Regardless of our opinion....we've discovered that the scriptures bear witness to the reality that Jesus will judge men and women on whether or not they operated with boldness and without fear in proclaiming him to those that were around them during their lives. For those who's boldness is buried deep in a pit of embarrassment in light of peer pressure, or those who's boldness is hidden away like their bible in the recesses of a closet they no longer use....we've discovered that Jesus' sober words from Mark 8:38 apply;
Mark 8:38
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Let's take the implication of this scripture deeper....."of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed...." - what does that really mean? Based on a preponderance of scripture we can easily determine that this statement doesn't describe those disciples and servants that will gather around the throne of God in heaven for those are individuals that The Lord WILL NOT be ashamed of.....
Revelation 21:22-27
King James Version (KJV)
22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Folks that Jesus is ashamed of don't qualify as those who bring glory and honor into the holy city....
Revelation 22:14-15
King James Version (KJV)
14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Those that are ashamed of, embarrassed about and afraid to discuss the redemptive work of Jesus The Christ are members of those that are without - not those that are within. But if that isn't enough for you then consider these verses of scripture below;
Revelation 21:7-8
King James Version (KJV)
7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Do you see how those that are fearful (full of fear...) are numbered among the rogues gallery of those that WILL NOT be allowed into the presence of God??
Please....we implore you...IF...you claim to be redeemed of the Lord (Psalms 107:2), then you had better be able to answer the question - not to us - but to The Lord - on...WHERE IS YOUR BOLDNESS FOR JESUS???? If you have allowed your boldness for Christ to be stifled and suffocated by your own sin (James 4:17), fear (2 Timothy 1;7), or anything else.....fall on your knees now - and recommit to the reality that with all that Jesus suffered for you - you owe it to him to not be ashamed of declaring him before others.
Hebrews 12:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Regardless of who you are - you have not suffered more than Jesus - consider that - and let that knowledge propel you to boldly speak for him as you ought to speak (Ephesians 6:20)!