A Bold Witness for Christ - June 14, 2020

A Bold Witness for Christ

 

Text: Mark 6: 14-29

Thesis: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

 

1. There is power in Jesus’ name! (vs14)

“Jesus’ name had become well known”.

1. The people’s awareness of Jesus and their understanding of His purpose in coming was proclaimed by John the Baptist. (See Mark 1:1-12)
2. John was the “voice calling in the desert Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” (Isaiah 40:3)
3. John came in the power of Elijah.

     “he will be filled with the Holy spirit even from birth.” (Luke: 1:15b)

3. John was known for his “bold witness for Christ.”
4. Jesus defends John’s boldness!

           “As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” (Mathew 11: 7-9)

5. John’s boldness cost him his life here earth (not in the heaven).

(read vs 17-20)

1. Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Mathew ll:12)
2. Jesus makes it clear that it will take great courage that is equal or greater than the forces of evil that prevails against the Church.

              “What Jesus may well have said is: ‘Always my kingdom will suffer violence; always savage men will try to break it up, snatch it away and destroy it; and therefore only the man who is desperately earnest, only the man in who the violence of devotion matches and defeats the violence of persecution will in the end enter into it.” (William Barclay page 8)

2. Bible from Genesis to Revelation teaches that God’s children must be courageous.

• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be       afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you           wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
• “But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50b)

 

1. Christ calls all his disciples to be a bold witness and proclaim His name.

“He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

(Mark 16:15)

1. Use your unique God given gifts to make people aware of the power of Jesus’ name.
2. We are all called to be “the voice in the wilderness” proclaiming, “Jesus has come.”

   “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How         beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:15)