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Christian Boldness
Topic: #387 of 1301 for Sermons on Endurance
Scripture:
Acts 4:1-4:12
Denomination: Baptist
Date Added: June 2000
Audience: Believer Adults (31 - 49)
Keywords: none (Suggest a Keyword)
On death row, the condemned man was asked what he would like for his last meal before execution. The menu was - Lobster, Filet Mignon, Beef Wellington, Caviar or Shrimp. The prisoner replied - “I’d like a bowl of mushrooms.” The warden was surprised, “Why a bowl of mushrooms?” The prisoner replied, “I’ve always been afraid I’d die eating them…..”
What makes you bold? When there’s nothing left to lose? Or are you like the young man in a true story who was almost robbed in New York City while walking from the bus depot to his father’s apartment. 2 men approached him and pulled a gun demanding that he give them his wallet. “NO” he replied. They pointed the gun at his head and said, “give us your wallet”. “NO” he replied again. Finally, they gave up! When later asked why he didn’t give up his wallet, he replied, “My learner’s permit is in it.”
Let’s look at 2 scenes:
Scene 1: Jesus has just been arrested by the temple guards & Romans. In the courtyard, the disciples have run for their lives. Peter is hiding in the shadows and is recognized and accused of being one of Jesus’ followers. 3 times, Peter denies even knowing the man out of fear.
Scene 2: (Acts 4:1-21) Peter and John boldly teach Jesus rose from the dead. Arrested & brought before a council (v5), they were commanded to stop teaching (v16-20). In response, Peter and John said they could not stop teaching/preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.
What happened to Peter and John? What was the reason for their Jekyl & Hyde transformation? Did they take some pill to make them super-Christians? What changed them from wimps to witnesses? What was it that gave them the boldness to stand against the same people who had Jesus crucified?
If we could find out what happened to them, and have the same thing happen to every Christian in today’s word, the world would be turned rightside up.
Today’s world could use Christians who are as bold as Peter and John. More and more often, people with “new” ideas boldly go where no one has gone before. It almost seems the more bizarre the idea, the bolder the proponent. Take for example, the homosexual lobby and agenda which is now being espoused as “normal” when throughout history, it has been abnormal. The proponents of homosexual rights are bolder than ever before, with quick assusations of homophobia.
The church is faced with increased secularism & tolerance. More and more people are hesitant to tell anyone their belief may be wrong. This is nothing new! In Judges 21:25, the Scripture tells us why there were so many problems during the period of the judges with these simple words - “everyone did as he saw fit” (NIV) or “so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (NLT)
In a not too distant encounter while witnessing to a couple, I asked them if what they believed was not true would they want to know….. and they said, “no, not really!” They were not Christians but were content to be wrong rather than be confronted with the truth.
What’s the source for courage? Someone recently said that what this church needs is a good old-fashioned prayer meeting at the altar. Someone else told me we need a REVIVAL! I agree if they mean a renewal of fervor for the Lord Jesus Christ!
What does a bold Christian look like? Do they carry 3 Bibles, a pocket full of tracts, and quote
What makes you bold? When there’s nothing left to lose? Or are you like the young man in a true story who was almost robbed in New York City while walking from the bus depot to his father’s apartment. 2 men approached him and pulled a gun demanding that he give them his wallet. “NO” he replied. They pointed the gun at his head and said, “give us your wallet”. “NO” he replied again. Finally, they gave up! When later asked why he didn’t give up his wallet, he replied, “My learner’s permit is in it.”
Let’s look at 2 scenes:
Scene 1: Jesus has just been arrested by the temple guards & Romans. In the courtyard, the disciples have run for their lives. Peter is hiding in the shadows and is recognized and accused of being one of Jesus’ followers. 3 times, Peter denies even knowing the man out of fear.
Scene 2: (Acts 4:1-21) Peter and John boldly teach Jesus rose from the dead. Arrested & brought before a council (v5), they were commanded to stop teaching (v16-20). In response, Peter and John said they could not stop teaching/preaching in the name of Jesus Christ.
What happened to Peter and John? What was the reason for their Jekyl & Hyde transformation? Did they take some pill to make them super-Christians? What changed them from wimps to witnesses? What was it that gave them the boldness to stand against the same people who had Jesus crucified?
If we could find out what happened to them, and have the same thing happen to every Christian in today’s word, the world would be turned rightside up.
Today’s world could use Christians who are as bold as Peter and John. More and more often, people with “new” ideas boldly go where no one has gone before. It almost seems the more bizarre the idea, the bolder the proponent. Take for example, the homosexual lobby and agenda which is now being espoused as “normal” when throughout history, it has been abnormal. The proponents of homosexual rights are bolder than ever before, with quick assusations of homophobia.
The church is faced with increased secularism & tolerance. More and more people are hesitant to tell anyone their belief may be wrong. This is nothing new! In Judges 21:25, the Scripture tells us why there were so many problems during the period of the judges with these simple words - “everyone did as he saw fit” (NIV) or “so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (NLT)
In a not too distant encounter while witnessing to a couple, I asked them if what they believed was not true would they want to know….. and they said, “no, not really!” They were not Christians but were content to be wrong rather than be confronted with the truth.
What’s the source for courage? Someone recently said that what this church needs is a good old-fashioned prayer meeting at the altar. Someone else told me we need a REVIVAL! I agree if they mean a renewal of fervor for the Lord Jesus Christ!
What does a bold Christian look like? Do they carry 3 Bibles, a pocket full of tracts, and quote
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