God Is With Them
When we spend time with Jesus, he is with us wherever we go, giving us boldness to speak and the power to overcome obstacles.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of being in the presence of Jesus, as demonstrated by Peter and John in Acts 4. Their boldness and the miraculous healing of a man served as undeniable evidence of their time spent with Christ. After facing judgment, they returned to their community, where they prayed for continued boldness and the ability to perform signs and wonders in Jesus' name. Wilkerson highlights that true followers of Christ carry His presence with them, impacting those around them. The sermon encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus to manifest His power in their lives.
Text
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
We see in Acts 4 that as Peter and John stood waiting for judgment to be pronounced, the man who had just been healed stood with them. There, in flesh and blood, was living proof that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Now, as the synagogue rulers looked on, "beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it" (Acts 4:14).
What did Peter and John do when they were released? "They went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them" (4:23). The saints in Jerusalem rejoiced with the two disciples. Then they prayed, "Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus" (4: 29-30). They were praying, "God, thank you for the boldness you've given our brothers. But we know this is just the beginning. Please, keep us all bold to speak with holy assurance. And provide visible evidence that you are with us."
No doubt, Peter and John had seen the look of resignation on the high priest's face when he realized they'd been with Jesus. Peter must have winked at John and said, "If they only knew. They only remember that we were with Jesus weeks ago. They don't realize we've been with the resurrected Master ever since. We were just with him, in the Upper Room. Then this morning we were with him as we prayed in our cell. And as soon as we get out of here, we're going to meet him again."
That's what happens with men and women who spend time with Jesus. When they come away from their time with Christ, he's with them wherever they go.
Sermon Outline
- The Boldness of Peter and John
- The Power of Being with Jesus
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Result of Being with Jesus
- We will be with Jesus wherever we go
- We will have the power to overcome obstacles
- Being with Jesus gives us signs and wonders
Key Quotes
“That's what happens with men and women who spend time with Jesus. When they come away from their time with Christ, he's with them wherever they go.” — David Wilkerson
“They only remember that we were with Jesus weeks ago. They don't realize we've been with the resurrected Master ever since.” — David Wilkerson
“We were just with him, in the Upper Room. Then this morning we were with him as we prayed in our cell. And as soon as we get out of here, we're going to meet him again.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We need to prioritize time with Jesus in prayer and worship to experience his boldness and power.
- We should pray for visible evidence of God's presence in our lives.
- We can apply the truth of being with Jesus to our lives by trusting in his presence and power.