Embracing Bold Faith
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this journey of exploring bold faith, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts to Your Word and help us to embrace the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
In this passage, Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin, boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus as the source of healing and salvation. This moment follows the healing of a man who was lame from birth, a miracle that stirred both awe and controversy.
REFLECT:
Pastor Carter’s message highlights the transformation in Peter and John, who once fled in fear but now stand courageously before the very leaders who condemned Jesus. This change is attributed to their deep faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The boldness they exhibit is not merely human courage, but a divine confidence rooted in their personal experience with the resurrected Christ. This passage challenges us to consider the source of our own boldness. Are we relying on our strength, or are we drawing from the well of faith that comes from knowing Jesus intimately?
Peter's declaration that "salvation is found in no one else" is a profound theological statement. It underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the way to God, a truth that was as countercultural then as it is today. This bold proclamation invites us to examine our own willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it contradicts societal norms or expectations.
In our personal lives, embracing bold faith means stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God with the unknown. It might involve sharing our faith with a friend, making a sacrificial decision, or simply living out our beliefs with integrity. The message encourages us to "jump into the pool" of faith, fully committing to the journey God has for us. This commitment is not about following rules but about experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will take a bold risk as I make my commitment to All Things New.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the example of bold faith shown by Peter and John. Help us to embrace this same courage in our lives. May we trust in Your strength and step out in faith, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.