Courage on SermonAudio

Sunday Morning Worship at Covenant Church (Burbank, CA) — September 13, 2026. Rev. Brooks Pipher preaches "What God Thinks of You" from Deuteronomy 20:1–9, part of our series through Deuteronomy. Covenant Church is a Reformed congregation (Associate Reformed Presbyterian / ARP) in Burbank, California, gathering for worship every Lord's Day at 10 AM and 6 PM at 160 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502. More sermons, service times, and how to visit: https://www.covenantburbank.com Scripture: Deuteronomy 20:1–9. Preached by Rev. Brooks Pipher.

God calls you to be strong and take courage. I. TRUST IN THE LORD'S CARE II. TAKE COURAGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

The sermon introduces the second major section of the Book of Jeremiah, contrasting the earlier focus on national dismantling with a new emphasis on hope and divine deliverance. It examines Jeremiah 26, where the prophet faces a death sentence for his temple sermon but responds with unwavering confidence in God's sovereignty rather than lamentation. The narrative highlights how God raises up unexpected helpers, such as officials and elders, to spare Jeremiah's life and prevent the nation from bearing the guilt of murdering a faithful messenger. This passage illustrates the multifaceted nature of Jeremiah's ministry, showing him as both inwardly compassionate for his people and outwardly stalwart in proclaiming God's word. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to trust in God's protection and purpose even amidst severe opposition and impending judgment.

Watch Prepared For An Age of Chaos Part 1 to understand what the Bible teaches about living in the last days and facing worldly compromise. As believers, we must not be surprised by the stressful difficulties and fiery trials that accompany faithfulness to Christ. Accurate eschatology does not promise immediate cultural transformation but rather prepares us for courageous service. The apostle Paul warns that the church will face progressively difficult seasons characterized by false leadership and moral decay. The greatest threat to the believer is not persecution from the outside but the invasion of worldly attitudes within the visible church. During these perilous times, many will claim a form of godliness while entirely lacking the transformative power of God. Expository preaching through 2 Timothy 3:1-9 reveals the undeniable characteristics of a culture that has abandoned the Lord. Pastor Richard Caldwell explains how selfishness, arrogance, and a love for temporary pleasure will define the people of this age. Key Biblical Takeaways A correct biblical view of the future anticipates hardship and equips the church for patient, steadfast service in a fallen world. The most dangerous threat to the visible church comes from within through false teachers and counterfeit believers who compromise biblical truth. A culture defined by self-love, arrogance, and rebellion against God appointed authority reveals an utter rejection of the living God. True godliness is marked by a life completely transformed by the grace and power of God rather than a hypocritical outward religious routine.

The sermon uses the biblical account of Esther chapter three to illustrate the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and the forces of evil. It highlights Mordecai's courageous refusal to bow to Haman as a model for believers to stand firm in their faith amidst societal hostility and moral decay. The preacher emphasizes that hatred toward the Jews is fundamentally an attack on God Himself, urging the congregation to pray for Israel and for spiritual revival. By examining the corruption and pride of Haman, the message warns against compromising with worldly values and calls for divine intervention in these troubled times. Ultimately, it encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and remain faithful witnesses regardless of the consequences.

The sermon draws parallels between the severe persecution faced by the Scottish Covenanters in the 17th century and the challenges of modern faithfulness. It highlights their refusal to compromise biblical truth for political conformity, even at the cost of their lives. The speaker uses historical accounts of martyrdom and divine provision to illustrate the necessity of unwavering trust in God during trials. Central themes include spiritual courage, the supremacy of Christ over civil authority, and the enduring power of faith under pressure. The message calls believers to remain steadfast in their convictions regardless of future uncertainties.

This sermon explores how Christians can endure suffering without fear by anchoring their lives in the right fear of God, a firm hope in resurrection, and a gentle witness. Drawing from 1 Peter 3, the preacher explains that believers should expect hardship but remain unafraid because Christ has already faced the ultimate trial. The message emphasizes that honoring Christ in the heart produces a hope that sustains believers through loss and persecution. It further argues that apologetics is less about philosophical debate and more about living with a clear conscience and godly character. Ultimately, the sermon encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example of self-sacrifice, finding courage in the assurance of eternal life.

The sermon explores the Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy to suffer for the gospel with unwavering confidence rather than fear. It identifies the basis of this courage not in human strength but in the power of God and the eternal grace granted to believers before creation. The central message emphasizes that looking to the cross of Christ reveals God's favor and provides the spiritual resources needed for endurance during persecution. By focusing on the revealed gospel, believers gain certainty that their salvation is secure and that they possess divine life even in the face of death. This perspective transforms suffering from a source of shame into an opportunity to display God's power and share eternal life with others.

The sermon examines the confrontation between David and Goliath, emphasizing that the victory was secured through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit rather than physical strength. It contrasts Saul's fear and spiritual abandonment with David's bold faith and divine anointing, highlighting how the absence of God's spirit left Israel paralyzed by dread. The preacher argues for the literal height and armor of Goliath to underscore the impossibility of the task without supernatural intervention. By referencing historical giants and biblical patterns of forty days, the message illustrates that true courage stems from reliance on God rather than human capability. Ultimately, the text presents David as the only viable champion because he remained filled with the Spirit while others cowered in fear.