues or casting out of demons, etc. But the inward manifestation was very real. And, over time, the fruit of the Spirit has been revealed in my life.
I do not doubt Christ because I KNOW Christ. [click to tweet] I KNOW the power within me because I know MYSELF and I know the changes in me are not of my own doing.
Every testimony is relevant. People can choose to believe the Bible or not, but they cannot deny the truth of your personal testimony. [click to tweet] Share what you know to be true about yourself.
Maybe you're afraid that you don't know enough scripture or theology to talk to someone about your faith in Christ.
Chances are you know more than you think but it's okay to admit you don't know everything. None of us have all the answers when it comes to the things of God. Again, start with what you do know. What has God done in your life? Your testimony is your most powerful witness for Christ. [click to tweet]
We can also rely on the promises of scripture to speak boldly about Christ. Jesus encouraged His disciples before He left with these words:
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." (Luk 12:11-12)
Just like after Christmas, it can be easy to lose the JOY and HOPE that the resurrection brings. I encourage you to spend some time in Acts reading about the "acts" of the apostles and how they boldly brought the message of the cross to Jerusalem and beyond.
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| Hummingbird Moth |
I know you will be inspired!
Blessings,
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DancewithJesus
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If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June