Walk Boldly in the Faith

Our source Scripture for today is from Acts 21:12-14.  It says this, ^“When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.  Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’  When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”  

This Scripture describes a discussion between a local prophet and the apostle Paul.  You will notice here, that Paul rebukes the warning of this person coming to steer him away from Jerusalem.  Would you and I do the same in the face of certain persecution?  It’s difficult to say.  Typically with modern Christianity, it seems to me, that we can often find ourselves going through trials or persecution without a choice.  We are the innocent victims of bad things happening to good people. 

But this situation is different.  This is an instance where Paul knew that all he had to do was avoid going into town, and he would be safe.  But he chose to go anyway.  And that difference is what I want to begin unpacking with you now.  How do we walk the walk when it comes to following Jesus and obeying God, in an intentional way.

Scripture also tells us that the Father seeks a certain type of worshipper; the type who gives back to God in both spirit and truth.  But what does worshipping in spirit and truth really mean?  Ideally, when someone praises and worships God there is a combination of passion (spirit) along with an accurate view of who the Lord really is (truth).  If both of these stipulations don't exist at the same time, then we are falling short when it comes to returning praise to the Father.  We may walk boldly through life, but we won’t be doing it according to the Word. 

In order to understand our right relation to God and the Holy Trinity, we must first understand how the Bible depicts this concept of boldness through Spirit and Truth.

If we don’t, then we are in a similar position to the local prophet who warned Paul not to go into town.  We don’t have all the facts about who God is, so we underestimate Him.  Let’s now take a moment to discuss what this kind of lukewarm, misdirected worship might look like when people don’t really know the God of the Bible.  When they walk according to their own wisdom (and not God’s wisdom). 

I once heard a story about a large congregation.  On any given Sunday they would pack in a few thousand worshippers.  It was a huge building, complete with a small restaurant and coffee bar just outside the sanctuary.  A bookstore on the upper deck as well.  They would pray from time to time, and then the preacher would deliver a sermon.  But when it came time for the singing, God couldn't hear them. 

Peoples' mouths were moving, but it was as if nothing was coming out.  Something was missing at these church services.  There was no connection to the real, living God.  

Although this scenario is a metaphor, it’s not the experience that God desires for you and I.  God wants us to actually connect with Him.  To be bold in the faith, and in the confidence that we carry His message.  And the best way to do that, is to both study His Word so we can understand who He is … and also to bring our whole being and emotion to the forefront when we praise Him.  We must give glory to God in both spirit and truth. 

The Gospel often calls us to walk boldly in the faith.  Not to give in to a spirit of fear, but rather, to courageously reach out to God in times of trial and trouble.  And sometimes, to go into that place that we are afraid to go.  

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