Episode 994
What Happens When We Speak Truth to Power?
Today, we delve into the profound themes present in Acts 4:1-12, where Peter and John find themselves confronting the authorities after performing a miraculous healing. This episode underscores the paramount importance of speaking truth to power, as exemplified by the apostles' unwavering commitment to their message despite facing arrest. We explore how authenticity and the courage to express one's truth can challenge oppressive systems, echoing contemporary movements for social justice and human rights. Additionally, we consider the notion of salvation not as an exclusive theological doctrine, but as a holistic approach that promotes healing and wholeness within communities. As we engage with these ideas, we invite listeners to reflect on areas in their own lives where healing is necessary and to take actionable steps toward fostering transformation, even amidst discomfort.
Takeaways:
- Engaging with the Bible through a progressive lens invites deeper understanding and application.
- Authenticity in our personal experiences is paramount, even when it challenges societal norms.
- Speaking truth to power is essential for societal healing and confronting systemic injustices.
- The concept of salvation can be redefined to encompass holistic healing across physical and social dimensions.
- Peter and John's example demonstrates the importance of being truthful in the face of adversity and opposition.
- Identifying and addressing systems in need of healing requires courage and a willingness to act, regardless of discomfort.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
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- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
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Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here.
Speaker B:With the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lesson selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading and Today's reading is.
Speaker B:From Acts 4:1 12 reading from the Message Nothing to Hide While Peter and.
Speaker A:John were addressing the people, the priests.
Speaker B:The chief of the temple police and some Sadducees came up indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus.
Speaker A:They arrested them and threw them in.
Speaker B:Jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening.
Speaker B:But many of those who had listened had already believed the message in round numbers, about 5,000.
Speaker B:The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem.
Speaker B:The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, Annas, the chief priests, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, everybody.
Speaker A:Who was anybody was there.
Speaker A:They stood Peter and John in the.
Speaker B:Middle of the room and grilled them.
Speaker B:Who put you in charge here?
Speaker B:What business do you have doing this.
Speaker A:With that Peter, full of the Holy.
Speaker B:Spirit, let loose rulers and leaders of the people.
Speaker B:If we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man put under investigation regarding the healing, I'll be completely frank with you.
Speaker B:We have nothing to hide.
Speaker B:By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the one you killed on a cross, the one when God raised from the dead by means of his name.
Speaker B:This man stands before you healthy and whole.
Speaker B:Jesus is the stone you masons throughout, which is now the cornerstone.
Speaker B:Salvation comes no other way.
Speaker B:No other name has been or will be given to us by which we can say be saved.
Speaker B:Not one.
Speaker B:Well, that's the end of the reading, which is all about speaking truth to power.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'm glad you joined me today for our progressive take on the lectionary reading.
Speaker A:And.
Speaker B:You understand that today's passage, sometimes most powerful Moments come when we are willing to be authentically ourselves, even if it makes others uncomfortable.
Speaker B:So today we're looking at Acts 4:1 12 where Peter and John find themselves in quite a situation.
Speaker B:They've just healed someone and instead of celebration, they're facing arrest.
Speaker B:Let me tell you, this passage is different when you consider it through a progressive lens.
Speaker B:Here's some points to ponder.
Speaker B:The first one is about speaking truth.
Speaker B:To ponder truth to power.
Speaker B:You know, as someone who I host a podcast for cancer stricken people and I learned that speaking the truth about this is what it's really about.
Speaker B:Even if it's uncomfortable, it's crucial for healing.
Speaker B:And Peter and John weren't just challenging religious authorities.
Speaker B:They were confronting an entire system that prioritized maintaining order over human well being.
Speaker B:This reminds me of modern movements for social justice, health care, access and human rights.
Speaker B:Here's another point to ponder.
Speaker B:That's the courage of authenticity.
Speaker B:Peter declares that they have nothing to hide.
Speaker B:I've been married for coming up on 34 years and I learned that authenticity is is non negotiable.
Speaker B:Like when my wife and I are hiking in a wooded park nearby.
Speaker B:We need to know, we need to be understood and be honest in our assessment of one another.
Speaker B:The disciples weren't trying to start a revolution.
Speaker B:They were being truthful about their experience with Jesus.
Speaker B:The third point to ponder is about redefining salvation.
Speaker B:It gets kind of interesting here and from a progressive perspective.
Speaker B:Peter talks about salvation through Jesus.
Speaker B:He's not pushing an exclusive theological agenda.
Speaker B:He's pointing the way of living that challenges systems of oppression and promotes healing and wholeness.
Speaker B:The healing they performed wasn't just spiritual.
Speaker B:It was physical, social and communal.
Speaker B:Here's your action step.
Speaker B:I challenge you to identify a system or structure in your life where healing is needed.
Speaker B:Maybe in your workplace or your community or even your own church.
Speaker B:Maybe in your own family, your own thinking.
Speaker B:Take one concrete step towards addressing it, even if it makes some people uncomfortable.
Speaker B:Remember, like Peter and John, your truth might not be popular, but it might be exactly what's needed for healing.
Speaker B:We're going to pray here in just a moment.
Speaker B:Just a reminder that we have a Bible study resource for you called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:You pick it up at our website, voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:Oh God, you are divine love and we come to you as we are sometimes afraid, sometimes bold, but always seeking truth.
Speaker B:Help us find the courage to speak our truth, even when our voice shakes.
Speaker B:Like Peter and John, may we be agents of healing in a wounded world.
Speaker B:Guide us to stand firm in our convictions while remaining open to growth and understanding.
Speaker B:When we face opposition, remind us that transformation often begins with holy disruption.
Speaker B:Grant us wisdom to recognize where healing is needed and courage to be part of that healing.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported you.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
