Called to Take a Bold StandSample

Taking the Stand

Jesus Christ commissioned believers to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are to take to this world all that is right, all that is good, and all that is the gospel, for righteousness’s sake. And with that, we are to be, in some way, protecting, learning, growing, and developing with our fellow warriors, every single day.

The day might come when you or I are hit by a grenade to the chest, so to speak, and be given, in that split-second moment, the instant commissioning of laying down our lives. That may or may not come to us in this life, but as I look around the world and see the growing hostility toward Christianity, persecution could very well visit us in the West, as in other parts of the globe. After all, why would any part of the modern church be exempt from the nearly perpetual physical violence and persecution levied against believers throughout these last 2,000 years? But be of good cheer. With Jesus’ commission comes a glorious promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV). The fact that Jesus Christ is always with you and me is proof positive of the Holy Spirit’s enduring presence, as well.

Though you and I may be simple beings—our very flesh and bone and blood are comprised of the basic elements of this earth—we are living, breathing testimonies to God’s creative power. Within us is housed a treasure that no value can be placed upon; no wealth or gold could provide nor match what the Bible tells us: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV). Each of us can exercise a bold faith because of the Spirit’s power residing within us and upon us. He can and will lead us into the most wonderful, glorious, and worthy battles for truth.

Today, it is up to you to decide: Am I willing to stand boldly with Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit to draw me into what He has for me—the great commissioning for my life as a believer?

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more from Jack Hibbs in his book, Called to Take a Bold Stand, available here.