They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ ¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. —Acts 4:8-13

Three sources of extraordinary courage for ordinary people…

Jesus’ authority – Acts 4:7; Matthew 28:18-20

• I can courageously go and make disciples because I know that in Christ, Jesus gives me his authority and will be with me always

The Holy Spirit’s power – Acts 4:8; Acts 1:8

• I can courageously be a witness because I know that in Christ, the Holy Spirit fills me to overflowing with his power.

God’s promise – Acts 4:9-10, 14; Mark 16:15-20

• When you go and make disciples, the miraculous will follow to confirm the preaching of the gospel.

Don’t wait to feel courageous before you take a courageous step…

• Get on mission.
• Be an ordinary person who has been with Jesus.
• Believe for miracles to confirm the Word of God.

Discipleship Track

Let’s Connect

• Would you describe yourself as a courageous person? Why or why not?

Let’s Talk About It
God loves to use ordinary, unlikely people to accomplish His mission. Fear often hinders us from moving forward into what God has for us. But God Himself supplies us with what we need to live courageously: Jesus’ authority, the Holy Spirit’s power, and God’s promise. You don’t have to wait until you feel courageous to take a courageous step for God. Get on mission with Jesus and believe God for miracles to confirm the Word of God through your life.

Acts 4:1-14; Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-20

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

• Read Acts 4:1-13. How does being with Jesus through Bible reading and prayer build your faith and supply you with courage to live boldly for God?

• Read Matthew 28:18-20. What does it look like to walk in the authority Jesus gives you—in your community, school, family, life? How does knowing that He is with you supply you with the courage to share your faith and make disciples?

• Read Acts 1:8. How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit through your life?

• Read Matthew 16:15-20. Do you believe God can work through your life as you preach the gospel and make disciples? Why or why not? If Jesus is willing to back you when you preach the gospel, who would you have the courage to preach the gospel to? Where would you go? Who would you take with you?

Take a Step

• Mission triggers miracles! Where is God already at work around your life? If you’re unsure, ask him and trust Him to do the miraculous through your life. Take a step… get on mission, share your faith, and pray for someone.

Here’s My Prayer
Father, strengthen my faith so I can live courageously for You. Jesus, thank You for giving me Your authority, the power of the Holy Spirit and Your promise to be with me as I live as a bold witness for You. May I continue to be an ordinary person who spends time with You, and because of Your presence in my life, see You work to bring about the miraculous for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.