Courage on SermonAudio

The early church in Jerusalem responds to threats from religious authorities by gathering to pray for boldness rather than protection. They acknowledge God's supreme sovereignty as Creator and recognize that the crucifixion of Jesus was part of His eternal plan, fulfilling Psalm 2. The believers pray for confidence to speak God's Word despite opposition and ask for miraculous signs to validate their message. God answers their prayer by shaking the place where they meet and filling them with the Holy Spirit. Empowered by this divine response, they go out to proclaim the gospel with renewed courage and authority.

Proverbs 28 presents a clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked live in fear, reject God's law, pursue dishonest gain, and conceal their sin. The righteous walk with courage, integrity, generosity, and a willingness to confess and forsake their transgressions. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains why righteousness brings confidence, why God's Word is the standard for truth and justice, and why integrity is more valuable than wealth. He also considers the importance of caring for the poor, pursuing justice, and trusting the Lord rather than our own understanding. Proverbs 28 ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, the perfectly righteous One who lived in complete obedience, demonstrated perfect justice, and showed compassion to those in need. Through faith in Christ, sinners are forgiven, shown mercy, and made righteous before God. For more from Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/reading-the-bible-daily-with-dave/

The sermon examines Jesus' deliberate choice to follow His established patterns of prayer and obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane, despite knowing Judas would betray Him. It contrasts Jesus' submission to the Father's will with Peter's misguided attempt to defend Him through violence, highlighting the futility of human strength against divine purpose. The preacher uses Peter's subsequent denial to illustrate how fear and despair can lead believers to abandon their faith when outcomes do not match expectations. By referencing Paul's writings, the text emphasizes that true confidence comes from trusting in God who raises the dead rather than relying on self-preservation or personal courage. Ultimately, the message calls Christians to maintain faithful disciplines and trust in Christ's sovereignty, even amidst suffering and uncertainty.

Headlines from around the country are often filled with stories revealing fraud and scandal. Billions of dollars have been stolen from taxpayers by those establishing fraudulent businesses or deceptive billing schemes. People have succumbed to enticing bribes and selling state secrets. Also troubling is what is happening in politics in virtually every election cycle. There are politicians dropping out of races after the public becomes aware of illicit relationships or fraudulent dealings to which they have been engaged. The public has often been left feeling betrayed by such individuals who in a clandestine way seek to take advantage of others. Oh, how we long to have people of integrity! This is why it is important that we uplift and showcase the role models of men and women of integrity. Those who displayed character qualities that exhibited their Christian faith and made a difference for this nation. It took courage, obedience, loyalty, truthfulness, boldness and wisdom. We must remember those who made a difference in history and the character qualities they exhibited. And it rests upon us today to pass these stories on to the next generation. Returning to Crosstalk to do just that through her book set called, Profiles of Integrity, was Marilyn Boyer. Marilyn is a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier and daughter of a World War II veteran. She is deeply patriotic and passionate about our Christian history. As the wife of an Air Force veteran, mother, home educator of fourteen children and grandmother of twenty-eight, Marilyn's dedication to family and country is unparalleled. Enjoy this Crosstalk!

What authority has God given to government, and where are its limits? Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities have been established by God to restrain evil and preserve order in a fallen world. Christians should respect rightful authority, pray for their leaders, pursue peace, and obey lawful commands. Government, however, is never ultimate. Acts 5:29 declares, "We must obey God rather than men." When human authorities command what God forbids or forbid what God commands, the Christian's allegiance to Christ must come first. In this episode, Dave Jenkins explains the difference between biblical submission and blind obedience, warns against statism and reactionary rebellion, and considers how Christians can remain faithful, courageous, and emotionally steady during politically unstable times. Government has real authority, but it remains delegated, limited, temporary, and accountable to God. Christ alone is ultimate. For more from Equipping You in Grace, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/equipping-you-in-grace-2/

The sermon explores Christian maturity based on Philippians 2, emphasizing that believers should shine like lights in a corrupt world without murmuring or disputes. It highlights the need for a public and courageous profession of faith, contrasting loyal servants like Timothy and Epaphroditus with those who seek their own interests. The teaching warns against disloyalty and love of money in ministry, reminding that suffering and sacrifice are inherent parts of faithful service to God. The message concludes by exhorting the church to stand firm in the truth and support the gospel with generosity, regardless of difficulties.

Many men believe strength means never struggling, grieving, or admitting weakness. Scripture presents a better way. Godly men are neither emotionally controlled nor emotionally disconnected. They bring their hearts honestly before God and submit their feelings to the truth of His Word. In this episode of Warriors of Grace, Dave Jenkins examines Psalms 42 and 62 to explain why biblical courage includes emotional honesty. The Psalms teach Christian men to acknowledge sorrow, practice faithful lament, preach truth to their souls, and rest their hope in the character of God. Feelings are real, but they are not ultimate. Strong men are not men who never struggle. They are men who bring their struggles to God and continue trusting Him.

I. Safety in Submission II. The Courage Necessary III. The Only Possibility