Fighting Fire

Ephesians 6:18-20

“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.”

Firefighters practice a skill called “Forcible Entry.” We spend a good deal of time studying and practicing how to gain entry to locked rooms. 

When we are trying to gain entry…. Let me let you in on a little secret…. It’s no place for being timid or gentle.  It’s time for boldness! 

To gain entry…

• a well placed kick will bust the door in.
• If that doesn’t work, this Halligan probably will! 
• And it that doesn’t work, the trusty Husqvarna K12 Rescue Saw will cut through 5 inches of solid concrete.
• Or the Hurst Jaws of Life will provide 60,000 lbs of spreading force.  

I guess what I’m saying is that we’re coming in!

Paul’s final appeal is for one of boldness as he shares the Gospel. As he’s chained to a prison wall. Here’s an article I found that gives us these reasons to be bold in sharing the Gospel –

• The Great Commission: In the Bible, Jesus gives the Great Commission to His followers, instructing them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15). Boldness empowers Christians to fulfill this commission and share the good news of salvation with others.

• Overcoming Fear: Sharing the gospel can be intimidating, and fear of rejection or ridicule may hold Christians back. Boldness helps overcome these fears and allows believers to confidently proclaim their faith.

• Urgency of Salvation: Christians believe that the gospel message offers the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The urgency of salvation compels believers to share the message boldly, knowing that people’s eternal destinies are at stake.

• Love for Others: Boldness in sharing the gospel stems from a genuine love and concern for others. Christians desire that others experience the same love, forgiveness, and hope found in Christ.

• Obedience to God: Boldness is an expression of obedience to God’s command to share the gospel. Christians recognize their responsibility to be faithful stewards of the message entrusted to them.

• Power of the Holy Spirit: Boldness is not about human bravado but is a result of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Christians rely on the Spirit’s guidance, strength, and boldness to effectively communicate the gospel.

• Changing Lives: Christians believe that the gospel has the power to transform lives. Boldly sharing the message opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of listeners, leading them to faith in Christ.

• Identifying with Christ: Boldly proclaiming the gospel is an act of identifying with Christ’s mission and message. It demonstrates a willingness to stand for the truth of the gospel, even when faced with opposition.

 Are you a Rescuer… or just a victim.