Francis Chan, Pastor of Cornerstone Church of Simi Valley, CA, spoke on Tuesday morning. He preached from Acts 4:13 and his main point was this… “in our churches we have too many educated scared people and a lack of boldness”. I would like to share some thoughts from this verse and also from hearing Chan…

Acts 4:13 – Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. [ESV]

1st: BOLDNESS

Peter and John’s boldness was completely visible and the fact that they were just everyday average guys was visible as well. They had zero degrees and formal education! The disciples, here, took a bold stand for Jesus and for Jesus alone! Their only power was from knowing Jesus and that was visible as well!!!

2nd: ASTONISHED

People who had education and formal training were astonished that these 2 guys could be so bold and do what they were doing. This shouted the name and power of Jesus. What was seen in them was the HOLY SPIRIT living in them, controlling them, and giving them the power. This was so visible that it astonished everyone!!!

3rd: RECOGNIZED

No one even questioned, it was recognizable, visible… these guys had been with Jesus!

Man, I want to reflect Jesus in this way!!! This is the reason our church has this as our vision: A community of people reflecting the Image of Christ. We want people to see Jesus in us – it should be RECOGNIZED!!!

IMAGINE THIS…

Imagine the talk of the town being, “Have you seen the boldness of those Image people, their power to do good astonishes me, it is totally recognizeable that there faith in Jesus is authentic! They back up their talk by their walk!”