Christians are called to "be bold in the Lord," but what does that really mean? And how do we live it out in a relatable, explainable and easy-to-implement way — all while balancing our quest to love God and love others amid an increasingly chaotic culture?
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These are important questions, and as Christians we can find the answers when we look at boldness in the Bible. There are so many examples of people who step up to the plate and forge on, even when it seems like the chances of success are impossible or, at the least, unclear.
From David in his battle with Goliath to Mary, Jesus' mom, finding out that she would bring the Savior into the world, the examples are plentiful. When we look at scripture, we can take away some key advice and models that help us to be bold in the Lord.
Boldness in the Bible
Here are just a few verses that address boldness in the Bible:
"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." - 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13 (NIV)
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." - Acts 4:29 (NIV)
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How to Be Bold in the Lord
Now, let's explore some practical steps surrounding how we can be bold in the Lord and how we can better live out our faith in the midst of modern culture.
Crack Open Your Bible
The first step to being bold in your faith is to read your Bible. It's a guidebook for how to live and, most essential to this conversation, how to live out our faith with boldness. Start with the gospels and work your way through, pondering each story of boldness and each snippet of truth along the way.
And if you want something more guided in nature, Pure Flix has some amazing devotionals — including a powerful Bible verse devotional — that you can dive into based on topic and interest. Plus, there are a plethora of resources around the internet.
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Commit to Prayer
Boldness in the Bible almost always accompanies prayer. Think of prayer like a conversation with a friend — a connection that brings you together with the Lord to share, learn and seek solace. When we face struggles in our lives and we find ourselves seeking to be bold in the Lord, it is prayer that can help guide and sustain us.
Make sure daily prayer is an integral part of your faith journey.
Remember Jesus' Command: Love God
Jesus delivered some powerful truths in Matthew 22:36-40 when He was asked about the "greatest commandment in the law." Here's how He responded in verses 37-40 (NIV):
"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'”
We see two important commands here, and the first tells us to "love God." And that love, according to Jesus, should come with our souls, hearts and minds in check. This means taking steps in our lives to live out that love for God so that we are fully prepared to be bold in the Lord if and when the time comes.
FREE DEVOTIONAL: Download Our Free Bible Verse Devotional
Remember Jesus' Command: Love others
It's essential, though, that we don't miss Jesus' other proclamation: that we must love others. When there is chaos and consternation, and when we're attempting to be bold in the Lord in the midst of these difficulties, it's easy to lose track of this latter commandment.
But love must always be part of how we interact and behave with others. And when we live by loving those around us, we not only become known by that love, but it becomes easier for people to understand what it means for us to be bold in our faith when such moments arise.
Movies About Living Boldly
Pure Flix has a plethora of movies and TV shows with countless characters who are bold in the Lord. Here are some examples of films that show authentic faith:
God's Not Dead
"God's Not Dead" is a powerful film about living out faith. After the tragic death of his religious mother as a young boy, philosophy teacher Dr. Radisson has held a strong dislike of all things sacred. However, when a new student sets out to prove that God exists he is forced to reconsider his stance.
Watch the trailer for "God's Not Dead" right now on Pure Flix — and get your free trial.
God's Not Dead 2
In the first "God's Not Dead" sequel, a high school teacher is asked a question about Jesus, and her response lands her in a battle of choice.
Watch the trailer for "God's Not Dead 2" right now on Pure Flix — get a free trial.
I'm Not Ashamed
"I'm Not Ashamed" is based on the inspiring and powerful true story and journal entries of Rachel Joy Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine high school shooting on April 20, 1999.
Watch the trailer for "I'm Not Ashamed" right now on Pure Flix — and get your free trial today.
Acquitted By Faith
In "Acquitted By Faith," attorney Benjamin Stills is nearly sentenced to prison and finds faith in God after a teenage girl loses her life in an accidental car crash from texting while driving.
Watch the trailer for "Acquitted By Faith" right now on Pure Flix — get a free trial.
If you want more inspiration, be sure to read about the Christian values that change lives — values that often emerge when we see boldness in the Bible. And be sure to stream thousands of faith and family-friendly TV shows and movies now streaming on ure Flix. Not a member? No problem. Grab a free trial today!
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