But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: “Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words. Acts 2:14 HCSB
I can remember the first time I preached. I was a teenager and was the “pastor” for youth week at Carol Estates Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida. Youth week was a time when the teenagers took positions of leadership in the church for one week. As the youth pastor I spent time with the pastor and understood what he did as pastor. Another youth was the Minister of Music while other teens filled teaching positions in Sunday School. I can remember being fear-filled and nervous. Years later after 40 years of full-time ministry, I have preached many sermons and no longer speak with fear but with boldness.
Peter went from being the impulsive person who seemed to speak without thinking to the person who boldly proclaimed the Gospel at Pentecost. Peter went from denying the Lord three times to being the one that God used to bring a message that would bring thousands of people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Peter continued to be a bold witness for Christ. The difference was that He had experienced the risen Lord and had been filled with the Holy Spirit.
Challenge: No matter what you have done, no matter what sins you have committed, God can use you to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to a dying world that needs a Savior. The Holy Spirit can and will give you power and the words to say in every situation.