Hebrews 12:2-3
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Mark 14:61-62
“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.  Again the high priest asked Him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?  I am,' said Jesus. 'And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'"

Matthew 4:3-7
“The tempter came to Him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.  Jesus answered, It is written: ’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, "It is also written: ’Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’"

- Jesus was bold in the face of Satan. We need to imitate this as well.

- We need to know our authority in the spiritual realm and be bold in facing misguided friends, family and the public.

Mark 3:20-21, 31-35
“Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not even able to eat.  When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’ Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived.  Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.  A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.’ ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ He asked. Then He looked at those seated in a circle around Him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.’"

- Know the difference between minor issues and deal breakers.
  "Exercising leadership generates resistance - and pain."

- Ronald Heifetz, director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s JFK School of Governmen saidt: "The first lesson I learned as a leader was that I must be willing to let people be mad at me."

Bold Christians are willing to deal with false religion.

John 8: 42-58
“Jesus told them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me. After all, I'm here, and I came from God. I didn't come on my own. Instead, God sent me. Why don't you understand the language I use?  Is it because you can't understand the words I use?  You come from your father, the devil, and you desire to do what your father wants you to do. The devil was a murderer from the beginning. He has never been truthful. He doesn't know what the truth is. Whenever he tells a lie, he's doing what comes naturally to him. He's a liar and the father of lies. So you don't believe me because I tell the truth. Can any of you convict me of committing a sin? If I'm telling the truth, why don't you believe me? The person who belongs to God understands what God says. You don't understand because you don't belong to God.’ The Jews replied to Jesus, ‘Aren't we right when we say that you're a Samaritan and that you're possessed by a demon? Jesus answered, I'm not possessed. I honor my Father, but you dishonor me.  I don't want my own glory.  But there is someone who wants it, and he is the judge. I can guarantee this truth: Whoever obeys what I say will never see death.’ The Jews told Jesus, ‘Now we know that you're possessed by a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets, but you say, 'Whoever does what I say will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets have also died. Who do you think you are?’  Jesus said, ‘If I bring glory to myself, my glory is nothing. My Father is the one who gives me glory, and you say that he is your God. Yet, you haven't known him. However, I know him. If I would say that I didn't know him, I would be a liar like all of you. But I do know him, and I do what he says.  Your father Abraham was pleased to see that my day was coming. He saw it and was happy.’ The Jews said to Jesus, ‘You're not even fifty years old. How could you have seen Abraham?’  Jesus told them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Before Abraham was ever born, I am.’

- Jesus wouldn’t keep their rules. He wouldn’t fit into their moulds. He wouldn’t honor their traditions. He was too busy loving God and loving people.

Bold Christians face death and destiny with confidence.

Matthew 26:47-54
“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’  Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Friend, do what you came for.’  Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.  ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’"

Hugh Lattimer once preached before King Henry VIII.  Henry was greatly displeased by the boldness in the sermon and ordered Lattimer to preach again on the following Sunday and apologize for the offence he had given.  The next Sunday, after reading his text, he thus began his sermon: "Hugh Lattimer, do you know before whom you are this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away your life, if you offend Him.  Therefore, take heed that you speak not a word that may displease.  But then consider well, Hugh, do you not know from whence you came - upon whose message you are sent?  Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all present and who beholds all your ways and who is able to cast your soul into hell!  Therefore, take care that you deliver the message faithfully." He then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday and with considerably more energy.  Lattimer was bold in the face of danger.

Oh that we would see that kind of boldness in today’s pulpits and in the public square.

Joshua 1:9  "I have commanded you, 'Be strong and courageous! Don't tremble or be terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'"

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