Relying on God's Word to Talk Ourselves Out of Silence | Soul Talk | Pastor Randy Goldenberg

Devotional

Day 1: Our Words Reveal Our Hearts

Jesus teaches that the words we speak flow directly from what fills our hearts. What we care about, value, and find joy in will naturally come out in our conversations. If Christ is truly at the center of our lives, our words will reflect His presence and our devotion to Him. This is not about forcing spiritual talk, but about allowing the reality of our relationship with God to overflow into our daily interactions. When we recognize that our speech is a window into our soul, we can become more intentional about letting our love for God shape what we say and how we say it. [01:31]

Matthew 12:34 (ESV)
"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

Reflection: What is one recent conversation where your words revealed what you truly care about? How might you let your love for Christ be more evident in your speech today?

Day 2: Jesus Calls Us to Go and Make Disciples

Jesus’ final instructions to His followers were clear and direct: we are to go, initiate, and make disciples of all nations. This is not a passive calling, but an active one that requires us to step out, have spiritual conversations, and invite others into a relationship with Christ. Teaching others to obey all that Jesus commanded is not just for a select few, but for every believer. We are called to be public about our allegiance to Christ, trusting that He is with us always as we step out in faith. [14:27]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: Who in your circle of influence might God be prompting you to reach out to with an invitation or a spiritual conversation this week?

Day 3: Overcoming the Fear of Others

Many of us remain silent about our faith because we fear what others might think, say, or do. The Bible acknowledges this struggle, reminding us that people are often trapped by their fear of others, but those who trust in the Lord are secure. God calls us to move beyond the fear of rejection, mockery, or loss, and to trust Him with the outcomes. When we let go of the need for approval and instead seek to please God, we find the courage to speak up about our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly. [19:03]

Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."

Reflection: Is there someone you hesitate to talk to about your faith because of fear? What would trusting God with that relationship look like today?

Day 4: You Are Chosen to Proclaim God’s Excellence

Every follower of Christ is chosen and called to be a spokesperson for God, sharing His excellent qualities with a world that often misunderstands or ignores Him. We are like bridges, connecting others to the truth about who God is and what He has done. God is counting on us—there is no backup plan. When we embrace our identity as His chosen people, we become willing to clear up misconceptions and speak boldly about His goodness, love, and faithfulness, knowing that we are privileged to represent Him. [32:24]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one excellent quality of God you can share with someone today who may not know Him well?

Day 5: Relying on the Holy Spirit’s Power to Speak Boldly

God does not expect us to initiate spiritual conversations in our own strength. He promises the power of the Holy Spirit to help us speak boldly and effectively. Like a TV that needs to be plugged in and turned on, we must pray for the Spirit’s empowerment and then take the step of opening our mouths in faith. As we do, God releases His power through us, giving us courage, wisdom, and the right words at the right time. The Spirit’s power is available to every believer who is willing to ask and act. [37:04]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: Have you asked God today for the Holy Spirit’s power to help you speak about Christ? What is one step you can take to “turn on” that power by opening your mouth in faith?

Sermon Summary

Every day, we are surrounded by people who are curious about faith, searching for meaning, and open to spiritual conversations—yet most will never think about God unless someone in their life brings it up. Jesus taught that our words flow from what fills our hearts, and if our hearts are truly captured by Him, it should be natural for us to speak about Him. Yet, statistics show that most followers of Christ rarely talk about their faith, and only a small percentage of people have ever been personally invited to church. Despite this, the vast majority would be open to attending if simply invited by a friend.

We are entrusted with a treasure: the message of Christ and the power to change lives, families, and even generations. Jesus’ command is clear—go and make disciples, teaching others to follow Him. This is not a suggestion, but a calling for every believer. Yet, many of us are silenced by fear—fear of rejection, loss of respect, or even loss of relationships. The world, and even spiritual opposition, has conditioned us to keep silent, but God’s Spirit calls us to boldness.

The truth is, God has no backup plan. He is counting on us—His chosen people—to tell others about His excellent qualities, to clear up misunderstandings about who He is, and to invite others into relationship with Him. We are not left powerless; the Holy Spirit empowers us, but that power is only released when we step out in faith and open our mouths. Like plugging in and turning on a TV, we must both pray for God’s power and then act, trusting that He will give us the words and courage we need.

We are each sent into our own unique fields—our circles of influence, our “flocks.” The low-hanging fruit is all around us: friends, family, coworkers, neighbors. We don’t need to be experts; we simply need to be willing, prepared, and attentive to the spiritual “traffic lights” in people’s lives—knowing when to speak, when to wait, and when to simply pray. If each of us committed to reaching just one new person or family each year, the impact would be exponential. God is inviting us to partner with Him in the greatest work on earth: helping others find their way home to their Creator.

Key Takeaways

1. Fear of others silences our witness Fear of rejection, loss of respect, or social discomfort often keeps us from speaking about Christ. Yet, this fear is not from God, and it robs both us and others of the life-changing power of the gospel. We must recognize this fear, confront it honestly, and allow God’s Spirit to give us courage to speak, even when it’s uncomfortable. [19:03]
2. God has no backup plan—He is counting on us God’s plan for spreading His love and truth is through us, His people. There is no alternative strategy; we are His chosen method. This is both a privilege and a responsibility, reminding us that our silence has real consequences, but our faithfulness can change destinies. [35:01]
3. The Holy Spirit’s power is released when we act We often wait to feel empowered before we speak, but the Spirit’s power is activated as we step out in faith. Like turning on a plugged-in TV, the dynamic work of God flows through us when we open our mouths and trust Him to work. Prayer is essential, but so is action. [40:52]
4. Start with your circle of influence—seek the low-hanging fruit God has placed each of us in unique relationships and environments. We are called to invest in those around us, looking for opportunities to bless, invite, and share our story. We don’t need to reach everyone, but we are responsible for those within our reach. [27:11]
5. Spiritual discernment guides our conversations Not every moment is the right moment, and not every person is equally open. By listening to the Spirit and to people’s lives—watching for signs of openness, need, or curiosity—we can know when to speak, when to wait, and when to pray. This discernment makes our witness both wise and effective. [42:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - What Does “Average” Mean?
[01:31] - Jesus on Words and the Heart
[02:49] - Three Big Questions About Faith
[04:09] - Why People Are Curious About Faith
[06:15] - The Power of a Simple Invitation
[07:11] - How Most People Come to Christ
[08:58] - The Value of Following Christ
[11:18] - Openness to Spiritual Conversations
[13:11] - Why Christians Stay Silent
[14:27] - Jesus’ Mandate: Go and Make Disciples
[16:45] - The Cost and Importance of Public Faith
[19:03] - Fear: The Trap of Silence
[21:56] - The Language of Soul Silence
[24:58] - Should Fear Stop Us?
[27:11] - Your Field, Your Flock
[30:09] - Be Prepared to Share
[32:24] - Chosen to Tell God’s Story
[35:01] - God’s Only Plan: Us
[37:04] - The Holy Spirit Empowers Us
[39:10] - The Power Is Released When We Speak
[40:52] - Prayer, Action, and the Spirit’s Power
[42:43] - Living Strategically in Your Mission Field
[45:41] - Seeing People as God Sees Them
[46:59] - The Power of One
[49:19] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
> But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

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### Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific actions does Jesus command his followers to take?
According to Acts 1:8, what is the source of power for believers to be witnesses, and where are they called to witness?
In 1 Peter 2:9, what are believers called, and what is their purpose according to this verse?
The sermon mentioned that only 5% of Americans have ever received a personal invitation to church, but 80% would be open to attending if invited by a friend. What does this statistic reveal about the opportunities around us? [[06:15]]

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### Interpretation Questions

Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” is not presented as a suggestion. What does this say about the responsibility of every believer, and how might this challenge common attitudes about sharing faith? [[14:27]]
The sermon describes fear—of rejection, loss of respect, or discomfort—as a major reason Christians stay silent. Why do you think this fear is so powerful, and how does it affect both the believer and those around them? [[19:03]]
According to the sermon, God has “no backup plan” for spreading the message of Christ. What are the implications of this for how we view our role in God’s mission? [[35:01]]
The Holy Spirit’s power is said to be “released when we act.” How does this idea challenge the way we typically wait for confidence or boldness before speaking about faith? [[40:52]]

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### Application Questions

The sermon says that fear of others often silences our witness. Can you think of a specific relationship or situation where fear has kept you from speaking about your faith? What would it look like to confront that fear with God’s help? [[19:03]]
Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples.” What is one practical step you could take this week to move from silence to action in your circle of influence? [[14:27]]
The message emphasized that God is counting on us—there is no backup plan. How does this truth affect your sense of urgency or responsibility? Is there someone in your life you feel specifically called to reach out to? [[35:01]]
The sermon compared the Holy Spirit’s power to a TV that needs to be plugged in and turned on. What does it look like for you to “turn on” the power of the Spirit in your daily life? Is there a conversation or invitation you’ve been putting off that you could take action on this week? [[40:52]]
The idea of “low-hanging fruit” was discussed—starting with those already in your circle. Who are one or two people in your life who might be open to a spiritual conversation or an invitation to church? What’s stopping you from reaching out to them? [[27:11]]
The sermon talked about spiritual “traffic lights”—knowing when to speak, when to wait, and when to pray. How can you become more attentive to these signals in your relationships? Can you share an example of a time you sensed a “green light” or a “red light”? [[42:43]]
If every believer committed to reaching just one new person or family each year, the impact would be exponential. What would it look like for you to intentionally pray for and pursue one person or family this year? How can the group support you in this? [[46:59]]

Sermon Clips

60% of Americans say many of their friends who claim to be Christians—that's followers of Christ—you tell me, what does it say? Is that shocking or not shocking? 60% say that their friends who are followers of Christ rarely talk to them about Christ, about spiritual matters. Would that be you? It's got to be somebody. I hope it's not you, but it could be you. And if it is you, and if it is you, if you are one that rarely talks about God, about spiritual matters, the spirit of God is here not to rebuke you today but to encourage you. [00:12:09] (54 seconds) #SpeakUpForChrist

You and I are sent into various fields in the world. It is your field. I have my field. You have your field. You have your flock. I have my flock. Your flock, your field, is your circle of influence. These are people you're already reasonably comfortable with. They know you. You know them. You interact with them. That's low hanging fruit. These are comfortable conversations, or more comfortable. Sometimes we think we've got to go after the highest fruit on the tree, so we're going to go approach the most atheistic militant stranger on the planet. [00:27:35] (35 seconds) #FieldOfInfluence

And the Lord looks at Gabriel and says, backup plan? I don't have any backup plan, Gabriel. I am counting on them. Let that sink in. We are chosen. God is counting on us, privileging us and counting on us simultaneously to make known to a society that is completely, for the most part, ignorant of God and his goodness. He's counting on us to change that equation. That means we've got to initiate spiritual conversations. We need to remind ourself: I'm chosen. I'm a chosen spokesman of God. [00:35:58] (39 seconds) #BoldFaith

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit—means they all came under the influence of the Holy Spirit. And what happens? What was the result? You tell me. Spoke the word of God more boldly. After they had been threatened, don't ever speak in his name or teach in his name again. So this power of the spirit gave them a new courage to push back their own fears and intimidation at a high cost or a high potential cost. [00:38:15] (34 seconds) #LiveStrategically

Every person you meet, they've got either a green light on their forehead or a yellow light on their forehead or a red light. As you and I learn to listen spiritually, we will know when it's time to go forward and start talking about Christ. We will know when it's time—well, maybe—but we never do a yellow light, right? You just floor it and you go forward. And then it's time's red light. It's like, it's no sense in talking to this person because they are clearly not open at all right now. [00:44:11] (29 seconds) #NoLimitsGodsPlan

We need to be willing to see people the way God sees them. Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 9—I'm getting ready to land and plain—when he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them. Why? Because they were troubled and helpless. We function amongst people that are troubled and helpless. I've been troubled and helpless. Every human being, I don't care who they are, is troubled and helpless if they are apart from their creator. [00:45:54] (24 seconds)

Supposing that you and I and everybody in this room, we just said, by God's grace, I'm going to pray for, work for, seek out every day, I'm going to seek one new person or one new family per year—only per year, one new. Is that doable? I'm going to seek to reach one new person or one new family per year. I might be just one that I invite to church, because we know that most people come to church before they come to Christ. One new person. The power of one. [00:48:13] (24 seconds)

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