Welcome to another edition of our podcast! Today, we're exploring the powerful theme of courage—not the thrill-seeking kind, but the boldness to live out our faith like the early church did. They faced challenges head-on, embodying joy, love, and purpose without being pushy. The amazing part? This courage comes from the Holy Spirit within us. As we discuss what this looks like in our lives—whether it’s reaching out to a neighbor or standing up for what's right—let's remember we’re part of God’s bigger plan. So, take that next step of faith with us, knowing you're never alone. Thanks for joining us on the weekday podcast!
Well, hey friends, it's so great to have you on another edition of the weekday podcast. Thanks for being with us today. Today, I want to remind you that courage is not the absence of fear, it's faith taking the next step.
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So, as you think about courage, not the bungee jumping or skydiving kind, though, if that's your thing, go for it. What I'm talking about today is the courage to live out our faith in a bold way. The early church was marked by courage.(0:45 - 0:51)
They did not shy away from their culture. They didn't hunker down in fear. They lived out their faith unashamedly.(0:51 - 1:03)
They invited others to join them, and you know what? They became unstoppable. In Acts 4.31, you see this beautiful picture described. It says, And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken.(1:03 - 1:11)
They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak the word of God with boldness. Now, I'm not talking about being pushy. I'm not talking about being obnoxious.(1:12 - 1:25)
It's about living with such joy, love, and purpose that the people around you can't help but to notice. It's about being willing to have those tough conversations and to stand up for what's right to love the unlovable. And here's the great part.(1:25 - 1:34)
This courage doesn't come from us. It actually comes from the Holy Spirit living inside of us. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us.(1:34 - 1:44)
Now, I get it. That's hard to wrap our brains around. So what does that kind of courage look like for you? Maybe it's inviting a neighbor to church, or maybe it's speaking up against injustice.(1:44 - 2:02)
Maybe it's about forgiving someone that's hurt you or taken a leap of faith in your career. Whatever that thing may be, we're part of something bigger than ourselves. We're part of God's plan to reach our city, to reach our world, and He's chosen to use us, imperfect, sometimes messy us, to bridge the gap between people and Jesus.(2:02 - 2:26)
So my question is, are you in? Are you ready to be part of a courageous church? If so, let's step out in faith, let's love boldly, and let's watch God do amazing things through us. So today, do one courageous thing for God, and remember, you're not alone in this. We are in this together, because again, courage is not the absence of fear, it's actually the faith to take the next step.(2:26 - 2:31)
Have a great day. We'll see you back here soon.
