May 13, Boldness
I am working on the message for week after next pertaining to baptism. Were going to be looking at baptism through a different set of lenses and I think it is going to be very thought provoking. But that isn't the point of this blog. During my reading and studying for this message I read a very familiar verse. Take a quick look at it with me:
Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
I bet I've read this verse 1,000 times, literally. But something hit me right between the eyes this morning. Notice the progression of the verse:
1. They prayed
2. God showed up
3. They were filled with the Holy Spirit
4. They spoke the word of God BOLDLY
Heres what hit me. Boldness belongs to spirit filled people. In my opinion, boldness is not what I think of when I think of the modern day Christian. In fact, boldness is one of the furtherest things I think. The lion in the wizard of oz comes more to my mind; scared to death of his shadow.
If we as a church are going to truly win this community for Jesus Christ we must become bold. Many may agree but wonder how. I think the above mentioned progression is our answer.
1. Begin to pray for boldness. Beg God to give you th boldness of Peter, Paul and John.
2. Look for the opportunities to be bold so God the Father can show up.
3. If you claim to be a Christian you should already have this one covered which gives you the spiritual equipment to be bold.
4. SPEAK THE WORD with BOLDNESS!
We can begin to see the same type things happen that this group saw. God blessed them greatly due to their boldness for the gospel. Begin asking God to give you boldness and the opportunities to use it. God wants to use you. God wants you to be bold. God has great plans for you and this church. Let's get BOLD about winning this city.
Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
I bet I've read this verse 1,000 times, literally. But something hit me right between the eyes this morning. Notice the progression of the verse:
1. They prayed
2. God showed up
3. They were filled with the Holy Spirit
4. They spoke the word of God BOLDLY
Heres what hit me. Boldness belongs to spirit filled people. In my opinion, boldness is not what I think of when I think of the modern day Christian. In fact, boldness is one of the furtherest things I think. The lion in the wizard of oz comes more to my mind; scared to death of his shadow.
If we as a church are going to truly win this community for Jesus Christ we must become bold. Many may agree but wonder how. I think the above mentioned progression is our answer.
1. Begin to pray for boldness. Beg God to give you th boldness of Peter, Paul and John.
2. Look for the opportunities to be bold so God the Father can show up.
3. If you claim to be a Christian you should already have this one covered which gives you the spiritual equipment to be bold.
4. SPEAK THE WORD with BOLDNESS!
We can begin to see the same type things happen that this group saw. God blessed them greatly due to their boldness for the gospel. Begin asking God to give you boldness and the opportunities to use it. God wants to use you. God wants you to be bold. God has great plans for you and this church. Let's get BOLD about winning this city.
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