A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and defend the truth of Jesus Christ amidst a culture that seeks to undermine patriotism and spiritual conviction. He warns against the complacency that allows false ideologies to flourish, urging believers to reject the notion that faith can be passive or indifferent. Tozer highlights the historical legacy of prophets, apostles, and reformers who fought for the truth, challenging the modern church to avoid cowardice and keep the torch of truth burning brightly. He calls for a revival of boldness in declaring the unique Lordship of Christ and the necessity of obedience to Him, rather than succumbing to societal pressures. The sermon serves as a rallying cry for Christians to engage in the spiritual battle against evil and uphold their faith with courage.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the leadership of Joshua as a vital link between the salvation from Egypt and the promise of the Promised Land, paralleling Joshua's role with that of Jesus. He highlights that Joshua's leadership embodies the fullness of Christ and the necessity of spiritual courage in the face of opposition and compromise. Joshua's unwavering commitment to God's purpose and his secret history with God are essential traits of effective leadership. The sermon underscores that true leadership requires reliability, a soldier's spirit, and an acceptance of the Holy Spirit's sovereignty. Ultimately, Joshua's courage is presented as a model for believers to follow in their spiritual battles.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of boldness in faith despite the inevitable troubles that may arise from standing for truth. He reflects on his deep conversations with God, acknowledging his own weakness and the strength found in God. Tozer encourages believers to accept the challenges that come with faith, asserting that true strength is found in vulnerability and reliance on God. He challenges listeners to commit to doing what is right, even when faced with opposition and temptation. Ultimately, Tozer inspires a courageous faith that stands firm in the face of adversity.

Leonard Ravenhill explores the Book of Esther, emphasizing its unique qualities, such as the absence of God's name and its lack of mention in the New Testament. He highlights the courage of Esther and Mordecai in the face of adversity, illustrating the importance of standing firm in faith and the consequences of inaction. Ravenhill draws parallels between Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people and the need for modern believers to be bold in their faith. He challenges the audience to consider their own commitment to God and the sacrifices required to fulfill His purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper passion for God and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of others.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of fearing only God, asserting that with the Lord as our helper, we need not fear what man can do to us. He encourages believers to find contentment in God's presence, which provides friendship, treasure, and a safe dwelling. Spurgeon reminds us that true independence comes from our relationship with God, allowing us to stand boldly against the scorn and threats of the world. He asserts that those who fear God have nothing else to fear, as worldly threats are insignificant compared to the power of the living Lord. Ultimately, he calls for courage in the face of persecution, urging believers to remain steadfast and unafraid.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of standing for truth, even when it disrupts our peace. He explains that while the peace found in God's presence is sweet, there are times when Christians must oppose sin and injustice, despite the personal cost. Tozer warns against the temptation to remain silent for the sake of peace, as this can lead to complicity with wrongdoing. He highlights that true spirituality sometimes requires courage to confront evil, even when it is unpopular. Ultimately, the Spirit-filled Christian is called to live in love while also being willing to stand firm against iniquity.

Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord with courage and faith, as expressed in Psalm 27:14. He highlights that true strength comes from trusting in God's goodness, even when we feel powerless against our challenges. Murray encourages believers to maintain hope and to seek God's presence, reminding them that God's love and power are always at work, even when they may not feel it. He illustrates this by comparing waiting on God to basking in the healing warmth of the sun, which brings restoration to the weary soul. Ultimately, he reassures that God's delight is in blessing His children, urging them to come to Him in their weakness.

John Nelson Darby reflects on Acts 4, highlighting the stark contrast between the ecclesiastical authority of Israel, which opposes the truth and the power of God, and the courage and faith of the apostles filled with the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the audacity of the priests who, despite witnessing miracles, resist the Holy Ghost, showcasing the hardness of the human heart when abandoned by God. The apostles, undeterred by threats, remain obedient to God, demonstrating the power of faith and the necessity of divine authority over human opinion. Darby concludes by illustrating the early church's unity and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as a model for Christians today, regardless of circumstances.

Theodore Epp discusses the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab, emphasizing Ahab's false accusation of Elijah as the troublemaker in Israel. Despite Ahab's power and intimidation, Elijah boldly declares the truth, highlighting the need for Ahab and his people to recognize their forsaking of God's commandments. Epp illustrates the importance of standing firm in faith and not justifying oneself in the face of false accusations, as true surrender to God means relinquishing the need for self-defense. The sermon calls for a fearless proclamation of God's truth, especially to those in authority who stray from His ways.

G.W. North emphasizes the profound impact of faith in the life of Moses, highlighting how his parents, Amram and Jochabed, instilled a legacy of courage and belief in him from birth. Moses' decision to identify with his people rather than remain a prince of Egypt showcases the power of faith to overcome fear and societal expectations. North illustrates that Moses' faith was not just a personal journey but a collective experience that led to the deliverance of Israel, demonstrating that true faith is often rooted in the heritage and choices of those who came before us. The sermon underscores that while Moses did not enter the Promised Land, his faith and obedience to God were pivotal in shaping the destiny of a nation. Ultimately, North calls for a community of believers to live by faith, as God desires a multitude of faithful followers, not just a few exceptional individuals.

John Nelson Darby reflects on the challenges faced by the church in the last days as outlined in 2 Timothy, emphasizing the presence of false teachings and the need for personal courage amidst spiritual decline. He highlights Paul's encouragement to Timothy to remain steadfast in faith and to rely on God's grace, even as the tide of the Gospel ebbs and the church faces increasing opposition. Darby stresses the importance of Scripture as a guide during these perilous times and the necessity for believers to endure hardships while maintaining their testimony. He concludes with a call to live earnestly for Christ, recognizing the urgency of the times and the imminent return of the Lord.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the unwavering courage of Mordecai, who refused to bow to Haman despite societal pressure and the fear of standing alone. He illustrates the importance of divine strength in resisting the temptation to conform to worldly values and highlights that true power comes from God, not from our own resolutions. Meyer encourages believers to seek strength from Christ in the moment, rather than relying solely on their determination. He calls for Christians to stand firm in their faith, becoming pillars of truth inscribed with God's name amidst a world that often sways in the opposite direction.

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the call for Christians to embody true manliness in their faith, urging them to be courageous, solid, strong, wise, and mature in their actions and thoughts. He warns against a soft and effeminate Christianity that avoids confrontation with sin and error, advocating for a bold and honest expression of faith that stands firm against societal pressures. Bonar encourages believers to act independently and uprightly, following Christ rather than succumbing to the influence of others, and to remain steadfast in their convictions regardless of external opinions. He highlights the importance of being mature in faith, not allowing worldly distractions to compromise their testimony. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a Christianity that is robust, enduring, and unashamedly truthful.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transition from the Old Testament's strict justice to the New Testament's mercy, illustrating this through the story of Elijah and King Ahaziah. He highlights how Elijah's actions were driven by zeal for God's glory rather than personal vendetta, contrasting this with Christ's example of meekness and self-control. Meyer calls for a renewed understanding of sin and God's wrath, suggesting that a deeper conviction of sin is necessary for the acceptance of God's mercy. He encourages believers to emulate Elijah's courage and faith, standing firm in their convictions while embodying the love of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder of the balance between God's justice and mercy in the life of a believer.

A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline initiated by Jeroboam and continued through successive rulers, culminating in Ahab's reign, which saw the worship of Baal replace the worship of Jehovah. Elijah emerges as a solitary prophet, filled with righteous indignation and a deep commitment to God's glory, praying earnestly for judgment to fall upon Israel for their apostasy. His boldness in confronting Ahab reflects the courage that comes from being right with God, as he delivers a message of impending drought as a divine consequence of Israel's sins. Pink emphasizes the importance of prayer grounded in God's Word and the need for believers to stand firm in their faith amidst moral decay.

George Fox encourages believers to be courageous in their faith and to uphold the truth of Jesus, emphasizing that they should not fear human wrath but rather honor the Lord. He reminds them that through the blood of the Lamb, they have victory over the world and should remain united in spirit, producing good fruit in their lives. Fox highlights the importance of living in the newness of life, serving the Lord, and maintaining peace among one another, assuring them of the eternal rewards for those who overcome.

John Wesley addresses the issue of peer pressure through the example of Peter's actions in Antioch, where Peter initially associates with Gentiles but withdraws due to fear of the circumcision group. This hypocrisy not only affects Peter but also leads others, including Barnabas, astray. Wesley emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity of heart and the courage to stand firm in faith, even in the face of potential persecution. He highlights that the desire to please God must outweigh the desire to conform to societal pressures. The sermon encourages believers to seek strength from the Holy Spirit to resist peer pressure and uphold their convictions.

J.R. Miller emphasizes Paul's respectful approach to Felix, showcasing the importance of courtesy in Christian conduct. Paul boldly identifies himself as a follower of Christ, demonstrating that true faith requires public acknowledgment, even in challenging circumstances. He speaks of the hope of resurrection and the necessity of living with a clear conscience, urging believers to reflect on their lives in light of eternal judgment. Felix's reaction to Paul's message highlights the danger of procrastination in responding to spiritual truths, as he recognizes his need for change but delays action. Ultimately, Paul's imprisonment serves as a period of growth and ministry, illustrating how God can use difficult situations for His purposes.

R.A. Torrey's sermon 'Heroes and Cowards' emphasizes the dangers of the fear of man, illustrating how it leads individuals to compromise their values and ultimately face ruin. He shares poignant examples of young men and women who succumbed to peer pressure, resulting in destructive choices that cost them their integrity and lives. Torrey contrasts this with the courage of true believers, like the Apostle Paul, who boldly confess their faith despite societal pressures. He urges listeners to publicly declare their faith in Christ, highlighting that true courage is required to stand for Jesus in a compromising world. The sermon calls for a commitment to be heroes of faith rather than cowards who hide their beliefs.

John Nelson Darby emphasizes the personal and relational aspects of Paul's message to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1 and 2, highlighting the importance of maintaining courage and faith amidst the challenges and failures within the church. He draws parallels between Timothy and Jeremiah, stressing that even in times of decay, believers are called to stand firm and uphold the truth of the gospel. Darby points out that the spirit of power given by God enables Christians to confront the spirit of fear and to endure hardships for the sake of the elect. He also reflects on the significance of returning to foundational truths of faith, especially in light of the challenges faced by the church in contemporary times.

R.A. Torrey explores the burial of Jesus, emphasizing the certainty of His death and the significance of the events surrounding it. He discusses the meticulous precautions taken by the Jews and Roman authorities to ensure Jesus was truly dead and the implications of Joseph of Arimathea's secret discipleship, which transformed into boldness after Jesus' death. The sermon highlights the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jesus' burial and the actions of those who opposed Him, ultimately showcasing how their efforts only served to authenticate His resurrection. Torrey encourages believers to reflect on their own faith and the courage to stand for Christ, even in the face of fear.