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Many people do not fully understand the working of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the things of Christ (John 14:26). The primary function of the Spirit is to bear witness to the truth. Once Jesus ascended to the Father, the Holy Spirit was sent to convict us of sin and to convince us of the righteousness of Christ (John 16:8). This makes the Holy Spirit essential to a salvation experience. The Holy Spirit seals us and secures our salvation until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers helping us to function as Christ’s body on this earth (I Corinthians 12).
In Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit produces boldness. The Holy Spirit came as Jesus promised, and the Early Church is filled full with the Holy Ghost. This was given to them so they could witness about Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). Much of what we see in Acts is the apostles walking in the power of God. When we walk in the power of God, there is boldness.
In Acts 3, Peter & John go up to the temple at the hour of prayer. Peter heals a man who had been lame from his birth (Acts 3:6-8). Peter then preaches to the people about from where the power came. Peter had no power, but it was in the name of Jesus Christ that this man was healed. The leaders of Israel are concerned, they thought they had put Jesus to death. Here is one doing miracles in His name. Peter & John are arrested twice, beaten, and commanded not to preach in this name. Peter continues to be bold for Jesus, even in the face of persecution.
What is keeping us from being bold for Jesus? I believe most of us are not walking in the power of God. Until we fully rely on Him, we will never be the witnesses we are called to be.
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