SPEAK BOLDLY

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Do you ever struggle to connect people back to the person of Jesus Christ? Sometimes it can be a little intimidating to speak of Jesus Christ by name to those in our lives who seem to be in opposition to the things of God. In these situations, we might find ourselves hedging a little as we speak of God more broadly, in a less than specific manner. 

In the passage that follows, we hear of a time when the Apostle Peter faced a real test as he was called upon to give a reason for why a man had been healed. It would have been easier, less frightening for Peter if he had simply spoken of the power of God, or the work of the Divine. Instead, we are going to hear the Holy Spirit lead Peter to be bold and clear about the need to see Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation available to all people everywhere. 

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 

9 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, 10 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. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” 

(Acts 4:8-12 NIV11)

Question

Those who stood in opposition to Peter asked how this man had been healed from an affliction that was obvious to all who knew him.  

In many ways, this is a silly question. It is silly because what could they say? There was no natural explanation for a man born without use of his legs to suddenly discover that his withered and atrophied legs were now strong and capable. 

It is silly because there is only the supernatural answer available. John and Peter made sure everyone knew that they were not the source of the power that brought healing into this man’s life. The only real answer possible is that the Lord, the one true God, moved in a miraculous way, and gave this man a new life. 

Only Two

Peter and John stood before the same collection of Jewish religious leaders that once met in secret at the High Priest’s house as they searched for ways to condemn Jesus of Nazareth to death on a Roman cross. 

Peter and John are the only two of the disciples who were there that night and, therefore, the only two who would have recognized the faces and voices that stood before them as they were being called to explain the nature of this miracle. 

Changed

The last time Peter was in a room with these men, he failed to stand firm in his faith. He denied knowing Jesus three times and ran off into the night. 

But this time, Peter was bold and confident. He looked these men who condemned Jesus to death in the eyes and let them know that they were the ones who truly failed. They failed to see the Messiah, to experience the power and presence of the Lord. 

How did Peter go from being afraid to being bold? The answer is the truth. Peter knew the truth about Jesus. He witnessed the resurrected Lord. He was sure that Jesus was who he claimed to be, and this confidence, added to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit, turned Peter into a clear preacher of the Gospel. 

Pointed

But Peter did more than accuse these men of failure he pointed them toward Christ. 

Peter definitely held these men to account for their sins against Jesus, but he also pointed them toward the gift of salvation and grace found in Jesus Christ. Peter pointed the way toward faith in Jesus and made it clear that all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

Evidence

The healed man is evidence that the Apostles are telling the truth about Jesus of Nazareth. He is God in flesh, he died in our place, he was raised to new life, and now he is alive and well in the people of faith.  

As the accusers of Jesus Christ see the healed man, they see the truth of who Jesus was and is. This would have been a shock to them all, but it could also have led many to faith in Jesus. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for revealing yourself to us so clearly. We have your name, your nature, your values, your personality, and your loving kindness on display in the message of the Bible. Thank you for being clear with us. Help me embody the boldness that I witnessed in Peter as he stood before those who condemned you to die. Speak boldly through me today. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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