Boldness in Truth: A Call to Faithful Preaching

In today's message, the focus is on the necessity of boldness in preaching the truth, regardless of the consequences. Drawing from the book of Acts, we see the example of Peter and John, who, despite being perceived as uneducated, spoke with such boldness that it left others in awe. This boldness is not just a call to action but a spiritual necessity that brings joy and fulfillment. Jeremiah's words resonate here, as he describes God's word as a fire in his heart that he could not hold back. The exhaustion of cowardice is contrasted with the invigorating power of speaking truth, even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable.

The sermon also addresses the current state of the church and society, highlighting the dangers of compromising biblical truth for societal acceptance. The example of the National Cathedral's message, which prioritizes social issues over spiritual truth, serves as a cautionary tale. The call is for the church to wake up and embrace a boldness that confronts sin and evil, not out of judgment, but out of love and a desire for true transformation. This boldness is rooted in the authority of Scripture, which is unchanging and absolute.

The message challenges us to consider the role of the church and its leaders. True leaders are those who uphold the truth, not those who bend it to fit cultural norms. The historical examples of bold figures like Martin Luther and John Knox serve as reminders of the power of unwavering commitment to truth. The call is for a return to a church that is holy and set apart, one that seeks revival through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, the message is a call to action for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to seek God's face, and to stand firm in the truth, regardless of the cost. It is a reminder that true love is not about acceptance without truth but about speaking the truth in love, with the hope of transformation and restoration.

Key Takeaways

• 1. time event but a continual process of seeking God's presence and allowing Him to work through us. [46:37]
  ** [46:37]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Preach the Truth
• [00:47] - Boldness of Peter and John
• [01:19] - Exhaustion of Cowardice
• [02:38] - Current State of the Church
• [04:34] - Wake Up Call for the Church
• [06:27] - Authority of Scripture
• [08:26] - Holy Fire and Revival
• [10:53] - Preaching Holiness
• [12:22] - Historical Examples of Boldness
• [14:49] - Confronting Sin with Love
• [16:28] - God's Unchanging Truth
• [19:00] - Being Available for God
• [21:22] - Confrontation with Humility
• [46:37] - Filled with the Holy Spirit

1. Acts 4:13-17
2. Jeremiah 20:9
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. What was the reaction of the people when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and how did their perceived lack of education play into this reaction? ([00:47])
2. How does Jeremiah describe the feeling of holding back God's word, and what does this suggest about the nature of boldness in speaking the truth? ([01:03])
3. What was the message delivered at the National Cathedral, and how does it contrast with the sermon’s view on the authority of Scripture? ([03:05])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of historical figures like Martin Luther and John Knox in relation to boldness and truth? ([13:24])

1. How does the sermon interpret the exhaustion of cowardice in contrast to the joy of boldness, and what might this suggest about the spiritual state of a believer? ([01:19])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that societal acceptance can lead to the compromise of biblical truth, and how does this relate to the authority of Scripture? ([09:36])
3. How does the sermon define true love in the context of confronting sin, and what implications does this have for the church's mission? ([05:08])
4. What lessons can be drawn from the historical examples of boldness mentioned in the sermon, and how might these examples inspire contemporary believers? ([13:24])

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to speak the truth but held back. What were the consequences, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? ([01:19])
2. How can you personally uphold the authority of Scripture in your daily life, especially when faced with societal pressures to conform? ([09:36])
3. Consider a situation where you need to confront sin in love. What steps can you take to ensure that your approach is both loving and truthful? ([05:08])
4. Identify a historical figure from the sermon who inspires you. What specific actions or attitudes from their life can you emulate in your own walk of faith? ([13:24])
5. How can you actively seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit in your daily life, and what practices might help you remain open to His guidance? ([46:37])
6. Think about a current issue in society where the church might be tempted to compromise. How can you encourage your church community to stand firm in biblical truth? ([04:34])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to be more available for God’s work, as illustrated by the pastor’s story of being available in the store? ([19:29])