May 22, 2011
This was the prayer of the early church, after its leader, Jesus Christ was crucified and the apostles were persecuted. Acts 4:29 “Lord, pay attention to their threats now, and allow us to speak your word boldly. 30 Show your power by healing, performing miracles, and doing amazing things through the power and the name of your holy servant Jesus.
I was moved by a sermon preached today by Andy Stanley, the son of Dr. Charles Stanley, on the early church. I’m sharing my notes because I was stirred by God to step up to the plate like the early Christians who were courageous enough to proclaim the saving freedom of Christ. Their message survived because it was from God!
I was really convicted when Andy asked, “What do you pray for? Think about how we pray in America – can God take our prayers seriously?” He went on to say that most of us pray in a very shallow way, for example: ‘Oh God, please bless and protect me.’ How many of us pray for safety, a blessing, better grades on tests, give thanks for food and wisdom, instead of asking God for boldness to share him with those around us?
Yet the first century people died for Christ (see Acts 5:38-42) while we’re more concerned about what others might think of us if we invite them to church – they might think we’re weird. Andy suggested that we put our requests (which are valid) on the backburner and ask God for boldness.
Consider being bold for Christ. Take some baby steps!
Bold is deciding to say something when it would be easier to say nothing.
It’s always easier to not mention the things that God is doing in my life or inviting people to church
Bold is taking advantage of the opportunities that happen to us.
At least once a week there is an opportunity for you to share what God is doing or has done in your own life
Bold is creating opportunities
Pray every day and ask God to help you be bold!
To not be bold means that someone doesn’t get eternal life (John 3:16). God, help us to be bold!
This was the prayer of the early church, after its leader, Jesus Christ was crucified and the apostles were persecuted. Acts 4:29 “Lord, pay attention to their threats now, and allow us to speak your word boldly. 30 Show your power by healing, performing miracles, and doing amazing things through the power and the name of your holy servant Jesus.
I was moved by a sermon preached today by Andy Stanley, the son of Dr. Charles Stanley, on the early church. I’m sharing my notes because I was stirred by God to step up to the plate like the early Christians who were courageous enough to proclaim the saving freedom of Christ. Their message survived because it was from God!
I was really convicted when Andy asked, “What do you pray for? Think about how we pray in America – can God take our prayers seriously?” He went on to say that most of us pray in a very shallow way, for example: ‘Oh God, please bless and protect me.’ How many of us pray for safety, a blessing, better grades on tests, give thanks for food and wisdom, instead of asking God for boldness to share him with those around us?
Yet the first century people died for Christ (see Acts 5:38-42) while we’re more concerned about what others might think of us if we invite them to church – they might think we’re weird. Andy suggested that we put our requests (which are valid) on the backburner and ask God for boldness.
Consider being bold for Christ. Take some baby steps!
Bold is deciding to say something when it would be easier to say nothing.
It’s always easier to not mention the things that God is doing in my life or inviting people to church
Bold is taking advantage of the opportunities that happen to us.
At least once a week there is an opportunity for you to share what God is doing or has done in your own life
Bold is creating opportunities
Pray every day and ask God to help you be bold!
To not be bold means that someone doesn’t get eternal life (John 3:16). God, help us to be bold!
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