"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -Matthew 5:3-12

Bold Witnesses, compelled by love, represent God by being who they really are.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can I trust the perfect love of God to cast out the fears that are hindering my bold witness for Jesus?
2. What are the specific relationships or places where God is calling me to be a bold witness?
3. What specific step can I take this week to be a bold witness for Jesus?

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." -2 Corinthians 5:14-15

What does it look like to give God the best of us?

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." -Acts 2:42

Bold Witnesses live generously with their time, talents and treasures. Generosity overflows from lives changed by God’s grace.

1. How is God inviting you to trust the generosity of God’s grace toward you?
2. How is God inviting you to live generously with your time, talents and treasure?

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them." -Acts 4:32-34

What does it look like to share the gospel with the people around us?

1. Keep it Simple: Tell the story of JESUS' crucifixion and resurrection.
2. Keep it Real: Tell the story of YOUR crucifixion and resurrection.
3. Keep it Current: Live a lifestyle of crucifixion and resurrection.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” -Acts 2:38-39

The Holy Spirit is the active, indwelling presence of God who enables Christians to live in obedience and victory each day. Our Bold Witness hinges on being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." -Acts 2:1-4

A Witness is an ordinary person who has been (and is continually being) transformed by: (1) Being with Jesus, (2) Speaking about Jesus, and (3) Doing what Jesus did.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8