Key Verse: Verse 13 - “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Key Words: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John
It is one thing to hear about the boldness of a person; another thing completely to SEE that boldness in action.
These Jewish leaders had heard of Peter and John’s boldness, but now they were seeing it up close and personal. And they were, to say the least, impressed (verse 6).
Today the pulpit has become a place of weakness rather than boldness. Did you know that there is a team of independent Baptist preachers that travel encouraging persons to be bold in their preaching? If America is to change, our pastors must be “bold” in standing on the fundamentals of the faith.
Hugh Lattimer once preached before King Henry VIII. Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the sermon and ordered Lattimer to preach again on the following Sunday and apologize for the offence he had given. The next Sunday, after reading his text, he thus began his sermon: “Hugh Lattimer, dost thou know before whom thou are this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the King’s most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life, if thou offendest. Therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease. But then consider well, Hugh, dost thou not know from whence thou comest—upon Whose message thou are sent? Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholdeth all thy ways and Who is able to cast thy soul into hell! Therefore, take care that thou deliverest thy message faithfully.” He then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday—and with considerable more energy.
What to do:
✞ Be gracious in your presentation of the gospel, but be bold in your spirit to speak the truth in love.
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