Courage on SermonAudio

As members of Christ's church, both seeing yourselves as a united family together in Christ, and then walking as family with one another in love and peace, can't be overstated. (Eph. 4:11-16) For forgetting who we are in relationship with one another and how we ought to act towards one another, is an all too frequent way that Satan loves to sow division through friction that leads to isolation. And yet, there are godly relational encounters, even godly, healthy friction, so to speak, that our Lord has ordained and calls you to engage in with one another that both ministers to the pain and perceived benefits of isolation, smooths off rough edges, brings refreshment to your heart, and growth in your life, as well as that of your family and the church through sharpened shepherding.

The sermon explores the theological significance of the cities of refuge in Joshua 20, arguing that divine justice is characterized by accessibility, impartiality, and a rigorous process that distinguishes between intentional murder and unintentional manslaughter. It emphasizes that Yahweh's justice protects the innocent from vengeance while ensuring the guilty are not excused, thereby preventing blood guilt from defiling the land where God dwells. The preacher connects these Old Testament principles to the New Testament revelation of Christ, who serves as the ultimate High Priest and the true refuge for sinners, satisfying the demands of justice through His atoning death. The message calls believers to submit their passions and judgments to God's Word, advocating for moral integrity, due process, and the protection of human dignity within both the church and the broader society.

This sermon traces the transformation of Peter from a fearful disciple who denied Christ to a bold apostle empowered by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the pivotal moment of restoration in John 21, where Jesus reinstates Peter through the 'Feed my sheep' commission, contrasting Peter's earlier hesitation with his subsequent confidence. The narrative then moves to Acts, illustrating Peter's bold preaching at Pentecost, his miraculous healing of the lame man, and his unwavering stance before Jewish authorities despite imprisonment. The central theme emphasizes that Peter's change was not merely behavioral but spiritual, driven by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a settled conviction in the resurrection of Jesus. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to recognize their own access to the same Spirit and commission, finding hope in their ongoing growth and identity in Christ.

This sermon explores the nature of fear as a gap between perceived threats and available resources, using the account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 to illustrate how faith reorders our response to anxiety. The speaker argues that fear often masks deeper insecurities and false conclusions about God's care, urging believers to name their specific fears rather than letting them control behavior. By normalizing the experience of storms in the Christian life, the message challenges the notion that faith guarantees the absence of difficulty, asserting instead that it provides the trust to navigate through it. The central invitation is to recognize God's presence, surrender uncontrollable outcomes, and take courageous steps forward, relying on the ultimate victory over death that Christ has already secured. The goal is not the elimination of fear, but its displacement by the awe and reverence of the Lord, which diminishes all other anxieties.

The sermon explores the book of Esther to demonstrate that God's deliverance is rooted in His sovereign grace rather than human merit or faithfulness. It highlights the conspicuous absence of God's name and recorded prayer in the text to illustrate how God works behind the scenes, saving His people in spite of their compromises and spiritual apathy. By contrasting the ambiguous motives of Esther and Mordecai with the certainty of Christ's atoning work, the message argues that salvation is a gift received by faith, not earned by courage or works. The preacher emphasizes that while human efforts are insufficient, God's covenant love ensures that His people are preserved, pointing ultimately to the cross where the full wrath of God was satisfied for sinners. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging listeners to stop relying on their own fortitude and instead rejoice in the security of their names being written in heaven.

God severely reproves wicked king A-haz-iah by showing him Who truly has all Power, Authority and Might. This is the Forty Seventh Sermon in the series The Kingdom Divided; an exposition on First Book of the Kings.

Sermon | Esther 7:1-10| Sunday Evening Service, September 27, 2026. Preacher: Ps Rocky Stevenson This sermon examines the pivotal moment in Esther 7 where Esther reveals her Jewish identity to King Ahasuerus, exposing Haman as the enemy seeking their destruction. Ps Rocky highlights Esther's strategic wisdom and boldness in naming evil plainly, contrasting her courage with the king's drunkenness and Haman's terror. The central theological argument posits that God's preservation of Israel is not based on their righteousness or spiritual devotion, but on His irrevocable covenant faithfulness and grace. By connecting this ancient narrative to modern anti-Semitism and the church's call to boldness, the message emphasizes that divine providence works through ordinary means to fulfill God's promises. Ultimately, the sermon invites the audience to trust in God's unchanging character rather than their own performance, finding comfort in the assurance that God keeps His word even when His people are unfaithful. Visit Benoni Bible Church: www.benonibiblechurch.co.za Address: 149 President Brand Rd, Rynfield, Benoni - view on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oag383xq3U2b7RQN6 Copyright © 2026, Benoni Bible Church. All rights reserved.

This sermon outlines the practical, three-step process for resolving conflicts between believers as described in Matthew 18, emphasizing that the goal is always reconciliation rather than winning an argument. The teaching begins with private confrontation, moves to involving one or two witnesses to establish the truth, and finally escalates to church leadership if the offender remains unrepentant. It argues that ignoring sin is harmful and that church discipline is a loving act intended to restore the individual and protect the community, not to punish or shame. The preacher stresses that this process requires courage and balance, describing it as an "iron hand in a velvet glove," and asserts that even excommunication is a temporary measure meant to lead the person back to repentance. By citing examples from 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, the message reinforces that the ultimate aim of these steps is the spiritual health of the believer and the integrity of the church body.