Bold As A Lion | IMPACT Recap

IMPACT Recap

Faith Purpose Salvation

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn opened his message 'Bold as a Lion' by exploring the biblical imagery of Jesus as both the sacrificial Lamb and the bold Lion. He challenged the congregation to move from being 'camouflage Christians' who blend into their surroundings to becoming men and women of God who are courageous and confident in their faith. The sermon centered on four God-given reasons every believer can be bold. First, we have influence in our families, workplaces, and social circles, and our primary purpose is to use that platform to share the gospel. Second, as Americans, we have affluence, which is a responsibility to be generous and store up treasures in heaven through giving. Third, we have power through the testimony of what God has done in our lives, which is an undeniable tool for evangelism. Finally, we can be bold because we have the answer to life's problems in Jesus Christ. Pastor Travis concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to share their faith, invite someone to church, and use their resources to support the church's outreach efforts, including the Easter celebration and mission work in Nicaragua. He closed with a prayer for salvation, marriage restoration, and a renewed boldness to fulfill the Great Commission.

Main Points

God gives us influence in our relationships and platforms, and the primary purpose of that influence is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our material affluence is a gift from God and a responsibility; we are called to be generous, using our resources to make an eternal impact and store up treasures in heaven.
We have the power of our personal testimony about God's work in our lives, and we are called to be bold in sharing that story because Jesus is the ultimate answer for the world.

Verses Mentioned

Acts 28:31 - "He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." (NIV)
Luke 9:26 - "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (NIV)
Romans 10:14-15 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" (NIV)
Matthew 5:13 - "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." (NIV)
Matthew 5:14-16 - "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." (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:7-10 - "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (NIV)
Matthew 19:24 - "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (NIV)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (NIV)
Revelation 3:15-17 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." (NIV)
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:12 - "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." (NIV)
Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" (NIV)
Mark 16:15 - "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'" (NIV)
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Acts 28:31 - 'He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.'

Focus Point: Understanding our call to boldness.

Action Plan: Identify one relationship or platform (social media, workplace) where you can be more intentional about your faith this week.

Deep Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to be bold and unhindered in my witness for you today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 5:13-14 - 'You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.'

Focus Point: Embracing our identity as influencers.

Action Plan: Perform one intentional 'good deed' today, letting your actions point others to God's goodness.

Deep Prayer: Father, help me to be salt and light in my world, adding flavor and shining your love to those around me.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 - 'Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.'

Focus Point: Stewarding our affluence with generosity.

Action Plan: Look for one practical way to be generous today—whether with your time, a kind word, or a financial gift.

Deep Prayer: God, open my eyes to opportunities for generosity. Help me to be rich in good deeds and store up treasure in heaven.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'

Focus Point: Relying on God's power, not our own.

Action Plan: Reflect on a part of your personal testimony where God gave you strength. Write down one sentence summarizing it.

Deep Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your strength in my weakness. Remind me that my power to be bold comes from you alone.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Romans 10:14 - 'How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?'

Focus Point: The necessity of sharing our faith.

Action Plan: Pray for one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus, and take a step to invite them to church or share a word of encouragement.

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me the words and the opportunity to share the good news with someone who needs to hear it.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 28:19-20 - 'Therefore go and make disciples... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'

Focus Point: Living out the Great Commission.

Action Plan: Prepare your heart for worship tomorrow. Commit to being a 'disciple-maker' by simply being willing to walk alongside someone in their faith journey.

Deep Prayer: Lord, give me a heart for discipleship. Help me to follow you closely so I can help others do the same.