Grace 242

Title: Wrong Uniform, Right Faith
Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:5-13
Series: Be Bold!

What truly defines a bold faith: outward appearances and accomplishments, or something far deeper? This message concludes our "Be Bold!" series by exploring what it means to salute the highest authority. We learn that bold faith is not about the uniform you wear, as seen in the Roman Centurion’s faith, which transcended his Gentile identity. Furthermore, bold faith is not about the medals you’ve earned; the Centurion's charitable works were not the basis for his miracle, reminding us that human merit and transactional appeals to God are futile. Ultimately, bold faith is about the commander you salute, exemplified by the Centurion's profound humility regarding himself and unwavering confidence in Jesus's authority to heal remotely. Our boldest faith is found not in our outward identity or personal achievements, but in our humble and confident surrender to the supreme authority of Jesus Christ.

Title: A New Way to Walk
Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Series: Be Bold!

What does it look like to step out of the boat and walk with boldness when the storms of life begin to rise? In this message, we examine Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee to discover a 'W.A.L.K.' acronym for being bold. We begin by recognizing that Jesus’s bold WALK enables our bold walk. To follow Him, we must ABANDON fear for faith. We find stability only when we LOCK eyes with Jesus, refusing to let the wind and waves of our circumstances distract us from His presence. Finally, true boldness leads us to KNEEL in worship, acknowledging Jesus’s sovereignty over all creation and His unique power to save us when we cry out. Commit to locking your eyes on Jesus today and call out to Him for help, trusting that He is already walking through the storm with you.

Title: How to Make a Ripple
Scripture Reading: Genesis 41:14-16
Series: Be Bold!

Can one single act of boldness really change the course of a nation and preserve the future of God's people? In this message, we use the acronym R.I.P.P.L.E. to examine how Joseph’s one bold act ripples outward. It begins with Joseph Revealing the Source by boldly crediting God for his ability to interpret dreams, which leads to Impacting the Throne as Pharaoh himself acknowledges the Spirit of God. This faithfulness transforms Joseph's Personal Identity, where even his Egyptian name points to the living God, and leads to a Promotion to Power that places him over the resources of Egypt. Furthermore, we see how his Lineage and Legacy create inroads for God’s influence in a foreign land, ultimately Ensuring the Covenant by positioning Joseph to save the family of Jacob during a global famine. Determine what 'bold rock' God is calling you to throw today—whether it is sharing a testimony or crediting Him in your workplace—and trust Him to handle the ripple effects.

Title: How to Hold God to His Character
Scripture Reading: Exodus 32:7-14
Series: Be Bold!

What if the secret to being bold is not demanding what we want, but reminding God of who He has already promised to be? In this message, we examine the high-stakes negotiation between Moses and God following Israel's immediate fall into idolatry with the golden calf. Moses demonstrates how to live out the Greatest Commandment by interceding for a rebellious people, choosing to hold God to His History as the one who rescued them from Egypt. He further appeals to God’s Honor, arguing that God’s reputation among the nations is tied to the survival of His people. Finally, Moses holds God to His Heritage by pointing back to the unbreakable covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We see that just as Moses advocated for Israel, we are called to a life where we are saved from sin and saved to a life of worship, ultimately finding our hope in Jesus, the ultimate intercessor who stood in our place. Approach God with boldness by anchoring your prayers in His unchanging character, His historical faithfulness, and His covenant promises.

Title: How to Boldly Barter
Scripture Reading: Genesis 18:20-26
Series: Be Bold!

Is it possible for a mere human to negotiate with the Creator of the universe? In this message, we explore Abraham’s remarkable negotiation with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, revealing how boldness is the Greatest Commandment in action. We see how Abraham demonstrates Bold Belief by appealing to God’s character as a just, merciful, and righteous judge rather than trying to 'design' a god of his own making. This negotiation also exposes Abraham’s Bold Burden for others as he intercedes for his nephew Lot, a practice of intercession that ultimately points us to Jesus—the one righteous man whose sacrifice saves the many. Commit to interceding for others in prayer this week, trusting in the perfect justice and mercy of the one true Judge.

Title: Head in the Jar, Hands in the Scars
Scripture Reading: John 20:24-29
Series: Be Bold!

This episode features four videos which can be watched in order here:
1. Peanut in the Peanut Butter
2. Suel Forrester the Substitute Teacher
3. 4 Proofs of the Resurrection
4. Joe Rogan and Michael Shellenberger

Will you make the bold leap from evidence to faith? In this Resurrection Sunday message, we explore how Thomas moved from demanding proof to making a profound declaration of faith. The sermon first highlights Thomas’s bold personality as he dared to voice the questions and fears the other disciples were too afraid to mention. We then see the bold proof that Jesus gave to Thomas, proving that faith and evidence are not mutually exclusive. Finally, we are challenged by Thomas’s bold profession to move beyond mere investigation and into a committed belief in the Messiah, even while navigating the reality of lingering doubts. Don't wait for the absence of all doubt to make the bold leap from investigating the evidence to professing faith in Jesus Christ.

Title: Leave Your Dignity at the Door
Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 6:12-23
Series: Be Bold!

Are you more concerned with maintaining your reputation in the pews or seeking the glory of the God you came to worship? In this message, we examine the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and discover that bold worship abandons self for God’s glory. By looking at the negative example of Michal, we see how spiritual distance, disdain, and disgust can lead to a heart consumed with self rather than the Creator. In contrast, King David provides a positive example by worshipping out of his election and demonstrating a willingness to be 'humiliated' in the eyes of the world to honor God. Ultimately, David’s undignified joy points us to Jesus Christ, the King who made Himself nothing and humbled Himself to the point of death to bring us to the Father.

Title: Bold Enough to Believe the Binary
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:13-22
Series: Be Bold!

In a world that values 'standing on the fence,' are you bold enough to believe in the binary reality of God’s judgment and salvation? This sermon explores the life of Noah to illustrate the necessity of taking a firm stand for God. Drawing a contrast between the indecision of Aaron Burr and the conviction of Thomas Jefferson, we examine how Noah chose to take a stand regarding the coming flood. The message breaks down the flood narrative into three parts—the timer, the terror, and the task—highlighting that the ark was a bold, public declaration of faith rather than a secret. Ultimately, believers are challenged to stand out from the crowd by embracing the biblical binary of eternal destinations, recognizing that while the world favors gray areas, God's word is clear on the reality of judgment and the promise of salvation. Stop 'standing on the fence' and boldly commit to the biblical truth that salvation is found only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Title: What Weapon Are You Reaching For?
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:23-31
Series: Be Bold!

When being bold for Christ backs you into a corner, what weapon are you reaching for? Following the release of Peter and John from the temple council, the early church provides a masterclass in responding to opposition. This message explores the 'weapon' of prayer through the P.R.A.Y. acronym, beginning with the need to Partner with other believers to overcome isolation and fear. We are encouraged to Recite God's Word back to Him in our petitions, which allows us to appeal to the highest authority and claim His promises. A vital part of the Christian walk is to Anticipate opposition, understanding that the cost of discipleship is part of the calling. Finally, we must Yield to the Holy Spirit, recognizing that true boldness is not a product of human willpower but a gift from Jesus, who modeled perfect prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Title: The Bold and the Beautiful Gate
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:5-22
Series: Be Bold!

Are you willing to slay your reputation for the sake of boldly doing the Lord’s will? Drawing inspiration from the life of William Wilberforce, this message explores what it means to speak the truth regardless of personal risk. By examining the account of Peter and John before the temple council, we see that true biblical boldness is modeled through three specific pillars. First, we must take Bold Action that brings glory to God rather than seeking worldly validation or personal prestige. Second, we are called to make a Bold Announcement, ensuring that our actions and our courage are explicitly connected to the name and power of Jesus. Finally, we must operate under Bold Authority, choosing to obey the heavenly King even when facing direct opposition or threats from earthly powers. We must ensure our boldness is animated by the Holy Spirit and aimed at the glory of Jesus, choosing to suffer for doing good rather than being punished for doing wrong.