EVIDENCE< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Acts 3, 4:1-31

ÒNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.Ó (Acts 4:13) Peter and John were on fire right after Jesus had departed the face of earth. They had been empowered by Jesus. All through their journey with Jesus, Peter and John were not passengers, but they were receiving all that Jesus was passing unto them. Some have been claiming to be a Christ-follower for so many years, but there is lack of boldness or the character it takes to represent Him. Boldness is what is needed to stand and preach the Word where the Spirit of God directs. Peter and John did not just preach, but they demonstrated the character of Jesus when they approached the Òcertain lame man from his motherÕs wombÓ and spoke healing to him in the Name of Jesus. After the miracle at the gate, it would have been expected of Peter and John to turn back at the entrance of the temple knowing that the Sadducees were in the temple (their opposition). The boldness and the character that had become of Peter and John could not be interrupted. It is not how long you have been coming and going to the place of worship where the teaching of the Word has been pouring unto you with no character to show for it. However, how much you have increased operating with boldness and character is what matters. Have you examined yourself lately by comparing where you are years back to where you are lately? It is always good to be able to identify if there is a growth in your walking in the Word of God. Peter and JohnÕs miracle became a concern to the opposition and they were, ÒSaying what shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.Ó (Acts 4:16) What is your evidence as a follower of Christ? Peter and John, through the Name of Jesus, had a notable miracle. The miracle shook the camp of the opposition and it caused confusion because they wanted to prevent the truth from spreading further. It was recorded in Acts 4:17, ÒBut so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man.Ó The grace to be increased in boldness and character that will enable believers to step up in the work of the kingdom is what needs to be prayed for. Peter and John followed Jesus and they were able to remain at the center of their divine assignment. Believers that are following the Lord do have need to enter into the center of divine assignment. Not by might, but by the grace of the Lord.