Christian Witnessing - What is Spiritual "Boldness"
The "bold" Christian witnessing we see in the early church supernatural was Spirit-empowered evangelism where devoted followers of Christ could not stop speaking of what they had seen and heard. (Acts 4:20) They were bold like Jesus. Respectfully open and direct even in the presence of opposing viewpoints. The witness and evangelism of early Christians was not loud, pushy and annoyingly "in-your-face" as many people might imagine. So what does it mean to be "bold" for Jesus?
Several hallmarks of true Biblical Christian witnessing "boldness" are:
1) Spirit lead,
2) speaking from a convinced viewpoint,
3) courageously genuine,
4) a persuasion that says, "I need to speak",
5) honest and straightforward,
6) shameless, and
7) fearless.
Its openly declaring your faith and trusting God to use it. It's faithful obedient messengers who realize that God is in charge. Effectively fearless of what others might think, say, or how they will respond. Not some "soft-sell" evangelism aimed at avoiding any and all controversy. But it's not intentionally trying to upset others yet, not intimidated by how others might react as you declare your faith. Pray asking God to give you His courage to boldly share your faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Several hallmarks of true Biblical Christian witnessing "boldness" are:
1) Spirit lead,
2) speaking from a convinced viewpoint,
3) courageously genuine,
4) a persuasion that says, "I need to speak",
5) honest and straightforward,
6) shameless, and
7) fearless.
Its openly declaring your faith and trusting God to use it. It's faithful obedient messengers who realize that God is in charge. Effectively fearless of what others might think, say, or how they will respond. Not some "soft-sell" evangelism aimed at avoiding any and all controversy. But it's not intentionally trying to upset others yet, not intimidated by how others might react as you declare your faith. Pray asking God to give you His courage to boldly share your faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Boldness... with an Authentic Message
Our Christian witness and evangelism needs to flow from a genuine difference Jesus has made in our own lives and other Christians. Compassion to want others to experience God's love, acceptance, forgiveness and purpose too. This must be our motivation to share our faith with Christlike boldness.
Salvation, now and for eternity, is found in Jesus. There is no other name given to mankind by which we are saved. (Acts 4:12) Biblical Christian witnessing and evangelism graciously and unapologetically holds to the unique and distinct claim of Jesus Christ to be the one and only Savior. He changes lives, now and forever. Authentic Christian witnessing and evangelism is respectful of the opinions of others but not tolerant or compromising of mistruthful claims of any other way of salvation. Compromise of this baseline Christian truth remains eternally powerless. Pray asking God for an uncompromising faith in salvation in Christ alone.
Salvation, now and for eternity, is found in Jesus. There is no other name given to mankind by which we are saved. (Acts 4:12) Biblical Christian witnessing and evangelism graciously and unapologetically holds to the unique and distinct claim of Jesus Christ to be the one and only Savior. He changes lives, now and forever. Authentic Christian witnessing and evangelism is respectful of the opinions of others but not tolerant or compromising of mistruthful claims of any other way of salvation. Compromise of this baseline Christian truth remains eternally powerless. Pray asking God for an uncompromising faith in salvation in Christ alone.
Spiritual Boldness... by Genuine Messengers
People can tell if you genuinely care about them. Jesus genuinely cared about about people. It was said that you could tell the early disciples had been with Jesus. They were kind in minstering to others. But amazingly noticeable was how they "reflected" His boldness.
Even in the face of opposition they were compelled to speak openly and honestly. That was a key difference the Holy Spirit made in their lives. When they could have easily bit their tongue and remain silent, they stood their ground and compassionately spoke the truth. Any credit for helping, healing or change in people's lives was attributed "in the name (power) of Jesus". (Acts 4:10) Pray asking God for His compassionate love to see everyone come into a personal relationship with Christ.
Even in the face of opposition they were compelled to speak openly and honestly. That was a key difference the Holy Spirit made in their lives. When they could have easily bit their tongue and remain silent, they stood their ground and compassionately spoke the truth. Any credit for helping, healing or change in people's lives was attributed "in the name (power) of Jesus". (Acts 4:10) Pray asking God for His compassionate love to see everyone come into a personal relationship with Christ.
Spiritual Boldness... Faithfully Presses On
Bold Christian witnessing and evangelism will be challenged. The early disciples were commanded to speak no more. Peter and John said that God wanted them to speak even when others wanted them NOT to speak. (Acts 4:20) The Lord is in charge. We need to say it, not with cleverness but just as we are. Let God empower your words and acts of kindness. The John 3:16 Good News... made simple! evangelism training will help you organize your thoughts around this very familar verse. Trust God to use you as you share your faith. Rest in the power of God. Remember, it is faith in God that pleases Him.
God will bless your personal witnessing and evangelism. The early disciples were just talking to common folks in Acts 4. Friends, people they new from their occupations, relatives and curious bystanders. They were simply speaking to what they had "seen and heard". They were testifying that salvation is found in Jesus. God empowered and blessed their personal witness and many lives were changed as people found salvation in relationship with Jesus... for the "now and forever" of their lives.
God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can take fearful Christians who are willing to follow Him... and make them bold messengers for Christ! Pray, commit yourself to God to be transformed into a bold messenger for Christ.
God will bless your personal witnessing and evangelism. The early disciples were just talking to common folks in Acts 4. Friends, people they new from their occupations, relatives and curious bystanders. They were simply speaking to what they had "seen and heard". They were testifying that salvation is found in Jesus. God empowered and blessed their personal witness and many lives were changed as people found salvation in relationship with Jesus... for the "now and forever" of their lives.
God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can take fearful Christians who are willing to follow Him... and make them bold messengers for Christ! Pray, commit yourself to God to be transformed into a bold messenger for Christ.
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