Courage on SermonAudio

In this episode, Pastor Chuck and Dana talk about our comfort zones and how they can be a detriment to our spiritual lives and how we can step out from them.

This sermon calls the church to engage with courage in the mission of passing the faith to the next generation, as outlined in 2 Timothy 2:2. It emphasizes that this task involves not only proclaiming the gospel and teaching sound doctrine but also equipping and entrusting believers with ministry responsibilities. The message highlights that this work is a form of spiritual warfare, requiring a warrior's mindset and the endurance of hardship, much like a soldier of Christ. Despite the cultural opposition and the discouragement of failed investments, believers are encouraged to rely on the grace of Christ and the unbindable nature of God's Word. The sermon concludes by affirming that the resurrected Lord is sovereign over all powers and is actively dispensing leaders to the church, urging believers to step forward in faithfulness rather than remaining passive recipients of past sacrifices.

Martin Luther helped recover the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone and called the church back to the authority of Scripture. In this episode, Dave Jenkins examines Luther's opposition to indulgences, his commitment to God's Word, and his example of courageous faithfulness. Learn why his contribution to the Protestant Reformation continues to matter for Christians today. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The sermon explores Esther chapter five to illustrate the theological truth that believers are clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ, which exceeds the moral standards of the scribes and Pharisees. It contrasts the human inability to achieve this righteousness with the gracious exchange where Jesus bears sin and imputes His own to the believer. The text highlights Esther's courageous intercession as a type of Christ's ongoing advocacy before the Father, emphasizing that God's sovereignty orchestrates events through human responsibility. The preacher encourages the audience to live as royalty in Christ, putting on the new self characterized by humility and love, rather than relying on their own efforts or succumbing to the pride exemplified by Haman. Ultimately, the sermon points to the assurance of salvation and the hope of sanctification found in the finished work of Jesus.

This sermon commemorates the 490th anniversary of William Tyndale's martyrdom, highlighting his final request for a Hebrew Bible while imprisoned as a testament to his unwavering dedication to Scripture. The central message contrasts Tyndale's active perseverance in translating the Word amidst persecution with the modern tendency to lament cultural and spiritual decline without taking personal responsibility. It calls for a shift from passive complaint to active faithfulness, urging believers to engage in prayer, evangelism, and the defense of the gospel rather than waiting for external change. The tone is convicting and pastoral, challenging the audience to emulate Tyndale's spirit of courage and service. The sermon concludes with a plea for divine intervention to open the eyes of the nation and for individual believers to remain faithful in their specific spheres of influence.

Now that Elisha is called, he is tested to show his degree of loyalty to the commission that he has been entrusted with. This is the Forty Eighth Sermon in the series The Kingdom Divided; an exposition on First Book of the Kings.

The courageous believer 1. Sovereignty and the courageous believer 2. Support for the courageous believer 3. Selflessness of the courageous believer

This service marks the public ordination of Adam Philpott, recognizing a divine calling that has been evident through his consistent character and ministry work. Witnesses from his family, church, and professional life testify to his integrity, faithfulness to Scripture, and dedication to leading others to Christ. The central theological theme emphasizes the biblical mandate to 'preach the word' with diligence and courage, anchoring ministry in the unchanging truth of God's character rather than cultural trends. Pastoral counsel is given to remain faithful to the One who called him, prioritizing intimate communion with God over mere activity. The congregation is challenged to support the new pastor through prayer and financial stewardship, holding the 'rope' as he descends into the deep work of spiritual warfare and soul-winning. Questions 1. What does it actually mean for a pastor to be ordained? 2. Does a church make someone a pastor, or does God call him to be a pastor? 3. How can a church know whether a man has truly been called by God into ministry? 4. Why is a man's character just as important as his ability to preach when considering him for ministry? 5. What qualifications does the Bible give for someone who wants to be a pastor? 6. Why does the Bible tell church leaders to lay hands on someone when setting him apart for ministry? 7. What is the most important responsibility of a pastor? 8. Why is "Preach the Word" such an important charge for pastors today? Pasted markdown 9. Should a pastor change his preaching to keep up with culture and attract more people? 10. What does it mean for a pastor to "watch for your souls"?

At the graveside, sorrow can make death seem final. But Matthew 27:57–28:10 brings us from the silence of Jesus' burial to the joy of His resurrection. Because Christ lives, grief, fear, failure, and death cannot have the last word over those who belong to Him. Joseph of Arimathea teaches us to follow Jesus when obedience is costly and hope is difficult to see. Offering his tomb, he expressed his love through practical sacrifice. We, too, can offer Christ our resources, our presence, and our next faithful step, even when we cannot change our circumstances. The sealed stone and watchful soldiers remind us that human power cannot cancel Jesus' promises. Our hope rests in what God has spoken, including His promises never to abandon His people and to raise them to everlasting life. Then heaven announces the truth: "He has risen, as he said" (Matthew 28:6). The crucified Savior has conquered death. Those who trust Him receive forgiveness and a future the grave cannot destroy. We still weep, but we grieve with hope. Finally, Jesus calls the disciples who deserted Him "my brothers." His mercy invites repentant sinners to return, worship, and carry His good news to others. Bring Jesus your sorrow, your trembling faith, and your failures. You need not understand every circumstance before entrusting yourself to Him. His hands will hold you through life, through death, and into eternity. Whatever burden you carry, take courage in your living Savior. The grave does not get the last word. Jesus does.