Proverbs 28:1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. The message of Jesus, by nature, creates either conflict… or beautiful reconciliation. 1 Corinthians 1:23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. IS ONLY REQUIRED IN THE FACE OF FEAR. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes… 2 Timothy 1:8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. HOW DO WE BECOME UNASHAMED? 1. BEGINS WITH . Acts 4:12-14 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” 2. IS FUELED BY . Acts 4:29-31 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. 3. CAN COME IN A MOMENT. Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. Acts 9:19-21 Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” 4. IS GROUNDED IN LOVE. 2 Timothy 1:11-12 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Matthew 10:16-20 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. LOVE CONQUERS FEAR. 1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.