Dear Church Family,

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Spire conference in Indianapolis.  The theme image  was adorned in large words on either side of the platform and throughout the campus…“Bold and Beautiful.”

Not to worry, this was not a soirée into soap-opera land. There were no long-lost twins, episodes of amnesia with dramatic hospital recoveries, or mysterious characters with eye patches returning after everyone thought they had died at sea fifteen years ago. Instead, “Bold and Beautiful” was a challenge to the Church.

As I listened to the stories and allowed the theme to work its way into my heart, I thought about Paul’s words in Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”  The Gospel is where the boldness begins. This is a boldness that is not arrogant or overbearing, but rather humble and committed. 

Throughout the conference, I was also reminded of just how beautiful the Gospel is as well. I was especially moved by the testimonies of individuals whom God had rescued from terrible situations. We heard stories involving substance abuse, physical abuse, human trafficking, broken families, and lives that had been swallowed by darkness. The darkness was met with the boldness of the Gospel and again and again, we heard how God brought healing, restoration, and so much more. God gave people a glorious and fulfilling purpose. These stories went far beyond survival, they were testimonies of redemption, and that is the beauty of the Gospel. God does not merely pull people out of the pit. He gives them new life, new identity, and a new reason to live.

We live in a world that often compels us to hide our struggles. We learn to smile, keep up appearances, and make sure everyone thinks we are doing just fine. Shame tells us to keep the broken places hidden, but freedom comes when those things are brought into the light.

The Gospel gives us the courage to be honest about our brokenness because grace meets us right there. That is what makes the Gospel both bold and beautiful.

Bold enough to tell the truth about sin and brokenness, yet beautiful enough to proclaim grace, healing, restoration, and hope.

Here is my challenge:  Do you really believe the Gospel is beautiful?  Is Christ’s message of hope  still good news for the broken, the wandering, the ashamed, the addicted, the abused, the lonely, and the lost? Do you truly believe Jesus still forgives, restores, redeems, and makes people new?

If so, our response should be more than quiet agreement; it should be a Spirit-inspired boldness to share and care. 

If the Gospel really is beautiful, then it is far too beautiful to keep to ourselves.  Be Bold!

Loving you all, 

Michael