Bold

 

Since I was a youngster, an American science fiction media franchise has held my attention. In fact, during the past summer I binge watched two of it’s recent installments, “Voyager and Strange New Worlds.” I am referring to Gene Rodenberry’s creation “Star Trek.” For those of you who never knew, your pastor is indeed a “Trekkie.” You may now go ahead and roll your eyes. Alright that’s enough. Stay with me for this thought because I would like to point out a line of the iconic opening.

As the music plays, the captain of the Starship Enterprise gives the famous narration regarding the voyages they are set to experience. Within that narration Captain Kirk says the nine word phrase, “To Boldy Go Where No Man Has Gone Before!” I hope you read that boldly? As the crew sets out for the final frontier of space, they will encounter new life, new civilizations and new experiences never experienced before by anyone. And in order to do so, they must do it Boldly which means in a manner of confidence.

In the giving of the “Great Commission” by Jesus to his disciples he tells them to “Go” and
I’m hypothesizing that Jesus was emphatic or boldly speaking as he said,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

After the departure of Jesus, the disciples ultimately had a choice. They could play it safe and return to their previous way of living or they could seize the life God had intended for them as they spread the message regarding the resurrection of God’s son Jesus. In essence they could boldly go where no one has gone before and go with confidence. Especially with the confidence of the Holy Spirit which came upon then at Pentecost. And the rest is history as they say. We know the gospel message spread as we read Acts and as we explore the other books of the New Testament. Many of the experiences we read about certainly required some boldness and confidence on the part of early Christ followers.

I would like to invite you in October to join me for a sermon series entitled, “Bold.” Just like those early disciples and all who have followed since you have a choice. You can play it safe or you can seize the life God has in mind for you. Just as we sing in the worship song Confidence,

“So, give me faith like Daniel in the lion's den
Give me hope like Moses in the wilderness
Give me a heart like David, Lord be my defense
So, I can face my giants with confidence”

What’s it going to be? Come explore what can happen when we become Bold.

Remember… “With God, All Things Are Possible!”

 

Pastor Kevin