September 2025
In a recent sermon from Revelation, the biblical text stressed the importance of being a bold and faithful witness for Christ no matter the cost. As I thought about this teaching, I asked myself, how do I know if I will be a bold and faithful witness if harsh persecution is going to be the result?
My conclusion was threefold. First, I know that I can become a bold and faithful witnesses for Christ by staying intimately connected to him through a healthy devotional life. In my opinion, this is best achieved through having regular “Quiet Times” of bible reading, prayer, and personal worship. In essence this discipline will allow me to stay deeply connected with the Lord in order to be consistently led by his Holy Spirit throughout my daily activities and relationships. And, make no mistake about it, bold witness will be Spirit led and Spirit empowered.
Second, I need to be involved in some type of discipleship experience that will help me to grow in my faith and practice. Often, this can be accomplished by participating in some type of discipleship training that includes accountability. One discipleship option for our church this fall will be our Practicing the Way seminars on Wednesday nights. This fall, we will be studying two ancient Christian practices that have, in some respects, become lost disciplines for today’s Christian. The first practice we will study is “fasting” and the second will be “solitude.” Many Christians have never truly experienced either of these practices. So, if that’s you, why not join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM starting on September 3? Youth will be in the Hangar, women will be in the Hospitality Room, and men will be in the FLC. No doubt, these practices will help each of us to learn to be with Jesus and to do as Jesus did, which includes being a bold witness.
Finally, if I want to be a bold witness for Christ when it’s hard, I best learn to be a bold witness for Christ when its easy (or at least easier). Make a list of family members, friends, work associates, classmates, or neighbors who may not be believers. If your list is super short or if you don’t know any unbelievers, begin asking God to bring one into your life. My expectation is that your prayer will be answered quickly. And, when that happens, begin to pray regularly for the person that God brings your way. Ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to serve them in some way. Perhaps, invite them over to your home for a meal or take them out to eat. Pray that God will allow you to develop a true friendship with this person. And, while all of this is happening, when the time is right, ask God to open up the door for you to have an authentic spiritual conversation with them about your faith and find out where they stand with Christ.
In short, I know that God wants me to develop authentic friendships with the people that he puts into my life, especially those who are not yet part of his family. If I’m consistently connecting with God and with these people. And if I’m faithfully praying for them, I’m very confident that God will open the door for me to talk with them about the one who gives me joy, hope, purpose, and life. As Paul says, “the life that is truly life (1 Tim. 6:19).” And, this is the end result for all who hear the Gospel and then choose to believe the Gospel.
Going Bold,
Scott
PS – Be sure and check out Romans 10:15 for some encouragement.
