Bold Witnesses

Sermon by Ps Eugene Tan at Faith Community Baptist Church on 24 May 2025.

Background:

Many Christians are closet Christians, nobody knows that we are his followers. In reality, the word Christian in Greek in Chrstianos meaning little Christ. The Bible is not the light of the world but of the church. The world does not read the Bible, they read Christians. Therefore, we must be the light of the world. We must be bold - being fearless, includes frankness, freedom of speech and outspokenness, often in the face of opposition.

Scripture: Acts 4: 13-30

People are astonished by the courage of Peter and John (who were previously fisherman) despite being ordinary and unschooled. It was noted, that these men had been with Jesus.

How can we be bold witnesses?

1. By following Jesus

The boldness shown by Peter and John, is not blessed of their knowledge, but because they had been with Jesus. In the feeding of the 5 thousand, it was the disciples who distributed the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. They modelled after Jesus, they were molded by Jesus and moved by Jesus's love and sacrifice.

2. By believing in God

When they were preaching the gospel, Peter and John were arrested. The authorities cannot deny that the sick were healed and can only instruct Peter and John not to speak any longer. The reply from Peter and John is that they cannot help but to say what they have seen or heard. They then began to pray...they prayed the Sovereign Lord is in control and that nothing can happen without God's permission.

3. By receiving the Holy Spirit

God promises that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us and we shall become witnesses. We need to pray to enable us to speak the word boldly and we can stretch our hands for signs and wonders.

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