– And, what it takes to be a courageous Christian

 

By: Chilly Chilton

 

A 17-year-old teenager stood on the running board of a beat-up VW Bug on the edge of a dusty soccer field in the heart of Mexico City. Pinned against the car door by a pressing crowd of over 500 people he nervously said to the interpreter, let’s tell them about Jesus. The group had been drawn to them by a simple game of hacky sack being played by a group of laughing teenagers. Now, with the small bean bag in hand, the young man began to ask how many had felt kicked around by an enemy who laughs at them.

The crowd became quiet as they heard of a man who the world kicked and crushed, and how they could overcome by putting their trust in Him.

As hundreds accepted Christ in the middle of the world’s largest city, the young man stood amazed as he thought of the coward he was only a few months earlier. At first, fearful to tell anyone about Christ… then he received the power of the Holy Spirit and heard God’s calling for his life. Christ had transformed him from a poser and wanna-be into a bold believer!

That young man was me. I experienced the difference between being a “spiritual talking” kid and “spiritual walking” disciple of Christ. The Holy Spirit was the difference.

I now cared. And, I now knew I had to do something about it.

Let’s jump right into a real life account (in the Bible’s book of Acts) to understand where courage comes from.

“After waiting and praying with the other believers, the Holy Spirit is poured out just as Jesus promised. Mighty wind, tongues of fire, incredible power and new language!”—Act 2:1-2

This verse is amazing! These things were not to give goosebumps or external phenomena —they were outside signs of an inside transformation! COURAGE had—literally—arrived!

In order to be courageous, we need to look at Peter who was part of the FIRST courageous church.

“Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this…” —Acts 2:14

So Peter preaches an amazing sermon and concludes with a bold challenge:

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God. Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” —Acts 2:14, 38-41 (NLT)

I believe from this moment forward God’s design for us, His children, began to come into view. The plan was set in motion. A plan that would require radical faith and whole-hearted obedience. This kind of courage is born when we pray, fast, and abandon our excuses, failures and indifference.

It is easy to look at the latest books and conferences for our inspiration but often fail to remember that our greatest resource is God’s Holy Spirit. We must be totally devoted! Declare, loudly, “I’m in!” That’s right, it doesn’t matter if it’s good, bad, ugly or epic; I’M IN!

“All the believers devoted themselves…”—Acts 2:42

Courage requires commitment to God’s Word, Cover-to-Cover!

God’s Word does a body good! The early church leaders shared the truth with new believers and some of their Holy Spirit anointed teachings would literally become part of the Bible.

Love the word of God! Don’t just read it, NEED IT! Study it. Memorize it. Apply it. Live it!

“…to the apostles’ teaching” —Acts 2:42a

Commitment to Authentic Relationships!

An alive relationship with God creates a desire in us to have relationships with His people. We should pursue open, honest, encouraging circles of accountability that are unified in love and purpose.

“…to fellowship”—Acts 2:42b

Commitment to Humble Thankfulness!

The early Christians referred to this meal as ‘the Agape’ (Love feast). Basically, as a follower of Christ, you couldn’t have any meal without thinking about the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist).

Thankfulness was an ever-present reality. What a perfect picture: None are hungry and all are thankful!

“…to sharing in meals and to the Lord’s Supper” —Acts 2:42c

Commitment to Non-Stop Prayer!

We desire to experience a lifestyle change that incorporates a “pray first” discipline to everything: decisions, appointments, illnesses, meals, gatherings. This is not a simple faithless, routine, or ten second kind of thing.

Courageous living comes from intimacy—really connecting —with God. “Pray without ceasing” literally means “pray as you go!” Don’t say “amen” in the morning, instead keep dialoging with Christ all through the day!

“…to prayer.” Acts 2:42d

Commitment to Adventurous Faith

The world will truly take notice of the church of Christ and His people when signs and wonders begin to abound in their lives and community! Salvations, healings, transformations, deliverances, fulfilled visions, and supernatural protection cause us to come alive with zeal, joy, and compassion! Cities and nations are transformed through courage like this.

Sure, it makes us a little uncomfortable and seems a bit edgy…but that’s where faith really becomes real to us.

I believe, if you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.

“…A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.” —Acts 2:43a