This past semester, the chapel theme at Grace Christian University focused on what it means to live boldly for Christ. Rooted in the overarching idea of boldness, each week explored a specific aspect of how believers can embody courage, strength, and faith in their walk with God. Through scripture, and practical teachings, the Grace community was challenged to step out of their comfort zones and live a bold faith.
The Chapel Theme: B.O.L.D.
Each letter in “BOLD” served as a foundation for understanding different facets of living boldly for Christ:
B – Bravely Battle
We often gravitate toward comfort, making excuses to avoid challenges or endure them passively. However, scripture calls us to actively fight the good fight of faith. The apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 remind us:
“But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Living boldly means fleeing from sin and pursuing a godly life with endurance and determination. Paul’s reflection in 2 Timothy 4:7 serves as a model:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Bravely battling for faith also requires recognizing that the enemy’s tactics often appeal to our desire for ease and complacency. By turning to God’s Word and committing to prayer, we arm ourselves with spiritual tools to confront challenges and stand firm in truth. As believers, we are called not just to endure but to overcome with confidence in Christ’s victory.
O – Onward on Offense
Living boldly requires moving forward and taking the initiative rather than merely playing defense. As believers, we are called to be proactive in our faith, confronting spiritual battles with confidence. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul writes:
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Jesus’ call in Mark 8:34-35 is clear:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
This step requires a shift in mindset: instead of reacting to circumstances, we move with purpose, advancing the gospel of Grace through our actions. Whether sharing the gospel, serving others, or confronting cultural opposition, boldness calls us to an active, forward-moving faith. By stepping out in faith and trusting God’s direction, we not only fulfill His calling but also inspire others to do the same.
L – Lordship of Jesus Christ
The question of who rules our lives is central to bold living. The original sin in the Garden of Eden stemmed from humanity’s desire to be like God, a temptation that continues to plague civilization. Boldness in Christ demands that we surrender control to Him and live as crucified followers. As Galatians 2:20 states:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Surrendering to Christ’s lordship means acknowledging that our desires, plans, and ambitions must align with His will. This requires daily submission, trusting that God’s plan is greater than our own. The world often promotes self-reliance and individualism, but bold faith challenges us to relinquish control and live under the authority of Christ, finding true freedom in His guidance.
D – Discipline for Boldness
Boldness is cultivated through repetition and practice. Olympic athletes and musicians hone their skills daily, knowing that discipline builds strength. Similarly, believers are called to train in godliness. Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 emphasize this:
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Developing boldness in faith involves spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship. These practices not only deepen our relationship with God but also equip us to face challenges with strength and resolve. Just as athletes train for competition, Christians must intentionally prepare for spiritual battles by immersing themselves in God’s Word and surrounding themselves with a supportive community.
Chapel Teachings
This semester’s chapels provided practical insights and powerful testimonies from a variety of speakers, each addressing unique aspects of bold living:
Bold Leaders:
Drawing inspiration from Joshua 1:9, this chapel emphasized courage and leadership rooted in God’s strength. The message highlighted the assurance of God’s presence and the need to lead confidently, knowing that boldness is not about individual strength but about reliance on God’s promises. Students were encouraged to step into leadership roles with faith that God equips those He calls.
Confidence in the Cross:
Rick Pilieci explored 2 Corinthians 3:4, 12, highlighting the boldness that comes from knowing Christ’s victory. He explained how the cross provides believers with a secure foundation and unshakable confidence, enabling them to approach life with courage and faith. Through stories of personal growth, he showed how the cross empowers us to live boldly in a world that often challenges Christian values.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit:
Danny Garcia reminded us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in living a bold faith. He encouraged students to seek the Lord’s guidance in daily life, pointing out that true boldness stems from God’s work in our life and not human effort.
Bold Prayer:
Glen Beauchamp from Grace Gospel Fellowship emphasized the necessity of faith-filled prayer. He taught that bold prayers align with God’s will and reflect trust in His power to act in extraordinary ways. He encouraged students to approach God with confidence and expectancy.
Living Sacrifice:
Clarence Stamps from Indwelling Church discussed Romans 12:1, challenging believers to present their lives as living sacrifices. He unpacked the concept of sacrificial living as an act of worship, urging students to commit every aspect of their lives to God. He explained how living sacrificially leads to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.
Being an Example of Christ:
Pastor Jim Shemaria of Celebration Bible Church encouraged students to reflect Christ in their daily actions. He drew from scripture to emphasize the importance of embodying Christlike qualities, such as love, humility, and integrity. His message included practical ways to be a light in all your interactions.
Sharing the Gospel:
Danny Garcia urged believers to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. He provided practical tips for evangelism and shared stories of how boldness in sharing the gospel can transform lives. His teaching emphasized the urgency of spreading God’s message and the joy that comes from seeing others come to faith.
Obedience: Fighting Against Peer Pressure:
Pastor John Gorveatte of Berkley Hills Church taught about standing firm in faith despite external pressures. He addressed common challenges students face and offered biblical insights for resisting peer pressure. Through relatable examples, he showed how obedience to God often requires boldness in the face of societal norms.
Bold Conversations:
Danny Garcia addressed the importance of having honest, Christ-centered discussions. He encouraged students to engage in conversations that challenge cultural norms and reflect biblical truth with love and respect. By inviting an open dialogue, believers can create opportunities for growth and understanding.
Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry:
Sarah Heaton shared her testimony as Lead Chaplain of Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry, inspiring students to reach out to the marginalized. She recounted stories of transformation in the lives of incarcerated individuals and challenged students to serve those who are often overlooked. Her testimony highlighted the power of bold compassion and the importance of extending God’s love to all.
Teaching Chapel: Testimony:
Grace Alumni Rosine Yayrato shared her journey of faith and the impact of boldness in her life. Her testimony showed how trusting God in difficult circumstances can lead to profound spiritual growth. She emphasized the importance of relying on God’s strength to overcome obstacles and live out a bold faith.
Overcoming Fear:
AJ Garcia from West Side Community Church offered practical advice on overcoming fear through faith in Christ. He reminded students that fear is a natural part of life but can be overcome by trusting in God’s promises and presence. Through scriptural insights and personal stories, he encouraged the audience to step out in faith despite uncertainties.
Generosity:
Danny Garcia spoke about the boldness required to live generously and trust God with our finances and resources. He explained that generosity is not just about finances but also about giving time, talents, and love to others. His message reminded students that true generosity stems from a heart aligned with God’s purposes.
Living Boldly for Christ
The semester’s chapel series painted a vivid picture of what it means to live boldly for Christ. From bravely battling sin to boldly proclaiming the gospel, the Grace community was equipped and challenged to step into a life of fearless faith. As we reflect on this theme, let us remember that boldness is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live for Christ with courage, purpose, and faith.
Living boldly requires perseverance, trust in God, and a willingness to step into the unknown. It is a journey of faith that transforms not only the individual but also the community around them. As we move forward, let us strive to live lives marked by boldness, inspired by the lessons and testimonies shared this past semester.
