It is no secret; people want to hear words of hope and prosperity. They want to hear words of joy and words of freedom. Yet, when the church proclaims such words as the result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the world works hard to silence the very message it longs to hear. Why would the world be so opposed to the good news of Jesus Christ? The answer is summed up in one word; sin. Sin seeks to silence the church.
When Peter and John were ordered by the authorities to cease proclaiming Jesus as the resurrected Lord, those in opposition to the gospel thought they had silenced them. Yet, Peter and John along with the other apostles prayed for courage and boldness. They prayed the Holy Spirit would give them power to proclaim Jesus as the Christ. Certainly their prayers were answered and the church grew rapidly.
Today, the world still seeks to silence the church; there seems to be little tolerance for the Christian message of hope and salvation. Yet, emboldened by the same Holy Spirit, the church continues the gospel proclamation. Just as Jesus taught the apostles, so they teach us. Pray for boldness and courage.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, equip us to boldly speak the truth of your gospel. Amen.
In the Beginning 