Bold

I used to not like John MacArthur.  Mostly because I associated him with John Piper, who I still don't enjoy all that much.  He spits way too much.  But that is neither here nor there. 

Over Christmas break I picked up a book by MacArthur title "The Jesus You Can't Ignore".  I started reading it and was hooked.  I am still reading it but it has truly captured my attention.  For the first time in probably a year I am actually analyzing my actions.  Are they glorifying?  Do they help or hurt others?  Most importantly, are they bold statements of allegiance to Jesus Christ, or are they weak attempts to look moral without having to be "Christian"?

The scary part is I have found myself hiding 99% of the time.  I am tired of the hiding.  Tired of running from people and opinions that do not effect (side bar: still don't know whether to use effect or affect in this context.) my eternity. If I am following Jesus, why am I not acting like him?  He was bold!  Bold with the Samaritan woman.  Bold in his healings in Capernaum, Galilee, and Jerusalem.  He was not afraid to tell the Pharisees they were living wrong. 

It seems so often that people either hide or yell and scream without love.  I desire to live boldy, always speaking truth with love and grace.  If my words offend I hope it is because the Holy Spirit is convicting, not because I acted without tact. 

As my dad has said, "Us Schonebooms are dreamers."  It is a lofty dream, but one I think must be sought.



"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."-John 3:36