This podcast explores the meaning of boldness as a Christ follower, emphasizing obedience to God and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. It reflects on the transformative effect of consecration and addresses misconceptions about boldness. It discusses how faith is tested in uncertain times and explores boldness as an action rather than a feeling. The podcast emphasizes the importance of prayer, fasting, and waiting on the Lord to renew strength.
Boldness as a Christ follower involves obedience to God, death to self, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Trusting in God's sovereignty gives us the confidence to be bold in our actions and words.
Deep dives
Understanding the Meaning of Boldness
Boldness is about moving towards fearlessness and doing the scary things God calls us to do in His power. It's not just about saying whatever pops into our heads or being foolish. Boldness is more about obedience to God than seeking affirmation from others. It involves speaking the truth when it matters most and honoring Jesus in a world that may hate Him. Boldness requires being dependent on God, spending time with Him, and trusting in His sovereign plan for our lives.
The Importance of Trusting God's Sovereignty
Boldness is closely tied to our belief in God's sovereignty. When we understand and trust that God is in control of all things, it gives us the confidence to be bold in our actions and words. It allows us to face our fears and challenges with the knowledge that God is with us and will protect us. Trusting in God's sovereignty means believing that He has predestined our lives and will work all things for our good.
Moving from Fear to Boldness
To cultivate boldness in our lives, we need to identify our fears and bring them before God. By acknowledging our fears and entrusting ourselves to Him, we can receive the strength and courage to act in boldness. Boldness requires us to be obedient to God's calling, even when it may cost us something. It involves speaking up for the Lord, serving our communities, and showing up for Jesus in a world that may reject Him.
Taking Action and Cultivating Boldness
Boldness is not just about speaking, but also about being. It is about being willing to engage in difficult conversations, standing up for what is right, or serving others. Boldness is not dependent on our feelings, but on our willingness to take action and trust in the Holy Spirit's power. We can cultivate boldness through prayer, seeking God's guidance, spending time with Jesus, and relying on His strength to confidently live out our faith.
Boldness isn’t making public stances on things all the time, and it’s not just saying everything that pops into your head. In this episode, Jackie and Preston talk about what it truly means to cultivate holistic boldness as a Christ follower today. It’s about obedience to God, death to self, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. And you don’t have to feel bold to be bold. Let’s talk about it.