The readings this past week of Ezekiel 33-35 in my devotional fits in perfectly with the sermon series that the Pastors at my place of worship are currently presenting. There is boldness when we follow God’s plan. The type of boldness the leaders lacked around 600 BC during the writing of Ezekiel. Unfortunately, the lessons haven’t been learned and many of the same issues the people went through back then are still being dealt with today.

The message last weekend from Acts 5 was titled “The Church Was Bold”. Some of the main points brought out in the sermon message were the following: 

• They were afraid, but they were present
• They were present and obeyed
• Because they obeyed they were empowered
• When they were empowered that’s when they became bold
• In their boldness they began the movement we call the church

In Acts 5, the apostles healed many when the Holy Spirit came upon them only weeks after Jesus’ resurrection. They were highly regarded by the people. In fact, about 10% of the people in Jerusalem had become Christ followers even though there was no building. Then the high priest and his associates were filled with jealousy so they had the apostles arrested.

The apostles were afraid but the Holy Spirit gave them power. When they obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they were empowered and became bold enough to begin the movement we know today as the church.

Below are some links you might find interesting:
Lesson three on the sermon series “The Church”
http://www.fumcwaco.org/lesson3.html
Sermon Podcast
http://www.fumcwaco.org/pod.html
I hope you will be blessed by this video
Courageous – Casting Crowns

Let us be courageous together,

Mark