Evidences They Had Been With Jesus

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The Christians in the early church made a tremendous impact upon the society in which they lived. There were some things that stood out about them and marked them as the saints of God in their day. What were the characteristics of them, that showed that they had been with Jesus, which should be true of both me and you today??? Time does not change what the Holy Spirit brings about in us when we are surrendered and dependent upon Him. We serve the same God today as those which we read about in His word. Since it is so important to have a life-changing influence upon others around us in this world, we should spend much time with Christ. Just as others notice us if we have the chicken-pox or measles, it should be evident to them that Jesus radiates from our lives. Let's consider what was in their lives which should be seen in our lives that we may give proof to the world that we have been with Jesus.

1. Their Fullness of the Holy Spirit - Acts 4:8a Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost,... We read from the word of God that Peter was full of the Holy Ghost. All Christians should know the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Although the Holy Spirit lives within each saved person, one must yield their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to take full control of their thoughts and actions; it is not automatic for the new Christian. The old man still fights the new man, and whichever is fed the most, ends up winning!!! We must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to have God's power upon our lives and evidenced in our actions towards those whom God has placed in our areas of influence.
2. Their Fearlessness - Peter stood preaching to some of those who more than likely had a part in crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ. His courage is seen as he stood against the organized religion of that day and announced to them that there is no salvation in any other but Jesus Christ. Their courage came from the word of God. They had great faith in what they had been taught by Jesus, and they knew their job was to go into the world and spread the gospel so that others may come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour. We are not to fear man - Prov. 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. We are to fear God - Heb. 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
3. Their Faithfulness - When they were told to stop preaching, they paid no attention. They kept on declaring the truth of the Gospel. Acts 4:18-20 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
4. Their Singleness - Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Their attention was sincere and undivided when it came to their Lord. They were devoted to the God of the Gospel and the Gospel of God.
5. Their Gladness - So many Christians today go around with a frown on their face; God help us to be glad!!! We should find pleasure, joy, and delight in the things of God. Persecution from the world should not be able to rob us of our gladness in the Lord Jesus. Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;