GOD’S SPIRIT BRINGS US BOLDNESS

WORD:

In Acts 3-4 the apostles pray for a man and he is drastically healed physically.  It is a notable miracle that non-believers recognize.  After the religious leaders learn that it was ‘done in the name of Jesus’ they are offended and retaliate.

READ 4:13-22

Can you foresee a period in America’s future where we will be banned from speaking or teaching about Jesus? Why? Explain.

Discuss the similarities and differences between how these people lived their lives and how we live ours.  Focus on the difference in their surroundings

What was the fuel for the passion of the disciples during this persecution? (God showed up in supernatural ways. He proved himself.)

How did God use this environment/persecution to show his power?

Discuss the thought that God might need or require some of this persecution to demonstrate his strength.

Discuss verse 20.  (They had seen the power of God demonstrated so strongly and obvious that it empowered their evangelism.  They did not care about who judged them or what the law would do to them.)

Have you ever been in this position where they power of God gave you the strength to speak without reservation?

What was the main point of the supernatural signs that God was displaying in the disciples? (to spread his NAME to everyone, to spread the Gospel)

What keeps us from desiring more of God in our present life? (We do not desire the works of God for the right reasons, we are selfish, our faith is weak, we are spoiled, etc)

What will it take to put us in the place where the believers were in Acts 3-4?

LET’S PRAY FOR GOD’S POWER TO SHOW UP AND GIVE US BOLDNESS TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE!