BOLDLY APPROACH THE THRONE..TO BE BOLDLY SENT OUT!

By Russell Hessler—Founder/Publisher of “Blow the Trumpet!” 

Outreach Newsletter                        Joel 2-v.1   

“Let those who receive the word respond”

Issued MMXI                                                                                                                                                                                                                      No.13

                If it’s one thing I noticed that’s lacking in the “Church” today, it’s boldness. Now, I’m not referring to the kind of arrogance that insists that GOD bestows upon us every frivolous type of luxury we demand for our own selfish desires. NO! What I’m referring to is boldness in our prayer life that we are entitled to as true, born-again believers. The kind of boldness that is vital for a victorious Christian life. That’s the kind of boldness I’m referring to—and it seems to be sorely lacking in a lot of believers.

          So what’s the big deal? Simply this—in order for the “true body of Christ” to have a victorious walk (which includes being victorious against the “schemes of Satan & Co.”) and live-out the “Great Commission”, we MUST have that boldness. It appears that many believers either don’t know about, or are too timid to exercise, a bold prayer life; and, that has dire, dire implications. I’ve consistently seen way too often the tragic consequences of a prayer life and walk that lacks the boldness that we as “true believers” are entitled to and have access to. AND, THAT DOSEN’T HAVE TO BE! Do you think “the enemy of our souls”, who’s bent on destroying everything that GOD stands for, is “namby-pambying” around with his plots and attacks against us?! OF COURSE NOT! And, neither should we with GOD’s work! After all, we’re in the “the winners circle!”

          Okay, let’s figure this out. In the Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 28-v.19, Jesus said, “All authority has been given ME in Heaven and on earth.” (NKJ) HE said this at the start of the “Great Commission”.

Then there’s the Gospel of St. Mark Chapter 16-v.15-18 (any version). You can take the time to read Mark’s passages yourself. In essence, it’s another version of the “Great Commission”, with other specific details. Then there’s the Book of Acts Chapter 1-v.8—“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJ). This was Jesus addressing the assembled multitude in the Upper Room after HIS Resurrection. Now, I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds like power and boldness being imparted to ALL believers to me! Wouldn’t you agree?

          Now, let’s go to the Book of Hebrews Chapter 4-v.14 &15 (any version), where the writer states that Christ is our Great High Priest, and because of that provision verse 16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (NKJ). The NASB has, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence….” The Amplified has, “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace…., that we may receive mercy for….and find grace to help in good time for every need…. Do you notice the key word here—BOLDNESS!

Each version has supplemental key words: confidence, fearlessly, and confidently. The notes in my NKJ for verse 16 include the following:

“Believers should courageously approach GOD in prayer because HIS is a throne of grace, and our High Priest sits at HIS Right Hand interceding for us. THAT’S EXCITING (and empowering)!

          So, as I’ve used this phrase in past newsletters, what’s the bottom line? It’s this brothers and sisters—because of Christ interceding for us we can boldly approach the throne of grace with our needs, requests, and supplications—knowing that The Father will hear and answer them according to HIS plan and timing. But, it can’t stop there. We must also ask for, not only HIS grace and provision, but also for the boldness that HE is waiting for and willing to bestow and impart unto us, so we can be boldly sent-out from HIS presence into the world. From there, we are to further HIS Kingdom and live-out the “Great Commission” by reaching-out to the lost, hurting, and dying.

FATHER—BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICE MADE BY YOUR SON ON THE CROSS, WE MAY NOW BOLDLY APPROACH YOUR THRONE OF GRACE. BUT, IT IS NOT JUST FOR OUR OWN PROVISION, BUT THAT WE MAY BE BOLDLY SENT-OUT INTO THE WORLD TO DO YOUR WILL AND REACH THOSE WHO ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF YOUR LOVE, GRACE, AND MERCY. AMEN.