Unstoppable Boldness

When you think of boldness, you likely think of people with the loudest voice or the biggest personality.  Perhaps you think boldness comes from a unique courage that only some are given.   But Acts 1-2 shows us that the kind of boldness that changes lives and shapes eternity isn't self-made or personality driven.  It's Spirit-given.  It's prayer-produced.  And it's available to every believer today.

Boldness Begins in Prayer
“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying… They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”  Acts 1:12–14 (NIV)

Before power came at Pentecost, prayer came first. The disciples didn’t rush ahead—they gathered, united, and sought God. Apostles, women, and even the family of Jesus joined together with one purpose: to beg God to move.

I think of Sky Ranch and the prayer watch—every time the alarm went off, God met us.  He heard our prayer.  Worked according to His will, and young boys put their faith in Jesus.   Not because of a Walmart watch, but because prayer stirred hunger, unity, and dependence.

Key Truths

• Boldness isn’t born from personality; it’s birthed in prayer.
• You can’t speak for God confidently until you’ve spoken to God humbly.
• If you want to live boldly, start on your knees.

Practical Ways

• Pray openly—let people see unashamed faith.
• Pray specifically for divine appointments.
• Pray before decisions so the Spirit leads you.

Challenges to Overcome

• Self-reliance: Trying to produce boldness instead of receiving it.
• Distraction: Being too busy or scattered to pray consistently.

Game-Changing Perspective:  Prayer doesn’t prepare you for boldness; prayer produces boldness.

Boldness Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven… They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”  Acts 2:1–13 (NIV)

Pentecost changed everything. Wind. Fire. Languages. The same Spirit who raised Jesus filled ordinary people—and turned them into extraordinary witnesses.

Key Truth:  The Spirit doesn’t make us weird; He makes us witnesses.

Practical Ways to Be Emboldened by the Spirit

• Obey Spirit-promptings immediately.
• Make conviction-based decisions, not convenience-based ones.
• Let the Spirit stretch you—conversations, invitations, generosity.

Challenges to Overcome

• Controlling everything: Wanting boldness without surrender.
• Fear of the unfamiliar: Avoiding Spirit promptings because they stretch us.
• Comfort addiction: Wanting boldness without discomfort.

Game-Changing Perspective:  Boldness isn’t you being confident; it’s God being powerful in you.

Boldness Stands Up and Speaks Out
“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd…” Acts 2:14 (NIV)

“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah… Repent and be baptized… Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:36–41 (NIV)

Peter—the same man who denied Jesus—now preaches boldly. What changed? The Holy Spirit. And that same Spirit lives in you.

Spirit-Fueled Boldness

• Isn’t arrogance—it's obedience.
• Isn’t shouting—it's sharing.
• Isn’t brilliance—it's willingness.
• Isn’t just truth-telling—it’s transformation-inviting.

Challenges to Overcome

• Fear of backlash
• Fear of inadequacy
• Fear of past failures
• Silence in key moments

How We Live With Boldness Today
Boldness isn’t a single moment—it’s a daily lifestyle empowered by God.

1. Boldness Through Our DAILY LIVES
Practical Ideas

• Live openly as a Christian.
• Let conviction drive decisions.
• Display joy in negativity.
• Live consistently at home, work, and online.
• Create margin—be interruptible.

Challenges

• Blending in.
• Compartmentalizing faith.
• Fear of visibility.
• Cultural pressure.

Perspective:  Boldness is often quiet faithfulness that refuses to hide.

2. Boldness Through OUR WORDS
Practical Ideas

• Learn a 30-second testimony.
• Ask spiritual questions (“How can I pray for you?”).
• Address cultural issues with unbending clarity and unmissable grace.

Challenges

• Fear of offending.
• Fear of awkward moments.
• Minimizing your story.

Perspective:  Bold words aren’t more words—they’re purposeful words.

3. Boldness Through SERVING
Practical Ideas

• Use your professional skills for Kingdom impact.
• Anticipate needs—see need, meet need.
• Practice spontaneous generosity.
• Serve consistently, not occasionally.

Challenges

• Feeling unqualified.
• Serving only when convenient.
• A spectator mindset.

Perspective:  Bold serving isn’t flashy—it’s faithful.

4. Boldness Through LOVE
Practical Ideas

• Radical love across lines of race, class, and culture.
• Choose hope over cynicism.
• Mentor younger believers.

Challenges

• Love fatigue.
• Cultural divides.

Perspective:  Bold love invests where others avoid.

5. Boldness Through HOPE
Practical Ideas

• Talk about eternity with confidence.
• Lead conversations toward hope.
• Speak confidently about God’s faithfulness.

Challenges

• Fear-based thinking.
• Negativity drift.
• Discouragement.

Perspective:  Bold hope is countercultural—and contagious.