Courage
Courage in the Bible often represents a deep-seated strength and bravery rooted in faith and trust in God. It is not merely the absence of fear but the ability to act righteously in the face of fear or adversity. A prominent example can be seen in Joshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to "be strong and courageous" as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. This command emphasizes that true courage comes from reliance on God's presence and guidance. Moreover, courage is frequently associated with moral integrity and the ability to stand firm in one's beliefs despite external pressures. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds believers that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This underscores the biblical perspective that courage is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to face challenges with boldness. Throughout scripture, courage is portrayed as an essential virtue for fulfilling God's purposes, demonstrating faith in action, and enduring trials with hope.
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A New Year
By Leonard Ravenhill12758:56JOS 1:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of entering a new year with strength and courage, drawing from Joshua 1:7. He reflects on the challenges faced by Joshua as he leads a disgruntled people into the Promised Land, paralleling this with the current state of America and the need for a spiritual rebirth. Ravenhill warns against complacency and the dangers of unbelief, urging listeners to rely on God's promises and guidance as they navigate the uncertainties ahead. He encourages a deep commitment to God's word and the importance of obedience in overcoming obstacles. Ultimately, he calls for a new generation of leaders, like Joshua, to rise and guide their families and communities in faith.
All Types
By George Matheson0MAT 14:29JHN 13:23JHN 20:4ACT 4:13George Matheson emphasizes the distinct types of boldness exhibited by Peter and John, both of whom derived their courage from their time with Jesus. While Peter's boldness is characterized by action and decisiveness, John's boldness is marked by patience and endurance. Matheson illustrates that Christ equips individuals with different forms of courage to meet the diverse challenges of life, highlighting that both action and waiting are essential in the kingdom of God. He concludes that both types of courage are necessary, as life presents moments for both active engagement and patient endurance.
Courage to Show Forth the Fullness of God
By Emanuel Esh1.5K1:14:09JOS 1:5MAT 6:33MAT 28:19COL 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting on God's word and staying true to it. He encourages listeners to proclaim and meditate on God's word, and to observe and do what it says. The preacher highlights the need for Christians to have a purpose and a burden in their Christian life, as God has work for each individual to do. He also reminds believers of God's promise to be with them and not forsake them, even in the face of opposition. The sermon draws from the book of Joshua and emphasizes the timeless principle of relying on God's word for success and prosperity.
We Also Will Be With Thee: Be of Good
By F.B. Meyer0JOS 7:1EZR 10:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of courage and collective support in the face of challenges, drawing parallels to the story of Achan and the need for confession before communion with God can be restored. He encourages individuals to be ready to act, even if they are not in positions of leadership like Ezra or Nehemiah, and to support those who are. Meyer highlights that even small acts of encouragement can lead to significant outcomes, urging believers to stand by and uplift those who are called to lead. He calls for a spirit of magnanimity, recognizing and supporting the unique gifts of others for the greater good of the community.
Presence of Mind
By C.H. Spurgeon0PRO 3:25C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a presence of mind amidst sudden fears and the chaos of the wicked's desolation, reminding believers that God is their confidence and protector. He encourages Christians to remain courageous and serene, understanding that God's judgments are not meant to harm but to defend the righteous. Spurgeon highlights the need for discernment, asserting that the true calamity lies in sin itself rather than its consequences. Believers are called to exhibit a quiet spirit, trusting in God's guidance to avoid the snares of deceit. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that those who walk with God will find strength and confidence in His presence.
Be Strong and Courageous
By Thomas Brooks0JOS 1:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the greatness of God, highlighting His power, wisdom, goodness, grace, mercy, and understanding. He reassures believers that God will never leave them nor forsake them, encouraging them to be strong and courageous in their endeavors. Brooks explains that when God calls His people to significant tasks, He promises His presence and support, providing them with the strength, direction, and joy they need. The sermon underscores the importance of relying on God's attributes to face challenges with confidence and faith.
Do Not Be Dismayed
By C.H. Spurgeon0JOS 1:9PSA 27:14PSA 31:24ISA 40:31ISA 41:10ROM 8:31PHP 4:62TI 1:7HEB 13:51PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the Christian life is fraught with challenges, including temptations and fears that can lead believers astray or make them faint-hearted. He reassures Christians that there is no real danger as long as they trust in God, Christ's intercession, and the Holy Spirit's presence. Spurgeon encourages believers to remain courageous and steadfast, urging them to wait on the Lord for strength and not to succumb to fear or timidity. The message is one of hope and resilience in the face of life's difficulties.
A Man Without Fear
By C.H. Spurgeon0EXO 3:12PSA 23:4ISA 41:10MAT 28:20HEB 13:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance of God's presence in our endeavors, using Moses' mission to Pharaoh as a powerful example. He argues that God would never send Moses alone to face such a formidable opponent without His support, highlighting that God's promise, 'Certainly I will be with thee,' is a guarantee of success when we act in faith. Spurgeon encourages believers to approach their own challenges with courage and conviction, knowing that God's backing is more powerful than any earthly force. He reminds us to conduct ourselves honorably in light of this promise, urging us to act boldly and without fear, just as Moses did.
"The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18)
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 4:231SA 15:231SA 16:18PSA 3:1PSA 22:3PSA 42:5PSA 69:9PSA 114:2ACT 10:38PHP 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudence in speech, and comeliness, all culminating in the profound truth that 'the Lord is with him.' David's worship began in solitude, shaping his character and leading to public praise, while his courage stemmed from a deep faith in God. As a warrior, he fought for God's honor, and his prudent speech reflected a teachable spirit. Ultimately, David's life exemplified a deep relationship with God, which was evident to others, showcasing the transformative power of divine presence.
Real Courage
By Thaddeus Barnum44826:19ISA 35:3Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the theme of real courage in his sermon, drawing parallels between the biblical story of David and Goliath and the personal struggles with fear and anxiety that many face today. He highlights that true courage does not come from within, as the world often teaches, but rather from God, who strengthens the weak and calms the anxious heart. Barnum encourages believers to acknowledge their fears and seek support from the community of faith, reminding them that Jesus came to liberate us from the bondage of fear. He illustrates this through the story of Jacob, who, despite his fears, found strength in surrendering to God. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and reassurance that God is with us in our struggles, providing the courage we need.
Are You Filled With Courage?
By David Wilkerson0JDG 6:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of courage and faith in spiritual warfare, illustrating how many Christians fail to resist the enemy and become vulnerable to spiritual defeat. He recounts the story of Gideon from the book of Judges, highlighting how God called Gideon a 'mighty man of valor' despite his doubts and fears. Wilkerson points out that God required Gideon to send home the fearful soldiers, demonstrating that true strength comes from faith and courage. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them that God is always with them and capable of bringing victory in their lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls for Christians to rise up and fight their battles with confidence in God's presence and power.
Stand Fearless for God
By Erlo Stegen1.2K50:53DAN 3:19DAN 3:28MAT 7:21MAT 7:23EPH 6:12COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of true freedom, which comes from a relationship with God, rather than political freedom. The preacher highlights the courage of these three men who refused to bow down to an image and only worshiped their God. Despite facing the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, they remained steadfast in their faith, trusting that God would save them. The sermon also draws parallels to the New Testament, mentioning the apostles Peter and John who also chose to obey God rather than man.
Standing Courageously in Your Home, Church, and Community
By Paige Patterson1.4K41:37EXO 14:11JDG 6:11JDG 6:14MAT 11:28In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering mean-spirited individuals at a meeting. However, he witnesses a transformation in some of these people as they respond to the word of God. The speaker encourages the audience to take heart and stand up for the truth, even if they initially feel alone. He then transitions to discussing the question that remains unanswered about America's evangelical community. The sermon concludes with a story about a man named Gert Vilams who had to flee for his life due to preaching the gospel, highlighting the persecution faced by believers throughout history.
We Languish for Men
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:24ACT 21:13ROM 12:1GAL 2:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for bold and selfless men in the Church, who are willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel, as exemplified by Paul's readiness to face death for Christ. He calls for men who are free from worldly allurements and external pressures, driven solely by divine compulsion and high motives. Tozer argues that such men will restore prophetic voices in the pulpit, serving God and humanity without fear, financial motives, or the desire for recognition. He challenges listeners to seek transformation to become these courageous individuals, dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly.
God's D. D.
By C.T. Studd0JOS 1:9PSA 27:1PRO 28:1DAN 6:10MAT 10:32ACT 4:19ROM 1:16EPH 6:102TI 1:71PE 3:14C.T. Studd passionately preaches about the boldness and integrity of Daniel, urging believers to emulate his fearless faith and unwavering commitment to God. He emphasizes that true courage involves confronting sin directly and standing firm in one's convictions, regardless of societal pressures or threats. Studd encourages Christians to be 'Dreadnoughts'—those who dare to speak the truth, live simply, and trust in God without compromise. He calls for a rejection of complacency and a commitment to a life of purpose and bold confession.
Fear to Fear
By C.H. Spurgeon0ISA 41:10JER 1:8DAN 6:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of fear, reminding us that God is always present to deliver us from our struggles. He encourages believers to stand firm against ridicule and threats, asserting that our trust in God should outweigh our fear of man. Spurgeon draws inspiration from biblical figures like Daniel and the three holy children, illustrating that God can deliver us from even the direst situations. He warns that the greatest enemy we face is often our own fear, urging us to seek God's help through prayer and to rise with renewed faith. Ultimately, he calls us to 'fear to fear' and to trust in God's unwavering support.
Ribless Christians
By Erlo Stegen9691:15:35PRO 5:31TI 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of purity in the lives of believers. He warns against breaking the duty of purity that God has given to us and reminds us that we will be judged by God's words. The preacher encourages young people to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He emphasizes that our lives should be a pattern for others to follow and that even if we have made mistakes in the past, we can repent and be made new in Christ. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the engaged couple and a reminder to live holy lives until their wedding day.
Raise Up a Voice (Compilation)
By Compilations89504:42PHP 3:13In the sermon 'Raise Up a Voice (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the necessity of having a heartfelt cry for courage to resist returning to past comforts and ungodliness. He illustrates that true followers of God, like David, make conscious decisions to pursue God's anointing over societal favor, even if it means enduring hardship. The message calls for believers to seek God's presence and power, urging them to break free from the influences of a dying society and to boldly proclaim God's truth. The preacher encourages the congregation to ask Jesus for the strength to obey His calling and to be vessels for His kingdom. Ultimately, the sermon is a rallying cry for the church to rise up and be a voice for God in this generation.