http://www.firebreathingchristian.com/archives/3687
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)
Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, saying, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Peter boldly explained to the crowd who Jesus was, the foretold Messiah....
"Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:38-47)
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Peter sets a great example of witnessing. Jesus had proclaimed that he would be the stone on which his church was built! It is amazing to see his boldness now! Remember that on the night of Jesus trial, he had thrice denied knowing Christ for fear of being accused with Jesus. After Jesus was dead, Peter and the others were hiding in a locked room. Only the women were brave enough to go out to the tomb on Sunday to prepare the body! Where were the men to help with the heavy stone? But when he heard their story of the empty tomb, Peter rushes out to see for himself. Then later after fishing they see Jesus on the beach. Peter is so excited he jumps in the water to swim for Jesus!
Peter demonstrates the transformation that can happen in a heart that Jesus claims. He was just a simple, uneducated fisherman. But in the end, he was not afraid to stand up in the temple courts and declare Jesus the Messiah. He did not fear what others would say or do to him, and he was put in prison. His concern was for God's Kingdom, leading the first Christian Church.
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Dear Father in Heaven, you are so good! Please give us a double portion of your spirit. Help us to be bold like Peter! Open our eyes to the multitude of angels surrounding the enemy. Give us perspective to see the vast eternity spread out before us, worshiping in the beauty of your light and love!
Therefore let us courageously stand up for Christ. Yes! I am a believer! It does matter what we do! There is such a thing as right and wrong, and the truth is in God. We acknowledge that all things were made by you and controlled by you. Let us be witnesses to the awesome forgiveness and love that changes our lives. Thank you God for your strength in us! Amen.
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