It can be difficult to be bold in our faith. We tend to shy away from risk and worry about stepping on others’ toes.
However, we are called to proclaim the Gospel, and we need to learn how to have faith like the original disciples did, and how to not fear persecution.
In his book Unstoppable Gospel, Pastor Gregg Matte shares how Christians can, and should, be bold in their faith.
The original disciples had a physical encounter with Jesus as well as experiencing the resurrection and ascension in person. Thomas actually placed his hand on Jesus’ side and the holes in his hands. Paul had a life-altering experience on the road to Damascus where Jesus actually appeared to him in a vision after knocking him down and blinding him.
We don’t have those same experiences as the disciples to find our faith and authority from, so how do we appropriate the same kind of passion and excitement that we see Peter and Paul?
Jesus actually said that it’s to our advantage that He goes away. It was always a part of God’s plan, and we can see that through a couple of different verses.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
Gregg shares three steps of understanding that Jesus is still with us and has an impact on us.
We must understand that the presence of God is inside every believer.
“The Holy Spirit indwells us, and so he is with us. We don’t see maybe the miraculous things…but Jesus does live inside of us.”
We must open up God’s word and realize that he is really speaking to us through it.
“Jesus is the Word, God is the Word, and he is speaking to us through his Word.”
We must understand that we can really see Jesus in our lives.
“You know, maybe not physically in front of me standing there, but I’m going to see him at work because I realize the Holy Spirit is in me, I’m trusting in His word, and I’m living out my life praying and seeking God.”
We may not have gotten to meet Jesus here on Earth, but he is still with us, active in our lives, and preparing a place for us in Heaven.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:2-4
