Becoming A Courageous Church

This morning I had the opportunity to preach at my guy Aaron's church, Living Hope Neighborhood Church, in Richmond CA. I felt led this morning to preach about what it means to become a courageous people of God. The preparation and the delivery of the message really convicted and challenge me in my own cowardice. Here is the outline of this morning's message.

Becoming A Courageous Church

“Courage is acting (or moving forward) on conviction in the face of fear.”
-John Perkins

The Church Needs The Courage To…

(1)Communicate the Gospel
• 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 = …But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

Ask God for “divine appointments” this week.

(2)Compassionately Care for the Needs of Others•
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 =…Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
• Luke 10:25-37 “the parable of the Good Samaritan”

“In the third century AD, a terrible plague struck the city of Alexandria, claiming many lives. The pagans interpreted the event as the gods’ punishment and refused to help the sick since they “deserved” their calamity. Alexandrian Christians responded differently. Out of love for God, they nursed the weak and buried the dead – often contracting fatal illnesses. These brave souls won the nickname “paraboloni” which means “one who takes a risk.” Today, we should make it our aim to earn this title of honor.”
Amy Sherman “A Call For Church Welfare Reform”

(3)Cross Lines
• Acts 13:1; Acts 11:25 =…the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch
• John 4:1-26 “Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well”

“Love for each other across racial and class barriers still remains the most powerful testimony to Jesus Christ and the gospel. The local church must demonstrate fellowship to communities turfed by gangs, divided by political corruption, and ruined by financial exploitation.”
-Ray Bakke in “The Urban Christian”

(4)Our courage must come from Christ!
Acts 4:13 = When they saw the COURAGE of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.