Today's Devotional

 

May 5, 2008

                                                                                         

Subject:  Bold In Our God 

1 Thessalonians 2:2  "But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention."

---

There is no shortage of news issues where "the church" is being attacked.  In one item, a church was cited as delivering "hate speech" because they spoke out boldly against homosexuality and condemned the practice.  Many churches today have decided to compromise on the issue in the name of peace.  That is not boldness.    

The church doesn't set out to intentionally "start things" with the world, but it's simply that we know it's going to happen if we are "bold in our God."  A compromised gospel message, that makes people feel good does little to prepare its listeners for the coming suffering and shame that we will all surely face at some point.  The question is, where do you turn after that happens?  

Paul realized that suffering was part of His calling and it didn't prevent him from spreading the gospel, but instead, emboldened him to do it.  Our challenge today is to speak the word of God boldly, face the contention of the world and continue to move forward in Christ.         

Carlen