Boldness This lesson will look at something that is essential if we are to be a successful church and be pleasing to God. We must have boldness if we are to be teaching as we ought. The example of the apostles - Acts 4:1-31 Why were Christians persecuted? for keeping quiet and not bothering anyone? If they wanted to avoid persecution, all they had to do is be like the false prophets of the past. Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Isaiah 30:9-10 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits Lamentations 2:14 Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; They have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captives, But have envisioned for you false prophecies and delusions. We too can speak the smooth things and be teaching the truth at the same time. All we have to do is fail to teach the full counsel of God. If at funeral it is said, "this man had no enemies" there lays a coward, compromiser. We cannot shine as a light in this world, stand for truth and make no enemies. We can have basic morality, be a good person and make no enemies, but cannot take a stand against evil without making enemies. Early Christians said to the whole world, "you are wrong!" Your Govt, family life, business practices, lifestyle, are all wrong! Your religion is wrong! You are worshipping false gods or worshipping the true God in wrong manner. Today many are worshipping false gods of fashion, govt, science, psychology, money, power, fame. Many are worshipping the true God in the wrong manner. It is the duty of the Church to stand firm and show people the truth, and be bright light shining in darkness, only source of light. Every system of living that is not what God has revealed is doomed to failure. World is wrong for one simple reason, it is failing to follow God and submit to Him. Problems of Crime, Taxes, Economy, Much of disease, International Affairs, Educational problems can be traced directly to failure to submitting to God. We will not make an impact by watching T.V., wasting time. Must study, know the Word, and take a stand - show that it is worth believing and learning. If not worth learning it is not worth believing, or living. Bible claims to have all the answers. Does it? Say so! A timid and weak Christian is going to ineffective. Preach the word in love and boldness. World is still a crooked and perverse generation. The world is still under the evil one. Satan is still the god of this world. When there is no persecution it is because there is no reason to persecute. When the church does not prove itself to be a threat, no challenge, why bother? When those in Zion are at ease, every one else will leave them alone. We must take a stand! When we do we know we will anger some, and we know this before we begin. If not willing to take the risk, not ready to be a disciple. Acts 9:20-31 The church had peace, were built up, and increased by conflict. Acts 13:44-46 - At Antioch of Pisidia Acts 14:1-3 - at Iconium Acts 19:8-10 God approved Paul's actions 19:11, 20 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. Boldness was the reason Paul was thrown out of town so often What would have happened if he came into town and acted like we do? How long would it take to establish a church? When Paul told Timothy to "preach in season and out of season", he was telling Timothy to preach as he did. Paul imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) - Luke 11:37-54 We are to imitate Christ - Ephesians 5:11 The reason we speak out: 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men... As We Warn of the Judgment to Come, There Will Be Trouble! Luke 12:51-53 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Jude 3-4 "Contend earnestly" is from "epagonizomai" which means "to contend about a thing as a combatant" (epi intensifies agon - a contest. Jude gave diligence, found it needful. Why? - verse 4! It is still needful today! We have much evil to rebuke! We need to be teaching and not saying, "woe is us" if some do not listen. Their blood is own their own heads we are free of responsibility for their ultimate fate. Ezekiel 33:1-9 Do we believe this? Then stop worrying about those who do not listen, we do what we can and then if they do not have a good and honest heart, then shake off the dust and move on. Very few respond 1st time, must have patience, yet - If they reject it, leave them alone - Matthew 15:1-14 What Will Happen If We Are Bold? 1. It will upset some people and make them mad. We will be persecuted. Odd that people will claim that it doesn't make any difference what you believe, will be tolerant of any kind of teach ing until you start teaching it does make a difference, then the tolerant become very intolerant. Those who live godly will be persecuted. 2. We will be following the example of the N.T. Church. If they were as cautious and concerned about offending others as many are today, the church would have never spread beyond Judea. We have been given the same commands that they received. What if it were us instead of them in the 1st Century? How would the record in Acts read? Even after the miracles ceased, the church continued to spread in spite of intense persecution that the Roman Empire surrendered in 313 A.D. and declared Christianity to be the State religion in 380 A.D. This was not done by waiting for the convenient time to teach in a manner so that no one would get upset. 3. We would be following the example of Jesus. Earlier in this Century, the church at one time was the fastest growing religious body in the U.S. It was a time of religious debates, taking a stand, when people were angry at the church, time of controversy. (Acts 9:31) Where does confidence come from? 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 Boldness in our God Similar to situation in 1 Sam: 30:6 1 Samuel 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (He had been rejected by Saul, the Philistines, and now his own people) 1 John 3:18-21 When Christians are not are not willing to take a stand, the result is that there is nothing to be dedicated to, nothing to sacrifice for. The church becomes just another social club. The world needs to see the difference between Christianity and the cheap imitations. Ephesians 6:18-20 Examples: 1. Collinsville church in OK was sued for withdrawing from woman who committed adultery. Some became worried. Allan's response: We should boldly say: "That's right! We will not tolerate hypocrisy like the compromisers and make the church a farce. If this is not what you are interested in then stay away! You are not a disciple of Jesus." 2. When Rick was still here, it was suggested that we change Wed. service to another evening so Rick and I and whoever wanted to could go to other church services in imitation of Paul going to the synagogues. Judy said "They might sue us". I liked Larry's answer to that when he heard of it - "SO WHAT?" We must show the world there is something worth living for and dying for. Will never happen by being timid, uncertain and scared. We have the greatest message known to man, We need to live in such a way that shows we believe what we say. Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Do you have that strong confidence? Fearing the Lord and know He is our Father. Wayne Wells wayneliz@twave.net http://users.twave.net/ncc