BEING BOLD IN THE LORD ACTS 4:13, 29-31

Acts 4:13, Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.'' And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

There is a need in the church today for people to be bold and fearless in their service to the Lord. II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Will You Dare To Be Bold In: Don’t confuse this with being a dare-devil or being reckless and foolish. However in our service to the Lord we must be: CourageousBoldStrong

Proclaiming The Word? This is the example we have from the apostles. Acts 4:11-13 "This is the `stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'' Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. Jesus has “the words of eternal life.”

Salvation and eternal life is found only in Christ. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. We must not shun from boldly preaching the word of God at all times. II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. Boldness does not exclude love and kindness.

Rejecting The Ways of The World? Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The world is in darkness. God want us to be in the light and not darkness. I John 1:5 God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Redemption and forgiveness can only be obtained in the light. Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Standing For The Truth? Sometimes it is not very popular to stand up for the Lord and His word. But stand we must. I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.

Sometimes speaking the truth will make enemies. Galatians 4:16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? We are in a battle. “The Battle Belongs To The Lord.” Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

The truth is the only message that will free people from sin. John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. How important is the truth? Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. True freedom is found only in Christ. Freedom from: Sin Satan CondemnationSpiritual death

HOW BOLD ARE YOU IN YOUR SERVICE TO THE LORD? I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Given by David Hamlin on pm Hollister, Missouri church of Christ