Things Might No Work Out The Way You Think They Will

Sermon for 8/22/2004

Boldness

Introduction:

A. The Six Shooter was a popular western, broadcast on NBC radio from 1953-54. Jimmy Stewart starred as Britt Ponsett, a Texas plainsman. On one broadcast, Britt called a bully’s bluff even though his gun was several feet away on a dresser. In typical Stewart style, Ponsett told the tough guy he could draw his gun anytime he wanted. The surprised crook said, “But you ain’t got your six-shooter.” Ponsett stepped toward the thug and said, “Things might no work out the way you think they will.” The Six Shooter’s bold confidence made the rascal turn and run.

How bold it would be for us to tell those who think they can go to heaven without Christ, “Things might not work out the way you think they will.” Only in this situation may the rascal not turn and run; instead may he come under conviction, drops to his knees, and obey the gospel.

Clearly there is a present need for more boldness among the Body of Christ. Jesus didn’t die in order for us to become doormats for every godless person we encounter. Many of our brothers and sisters have become so fearful of the world and its demons that they have been fruitless in the battle for souls.

B. To be bold is to be confident, courageous, fearless and daring.

C. When the angel appeared to Mary, the angel said,(Luke 1:37 NIV) For nothing is impossible with God

D. (Phil 4:13 NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

E. Some churches and many Christians live as though these things are not true. We cannot do this, we cannot do that. Nothing works. We are powerless. The day we start listening to them is the day the church closes its doors.

Thesis: This morning I want to talk about 1) Where boldness comes from 2) IN what areas we are to be bold

For instances:

I. Boldness comes from:

A. Being born that way. Having an adventurous and fearless personality. No! No! B. Boldness comes from being sure of our salvation.

a. 2 Cor 3:12- Such a hope. What hope? Look at vs. 11- the glory that lasts. (1 Pet 5:1 NIV) To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

b. On that great day, if we know that we are going to be saved through Christ, we have nothing to fear. No matter how things turn out here we have a hope and a future. I’ve read the back of the book and we win.

d. I hope I’m going to heaven. I hope I’m saved. Plan of salvation.

C. Boldness comes from being with Jesus.

a. Acts 4:13

b. How can we be with Jesus?

1) Come to salvation. The gift of the Holy Spirit comes into our lives. Called the Spirit of Christ. There are certain things when you are in a foreign country that you can’t bring back into the United States. Adrian Rogers tells of a time when he was coming back into this country and he was going thru security. There was a man in front of Adrian Rogers who had some gourmet cheese. The inspector said, “I’m sorry sir, you cannot bring this cheese into this country.” The man and the inspector argued for a few minutes, until finally the man said, ‘oh yes, I am going to bring it into this country you just watch.” Walked to the back of the line and ate the cheese then walked right on thru. They may say we can’t take Jesus here or there but as long as He is in us we’re taking Him everywhere we go.

2) Spend time with Christ through reading his word (the gospels) and prayer. Be filled with the Spirit.

Transition:

A. WE need to be bold but it must be biblical boldness.

B. (2 Pet 2:10 NIV) This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings;

C. WE need to be bold for the faith.

D. Also, there is a big difference between faith and foolishness. One man appeared before the pearly gates. “Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asks. “Well, I can think of one thing,” the man answers. “Once I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t listen. So I approached the largest and most muscled biker. I smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, and told him, ‘Leave her alone now or you’ll answer to me.” St. Peter was impressed. “When did this happen?” “A couple minutes ago.”