Where Do We Go From Here?

Last month I asked, How Did We Get There?  Now, once we’re there, just where do we go? What do we do once we make the decision to serve the Lord? I think part of the answer is found in the fourth chapter of Acts, which includes:

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, (Acts 4:29 KJV)

The incident began in the Temple, in the third chapter, beginning with a lame man’s healing and a closing prayer:

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:26 KJV)

Chapter four begins with the officials of the Temple being upset with Peter and John to the extent they were imprisoned. The next day the two were brought before those officials, asked what they were doing, which gave Peter the opportunity to once again give the Gospel of Jesus:

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:7-12 KJV)

If you have not heard this gospel in your congregation, I do believe it is necessary to seek another where you do.

The officials sent them aside while this was discussed, but the gospel ignored. They made their decision, and it was not to accept Jesus:

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. (Acts 4:18-19 KJV)

Today we are faced with many who tell us still, do not speak the name of Jesus or there will be legal repercussions – we will sue you. May we pray as the disciples did.

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, (Acts 4:29 KJV)

Read the two chapters together. They tell a wondrous story of faith, witnessing, healing, belief by thousands of witnesses, closing with the care of others:

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 4:33-35 KJV)

Where do we go from here, from this chapter? For most people, it has been away from the New Testament church. Will we pray for “all boldness” that we may speak His word? They did. Will we?