Boldly preaching Jesus as the Christ takes boldness, the type of boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit. Do you want this boldness? Of course you do, so lets read our Bibles, look at some awesome examples of boldness and then pray of an extra measure ourselves.
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“…and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42 emphasis added)
The apostles had been beaten for preaching the gospel of Jesus — for telling others that His death brought full forgiveness and cleansing of sin for anyone who believes in Him and repents of sin.
They were beaten — beaten! — for sharing this good news.
They’re response? Rejoicing! And more preaching. More sharing. More sharing the name of Jesus Christ.
Why?
I’m not sure I would be so bold, so courageous, so ready to suffer for the cause of Christ. Why could they?
Because they prayed.
They prayed for boldness.
They had prayed for boldness. And God answered.
“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.” (Acts 4:29-30)
When we pray for the glory of Jesus to be boldly revealed through us, God always honors that request because it is in line with his will.
These apostles could have acted differently. They could have turned an run. In stead of rejoicing, they could have sulked in self-pity, focused on the pain, and spent time regretting their God-given boldness.
But they didn’t.
They chose to see the answered prayer and gave thanks for the boldness to preach the name of Jesus even the face of danger. They prayed and preached and prayed and preached some more. And God listen and answer and listened and answer some more.
When we pray for the glory of Jesus to be boldly revealed through us, God always honors that request because it is in line with his will. #quietlyreminded Click To Tweet
Lord in Heaven, may we have the boldness to pray for more boldness. May we be willing to see the answer to our prayers when Satan is trying to distract us with the miserable circumstances around us. Please, Lord, grant us, this generation of women, the boldness to speak your word and teach the name of your Son Jesus. For your glory. Amen.
Friends,
As with all #QuietlyThrough posts, this was written while reading quietly through God’s word. If you’re looking for a simple Bible reading plan that moves at an easy pace then the Quietly Through reading plan may be for you.
Only by grace,
Kelli
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2 comments
I have always been amazed by that passage, too. I always think about Hebrews 4.14-16 and how we can pray for the grace we need in every situation and that God gives it “in our time of need.” Grace to be bold when we need it or whatever else we need at that moment.
That is an amazing promise in Hebrews 4!!!