BIBLE READING

Proverbs 28: 1

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

REFLECTION

I wonder how bold you would say you are?

If there was a 'bold-ometer' with a scale measuring from 1 to 10, with 1 being timid and a bit scared of everything – and 10 being really bold and courageous, fearless, nothing scares you – I wonder where on the scale of 1-10 where you would be.

For many of us, our level of boldness depends on what the situation is, and who is with us.

if there was one major defining characteristic of these first Christians when you read the book of Acts, I would say it is BOLDNESS.

The word BOLDNESS appears again and again throughout the book of Acts.

Look at these verses:

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (Acts 4: 29)

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4: 31)

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9: 28)

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first...." (Acts 13: 46)

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord..." (Acts 14: 3)

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18: 26)

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. (Acts 19: 8)

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28: 31)

It was the HOLY BOLDNESS of the first Christians that enabled them to turn the world upside down for Jesus.

It's the same for us - To be effective as Christians will require courage, boldness, perseverance and faith.

Over the next few days we'll look at what this holy boldness actually looked like in their day to day life.

But for now - Think about how you can stretch yourself today in boldness and courage. Is there a conversation you have been putting off?; perhaps someone God is prompting you to share your faith with?; a decision you need to take?

As Paul said in 2 Cor 3: 12:

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

May God give you boldness to step out in faith today!