Convicção
A convicção cristã é firmeza de fé que não se abala diante da oposição. É a certeza interior que compele a proclamar a verdade com ousadia, independentemente das consequências.
Ousadia para falar
Recebereis poder e sereis minhas testemunhas. A convicção do Espírito nos equipa para proclamar com coragem e sem vergonha.
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain these men had been with Jesus.
Peter and the apostles replied:
We don’t obey people. We obey God.
Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. I was sent to do this work, and this is the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.
I am proud of the good news! It is God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
Don’t be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
Teach these things, as you use your full authority to encourage and correct people. Make sure you earn everyone’s respect.
Firmeza e confiança
Não temas diante dos homens. A Palavra de Deus é fogo na boca do profeta e firmeza na vida do crente.
"Don’t say you’re too young," the Lord answered. "If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don’t leave out a word!
There is good news
for the city of Zion.
Shout it as loud as you can
from the highest mountain.
Don’t be afraid to shout
to the towns of Judah:
"Your God is here!"
The Lord God gives me
the right words
to encourage the weary.
Each morning he awakens me
eager to learn his teaching;
You will be so determined to speak my message that nothing will stop you. I will make you hard like a diamond, and you’ll have no reason to be afraid of those arrogant rebels.
and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do.
Don’t fall into the trap
of being a coward—
trust the Lord,
and you will be safe.
God was pleased to trust us with his message. We didn’t speak to please people, but to please God who knows our motives.
You are the light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a clay pot. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven.